Which ISD Is the Best?

P.,

You are looking at 3 VERY good school districts, but VERY different structures.

Coppell is a very down home place. The town is very family centric. We don't have as much industry in town as the other two you mentioned. I really love living here. Still, small town feel is not for everyone and the taxes are high.

Frisco is one of my clients. Their schools are limited to a specific number in classes and then they build a new school. Frisco is growing fast. There is tons of shopping and the town seems to have a lot of industry. Industry reduces your taxes, but takes away the home town feel.

West Plano, big city, big school feel. I'm not sure what class sizes are limited to in Plano. This is the least that I know about. I do have friends in the Plano area and they love the school district.

I think all these schools are great academically. You just have to determine where you want to raise your kids and the atmosphere that best suits your family.

Good luck and the best to you! I hope this helps!

Jodi

Go to www.schoolmatters.org, and you can compare the ISDs, and even look for the best school within each district.

Someone once described Plano schools to me as a "pressure cooker" for kids. There's alot of academic pressure, as well as a pretty big drug problem. The financial pressure to have the best clothes, the best car, etc., is also a big stressor. Plano also has a number of street gangs. Even though they are mostly on the east side of the city, it can be a concern for some families.

I used to work as a family therapist in Plano with kids and families who attend Plano schools, so I've heard first-hand alot of the concerns I've mentioned above about Plano.

I've heard good things about Frisco ISD. I really don't know anything about Coppell schools.

Even though it's not one of the cities you're considering, McKinney is definitely a school district and city in which I would recommend raising a family. Great schools and a growing communtiy, but it still retains its small-town feel, at least for now.

Best of luck to you with your search and decision!!

I live in Frisco and we love it. The kids are nice, but I have alot of friends who are now docs, that went to Plano West School. They recommend that one highly (realtors), although I don't have much more info except stick to West Plano if in Plano.

Hey P.,

I actually went to Coppell High School, and graduated from there in 1999. I don't know if it was because I moved during my high school experience or what, but I wasn't a big fan. Coppell (and no offense to anyone who loves it) has changed a lot since I went to school there. It's just a snobby kind of place. Example "My daddy is buying me a brand new BMW for my 16th birthday. Should I get red, black, or white, because it has to be a school color." 6 months later... "I wrecked my new car, but daddy says not to worry. I'm getting a Mercedes!" It's just ridiculous. They used to pride themselves on giving great educations and a wholesome environment. It's just not now. If you'd like to contact me, I'll give you more details.

As for West Plano, I honestly don't know much about Plano ISD except for the big "drug bust" it went through 10+ years ago.

I have, however, heard lots of good things about Frisco ISD. Plus, it's growing like mad, and seems to be a great centralized location.

Hope it helps, and let me know if you need more info about Coppell in particular.

Happy New Year!
A.

Hi P.. What you consider 'the best". What are your needs - Teacher/Child ratio? Special needs? Athletics? Crime? When I researched this information I went to the state site: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/perfreport/account/2006/index..... Of course there are other online lists to review... just thought you might want to start with a sate-wide list. Hope this helps.

I know this wasnt one of your choices, but the schools with the highest ratings in the DFW area are in Highland Park and McKinney as well as Plano and Coppell. TExas Monthly ranked the schools in this area as well as (I think) D Magazine. You may also want to look at greatschools.net