So where do all the average to slightly above average kids go to school? (Austin: renting, home)

[SMTfamily]

I have been researching schools and all the different threads concerning schools. I have also asked about small rural schools. The one thing that stands out is all the high preforming cut throat academics in the best rated schools. Ones such as LASA, Westlake,westwood, LT etc. What I want to know where do the average to slightly above average kids go? Those like my soon to be freshman that are intelligent, but are usually an A/B student with the occasional C. Ones that want to go to college, but whose whole focus is not academics. I personally care about academics to the point I want her to be a well rounded educated young adult that goes to good college. She is smart and does fairly well in school, but its not in her nature to be so academic focused or the pressure that would come with going to one of these cut throat schools. Also what about those that do struggle academically, or have a learning difference. What are good schools for them? Specifically elementary and middle. My younger daughter with an above average IQ fits more this profile.

[Huckleberry3911948]

in the same place
if they were told the truth-- they are below average-- they would leave the school and probably sue it.

[Komeht]

Lake Wobegon High

[EzPeterson]

Originally Posted by SMTfamily

I have been researching schools and all the different threads concerning schools. I have also asked about small rural schools. The one thing that stands out is all the high preforming cut throat academics in the best rated schools. Ones such as LASA, Westlake,westwood, LT etc. What I want to know where do the average to slightly above average kids go? Those like my soon to be freshman that are intelligent, but are usually an A/B student with the occasional C. Ones that want to go to college, but whose whole focus is not academics. I personally care about academics to the point I want her to be a well rounded educated young adult that goes to good college. She is smart and does fairly well in school, but its not in her nature to be so academic focused or the pressure that would come with going to one of these cut throat schools. Also what about those that do struggle academically, or have a learning difference. What are good schools for them? Specifically elementary and middle. My younger daughter with an above average IQ fits more this profile.

All over the place. Kids learn more at home than they do in the classroom anyway.

Just find the best fit personality-wise for you and your family.

[SMTfamily]

It is hard to find what schools will fit them best being that I am 18hrs away. I have read reviews on here, great schools, US News etc. If we do move it will be right before or slightly after schools have started. We will not have time to stay a while and figure out where they should go. They have moved a few times in the last 5-6yrs. So I really need to find schools that hopefully fit them from the beginning. I know all schools have kids that aren't at the top. But if a high percentage of kids are striving for that top 10% then where does that leave my slightly above average kid. She would be a way below average kid in a school like that. So that would not be a good fit.

[EzPeterson]

There really is no way to do that over the Internet. You're just going to have to take a chance and roll with it. Worst case? You're renting and you move.

You've received some consistent advice on Liberty Hill/Georgetown being a semi-rural place that could fit what you're looking for.

[Moonlady]

A good school should be able to accomodate students of all levels, not just the ones who are on the academic fast track. My stepson attended Westlake High School as a special ed student and he did great. The support system that was in place for his needs was better than what he got in Round Rock. A school shouldn't just be based on the top performing students. That said, we lived in Georgetown when my stepson first came to live with us in 5th grade and he entered the system as special ed and performed very well. It sounds like from everything you've been looking at that Georgetown would be a good fit.

[riaelise]

I feel so sorry for the poor children who are challenged/below average. So many people deride them and don't want to be around them. Sad, because each child is an individual that learns at their individual pace

[CarnivalGal]

Westlake High School is probably the most competitive. There are approximately 2500 students at Westlake. If you subtract out the top 10%, that still leaves 2,250 "average" students, and about 75% of those students go on to college. I think they'll be fine anywhere. Don't short-change them on education just because you don't think they'll be the best ones there. Most kids aren't the best ones there.

[clarksvillemom]

If you feel from what you've read that Westlake is too competitive and don't want to live rural, why don't you look at central Austin - elementary schools such as Casis, Bryker Woods, Doss, Hill, Highland Park, Mathews. All will have a mix of above average, below average and average. But most public schools do