Private vs magnet schools

[Houston321]

By the way, Houston321, how do you feel in terms of crime/safety versus Boston? Apples and oranges I know: Boston is puny compared to Houston. I'm just trying to take the comments here on citydata with a grain of salt.

I know there is more crime here for sure, but I don't notice it unless I watch the "news"...there is usually at least one murder every night on the news, which is different than Boston. Get an alarm system on your home and car, and just be smart and you will be fine. It is worth it to spend a little bit more to get in a good neighborhood if you can.

[houston-nomad]

Originally Posted by Augiec

Strictly out of curiosity, and not to derail the thread, but why Johnston? My kids are young, with the oldest being in Pre-K, so I'm not going to dwell on MS yet; but from my understanding getting them into Pin Oak is considered desirable.

Pin Oak is a great school. My kid is into orchestra and the Johnston orchestra is better. Plus he'd like to play baseball and the baseball team at Pin Oak has gotten too competitive for any mortal children to play on it. He can probably play baseball at Johnston. From what I hear of the Vanguard program, the academics are comparable.

[Meyerland]

Originally Posted by Augiec

Strictly out of curiosity, and not to derail the thread, but why Johnston? My kids are young, with the oldest being in Pre-K, so I'm not going to dwell on MS yet; but from my understanding getting them into Pin Oak is considered desirable.

The people I know who actively chose Johnston, had kids interested in the arts. One third of Johnston's graduates end up at HSPVA. That's a huge percentage!

Also, Lanier and TH Rogers are intensely competitive academically. If your child is gifted, but not disciplined Johnston might be a better fit.

It really depends on your child.

[Bike4Life]

Originally Posted by Augiec

Strictly out of curiosity, and not to derail the thread, but why Johnston? My kids are young, with the oldest being in Pre-K, so I'm not going to dwell on MS yet; but from my understanding getting them into Pin Oak is considered desirable.

Two of our children go to Johnston MS and it has been a good fit for the popular teen. Being athletic, smart, and funny helped him reach to the top. But the other teenager is book smart and naturally doesn't like any school because "kids are stupid". Pin Oak MS is a language magnet school and our children aren't interested in that. Back then, they weren't gifted either. So, that just left Pershing and Johnston as their next best choice with the fine arts magnet.

Based on the last HISD The Voice survey for 2013-2014, more parents and students prefer Johnston than Pershing MS. This is interesting because Pershing has a new campus in a luxury neighborhood but also share with low-income apartments, too. But in the end, it doesn't matter because middle school are the shortest, meaningless years unless you want your children to become athletic stars. I think elementary and high school choice are far more important.

[bu2]

Originally Posted by pawtucketpatriot

Thanks everyone. Very helpful comments

Houston321: yup, Boston area. I knew about the taxes. I'd like to say the lack of income taxes make up for it, but not quite.

I appreciate the other comments as well. My kids are more likely to be on the math team than football team, so a smaller environment will probably work better.

And yeah, I've spent years fighting Boston (and 128) traffic, but I always have the T option, which I won't in Houston. I think I understand why the prices are so high in Bellaire, West U, etc. (typical nice Boston suburb prices, though). I think avoiding the aggravation is worth a premium. We don't need a huge house.

By the way, Houston321, how do you feel in terms of crime/safety versus Boston? Apples and oranges I know: Boston is puny compared to Houston. I'm just trying to take the comments here on citydata with a grain of salt.

We'll probably rent at first unless prices crash in the next few months due to the oil situation (fat chance, I know), but I'd like to at least target the general area.

Thanks again

Prices in West U and Bellaire are high, in large part, for the schools. About 5 years back there seemed to be about a 50k premium for being zoned to West U elementary. Not sure what it is now, although some of the surrounding schools have gotten better.

[houston-nomad]

Quick update: it's only been a week, so time will tell, but I have to say my kid has never come home from school happier than he has this week at Johnston. He LOVES it. And he is not a kid who loves school. He loves the teachers most of all.

Every kid is different. Don't believe everything you hear about schools-- visit, bring your kid, check out the vibe, see if it's a good fit.

[Meyerland]

Originally Posted by houston-nomad

Quick update: it's only been a week, so time will tell, but I have to say my kid has never come home from school happier than he has this week at Johnston. He LOVES it. And he is not a kid who loves school. He loves the teachers most of all.

Every kid is different. Don't believe everything you hear about schools-- visit, bring your kid, check out the vibe, see if it's a good fit.

Thanks for the update! Keep it coming.

I know Pershing keeps the same kids together for their four core classes. What does Johnston do? Just curious.

[houston-nomad]

Originally Posted by Meyerland

Thanks for the update! Keep it coming.

I know Pershing keeps the same kids together for their four core classes. What does Johnston do? Just curious.

There's a different mix of kids in each class. Because they each have two magnet areas, the schedules are complex; it's unlikely too many kids are going to have the same combination of classes.

Oh-- and given that this is a private vs. public thread, I will add that we put my fourth grader in private, and that is also working out really well. Totally different kind of school (small, Montessori).