Public schools in the city...magnets and regular (Houston, Dallas: fit in, houses) - Texas (TX) - City-Data Forum

littlewmn · 09-07-2011, 11:06 PM

Doing some research for a possible move. I am a bit of an Urban Gal, but I have a 7 year-old who will be in public school. He is GT, but one of those rowdy, non-teacher-pleasing GT kids who needs a more non-traditional approach (or a true challenge that is not focused on increased busy work or pull-outs)....not a high achiever, just a kooky thinker.
What types of magnets are there for third grade? If we can't get into one (which I suspect is likely this late in the year), what location-based schools are good without being so focused on regimentation that I am courting a rebellion from my little non-conformist?
Much thanks! Also looking for one of the more socially liberal parts of Houston if possible.

thesouthwest · 09-08-2011, 01:16 AM

For liberal look at the Heights, Meyerland, Montrose, and Westbury. Excellent elementary and middle schools.

Houston_2010 · 09-08-2011, 09:37 AM

I just participated in a forum with one lady from HISD, very informative. She recommended looking them up in Twitter as well as Facebook, in which they often post upcoming important dates/deadlines. There are Vangard, Magnet and Community schools. She recommended that we visited the schools that were of our interest...I think first week in November they have open houses for parents to go. Also, if you get in touch with an existing parent, neighbors, they usually can give a better picture of how the school works, what to expect, etc. Even volunteering with PTO or at the school (library, etc). On HISD website all schools have a profile that will also give you an idea of the racial distribution, test scores, attendance records, etc.

houston-nomad · 09-08-2011, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlewmn

Doing some research for a possible move. I am a bit of an Urban Gal, but I have a 7 year-old who will be in public school. He is GT, but one of those rowdy, non-teacher-pleasing GT kids who needs a more non-traditional approach (or a true challenge that is not focused on increased busy work or pull-outs)....not a high achiever, just a kooky thinker.
What types of magnets are there for third grade? If we can't get into one (which I suspect is likely this late in the year), what location-based schools are good without being so focused on regimentation that I am courting a rebellion from my little non-conformist?
Much thanks! Also looking for one of the more socially liberal parts of Houston if possible.

I don't know of a public school that fits the bill for you. I have a friend with a son of similar age and similar personality; she is having a tough time. She has been doing tons of research, looking for a good fit, and isn't finding it. Maybe Montessori? Wilson is a magnet montessori in Montrose. Might be a place to start.

littlewmn · 09-09-2011, 07:38 AM

houston-nomad, yeah..it's tough to find a good fit. Especially after a move to a new place. Is your friend homeschooling at the moment? It would also be very helpful for me to find out what schools she ruled out. I think they probably have very similar needs.
Right now Wilson is on a short list.. as is Kohler and Lovett (he loves music).. but I have read on greatschools that Lovett is quite rigid. Don't know without visiting.. and if she has I would love to hear her input if at all possible.

houston-nomad · 09-09-2011, 08:03 AM

I'll send you a message.

crbcrbrgv · 09-09-2011, 08:39 AM

Alief's GT program stands head and shoulders above the regular public schools in the area. The bad news is the program is in Alief.

As for magnets, I would suggest trying to get your child on a track for HISD Rogers (elementary and middle) and then choosing the appropriate charter/magnet for high school. They are less pull out/busy work. Avoid Wharton in HISD. They tout this school as great for GT, but it really isn't.

If you are a liberal liberal (i.e. not the NIMBY type liberal) your best choices to live are Montrose and anywhere surrounding. I live in Meyerland. It's an area that's liberal to Texans, but not to those born outside of the state.

If you are from out of state, you might want to keep this in mind. When I lived in Chicago, people considered me a bit left of center. Down here, people see me as far left.

westres1 · 09-09-2011, 09:54 AM

HISD schools that may appeal to you are Twain,Poe and Roberts

littlewmn · 09-09-2011, 03:27 PM

I used to be a liberal liberal; now I am just a liberal; after spending too much time in more conservative areas, it got diluted. And I married a guy that's probably a moderate to me and a liberal to others. I'm from Long Island..so I am not a Texas Liberal. I am a classic NY Liberal Agnostic Jew. I did a stint in Boulder..and then ended up in Arizona and Texas. I loved East Dallas. I would probably love any large city. I am so used to my left of center being seen as far left that I pretty much figure if I ask where the die-hard liberal Texans live I figure I should fit in nicely. I'm not so far to the left that NPR doesn't annoy me from time to time.

Thank you for the magnet info folks! I will check out Twain, Poe, Roberts, Wilson...I am told Rogers is great but it is magnet only? I need to sneak in the back door on a magnet school by moving into the neighborhood. I have a feeling once he sets foot in a school he will not want to leave for Rogers next year if he made it in...he's pretty school-loyal.

vegankris · 09-09-2011, 10:06 PM

I have some of the same criteria, liberal mainly. My kids are all pretty easy going kids about school and so far I haven't had any issues. However the schools they are in now are really liberal. I'm also looking really strongly at Montrose, I just wish it wasn't so expensive!

If you find any other liberal areas with great schools, please post! I looked at The Heights also, but the high school didn't seem to have that great of a rating. I have one in high school, one in middle school and one in elementary... so I have to consider everything.

One suggestion I have though, look on har.com in the areas you are thinking about. Then look at the profiles of the listing agents and try to find one that specializes in "inner loop" neighborhoods and better yet, lives in one of your preferred neighborhoods. It is invaluable to have a knowledgeable realtor!

Good luck! We are in the same boat, so I understand kinda what you are going through!

Take care,
Kris