What do people have against Dallas proper? (Houston, Irving: condos, crime)

[GoPadge]

Frisco and Centennial are both just over 2000 students (a bit overcrowded as the buildings were meant for 1800) and Wakeland's at 800 with only 3 grades this year. DISD has a more dynamic range, with Skyline having almost 4600; White, Sunset, Adams, Townview and Molina being just a bit bigger than Frisco and Centennial (2100 to 2400); and the rest are smaller from 602 for Madison to almost 1900 for Carter.

As to mpope409's question, Townview would have to be considered the best school in DISD, with probably BT Washington, WT White, Hillcrest, Skyline and Woodrow Wilson coming next in line (based on Taks results.)

[Lakewooder]

We have all of the varied groups (including 200 new transfers seeking a better education who were behind) which must pass and a few in one group failed 9th grade math. That tars the whole school. New tutors, academic coaches and extra teachers have been dispatched.

There has been no affect on the AP and upper-level students - they are doing as well as ever. See: http://lakewood-now.net/view/article/846 (broken link)

[lh_newbie]

I think the important thing to get recognized is that DISD does have good schools. Parents should NOT rule out DISD based on the misconception that Dallas schools are somehow subpar. One could argue that to make the blanket statement that DISD is bad is in itself an ignorant statement.

I don't care which school has more merit scholars per capita. If the school does a good job educating a child, then it should be considered a potential for relocation. From that point, one needs to evaluate the options that improve their quality of life. To me, this would include a short commute time, mature trees, proximity to White Rock Lake and it's trail system. My area has good schools - which can be had all over DFW. What can't be had everywhere is the proximity to the DART rail, short commutes to work (increased family time/less commuter stress), a short bike ride or even a walk to White Rock Lake and gorgeous mature trees throughout my neighborhood.

On a side note, I grew up in a 3 bedroom, one bath house without a garage or basement. We didn't have much money - my dad was a teacher and my mom stayed at home to keep my brother and I in order. We didn't get new clothes very often and I was in my teens before we got our very first new vehicle. I believe that because I grew up with less, I appreciate what I have more. Sending my child to a brand new school in an area where people are giving their kids new cars, trendy clothes and even plastic surgery is simply not an option. I like that the schools in Dallas have some years on them. It adds character, it teaches children that it doesn't have to be new to be functional. I believe all the newness in the burbs is not necessarily a good thing - it teaches children to keep up with the Jones's. To this end, my wife and I could have easily afforded more than double the home we bought. We got more than we needed, but less than we wanted. We don't have a kid at this point, but one thing I want to teach them is that stuff isn't what defines them. It's what is inside. Financial planning is important. Delayed gratification through saving and planning is important. New cars are not. Big homes are not. Enjoying life through improving your quality of life through good friends and good experiences is far more important. That is part of the reason I pretty much stopped buying "stuff" for christmas presents. Instead, I give experiences. My parents get a weekend at a bed and breakfast in an area they haven't been every year. They always tell me how much they enjoyed getting away and spending time together. This is the stuff life is about. Not having a new fancy car and bragging at the PTA meeting about your new diamond necklace.

Brian

[Spree]

<< I don't care which school has more merit scholars per capita. If the school does a good job educating a child, then it should be considered a potential for relocation <<

I agree. It appears tho, to do well in Dallas schools, a student should be on the AP/honors tract. Not unique tho, it's like the schools here where I'm at.

>>We have all of the varied groups (including 200 new transfers seeking a better education who were behind) which must pass and a few in one group failed 9th grade math. That tars the whole school. New tutors, academic coaches and extra teachers have been dispatched.
There has been no affect on the AP and upper-level students - they are doing as well as ever. <<

[GoPadge]

Originally Posted by lh_newbie

I don't care which school has more merit scholars per capita. If the school does a good job educating a child, then it should be considered a potential for relocation. From that point, one needs to evaluate the options that improve their quality of life. To me, this would include a short commute time, mature trees, proximity to White Rock Lake and it's trail system. My area has good schools - which can be had all over DFW. What can't be had everywhere is the proximity to the DART rail, short commutes to work (increased family time/less commuter stress), a short bike ride or even a walk to White Rock Lake and gorgeous mature trees throughout my neighborhood.

What do you want from a neighborhood?

Brian

For me it was the short commute, which Lakewood doesn't offer to my office. Not that it would be the 70 mile, 1:15 to 1:30 hour trip I had in the fall, it just wouldn't be as short as it is now.

[Lakewooder]

Brian - was that smiley because RISD's Lake Highlands (class of 650) has none this year?

Just kidding. There are many ways to measure a school. I would put good stock in what you read in parent comments on greatschools.net - a few are disgruntled parents with an axe to grind, but I think most are sincere if they take the time to post. If that's not available, then seek out and ask some parents! Go to school events! It's not that difficult - don't let your pre-conceived notions and prejudices cheat your child from going to a wonderful Dallas neighborhood school where they will make life-long friends.

BTW, as far as TAKS ratings, East Dallas (Woodrow feeders) has three exemplary and three recognized elementary schools. So we should be seeing the results of better-prepared students coming through in the next few years.

[mpope409]

Is anybody going to answer my question? lol

[GoPadge]

I did back here.... //www.city-data.com/forum/dalla...tml#post586281

[momof2dfw]

Originally Posted by mpope409

What's the best magnet school in Dallas?

Yvonne Ewell/Townview (actually two schools in one) was rated #1 in Newsweek. One is the math/science center.

Booker T. Washington is a top rated performing arts magnet (Norah Jones and many other well known graduates).

[Lakewooder]

Travis Vanguard is an excellent elementary/middle school magnet in Uptown on McKinney.

Personally, I believe in neighborhood schools, not magnets. Your children gain something hard to quantify by going to the same school as the other kids in the area. If you don't believe me, go to one of our class reunions.