I'm beginning my doctoral studies this fall at TWU. I know very little about Denton school districts and neighborhoods. I will be living off campus because I have a dog and cat. I would love to get some advice on elementary schools, after school child care possibilities, affordable housing and any other tips any of you are willing to give. :) My son is 7.
(Update)
We have been fortunate to be in a very small community in the north east and as a result my son is used to being in a very small school. The school he is currently in has only 88 students. His class is only 9 people. With that in mind I think that any school is going to be a tad bit shocking unless we move to a very small community, I just want to make the transition as easy as possible. I am looking for good education, diversity, afterschool programs, sports, art, music, etc. I think all the same stuff most people are looking for in a good school. I do want to shy away from the GIANT schools though I think we BOTH would be overwhelmed by that. Neither of us are urbanites, so regardless this will be an interesting transition, but I would like to make it a positive one.
I am trying to plan a trip to come and check out the area the first week of May. I would love to gather a good list of places to visit before I come out.
Thank you so much in advance.
If you can, check into LISD. (That would be Lewisville, Highland Village, and Flower Mound.) It's right down the highway from Denton. LISD has a better district. Go to the Denton ISD website. http://www.dentonisd.org/tab/parents There are a lot of links all about the schools, and also school ratings. Here is LISD's site. http://www.lisd.net/
You may want to check into charter schools in the Denton area. I'm not sure if charter schools are common where you live at this time, but there are quite a few options in Texas. You don't pay anything to attend, just like public school, but they are privately run and sometimes have a specific focus such as math/science. They are accredited through the state.
I have never lived in Denton, but I know we really enjoyed our experience with Vista Academy in Carrollton. The school was smaller than a public school and all of the teachers pretty much knew all of the kids. It was a pretty strict environment also. Vista operates under the umbrella of Responsive Education Solutions. I know they have facilities in Hickory Creek and Lewisville, but not sure if either would work for you since they might be too far from where you want to live.
You definitely would want to get some referrals if you choose this route because the reputation of charter schools can really vary! You can also check their ratings through the Texas Education Association.
If you haven't already, get a realtor. My friend Molly and her husband Bret Chance work through Keller-Williams. I recommend them to you because they have an 8 year old daughter, and they live in a smaller community outside Denton. They'd be a great resource helping you find the right place to live, the right school, and empathizing with your student status. Contact Molly at ###-###-####
Well, while I respect Bug's right to her opinion, I have to disagree. My two boys are first graders (age 7) and in a DentionISD school. My daughter spent k-6th grade in a DentionISD school. Denton schools are good, the thing about it is, it kind of depends on where you are. Many many people in this area try their hardest to be on the south side of the DentonISD district because it is more middle, upper middle class families. But, I have subbed in all of Denton's schools and not one did I find to be just out and out terrible. Lewisville has the exact same issues that Denton has (and I won't list them because they can be misconstrued)...there are schools that people want their kids in there and some they do not. That being said, it may be hard to find affordable housing on the south side. There are two sets of apartments on Shady Shores Rd. that would get your son into Pecan Creek Elementary, it is a very desired school. Renting a house would be pretty expensive. You could get a house for rent if you are willing to put him in Lake Dallas ISD. My daughter currently out of zones to Lake Dallas HS because Guyer (which is Denton ISD) is so big that she just felt very intimidated. Good luck with your choice!
Please feel free to PM me if you like, I have lived around this area for 10 years!
