Prospective HPISD Mom/Dallas Transplant Needs Reassurance

[KatLaw]

Thank you so much! This is very useful advice, and very true. I appreciate it!

[KatLaw]

Originally Posted by cordata

I might ask the OP why she had her kids in private school previously and why she went for public this time ? Why are things different this time?



Regardless of the district you may find yourself surprised at the state-mandated curriculum and testing.

We are relocating from Chicago and the public schools there were not as highly rated as HPISD (almost everyone in our neighborhood sent their children to a private school). When I saw the ratings of HPISD - and heard that many residents sent their children there - I figured we would give it a try. We also applied to ESD and they were only able to offer 2 out of 3 of our school-aged children a spot, so I figured why not send all 3 to HPISD and give it a shot.

[synchronicity]

Originally Posted by KatLaw

We are relocating from Chicago and the public schools there were not as highly rated as HPISD (almost everyone in our neighborhood sent their children to a private school). When I saw the ratings of HPISD - and heard that many residents sent their children there - I figured we would give it a try. We also applied to ESD and they were only able to offer 2 out of 3 of our school-aged children a spot, so I figured why not send all 3 to HPISD and give it a shot.

Former Chicago (well, NW suburbs when we moved) resident here, been in DFW for over 8 years, this suburb for 6+. I can make some educated guesses about the location of your old neighborhood.

DFW in general is quite different in a lot of ways from Chicago, but that's the case anywhere you move. This is my 5th city of residence. There's positives and negatives everywhere.

Our child had a difficult transition after we moved to our current 'burb, although it was really the third year that was the toughest (first was bad, second was pretty good. Go figure). As you can see, we live in another of the places you considered, which has some issues likely similar to HP but others that are different (not better or worse, just "different").

I respect the hell out of TC80 and have rarely been in HP, so take anything I say with a grain of salt. That caveat aside, I suspect that HP will be a slightly more difficult transition than some other parts of DFW, for reasons others have mentioned. FTR, I feel the same way about where we wound up - in some ways it's a trickier move than perhaps some other areas. That said, HP has a lot of positives going for it, and from everything you've noted about your kids AND your obvious involvement in their lives and the fact that you care for them enough that you're on this forum trying to get more information, they should get through any difficulties Just Fine.

No matter where you live, there will be some times that will be rough for them, especially during middle school and likely at times in high school. It's the nature of that time in life. As long as they can build a good support group of friends over time, and know that as parents you "have their back", as it were, they'll be well-positioned to handle most challenges.

Good luck and feel free to PM me if you have any questions or just want general thoughts. There are a sizable number of Chicago relos that used to post on this forum and/or still do.

(Also an attorney, also used to work around North Dallas)