Weston middle schools (Pembroke Pines, Tequesta: transplants, renting, condos)

[Jasmine628]

Hi All,
I have read many, many posts about Weston and the quality of the schools in general, but I would like to know some specifics about the two middle schools, Falcon Cove and Tequesta Trace. Other than size, what are some differences? Benefits or special offerings at one vs. the other? How are the kids? Welcoming to newcomers, stuck up, etc? How about teacher quality? Quantity of homework? I'm hoping to hear from parents whose children currently attend or did attend fairly recently. Anything and everything you want to share. My younger son would be starting 6th grade next year. He's a great writer, into sports, etc. but math is not his forte which I worry about in a large school with possibly too busy teachers. His current school in a highly regarded district in CT, has not prepared him at all for what's to come.
I was also considering St. Bonaventure or Weston Christian for the small size, if anyone has thoughts on those too.
Background on us. Moved from NY to West Pines in 2007 and stayed till 2011. We are now in CT. I think if we had moved to Weston back then when I wanted to, we never would've left for cold again. We recently learned we are able to transfer back, and Weston is my one and only choice. Older son would be starting Cypress Bay in 9th, but I don't worry about him so much. As you can tell, the younger one is my baby although he thinks he's a tough guy!

Thank you!

[ruski]

My kids went to Falcon Cove, some of their friends went to Tequesta Trace. Then then all continued at Cypress Bay High.

I think overall both schools are very similar, both are good.

[AlexRodriguez]

My daughter came out of Falcon four years ago and most of her friends came to Cypress from Tequesta Trace, so I can tell you first hand that both middle schools are excellent. One fact is that Tequesta Trace is a smaller school with a lower percentage of transplants from SW Ranches, Pembroke Pines, etc. And don't be concerned on your son falling behind in math, he'll get free tutoring as my daughter always got.

[acegolfer]

They are both good but keep this in mind. ~100% Falcon students will go to Cypress upon graduation. But only half of Tequest will go to Cypress and the other half to Western.

School Boundary Maps

[wizrap]

Originally Posted by acegolfer

They are both good but keep this in mind. ~100% Falcon students will go to Cypress upon graduation. But only half of Tequest will go to Cypress and the other half to Western.

School Boundary Maps

Yes, if you want your children to attend Cypress Bay then you would not be interested in renting or buying in the Bonaventure section of Weston. It is easy to see what schools residences are zoned for by inputting the potential address on the Broward Schools website.

[acegolfer]

Originally Posted by acegolfer

They are both good but keep this in mind. ~100% Falcon students will go to Cypress upon graduation. But only half of Tequest will go to Cypress and the other half to Western.

School Boundary Maps

This implies, if your kid goes to Tequesta, 50% of his schoolmates will go to a different high school. I don't know whether that matters to kids these days. But I prefer to keep the same friends in middle and high schools.

[Jasmine628]

Thanks everyone, so far! I am happy to hear there's free tutoring too. Does anyone know if they allow school tours/shadow days being that they're public schools? We would make a trip down during April break if they'd let us come by.

[wizrap]

Originally Posted by acegolfer

This implies, if your kid goes to Tequesta, 50% of his schoolmates will go to a different high school. I don't know whether that matters to kids these days. But I prefer to keep the same friends in middle and high schools.

And that implication may not even be correct--we don't know if half of the students come from Bonaventure or not (the section of Weston zoned for Western HS, not Cypress Bay). Bonaventure does have some young families, but because that section is primarily condos and villas, a lot of snowbirds, retirees and singles live there, so it's definitely a mixture in terms of population, versus the SFH communities of Weston which are primarily families with kids.

[acegolfer]

Originally Posted by wizrap

And that implication may not even be correct--we don't know if half of the students come from Bonaventure or not (the section of Weston zoned for Western HS, not Cypress Bay). Bonaventure does have some young families, but because that section is primarily condos and villas, a lot of snowbirds, retirees and singles live there, so it's definitely a mixture in terms of population, versus the SFH communities of Weston which are primarily families with kids.

I stand corrected. It's not "50%", a number that I can't prove.

[BNBR]

Originally Posted by wizrap

Yes, if you want your children to attend Cypress Bay then you would not be interested in renting or buying in the Bonaventure section of Weston. It is easy to see what schools residences are zoned for by inputting the potential address on the Broward Schools website.

I've found Zillow to be a great resource for school zone maps as well. You can view a map based on the school or select a house, scroll down and click the school tab.