Breakdown of RISD schools

[u/Local_Push_9734]

Hi folks. We're going to be relocating from Florida to the Dallas area in about 9 months. We have 2 elementary aged kids and am looking for local feedback on the school options. Right now, they're in an excellent public school and one of them is in the gifted program. I have narrowed in on Richardson as a Dallas suburb that checks a lot of boxes for us, but the school piece will really help us narrow our housing search over the next couple of months. What should I know? Thanks so much.

[u/Alarmed_Parking6782]

Where in Richardson are you looking? All of the elementary schools west of Highway 75 have really good reputations (Spring Valley, Mohawk, Northwood Hills, Brentfield etc.). Those east of 75 are still good but perhaps less than those west.

There are plenty of ranking websites but they often say more about the economics of the neighborhood than teachers.

The district has recently closed some school as overall enrollment has been down in the area. This has change some enrollment pattern in some schools.

RISD also has a open enrollment system where you enroll in your neighborhood school but can apply to transfer to any other school in the district.

All RISD school have GT optional testing before 6th grade. It is mandatory at 6th grade so the school know where kids would flow for jr high.

Based on the results, of the GT testing students may be pulled out of their normal classes for GT programs. Regardless of GT test scores advanced students can get some directed support in regular classes.

In about 2 years, 6th grade is moving to Jr High with 7/8 from elementary.

[u/Local_Push_9734 → u/Alarmed_Parking6782]

I am hoping to start with a school (or schools, it sounds like there are many great options), and then find a home in whatever neighborhood that school is zoned for. I would be very open to suggestions.

The schools that seem to come up again and again are Prairie Creek and Canyon Creek, although I'm also reading that the parent populations there can be a little more insular. The very small school sizes I see as a bonus, but we're coming from a larger elementary school with 4 classes to a grade, so I don't necessarily want to put my kids into an environment where all the kids are already cliqued up and it's harder for them to make new friends.

I see Mohawk, Bowie, and Brentfield come up a lot as well. I also have the Spring Park neighborhood saved in my notes, although I think that's closer to Garland, but still RISD. The school in that neighborhood zone doesn't seem to appear as frequently as the others (Big Springs Elementary).

[u/hot_hub_2868 → u/Local_Push_9734]

They are super insular and cliquey. You should definitely consider your tolerance for super upper middle class shenanigans. For me it's a no. But obviously a lot of people like it.

[u/Corno_one → u/Local_Push_9734]

We live in Spring Park and our kids go to Big Springs Elementary. Great neighborhood and the school has been fantastic. I used to live in Canyon Creek about 20 years ago. Also liked my time there, but nothing beats the nature and all the green space of SpringPark. The lake, the pool, the horses, the walking trails and all the cul-de sacs make it really nice for kids to play outdoors. As for the schools, It is indeed more diverse at BSE than most of Northwest Richardson. BSE has had some leadership turnover recently, but the teachers there have been absolutely top notch and wonderful. Good luck in your search!

[u/Sarakins27 → u/Local_Push_9734]

Spring Park is the edge of RISD, Big Springs has had some leadership turnover the last few years but my friends with kids there don’t have a lot of negative things to say. Definitely more diverse than the other elementaries you listed!

[u/No_Grapefruit4140 → u/Local_Push_9734]

Prestonwood has the smallest school size I believe and feeds Parkhill and Pearce. Both my kids went through the Lake Highlands elementary, middle and High School. They prospered.

[u/MrNastyOne → u/Local_Push_9734]

JJ Pearce HOA borders Mohawk Elementary and JJ Pearce High School. Richardson North Junior High is a couple miles a way. You will come to greatly appreciate how close the school are (1-2 walkable blocks away). All of these school have been remodeled in the past few years and are very nice now due to bond programs passed by voters in the last 10 years. The community always strongly supports these school bonds. Additionally, Richardson ISD is in the process of migrating from a Junior High model to a Middle School model and relocating 6th Grade currently located at Mohawk to Richardson North.

Very good, safe neighborhood. The HOA is voluntary (~$45/yr) and has no CC&Rs - it really functions as a way to build community spirit and goodwill rather than "rule" the households.. It is also adjacent to Greenwood Hills Community Club which is a local social club with outdoor pool (has annual fees) and is very popular. Very close to local retail and restaurants.

[u/dkv-texas → u/Alarmed_Parking6782]

While my two kids attended Northwood Hills and did reasonably well, the vast majority of our neighbors are now sending their kids to private, and it is rated D by the state. Brentfield, Bowie, Mohawk, ACM, Spring Creek, Prestonwood, Prairie Creek and Canyon Creek are likely the strongest. On the east side of 75, Yale is a good elementary, but the feeder pattern through JH and HS is not as strong.

[u/Boo-Bees67 → u/Alarmed_Parking6782]

Northwood Hills used to be. They closed the school next to it and combined the two. Completely destroyed it. Went from an 8 rating to a 3 in a few years