Memorial HS vs Seven Lakes HS in katy (St. Jo: school, to live in)

[Sollaces]

I don't know anything about Memorial High. I do know about Seven Lakes.

Seven Lakes was built in the last ten years. Newer classrooms, building, no black mold or asbestos problems like older schools. It wasn't flooded in Harvey. I do know Katy ISD has a high reputation. Why not visit the campus and see if you can get a tour?

There are apartments and other options around Seven Lakes. They're scattered along 1093 which also has a newer expansion on it - Toll - But for one that talked about a more difficult commute - No. This area has the Westpark Tollway which takes you right into downtown. Grand Parkway (SH99) going north and south. Plenty of shopping.

[War Beagle]

Originally Posted by frumble

How much does the quality of education vary across Houston schools?

Obviously there is a lot of variation in test scores, percent of kids who graduate, percent of kids who get accepted to top tier universtities, etc. But how much of that variation is attributable to differences in the quality of education as opposed to other factors (e.g., kids at the top rated schools are more likely to have parents who have more resources and/or place more emphasis on education)?

To put it another way, how much of the success of the typical Memorial student can be attributed to attending Memorial as opposed to other factors? And how different would the outcomes be if you randomly selected a bunch of kids who were about to start at Memorial and sent them to a public HS in HISD?

I don't have a strong opinion either way, and am curious to know what others think.

Seeing as how they all teach to STAR tests, the actual variation is probably less than we would think. Obviously the main difference is the parenting and home life.

That said, I imagine there are probably more disruptions in the worst schools because more kids don't value their education, and fewer disruptions in the good schools. Perhaps the major differences between the schools themselves are how much time teachers can teach versus dealing with disciplinary issues.

Just a guess on my part though. Maybe school districts do put better teachers at higher socioeconomic schools.

[descovy]

As a parent of 3 Seven Lakes HS students, I say RELAX. Seriously. Both schools have great reputations. But there’s no secret education they’re giving out either. If your kid is driven and loves to be challenged by academically rigorous courses, they’ll have that option at either school.

Both schools enjoy their reputation based on the social economic makeup of the families that live in their zone.

SLHS is great, but don’t move out to Katy if you were hoping to stay in Memorial. As great as it is, your child will have the same opportunities at both schools. Really.

[daisee1203]

Originally Posted by 96tahoe

With a budget like that, why have the dileama of choosing between two above average public schools? Live where you want and have them go to a prestigious private school like Kinkaid, St Thomas or Houston Christian High School.

This! 100%. Who cares about public schools? Find your desired home and location and look into a private school. My pick would be Kinkaid. It is right near Memorial but if you chose to live in Katy (WHY?) you could still take them to school in the morning.

[frumble]

Originally Posted by 96tahoe

With a budget like that, why have the dileama of choosing between two above average public schools? Live where you want and have them go to a prestigious private school like Kinkaid, St Thomas or Houston Christian High School.

Originally Posted by daisee1203

This! 100%. Who cares about public schools? Find your desired home and location and look into a private school. My pick would be Kinkaid. It is right near Memorial but if you chose to live in Katy (WHY?) you could still take them to school in the morning.

Is it that easy? From other threads on this board I thought it was extremely difficult to get into Kincaid, especially if a non-legacy who is trying for entry after their kids have already started school.

[Houston parent]

[SIZE=5]frumble[/SIZE] - you are correct - it's not that easy. Getting into Kinkaid is quite difficult, especially if its not a natural entry point, like 9th grade. However if you want a Christian school, HCHS would likely have more open spots, as they appear to still be in growth mode. Their facilities are fantastic as well. The average SAT scores are not at the same level as Kinkaid, but motivated kids can take advance classes and get a rigorous education there if they want one.

[daisee1203]

Have you called Kinkaid?

I was friends with people that went to Kinkaid and I haven’t heard of this issue, but maybe there is some kind of unknown rule or procedure. There’s also Episocopal high school which is amazing. St. Thomas/St. Agnes. Do your research, go on tours. For the record, I am
still in touch with folks that graduated from Episcopal and every single one is successful, well-rounded and kind and very much involved in their communities. I might just be lucky but it’s the truth.

[HTownNearNative]

Originally Posted by Houston parent

[SIZE=5]frumble[/SIZE] - you are correct - it's not that easy. Getting into Kinkaid is quite difficult, especially if its not a natural entry point, like 9th grade. However if you want a Christian school, HCHS would likely have more open spots, as they appear to still be in growth mode. Their facilities are fantastic as well. The average SAT scores are not at the same level as Kinkaid, but motivated kids can take advance classes and get a rigorous education there if they want one.

You may also want to check out Second Baptist School. It is very well established.
https://www.secondbaptistschool.org/page

[frumble]

Thanks for the information.

We would prefer a non-religious school. Are there any non-religious private schools in the area other than Kinkaid, St. John's, the Village School, and Awty (other than Montessori and military schools)?

Thanks.

[Vicman]

School of the Woods and Rainard are non-religious.