Houston public school system- how does it work? (Van, Wilson: 2013, buying a house)

[Houmove]

Can someone please explain to me how the public school system in Houston works it seems very confusing. I see many of the schools have special programs such as music or science and there is even a public Montessori school. As I understand it these schools also serve as magnate schools and people that are not zoned to them can apply under some conditions (no exactly sure what they are), right? How about someone that is zoned to a music and art school and whats emphasis on science, is he forced to go to a school with emphasis on art? even weirder what about parents that live in a Montessori zone but want traditional schooling are they forced to move?

We are still a few years away from public school but I would like to figure this out if we plan to buy a house in Houston. Is there a good place to read about how the system works?

[lhafer]

I don't live in Houston proper (live in a suburb). As far as I know you are only "zoned" to public schools. Therefore - if you are inside the public school zone to go to school x , then that's where you would go if you chose public school for your child. Otherwise, you apply/interview/lottery system to get into all other types of school (magnet/charter/Montessori/etc).

[Meyerland]

Here is the deal for HISD...

You are zoned to a neighborhood school that is your default school. It follows the same curriculum as other schools in Texas. Some of those schools have separate programs you can apply for and attend.

The programs range from Vanguard (gifted), biligual, and Magnets.

The magnets focus on different areas, but your child will also learn the other subjects too.

You can visit all the campuses during Magnet tours.

[Houmove]

But as far as I can tell people are zoned to magnet/Montessori schools this is what is confusing me. For example part of montrose to Woodrow Wilson Montessori.

[Houmove]

Originally Posted by Meyerland

Here is the deal for HISD...

You are zoned to a neighborhood school that is your default school. It follows the same curriculum as other schools in Texas. Some of those schools have separate programs you can apply for and attend.

The programs range from Vanguard (gifted), biligual, and Magnets.

The magnets focus on different areas, but your child will also learn the other subjects too.

You can visit all the campuses during Magnet tours.

So if I understand correctly the Music program is an additional program within the school that you need to apply to if you are zoned to that school and want to attend the program? How about Montessori style learning within a public school also a separate program? most of the school has traditional style learning?

[Meyerland]

You will have to contact that school to find out more, but I doubt it is entirely Montessori.

[KatieKennedy]

If you go to the HISD website, there is an explanation of the Magnet program. The Magnet program started as a way to foster desegregation and school choice. Magnet applications are due in the spring. if you are zoned to a school you don't have to separately apply for a magnet program within your own school. They test for gifted/talented at every school, and have GT programs at every school. There are some schools that are all GT. You have to apply to magnet into those and there is a lottery to get in. If you don't like the emphasis of your zoned school you can apply to another magnet school.

[Houmove]

Thanks!

[Meyerland]

I advise you to check out all the magnets before making your choice, and filling out the paperwork in a timely and precise manner. I think most schools have their tours in October/November. I can't remember the deadline for paperwork, but I think it is earlier than spring. Maybe January?

added info:The deadline for first round consideration this year was January 11th, 2013.

[Houmove]

Thank you, my child is way to young to attend public school I'm just trying to get an idea of how things work before we consider buying a house.