Lakeville schools vs. ISD 196 (Eagan, Eden Prairie: apartments, rental, house)

[rockysocks]

We are coming to town next month to find a rental home for the next two years, and we are looking at the Apple Valley/Rosemount/Eagan/Lakeville/Eden Prairie areas. So which has the better reputation nowadays - Lakeville schools or ISD 196? (We haven't seen much for rent in Eden Prairie). I've read several of old posts saying 196 was better, but looking at Greatschools and Schooldigger it seems that the 196 elementary schools are a real hit or miss. I know, I know, school ratings are to be taken with a grain of salt, which is why I'm asking you guys for opinions. Schools are very important to me, and as a military family who moves a lot, it's the least I can do for my kids to try to give them the very best while we are in an area with such great schools. We want an area that has strong elementary, middle, AND high schools for our boys that are going into 5th and 8th grade. Thanks in advance!

[TimtheGuy]

Originally Posted by rockysocks

We are coming to town next month to find a rental home for the next two years, and we are looking at the Apple Valley/Rosemount/Eagan/Lakeville/Eden Prairie areas. So which has the better reputation nowadays - Lakeville schools or ISD 196? (We haven't seen much for rent in Eden Prairie). I've read several of old posts saying 196 was better, but looking at Greatschools and Schooldigger it seems that the 196 elementary schools are a real hit or miss. I know, I know, school ratings are to be taken with a grain of salt, which is why I'm asking you guys for opinions. Schools are very important to me, and as a military family who moves a lot, it's the least I can do for my kids to try to give them the very best while we are in an area with such great schools. We want an area that has strong elementary, middle, AND high schools for our boys that are going into 5th and 8th grade. Thanks in advance!

I am not in either district (i am a little to the east in ISD #200), but my take would be they are both excellent. I doubt one could quantify that one is better than the other.

[Citykid3785]

I went to D196, my wife went to (and worked for) D194. So I have an educated opinion on this one. The current prevailing wisdom is that both are excellent districts, with a slight edge going to D196. But that's not to say that an individual school in one district isn't better than a school in another. Most of the edge has to do with the maturity of the district, and once again we are really splitting hairs here.

And, right or wrong, when you are looking at test scores and the like, most of the difference comes down not to curriculum, but demographics. Even within Eagan where I grew up, there's the lower income (fed mostly by transitional apartments) side of Eagan, and there's the affluent side of Eagan.

All in all, I think the differences are so small that one need not make a housing decision on it.

[Tyryztoll]

We were in Lakeville (Eastview Elementary in 194) for a year and they were excellent. We also had kids in the early childhood learning program and in middle school there. All were top notch.

[unxpctd]

I went to Lakeville a loooong time ago and they were good then. From everything I've heard they are still top notch. Lakeville is a great community...and has the tax base to support a good school system.

[Glenfield]

There is no discernible difference between the two. Find a house and neighborhood you like and go from there.

[rockysocks]

Thank you guys. I really appreciate all of your responses so much. <3

[mnlife]

I have some relatives in Apple Valley who attended the district all years K-12. I never heard any negative comments over the years. They graduated from Eastview not long ago.

[MN-Born-n-Raised]

While I cannot speak from personal experience, we use to have an active poster on this C-D board that swore by the district and school accolades specifically related to the Rosemount. As in, the best graduation rates, the highest AP class participation, the best standardized test scores, the safest schools that were "barb-wire" free" etc etc etc. While she didn't give proof when asked, she was absolutely convinced she was right. Therefore if she is right and if you truly love your children, you should strongly consider moving to Rosemount and put them into golf. Just sayin'...

[Glenfield]

Originally Posted by MN-Born-n-Raised

While I cannot speak from personal experience, we use to have an active poster on this C-D board that swore by the district and school accolades specifically related to the Rosemount. As in, the best graduation rates, the highest AP class participation, the best standardized test scores, the safest schools that were "barb-wire" free" etc etc etc. While she didn't give proof when asked, she was absolutely convinced she was right. Therefore if she is right and if you truly love your children, you should strongly consider moving to Rosemount and put them into golf. Just sayin'...

.... and band!