I've just been informed that we're moving to Austin this summer. I have three kids, all school age, and could use some advice. I've always found DKos-ers to be exceedingly helpful with information of all kinds, so I was hoping to appeal to the community here.
My apologies to any serious diaries that I'm hastening down the list.
The advice I need pertains to school and living areas.
I need a district that has excellent special needs services, as one of my daughter's has severe autism and is currently in a self contained classroom.
My other two kids are average academically, the older one (the one in junior high) struggles more than the other (I'm in the process of having him evaluated for ADD). My junior high school son also isn't super athletic, and I've heard that schools in TX can be super jock oriented, with a lot of bullying aimed at the kids that aren't as athletic. I'd like to find a school that will challenge and support him, where he hopefully won't get pushed down the stairs. (from a charming anecdote from my aunt who lived in San Antonio for a while)
The districts I've heard tossed around as being strong overall academically as well as good with special ed are: Eames, Round Rock and Leander ISD.
Having said that, we have to find a place where we will enjoy living and that isn't too upscale or downscale. I guess we're looking for middle scale?? I've heard Eames is pretty swanky, but I don't know much about the other communities.
Any help or advice would be welcome, I'm not exactly looking forward to this. I've heard that Austin less of a culture shock for non-Texas folk like me, I'm crossing my fingers that we'll be