We have young children so we have been talking to neighbors about schools. So far I haven't met anyone in the neighborhood who's children go to DISD schools. I was wondering if there are public school parents in the neighborhood and if not why? Were your children already enrolled in private schools before you moved here or is there something we don't know about the public schools? Also, does anyone know who are School District Representative is? I appreciate any feedback either way. Thanks.

Our Daughter

When we moved into the neighborhood my daughter was five. We enrolled her in Kindergarten at St. Bernards Catholic School down on Old Gate, and she is now completing the first grade. We are not Catholic, nor are we members of the church. One factor for sending her there was that her cousins and cousin's cousins go to St. Bernards. We were definitely influenced by relatives on which school she would go to, however, I had made up my mind when I was still single and living in the area that she would most likely attend St. Bernards rather than Sanger.

I don't know much about Sanger, except that as an elementary school it could use a little help. It's not a very highly rated school in the Dallas area. Given the choice of the two schools so close together, I was just willing to pay for a private education. St. Bernards has two classes per grade (Pre-K-8), about 20 children per classroom, lots of parental involvement, good one-on-one interaction with teachers...my daughter is thriving there. Although we are not Catholic, she enjoys learning about the religion, which I don't have a problem with at all.

Due to varying circumstances, my husband and I are selling our house and we're moving to Richardson--primarily because of their excellent schools.

DISD Schools

I have a daughter who is graduating from DISD Arts Magnet High School this year. She's been there throughout high school. In 4th grade she attended Dealey Montessori Acadamy which is also a DISD school. We were very happy with both schools. For the rest of her education she attended St. Bernard's Catholic School even though we are long-time members of Whiterock United Methodist which is next door to St. Bernard's. Jenna was on a waiting list since she was 2 yrs old to get into Dealey. (They no longer have a waiting list system) When she got in we moved her. We decided to move her back to St. Bernard because I worked there and we didn't like that our schedules were different, but we did like the school. While I believe Jenna got a good education at SBS, I don't believe it was better than she got in DISD. DISD really has some wonderful opportunities. Woodrow Wilson High School is terrific, too. You may have to work a little harder to find the best place for your child in DISD, but your involvement only benefits your child. Whatever you do, don't make the mistake of thinking any school is problem free. My daughter knows where she could get drugs,even though she doesn't, but her friends from Bishop Lynch and Jesuit know where they can get them too. You can't really put them in a totally safe place. I believe being at the Arts Magnet has been the best place possible for my daughter. She's been hit in the face with a lot of reality, but so far she's made the right choices. She will be attending Southwestern University in the Fall where she received a $20,000 academic scholarship and a $20,000 Art scholarship. Her High School is rated Exemplary. I would also like to say that one advantage to being in DISD is that teacher's and administrators are very appreciative of parental support and involvement. Another advantage is that it may be a little easier for a student to really shine. For instance, my daughter is top 10% - I'm not sure she would be at Bishop Lynch - maybe. She scored 1230 on her SAT. That's not bad so I think she learned something. I hate to see good people abandon DISD -we need them. Good luck with your decision!

By M Burditt