Schools that Embrace Spirited Boys? (San Antonio, Austin: homes, transfer, private schools)

[CallMeYay]

Looking for an elementary that embrace and appreciate energetic and spirited children (read: ADHD).

We've toured a few great schools in San Antonio but the search isn't quite over.

San Antonio Academy - Top of our list however the cost for the full experience through 8th grade is more than we are looking to commit to now.

Alamo Heights ISD (Cambridge) - We have heard amazing things about their resources and programs and can apply for their tuition based program.

NEISD (Wilderness Oak or other elementary through choice program) - This is our home district and while it's rating is great, very mixed reviews on the type of student they prefer.

Bucker Fanning - Small class size with tons of hands-on learning

Holy Spirit Catholic School - We've heard great things about their community.

St. George - Great school too rigid for us.

Any input or further suggestions are appreciated.

[rynetwo]

If you go with public pick AISD, NEISD or NISD.

[ashbeeigh]

Education is such an individual choice. Are you moving for your kiddo to go to AHISD? I don't believe any public districts offer a "transfer" option and you'll need to live within the feeder pattern of the place you decide on, so being able to move on a home in your desired area quickly will need to be a priority. I'd add NISD and just check out the homes in some of the higher-rated schools and see which fits. It sounds like you're doing your own research and visiting with the administration too, which is great. Just a small warning, don't rely on GreatSchools ratings.

[misfits00]

why do you recommend not using Great Schools ratings? Are none of the school ratings on RE website accurate for SA?


My wife and I have a special needs child whom isnt school age yet, but are looking to see where we need to plan to be in the next few years to get him the best education. Unless there is significant tuition help, private schools arent an option.

[ashbeeigh]

Originally Posted by misfits00

why do you recommend not using Great Schools ratings? Are none of the school ratings on RE website accurate for SA?


My wife and I have a special needs child whom isnt school age yet, but are looking to see where we need to plan to be in the next few years to get him the best education. Unless there is significant tuition help, private schools arent an option.

It’s the Yelp of school ratings. Do your own research and font relay on an angry student or parent to make your decision.

[supfromthesite]

Originally Posted by ashbeeigh

Education is such an individual choice. Are you moving for your kiddo to go to AHISD? I don't believe any public districts offer a "transfer" option and you'll need to live within the feeder pattern of the place you decide on, so being able to move on a home in your desired area quickly will need to be a priority. I'd add NISD and just check out the homes in some of the higher-rated schools and see which fits. It sounds like you're doing your own research and visiting with the administration too, which is great. Just a small warning, don't rely on GreatSchools ratings.

Alamo Heights does. Or they did when I went there, which was not long ago. People lived on the northside of town, including by Churchill or further north and went there. Also people lived in Monte Vista and went there. It is selective (possibly a lottery or a list you have to get on when your kids are super young) but it is possible. Some of my best friends did it.

Pretty sure the tuition is insanely cheap too. Way less than private schools. I'm talking in the 1-5k range. If I remember correctly.

[ashbeeigh]

Originally Posted by supfromthesite

Alamo Heights does. Or they did when I went there, which was not long ago. People lived on the northside of town, including by Churchill or further north and went there. Also people lived in Monte Vista and went there. It is selective (possibly a lottery or a list you have to get on when your kids are super young) but it is possible. Some of my best friends did it.

Pretty sure the tuition is insanely cheap too. Way less than private schools. I'm talking in the 1-5k range. If I remember correctly.

Hmmm. Maybe if they pay tuition it makes sense. I’m thinking more of what us done up here with Austin isd. I live right outside the boundaries (like my backyard is sn AISD elementary) and they’d just accept any of the kids in my complex as a transfer, no fees, nothing. They would t provide transportation, but otherwise you can just walk in from another district and get in. (Unless it’s one of the few that are closed to transfer).

[CamillaB]

I'm not sure of a school that specializes in kids with ADHD (we need one, or at least skilled educators who know how to interact with kids with ADHD). I would think it's hard for a whole school to try to accommodate a subset of students with a disorder that can affect other children's ability to learn (if the child with ADHD causes the others to be distracted etc.).

[forest1492]

You may want to check out The Winston School. It is located in the Med. Center area.

https://www.winston-sa.org/

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by ashbeeigh

Hmmm. Maybe if they pay tuition it makes sense. I’m thinking more of what us done up here with Austin isd. I live right outside the boundaries (like my backyard is sn AISD elementary) and they’d just accept any of the kids in my complex as a transfer, no fees, nothing. They would t provide transportation, but otherwise you can just walk in from another district and get in. (Unless it’s one of the few that are closed to transfer).

They do, but on a limited basis:
https://www.ahisd.net/students___parents/tuition_guides

I know kids in other districts who go to AHISD but they either have a parent or grandparent in the district and use that address.