Collierville High or Houston High (Memphis, Germantown: house, transfer, middle school)

[NorCalgurl]

My family is relocating from CA to the area this summer. Our main cocnern is with transferring our high school age son (9th grade) We are going to be choosing a house in either Collierville high or Houston high District. There is much academic and socioeconomic info on the webistes, but I am trying to get a flavor for the "personalities" of each school to see which would be the best fit. The intangibles you cannot get on webpages. My son is an athlete so that will also be part of the decision. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

[ColliervilleMom]

I have a child at CHS. They are both great schools, and I would say personalities are very similar. Academics are similar, the band program and some athletics are bigger/better at Houston. CHS has rated in the top 1000 in the country for the past 3 years, and I believe Houston has for one. CHS's principal was named TN High School principal of the year this year, the administration is very strong and caring. It's a very large school, but if your child is in athletics, he should not have a problem fitting in. If you have any specific questions, please PM me. I'd be happy to answer anything especially about CHS, I'm pretty involved, and on the PTSA board. Good luck in your move.

[Geneyus]

I will echo what ColliervilleMom said. Both schools are very similar, and you can't go wrong sending your son to either one. These two schools are big rivals in athletics.

[waylay00]

Kids from Houston seem to have more interaction with other students in Memphis. Collierville High's student body seems to be a little more self-contained, but a lot of this is purely geographical. Houston might be a tad "preppier," at least judging by people I know who went there. But overall, they are pretty similar. These are just my observations. I also have a cousin who is about to start Collierville Middle School, FWIW.

[ColliervilleMom]

Originally Posted by waylay00

Kids from Houston seem to have more interaction with other students in Memphis. Collierville High's student body seems to be a little more self-contained, but a lot of this is purely geographical. Houston might be a tad "preppier," at least judging by people I know who went there. But overall, they are pretty similar. These are just my observations. I also have a cousin who is about to start Collierville Middle School, FWIW.

Yes, totally agree about the prepiness, as well as CHS sticking more to Collierville.

Just a note, when I was a kid, preppie was a way of dressing, khaki and izod shirts. Now, it's popular kids who are 'preppie'.

[charper1]

Who cares about "preppiness" and looks and such; its about education. Of these, go with Collierville, but if you are choosing where to live in this area based on Shelby County puplic schools, you should look at Germantown.

Blue Ribbon School award from the United States Department of Education and an officially declared International Baccalaureate school. As of now, Germantown High School is one of only three IB schools in Tennessee, and the second one in Shelby County. The other being Bolton High School in Arlington.

Germantown is also high in most top athletics programs including cheer leading.

[waylay00]

Originally Posted by charper1

Who cares about "preppiness" and looks and such; its about education. Of these, go with Collierville, but if you are choosing where to live in this area based on Shelby County puplic schools, you should look at Germantown.

Blue Ribbon School award from the United States Department of Education and an officially declared International Baccalaureate school. As of now, Germantown High School is one of only three IB schools in Tennessee, and the second one in Shelby County. The other being Bolton High School in Arlington.

Germantown is also high in most top athletics programs including cheer leading.

She asked about the personalities of each school. If she has the opportunity to choose a school that "fits" the best, however marginal the differences might be, then why not?

[009811]

Houston high may be better.

[charper1]

Originally Posted by waylay00

She asked about the personalities of each school. If she has the opportunity to choose a school that "fits" the best, however marginal the differences might be, then why not?

Because in reality it should always begin and end with the education; with a side of personality; not the other way around. Get a great education 1st and foremost! Sadly in American we have forgotten this and well....... just look around.

[waylay00]

I'd imagine the difference between both schools academics is largely nil though.