Centennial versus Brinker (Plano, West, Howe: homes, transfer, neighborhood)

[London29]

Hi everyone,

We've finally narrowed our search to West Plano homes zoned to Centennial and Brinker.

I have visited Centennial, I liked it very much, I felt that it would definitely be a good fit for our kids.
I have yet to visit Brinker...Unfortunately I won't be able to do the full tour of the school because apparently there are in the middle of doing renovations.

Can anyone tell me more about those two schools and help me make a decision? Is Centennial better than Brinker ?

The only issue is that we really like Lakeside and Lakeside is zoned to Brinker. But both schools are supposed to be good...

I also understood that we can make a transfer from Brinker to Centennial. Does anyone know how does that work in the case we go for Brinker and a year later we end up wanting to send the kids to Centennial.


Thanks !

[GripeWater]

Best elementary schools feeding to Renner are Barksdale, Brinker & Centennial, in this order. You can change schools when you change homes, that's not a problem.

If you buy home in one school zone and want to send kids to another than its only done once a year and there are no guarantees. My boss bought in Huffman area and went to Get him transferred to Barksdale, there was a mile long queue.

[Johnhw2]

I cant speak to the schools but am zoned to Centennial too and like Lakeside location and character. I am next door and happy here as well but no kids and only 2 years in the neighborhood which is very diverse.

[Sushi cake]

From what I've gathered, all three of these schools are very good, Barksdale being on top. You can't go wrong with either of them.

[PISDstudent]

They're all great schools, for the most part.

Judging by the achievement of the kids from these schools after they leave 5th grade, Brinker and Barksdale tend to produce more competitive kids. I'm not really sure though that this is important in an elementary school...

I should disclose that I have a very low opinion (through personal experiences) of the principals at both Barksdale and Brinker, make of that what you will.

[Keepingitsimple]

Good problem to have, as these are three excellent schools. I can personally vouch for Barksdale. Here are two listings that are my current favorites in $700-800k range with heavenly backyards.

http://m.realtor.com/#details?property_id=7872838723

http://m.realtor.com/#details?property_id=8135796476

[London29]

I see that a most of the replies tend to favor Barksdale over C and B.

In what sense is Barksdale better ?

Thanks !

[London29]

I have seen Willow Creek in person. It is a beautiful house, the pool is very nice, exactly the kind of outdoor we are looking for. However, the upstairs doesn't work for us with all the different levels...
Downstairs was very nice, pantry was tiny though. But thanks for pointing out those listings
I have visited Brinker this morning and l think it is a great school.
I am still curious to know why is Barksdale favored to the others ?

Thanks !

[PISDstudent]

Originally Posted by London29

I am still curious to know why is Barksdale favored to the others ?
!

I've never seen a real difference between Barksdales and the others - I don't really think that Barksdale has anything special that the other two don't.

[GripeWater]

It is well loved by the parents & students alike. Percentage of disadvantaged & ESL students is low. School has been exemplary through out and other metrics are excellent as well. To be honest all three are excellent schools and this is probably nit picking.