Education (Austin, Spring: 2015, student loans, private school)

[austinliving]

It's going to be much cheaper for her to get her degree in a UK university. Without a scholarship it will be very expensive, never mind the complication of the culture change for her. It's a very important time period for her, much easier to change location after she has earned her degree.
It would be wise to wait a few years then see if she wants to move over.

[hound 109]

From your posts:

Where will your job be located? (nearby cross streets) - Near Bee cave i understand

This is the most important bit of info you've given. & since you'll be living out in a scenic slightly suburban area, you have options (& you'll be surrounded by good schools and nice neighborhoods). You had said "family of four" & an income of 100K. Is the "4th" family member in school?

Wait a minute...."Bee Cave" the town or Bee Cave the long (east/west) street?? Give nearby cross streets !!


Where in greater Austin would she be attending? (What school district or Feeder pattern?) Been looking at Lake Tavis and Oak hill, i think the latter has a high rated High school called Bowie.

If you work near "Bee Cave" the town.... then I'd dump Bowie off the list and replace it with Vandegrift HS (along with Lake Travis HS). & maybe WLHS & Anderson HS depending on WHERE on Bee Cave you'll be working.

Not sure what the Brit classes and scores compare to (academically and schoolwise). Can someone who knows provide this info?? OP....are you looking for a top 5% type school, a top 15% type school or a top 30% type school? (how fast a stream can she handle?) What else does she like to do? Is she a jock? A nerd? A history or literary buff? A fashion plate?


Will she be going to college in the States (or the UK)? I guess she will be in her final year at High school as she will be 17 in September.

Depending on her social make-up (will she look at this as an adventure or as being plopped into strange Neanderthal environment?) I think she'll do great. Everyone loves a Brit and Aussie accent. I defer to others regarding college readiness, but I suspect SAT / ACT scores will be more important than the 9 months as a 12th grader here.

Will she be going to College in the UK or in the States?


Will you be renting or buying here? We wiil rent at first. GOOD IDEA !
What is your rental (or home buying) budget? approx 2500 per month rental

OP, provide nearby cross streets of work location. On 100K salary, I frankly don't think you could afford a 15-18K private school expense & a West Austin lifestyle. & unlike others, I think she'll have a blast at one of the 4-5 HSs mentioned (so a private school is un-needed). But we need to know what "Near Bee Cave" means. & how many bedrooms are you wanting for that $2500 rental.

Good luck.

[centralaustinite]

UK kids at that age and level of school have SO MUCH more independence and freedom, a big public high school could feel like prison. So much depends on the personality of the child. I think the OP should give this a lot of thought and look into options for this child to stay in the UK. Especially, if the UK is where she plans to live and build her adult life.

[COCUE]

Originally Posted by centralaustinite

UK kids at that age and level of school have SO MUCH more independence and freedom, a big public high school could feel like prison. So much depends on the personality of the child. I think the OP should give this a lot of thought and look into options for this child to stay in the UK. Especially, if the UK is where she plans to live and build her adult life.

I'm curious. What do you mean more freedom and independence. I would like to understand.

[centralaustinite]

I just mean that she has finished her GCSE and is studying for A levels. So her general education is already done and she has picked a few subjects to get A levels in and presumably study in college. In the US a high school senior is still completing general education requirements and has to take 7-8 subjects. An American in college is a still generalist as well and hasn't yet specialized in a major. American high school students are constantly being tested on details and development throughout the year, the UK student is working towards a single exam.

In terms of control of their time and activities as well as specialization of study, a UK student at this age has more independence.

[COCUE]

Originally Posted by centralaustinite

I just mean that she has finished her GCSE and is studying for A levels. So her general education is already done and she has picked a few subjects to get A levels in and presumably study in college. In the US a high school senior is still completing general education requirements and has to take 7-8 subjects. An American in college is a still generalist as well and hasn't yet specialized in a major. American high school students are constantly being tested on details and development throughout the year, the UK student is working towards a single exam.

In terms of control of their time and activities as well as specialization of study, a UK student at this age has more independence.

OK, thanks for explaining. Makes sense. I thought you meant a more fundamental difference. I was in a somewhat similar situation as the OP's daughter ~15 years ago and my parents let me finish my A'levels there. You pretty much have to have some sense of what you want to study in university by at least year 10 when you are getting ready for GCSEs as you have to choose your A levels subjects just right after that would give you the requisite UCAS points for your field of study in specific universities. I was always amazed that a lot of folks here enter college not decided on exactly what they want to study it with time, I've come to understand that it's just a different system.

[Neil73]

Originally Posted by hound 109

From your posts:

Where will your job be located? (nearby cross streets) - Near Bee cave i understand

This is the most important bit of info you've given. & since you'll be living out in a scenic slightly suburban area, you have options (& you'll be surrounded by good schools and nice neighborhoods). You had said "family of four" & an income of 100K. Is the "4th" family member in school?

Wait a minute...."Bee Cave" the town or Bee Cave the long (east/west) street?? Give nearby cross streets !!
As far as i am aware its one Bee cave rd, i dont mind a 30/40 min commute.

Where in greater Austin would she be attending? (What school district or Feeder pattern?) Been looking at Lake Tavis and Oak hill, i think the latter has a high rated High school called Bowie.

If you work near "Bee Cave" the town.... then I'd dump Bowie off the list and replace it with Vandegrift HS (along with Lake Travis HS). & maybe WLHS & Anderson HS depending on WHERE on Bee Cave you'll be working.

Not sure what the Brit classes and scores compare to (academically and schoolwise). Can someone who knows provide this info?? OP....are you looking for a top 5% type school, a top 15% type school or a top 30% type school? (how fast a stream can she handle?) What else does she like to do? Is she a jock? A nerd? A history or literary buff? A fashion plate?
Looking for a friendly school, she will only 1 year there so the best around that area really. Sorry not too sure on the American terms Jock etc, Shes a pretty normal teenager/ young adult really, likes socialising with friends etc.


Will she be going to college in the States (or the UK)? I guess she will be in her final year at High school as she will be 17 in September.

Depending on her social make-up (will she look at this as an adventure or as being plopped into strange Neanderthal environment?) I think she'll do great. Everyone loves a Brit and Aussie accent. I defer to others regarding college readiness, but I suspect SAT / ACT scores will be more important than the 9 months as a 12th grader here.

Will she be going to College in the UK or in the States?
I am glad you think she will be accepted, was starting to worry from some of the comments!
I plan to move over for a min of 2 years, that way we will all know if the states is for us. I would like to think we would then settle in Austin a buy a house. So yes she will go to College in the US if thats what she wants to do.

Will you be renting or buying here? We wiil rent at first. GOOD IDEA !
What is your rental (or home buying) budget? approx 2500 per month rental

OP, provide nearby cross streets of work location. On 100K salary, I frankly don't think you could afford a 15-18K private school expense & a West Austin lifestyle. & unlike others, I think she'll have a blast at one of the 4-5 HSs mentioned (so a private school is un-needed). But we need to know what "Near Bee Cave" means. & how many bedrooms are you wanting for that $2500 rental.
As i said i looking to be around 30/40 mins commute from work place, and also quite easy access to Airport as i will be doing a bit of travel (but not essential).
Looking for 3/4 bedrooms, 3 bedrooms will do if it has a study/ 4th bedroom, nice safe area is the most important thing.
Good luck.

Thanks for help.

[Neil73]

Originally Posted by austinliving

It's going to be much cheaper for her to get her degree in a UK university. Without a scholarship it will be very expensive, never mind the complication of the culture change for her. It's a very important time period for her, much easier to change location after she has earned her degree.
It would be wise to wait a few years then see if she wants to move over.

To be honest we are not sure if she will do Univeristy anyway.

[Neil73]

Just as a matter of interest if my daughter did decide to go university in Austin what are the course costs or does it vary depending on course.
In the UK course fees are generally the same and are about 7k UK pound per year.

[Trainwreck20]

Originally Posted by Neil73

Just as a matter of interest if my daughter did decide to go university in Austin what are the course costs or does it vary depending on course.
In the UK course fees are generally the same and are about 7k UK pound per year.

Well, cost does vary .

Community College is cheapest (some tax support via local property tax). Requires residency in the taxing area to be the best price.

Public state colleges are generally next and fees (tuition) doesn't vary too much, although other costs may vary from one to the next. Some are much more competitive to get into (University of Texas, Texas A and M, Texas State University, Texas Tech, Univ. of Houston, and many more....). Generally, a school is 'known' for a particular set of programs, although the big ones are really pretty good across the board. Also need to be in-state for a year to get the lowest rates.

Private schools are generally the most expensive and vary the most, but are also more flexible in providing aid. Usually smaller than the state schools (at least the big state schools). Many (but not all) are parochial. Baylor, TCU, SMU, Rice, Southwestern, Texas Lutheran College, etc, etc.

Here are a few (unvetted) links:
Example State (UT) School Cost:
https://admissions.utexas.edu/tuitio...-of-attendance

Example Private (Baylor) School cost:
Baylor University || Student Financial Services || Undergraduate

Community College (ACC) cost:
Tuition & Fees Chart | Austin Community College District

If you wanted to stay in Austin (or very close), the first places that come to mind:
Austin Community College (ACC), Univ. of Texas, Texas State (in San Marcos), Southwestern (in Georgetown), and St. Edwards. I am sure I am missing some, but those are the ones I think of first...