North Austin ISD High Schools - what is decent (Anderson: real estate, rental)

[agthatsagirl]

I'm in a quandary -

Kid2 was accepted into Kealing, we can only enroll only if we live within Austin ISD. We currently are in RRISD and we both loathe the middle school that we are zoned for. If I had the resources I would have pulled Kid2 out back in September.

Kid1 just finished their freshman year and would need to enroll into a new high school if we move. I have read that Anderson is a top choice on the north side of town, however they don't offer ROTC. Reagan has an ROTC program. Kid1 did not take ROTC the 1st year, so this is not a requirement. But, this kid needs structure and motivation to stay and do well in school. Kid1 would be willing to join the tennis team, provided she made the try outs. Is Anderson tennis extremely competitive?

Financially it would behoove us to move, we are currently renting a great space in a pretty good neighborhood for only $1200. Moving would make us bump our rent up to at least $1400, most likely $1500.

My question is - would you move just for one kid? The school Kid2 is at is safe, that is the only positive thing I can say. At Kealing, Kid2 will have the opportunity to be enriched academically and be with their own kind of high achieving/gifted students. The middle school is leaving Kid2 in on-level classes despite having an A+ and commended scores. Our previous district in another part of Texas placed Kid2 in gifted and Kid2 excelled, RRISD policy doesn't recognize that. I've hit a brick wall with their staff.

If you would move, what high school should I enroll Kid1 in? Anderson, Lanier, or Reagan?

[RoadWarrior12]

Anderson.

[gpurcell]

McCallum is also fine. Far superior to Lanier or Reagan.

[dpinala]

Anderson is an excellent school. I have a sophomore who attends school at Anderson and he loves it. We moved to Austin during his freshman year after the school year was already underway and he was immediately and warmly accepted by teachers and students. They have a great number of outstanding extracurricular programs and clubs so I would think that your student would find a place to belong and stay motivated. The pre-AP and AP program is great for your gifted student, and the IB program is highly regarded. I would recommend Anderson to anyone. Keep in mind that real estate in the Anderson district is rapidly rising. Houses in the Summitt elementary zone are the most affordable, followed by the Davis elementary zone. The Hill and Doss elementary zones will be out of your price range unless you move into a duplex, condo or townhouse. Three-bedroom rental houses in the Summitt zone are currently hitting the market at a minimum of $1450-$1600 and renting fast. Good luck!