Brenham ISD vs. College Station ISD (homes, schools, living in)

[Aggielina]

I'm not sure if this is the best forum for this question, but like the title says I'm wondering if anyone can give me some insight into living in Brenham or College Station. My husband has a potential job opportunity in CS and I'm thinking ahead. We have two elementary-aged children, so schools are paramount. We are used to big city living so the amenities of College Station are attractive to me, but much of our family lives in Brenham. Obviously we've spent quite a bit of time there, and as far as small towns go, I think Brenham has a lot going for it. The commute to CS from Brenham isn't ideal, but it's not a deal breaker.

Ultimately I think it will come down to schools. If we moved to either district we would seek out homes in the highest rated elementary areas and make sure that we like the upstream schools too. My kids are above average academically and at least one is very athletic. They are involved in outside activities, like swim, soccer, baseball, basketball, and hopefully music soon. I worry that they won't have as many opportunities for these things in Brenham as they will in College Station. Thoughts?

[LocalPlanner]

Originally Posted by Aggielina

I'm not sure if this is the best forum for this question, but like the title says I'm wondering if anyone can give me some insight into living in Brenham or College Station. My husband has a potential job opportunity in CS and I'm thinking ahead. We have two elementary-aged children, so schools are paramount. We are used to big city living so the amenities of College Station are attractive to me, but much of our family lives in Brenham. Obviously we've spent quite a bit of time there, and as far as small towns go, I think Brenham has a lot going for it. The commute to CS from Brenham isn't ideal, but it's not a deal breaker.

Ultimately I think it will come down to schools. If we moved to either district we would seek out homes in the highest rated elementary areas and make sure that we like the upstream schools too. My kids are above average academically and at least one is very athletic. They are involved in outside activities, like swim, soccer, baseball, basketball, and hopefully music soon. I worry that they won't have as many opportunities for these things in Brenham as they will in College Station. Thoughts?

CSISD has the pretty much the best reputation of any district in between the TX Triangle metro areas. I think some folks who work in Brenham or nearby areas choose to live there rather than in Brenham ISD.

Folks coming from a white-collar suburban metro mindset, where the schools are just set up for academic overachievement and resume-building activities, seem to gravitate to CSISD.

Rural and small-town districts like Brenham ISD may offer great educations and activities for those who are motivated to have them, but you (1) have to put in the effort to make those things happen rather than just let the "system" take care of it and (2) have to be comfortable with a full range of diversity, particularly economically and in attitudes toward education. I would personally think being exposed to that diversity has value, but I do hear that many former suburbanites who move to Brenham choose private instead, as is often the case when such folks move to more rural areas.

[Houston parent]

Absolutely no contest - CSISD is the better choice. The district is filled with the children of college professors and staff. They care a great deal about education.