Sea Speed said:

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AgLA06 said:

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The burbs and private school really aren't much of a thing.

People move out for bigger / cheaper homes and better school districts so they "don't' have to pay for private school". What most don't get is it isn't just about the quality of the school, but the type of education you get from private school.

Even though many families don't necessarily claim a particular religion anymore (or the denomination of the school the kids attend), almost to a family they cite morals / ethics and a wholesome caring staff as a major reason they chose private schools on their surveys.

It's the best way to say they chose a Christian environment without saying they chose a Christian environment.

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I was actually talking to a friend about this yesterday. We had a suburban home we bought to be zoned to a great elementary. We made the switch to private school and I couldn't be happier. Our purely private school kindergarten student is easily a year ahead of where my oldest was in public school at the same point. My oldest is now reading on a nearly 5th grade level in 2nd grade. The benefits to me are innumerable. I'm so glad we made the switch and personally I am pretty anti religious, but why should I let that get in the way of the best education possible for my kids.

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I know you and I can clash now and then, but here's some suggestions from someone who's had this conversation with similar minded people now and then from the other side of the coin.

While you may be anti religious, the loving Christian environment plays a huge part in the results you are seeing. It's not the only reason, but in my opinion it sets the tone to allow academic growth and exploration without the same threat of bullying / being made fun of if they fail as other options. There will likely be a time where their stance on a political issue comes at odds with you or the family. Whether it's enough for you to look elsewhere will ultimately be up to you, but I'd suggest keeping in mind what you just said. Instead maybe use it as a conversation point with your kids to explain that there's going to be lots of times in life you don't' agree with your boss / company / whatever, but that doesn't mean you don't understand where they are coming from.

Make sure to socialize your kids outside of the private school friends / sports. The biggest thing private schools tend to struggle with in my opinion is preparing kids for college environments. Not the academics, but setting of large numbers of diverse students on large campuses. Especially large public schools like we went to because everyone tends to be of similar class, morals, etc at private schools. The best thing about private schools are the close, tight nit bubble of similar thinking they are. The worst thing about private schools are the close, tight nit bubble of similar thinking they are.

Take advantage of the great environment and be as involved as you can. You only get one chance. Private schools seem to provide more chances for field trips, class parties, fun days, etc than public schools these days. Being dad can make you feel out of place around all the moms for these things, but my suggestions is to power through and be there when you are home for your kids. They may not say it, but they notice and care.

If you live on the West side of town and are looking for a small Christian private school, Faith Academy of Bellville is an awesome spot. Its small on the high school side with about 50 kids but is growing rapidly in the elementary. Great people, competitive in athletics and a true Christian education.

coachallout said:

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If you live on the West side of town and are looking for a small Christian private school, Faith Academy of Bellville is an awesome spot. Its small on the high school side with about 50 kids but is growing rapidly in the elementary. Great people, competitive in athletics and a true Christian education.

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I would consider Bellville clearly beyond "the west side of town", but they do come in and play against Houston area schools. They had a great baseball team a few years back and whipped us pretty decisively when my boys played their one and only season of Jr. High baseball.

AgLA06 said:

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Sea Speed said:

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AgLA06 said:

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The burbs and private school really aren't much of a thing.

People move out for bigger / cheaper homes and better school districts so they "don't' have to pay for private school". What most don't get is it isn't just about the quality of the school, but the type of education you get from private school.

Even though many families don't necessarily claim a particular religion anymore (or the denomination of the school the kids attend), almost to a family they cite morals / ethics and a wholesome caring staff as a major reason they chose private schools on their surveys.

It's the best way to say they chose a Christian environment without saying they chose a Christian environment.

---

I was actually talking to a friend about this yesterday. We had a suburban home we bought to be zoned to a great elementary. We made the switch to private school and I couldn't be happier. Our purely private school kindergarten student is easily a year ahead of where my oldest was in public school at the same point. My oldest is now reading on a nearly 5th grade level in 2nd grade. The benefits to me are innumerable. I'm so glad we made the switch and personally I am pretty anti religious, but why should I let that get in the way of the best education possible for my kids.

---

I know you and I can clash now and then, but here's some suggestions from someone who's had this conversation with similar minded people now and then from the other side of the coin.

While you may be anti religious, the loving Christian environment plays a huge part in the results you are seeing. It's not the only reason, but in my opinion it sets the tone to allow academic growth and exploration without the same threat of bullying / being made fun of if they fail as other options. There will likely be a time where their stance on a political issue comes at odds with you or the family. Whether it's enough for you to look elsewhere will ultimately be up to you, but I'd suggest keeping in mind what you just said. Instead maybe use it as a conversation point with your kids to explain that there's going to be lots of times in life you don't' agree with your boss / company / whatever, but that doesn't mean you don't understand where they are coming from.

Make sure to socialize your kids outside of the private school friends / sports. The biggest thing private schools tend to struggle with in my opinion is preparing kids for college environments. Not the academics, but setting of large numbers of diverse students on large campuses. Especially large public schools like we went to because everyone tends to be of similar class, morals, etc at private schools. The best thing about private schools are the close, tight nit bubble of similar thinking they are. The worst thing about private schools are the close, tight nit bubble of similar thinking they are.

Take advantage of the great environment and be as involved as you can. You only get one chance. Private schools seem to provide more chances for field trips, class parties, fun days, etc than public schools these days. Being dad can make you feel out of place around all the moms for these things, but my suggestions is to power through and be there when you are home for your kids. They may not say it, but they notice and care.

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Yes I think private schools probably struggle to prepare someone for the size of a campus like A&M, but on the other hand, is that really the target type of school that private schools would have in mind?

I think you could argue, especially now that we see what a disaster public college has become that it might be better to go a different route

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I would consider Bellville clearly beyond "the west side of town", but they do come in and play against Houston area schools. They had a great baseball team a few years back and whipped us pretty decisively when my boys played their one and only season of Jr. High baseball.

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Several students drive in from Katy. Also several from Brenham.

AgLiving06 said:

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AgLA06 said:

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Sea Speed said:

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AgLA06 said:

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The burbs and private school really aren't much of a thing.

People move out for bigger / cheaper homes and better school districts so they "don't' have to pay for private school". What most don't get is it isn't just about the quality of the school, but the type of education you get from private school.

Even though many families don't necessarily claim a particular religion anymore (or the denomination of the school the kids attend), almost to a family they cite morals / ethics and a wholesome caring staff as a major reason they chose private schools on their surveys.

It's the best way to say they chose a Christian environment without saying they chose a Christian environment.

---

I was actually talking to a friend about this yesterday. We had a suburban home we bought to be zoned to a great elementary. We made the switch to private school and I couldn't be happier. Our purely private school kindergarten student is easily a year ahead of where my oldest was in public school at the same point. My oldest is now reading on a nearly 5th grade level in 2nd grade. The benefits to me are innumerable. I'm so glad we made the switch and personally I am pretty anti religious, but why should I let that get in the way of the best education possible for my kids.

---

I know you and I can clash now and then, but here's some suggestions from someone who's had this conversation with similar minded people now and then from the other side of the coin.

While you may be anti religious, the loving Christian environment plays a huge part in the results you are seeing. It's not the only reason, but in my opinion it sets the tone to allow academic growth and exploration without the same threat of bullying / being made fun of if they fail as other options. There will likely be a time where their stance on a political issue comes at odds with you or the family. Whether it's enough for you to look elsewhere will ultimately be up to you, but I'd suggest keeping in mind what you just said. Instead maybe use it as a conversation point with your kids to explain that there's going to be lots of times in life you don't' agree with your boss / company / whatever, but that doesn't mean you don't understand where they are coming from.

Make sure to socialize your kids outside of the private school friends / sports. The biggest thing private schools tend to struggle with in my opinion is preparing kids for college environments. Not the academics, but setting of large numbers of diverse students on large campuses. Especially large public schools like we went to because everyone tends to be of similar class, morals, etc at private schools. The best thing about private schools are the close, tight nit bubble of similar thinking they are. The worst thing about private schools are the close, tight nit bubble of similar thinking they are.

Take advantage of the great environment and be as involved as you can. You only get one chance. Private schools seem to provide more chances for field trips, class parties, fun days, etc than public schools these days. Being dad can make you feel out of place around all the moms for these things, but my suggestions is to power through and be there when you are home for your kids. They may not say it, but they notice and care.

---

Yes I think private schools probably struggle to prepare someone for the size of a campus like A&M, but on the other hand, is that really the target type of school that private schools would have in mind?

I think you could argue, especially now that we see what a disaster public college has become that it might be better to go a different route

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There's was a point when I was in school where private schools thought pushing all the top students to Ivy leagues or elite private colleges was the best thing (especially for school prestige / revenue). That wasn't necessarily so and results weren't always as expected once kids got there. Many have come back to trying to match kids strengths and career / major preferences with the best options and programs regardless of university name.

Large AAU schools still offer lots of great options and often much more desirable locations. If the concern is your kid gets exposed to liberals or other nationalities, then they aren't prepared for life. If they can't handle diversity and large numbers of students, they are just as likely to struggle in the corporate setting as well.

We also forget that there is a large range of student abilities in every class. It may not be as extreme as in public schools, but not every kid is the next Einstein. Doesn't mean they won't end up being the richest adult from the class if they go to an average University or trade school and start a successful business with a solid private school background and support along the way.

AgLiving06 said:

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Yes I think private schools probably struggle to prepare someone for the size of a campus like A&M, but on the other hand, is that really the target type of school that private schools would have in mind?

I think you could argue, especially now that we see what a disaster public college has become that it might be better to go a different route

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But what route are you going to go? At least when choosing a 4-year college.

Ivy League and most smaller liberal arts colleges are like Mos Eisley, a "wretched hive of scum and villainy."

Certainly not baylol or purple baylol up in Fort Worth. I don't think a place like Liberty would be any good either.

So, IMHO, a top state school, especially one in Texas or the South (think SEC and most of the ACC footprint) would be the choice. A&M, Bama, UGA, UF, NC State, VaTech, and God help me even t.u. would likely be a good bet for a public university.

I am not sure if you meant to come off this way, but it seems like you're assuming that I sent them to the school against my personal beliefs or better judgment, which is not the case. While personally I am not religious, I would never hide religion from my kids nor discourage them from taking part in religion if they choose. I had my journey and they need to have theirs. Of course I will tell them why I believe what I believe when appropriate, but I think having a strong moral pillar outside of parents is a necessity for children and that is something they couldn't really get from public school with a family who doesn't attend church.

You're absolutely correct that private school offers more opportunities for family engagement, probably by an order of magnitude. We are VERY involved in their sschooling and the events that are offered.

Nm

combat wombat said:

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Sea Speed said:

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Is that formerly CCCS? I was there when the school was simply at Cypress Bible Church. I've got some super old yearbooks.

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It is.

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I am pretty sure my sister was in their first school year.

ETA i am also pretty sure we were a charity case because there is no way in hell my single mom could afford it.

Our school sends a LOT of kids to A&M (up to 40% of some graduating classes), and they do fine there. However, we do also send a decent percentage of each class to private Christian colleges as well. Then we typically send 1 or 2 per class (out of about 50-60 graduates) to highly selective universities (Rice, MIT, Stanford) or service academies.

AgLA06 said:

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The burbs and private school really aren't much of a thing.

People move out for bigger / cheaper homes and better school districts so they "don't' have to pay for private school". What most don't get is it isn't just about the quality of the school, but the type of education you get from private school.

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I don't know about this.

Lots of people in Fort Bend send their kids to private schools. I see lots of yard signs for Strake, St. Agnes, etc. And Fort Bend Christian has always been popular. St. Laurence, too, for the younger kids.

Buck Turgidson said:

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Our school sends a LOT of kids to A&M (up to 40% of some graduating classes), and they do fine there. However, we do also send a decent percentage of each class to private Christian colleges as well. Then we typically send 1 or 2 per class (out of about 50-60 graduates) to highly selective universities (Rice, MIT, Stanford) or service academies.

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Second Baptist?

When we looked at SBS, they had a ton go to A&M. I was impressed by that.

My son chose Episcopal because he was at River Oaks Baptist and almost all of his friends went to EHS. I would have been happy with SBS as it seems like they place a lot at A&M and Texas. I am a Texas alum (wife is an Aggie), but I think for my son I would prefer A&M these days.

We've pretty much stuck with either Second or Houston Christian as our choices, and that will likely depend greatly on where our daughter's friends decide to go if they stay private for high school.

I lean towards Second, but having been the poor kid at the private school myself, I'm not sure about Second. I don't want her to go through the same bull**** I had to go through.

Anyone else still riding the HISD lightning besides me?

No not SBS. I always thought SBS had a larger contingent of UT families than Ag families.

Got ya. I wrongly assumed your ideals (political stances) didn't exactly align.

Of those two choices, I'd lean toward SBS.

CDUB98 said:

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We've pretty much stuck with either Second or Houston Christian as our choices, and that will likely depend greatly on where our daughter's friends decide to go if they stay private for high school.

I lean towards Second, but having been the poor kid at the private school myself, I'm not sure about Second. I don't want her to go through the same bull**** I had to go through.

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What part of town do you live?

Not so much about part of town. It's about alignment of what we believe and where her friends will go.

Yah, if you're baptist, that's probably your options.

Although I'm not sure HC fits that narrative at this point.

It's more about being non-Catholic and non-woke.

I'm not necessarily against the Catholic schools as their education is typically great, I'm just uncertain how our daughter would fit in as a protestant.

CDUB98 said:

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It's more about being non-Catholic and non-woke.

I'm not necessarily against the Catholic schools as their education is typically great, I'm just uncertain how our daughter would fit in as a protestant.

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There's a very large portion if our school that is not catholic and doesn't seem to cause an issue so far, but we are in our first year.

CDUB98 said:

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It's more about being non-Catholic and non-woke.

I'm not necessarily against the Catholic schools as their education is typically great, I'm just uncertain how our daughter would fit in as a protestant.

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There's pros and cons of both.

You get to make fun of the crazy Catholics and their praying to saints and paying for service.

or

You have to pretend you don't drink and make sure you don't get caught.

Being Lutheran, unless we drive to the BFE from in town, we'll have to bend to one or the other.

Yours are still in elementary, right?

I could see it not being as bad at that age. High school sucks for a lot of reasons. Just don't want to add one.

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You have to pretend you don't drink and make sure you don't get caught.

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I know you don't know too many Baptists. This is an old trope. I'm more surprised about parents who DON'T.

CDUB98 said:

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Quote:

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You have to pretend you don't drink and make sure you don't get caught.

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I know you don't know too many Baptists. This is an old trope. I'm more surprised about parents who DON'T.

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I'm not talking about the parents. I drank some baptists under the table last weekend. Maybe they've changed, but SB used to have a form you had to sign acknowledging expulsion if caught.

If you're talking about the kids, I could see that, but I'm sure mommy and daddy dollars to the school or church can make it go away.

CDUB98 said:

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If you're talking about the kids, I could see that, but I'm sure mommy and daddy dollars to the school or church can make it go away.

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If your baptist. Probably

CDUB98 said:

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Yours are still in elementary, right?

I could see it not being as bad at that age. High school sucks for a lot of reasons. Just don't want to add one.

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That's completely fair and I totally get it.

TarponChaser said:

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AgLiving06 said:

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Yes I think private schools probably struggle to prepare someone for the size of a campus like A&M, but on the other hand, is that really the target type of school that private schools would have in mind?

I think you could argue, especially now that we see what a disaster public college has become that it might be better to go a different route

---

But what route are you going to go? At least when choosing a 4-year college.

Ivy League and most smaller liberal arts colleges are like Mos Eisley, a "wretched hive of scum and villainy."

Certainly not baylol or purple baylol up in Fort Worth. I don't think a place like Liberty would be any good either.

So, IMHO, a top state school, especially one in Texas or the South (think SEC and most of the ACC footprint) would be the choice. A&M, Bama, UGA, UF, NC State, VaTech, and God help me even t.u. would likely be a good bet for a public university.

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Here's an example, my kids Headmaster presented as the direction he's taking the school. Not saying it's perfect, but a slight alternative route.

The school is a classical school, and so instead of the SAT/ACT they have the CLT which is a classical school based exam that's growing in acceptance.

https://www.cltexam.com/colleges/

Not saying it's perfect, but you can see schools more accepting of the historic classical approach to education vs what's going on with the big ivys.

Bumping this old thread as we're now considering switching to private for middle school. Our kids are currently in 4th and we love our elementary school - but things are changing. We're in the Heights - so that's a pretty limiting factor as some of the schools mentioned here would be too far of a drive. But considering AOS, St. Anne, St. Cecilia, St. Rose...possibly even ROB and St. Theresa.

I've been told we're possibly SOL as it's very hard to get kids in these schools for 6th grade (some more than others of course)...but any advice to get kids in at this stage? Any other schools we should consider? We definitely don't want to go TOO far outside the loop just based on driving time...and galleria area is probably our limit southwest.

And what's everyone else doing? I'm guessing there are some of you that are similarly siuated. I appreciate any input, advice, etc.

would probably make sense to start applying this year. Will give you a second crack if you don't get in the first time. Most of these schools won't say it, but you typically will get preference if you've been waitlisted in prior years. It seems like there's usually a couple spots that open each year, due to parents relocation or sending their kids elsewhere.

As far as schools, I think it makes sense to think about what your future plans would be for high school.

St. Rose is a great local school. but I think they mainly feed to St. Pius, which makes sense with the location.

St. Cecilia and St. Michael feed a lot in Strake/St. Thomas & St. Agnes/Duchesne. Episcopal seems to be more popular these days, but I know nothing about them...just that it's expensive (not that any of these high schools are cheap anymore).

We have several families I know that live in the Galleria area that send their kids to St. Michael. We've been very happy with our experience there. The workload is high, but kids should be well prepared for high school.