Hello Ladies,
We just found a good opportunity in Garland, a house for rent that we like but we are a bit apprehensive when we think about where our children might go to school. Our oldest daughter will be in fifth grade next year. She currently attends a school that we like in Richardson ISD. Our second daughter will start Kindergarten and we will register her at the school in Richardson. We will move at the end of this school year. My question is: is it possible for them to attend the school in Richardson even if we live in Garland? Since they will both be registered in the Richardson's school? Do people do that? Meaning: Do people "forget" to give their new address so that their children can stay in their previous school?
Anybody knows anything about Hickman's Elementary School in Garland? (this would be the school next to us but I am not too enthusiastic about it).
I know that in the Garland ISD, people can pick the school they want for their children, but we may move too late to be able to do so. What do you think about Garland ISD? Which are the best elementary schools in GISD?
Thank you for your help.
My son goes to Walnut Glen Academy in Garland and we absolutely love the school! They also have a Gifted/Talented program there. Like others have said, Kimberlin Academy and Hillside Academy are also good schools with Gifted/Talented programs. I have heard the name "Hickman" before but do not know how good the school is. You could go to www.GreatSchools.org and usually get quite a bit of information on the schools there. Good luck!
I know the principal is amazing.
Don't be mistaken....not everyone in GISD can "pick" the school they want to attend - GISD is quick to say that everyone can pick, but they CAN'T. Most kids are forced to go to their neighborhood school; it's that simple. Do yourself and your kids a favor, stay away from GISD.
Garland has some terrific schools. My child is at one of them--Hillside Academy. Kimberlin Academy is also excellent. Both have a gifted & talented program within them. You can have your children tested to see if they can join either of these schools through the G & T program. Just cannot say enough good things about Hillside Academy! Both my boys have attended there. My youngest has gone from kinder up and is now a 5th grader there. There are other very good schools also: Watson Elementary and Club Hill are two more good ones. I'm not familiar with Hickman.
I do NOT think you can get away with lying about your school district.
You could check w/ a realtor. one of my friends says there is a piece of Garland that is RISD.
You can not go to a Richardson school if you live in Garland. The only way to do that would be to lie about your residence address and I believe that is breaking the law. I live in Garland and there are some very good schools in the GISD. Yes, there is choice of school, but the kids that live in the neighborhood get first choice. Not sure what part of town you are moving too. My kids go to Routh Roach Elementary and it is an excellent school. It has been recognized or exemplary for something like 20 years. They also have a magnet program that kids can test into as well. Hope this helps.
M.
I am a substitute for both Garland and Richardson, and to be totally truthful there is not a huge overall difference in the districts. My kids also go to Garland, and we have chosen the freedom of choice option and drive our kids to our choice school, which I would put against and school in RISD. In my personal experience, no one I know has not gotten their choice of school. They are registering now, if you know your address for next year I would go ahead and register now. Good luck!
As others have said, you don't want to lie to the school district, especially across district lines, about where you live. When your kids want to have a friend over to play, people will see where you live. You don't want your children to be taught to lie about this. More than likely, you will get caught, and then would have to withdraw and transfer your kids mid-year, which would be much more traumatic than having them change schools and start in the right district. You could even be fined for out of district tuition. It is true that a portion of Garland is in Richardson ISD. I actually lived in Garland and went to a RISD elementary school way back in the 60's :). Best advice is to enroll the children in the school zoned for where you will be living, and stay an active, supportive parent in their education.
There are some parts of Garland that are actually in RISD, so have you checked to be sure of what school district the house is in? Unfortunately, there are many people that give false addresses to be in a school district. I know of many that do it in GISD. It is illegal and I personally would hate to live a lie. It would seem to me that it would be a bad example for your kids.
Yes, GISD is a very good school district and with the Choice of Schools, you are not bound to the school that is nearest to you. There is an excellent magnet program for Talented and Gifted kids and all of the magnets are exceptional schools. Your children can qualify for academics, art or music. There are three Academies for elementary kids that are academically gifted and they are all excellent - Hillside Academy, Kimberlin Academy and Walnut Glen Academy. For the Academies, your child must test in the top 10%. There are also two Math and Science magnets - Beaver and Watson and the Classical Center at Vial. For the magnets, your child must test in the top 25%.
There are many other good elementary schools in GISD. Most of the elementary schools in North Garland - Abbet, Armstrong, Cooper, Sachse and Rowlett are good as well as many in other areas of Garland. I am not familiar with Hickman Elementary, looks like they are rated Recognized. I would suggest you visit the campus and see what you think. I have heard good things about Routh Roach also.
Moving in the summer, you will miss the deadlines for Choice of School, but I believe they make exceptions for students moving into the district. I would contact the district to find out what your options are. GISD has many good options!
Only if you live in the RISD part of North garland -- near Jupiter/arapaho and Lookout.
I like garland schools. My kids went to Abbett, Webb and now Naaman. I don't know much about Hickman. You could try to choose your school or get put on a wait list for the one you want. I know Luna and abbett are both great schools.
thanks,
E.
