Hi Moms,
My husband and I are considering our options for looking at a newer/bigger house. We love our area (Merriman Park - NW Highway and Abrams) but don't care for the schools. We've considered staying in the area and looking at private schools but don't even know where to start. Do you have suggestions on private schools in the area....How much??
Do you have any suggestions on areas that have great publc schools? I hear Prosper is great...but my husband works downtown, and I think that commute would get old quick.
We've just switched this year to St. Thomas Aquinas and LOVE it. EXCELLENT math, science, ART, drama, library... tons of sports to participate in... this school is the complete package. Wish we'd of come here earlier. Tuition is listed here: http://www.staschool.org/page.cfm?title=about_tuition
Lakehill and Zion Lutheran are two more that wouldn't be too far.
My kids are at Our Redeemer Lutheran School near NorthPark Mall. It is small, but we love it and it is on the lower side of the cost range for private schools.
Its so sad to see a school district go downhill. I am 40 now, and was a charter student in 4th grade at Merriman Park! Back then it was like living in Frisco or Allen - it was a great school district. I know its changed though - we had checked it out ourselves. I know when I was young I went to a private elementary school called Highlander. It was very good back then - no idea what it is like now. My 5 year old goes to preschool at Little Saints at All Saints Catholic Church near Arapaho and Hillcrest - not too far - awesome program! It feeds into All Saints Catholic School which is a very goo private school. Another very good one is St Paul's Catholic School in Richardson. Good Luck - I know how frustating it is!
I would like to plug our neighborhood - the Country Place in Carrollton. It is such a wonderful family environment with all our HOA amenities and community spirit. Everybody walks to the Elementary School located in our subdivision. The C-FB schools are probably right in the middle between Highland Park and Dallas. My wife works downtown and it takes her 20--25 minutes, either from the Tollway, Marsh Lane or I-35; her route depends on the time of day. We are geographically in the center of North Dallas and therefore can be anywhere in 20 minutes for shopping or entertainment. Our houses are 1970's with big lots and trees. Save all that dough you'd spend on private school and start living!
The Canyon Creek/Prairie Creek area of Richardson (75 and Renner) is in PISD.
I'm in your neck of the woods. My husband's commute is 20 min right now and that, amongst other things, keeps us within the loop. Since you mention NWHwy, I'm assuming you are in DISD, but could be wrong. We are in RISD and some of the schools are acceptable to us and some are not. For private, you could pay as little at $4k-$5k a year for Catholic as long as you are within the faith. (St. Patrick's), but then the prices go up. We are at a private Lutheran school right now with tuition more like $7k-$8k. The thing to remember about private school is that there are all kinds of additional monies asked for throughout the year. I'd tack an additional $2k on to any tuition to cover fundrasiers/etc. From what I hear, other private school tuitions average more like $10-$12k, then you have the ESD/Hockadays/Jesuits/etc that are more like $20k. Could you look into your school district's Magnet school? For DISD it would be Dealey and RISD would be Hamilton Park. Otherwise, I am hearing good things about Plano, Wylie and Anna school districts.
you can move a little farther to the north and you would be in the RISD and still be within the loop. For example - Merriman Park elementary is in the RISD. You can also try Scofield on Abrams, White Rock North school on White Rock Trail, Highlander on Plano Rd...those are the ones in the immediate area that I hear good things about. Also, if you are Episcopal there is St Johns on Harter.
I attended Scofield Christian School located at Abrams and Royal for elementary and have heard of several friends that have sent their kids there since. Also, attended First Baptist Academy for Jr. High and High School. This is located downtown and might be an option if your husband was able to drop off and/or pick up. I know they also have a campus at Casa Linda. Not sure how much either cost.
Move slightly farther north into Lake Highlands schools. They are RISD and GREAT! Plus, Lake Highlands is such an AWESOME area with a small town feel (great mom groups, 4th of July parade, great libraries, etc). It is not far from you right now and is still close for your husband. You really need to check it out. Send me a message if you need more information.
