First Things First: What Matters Most?

Before we dive into specific schools, let’s chat about what you value. Is it sky-high test scores? A nurturing, community-focused environment? Or maybe a killer robotics team? Here’s a rundown of the key areas we’ll be exploring:

• Academic Prowess: Think standardized tests, graduation rates, and college readiness.
• Teacher-Student Magic: The impact of smaller class sizes and dedicated educators.
• Beyond the Books: Extracurricular activities that ignite passions and build well-rounded individuals.
• School Spirit & Community Vibes: A positive, inclusive atmosphere where everyone thrives.
• Parent Perspectives: Real-life experiences and testimonials from fellow Plano families.

Spotlight on Plano’s Public-School Gems

Plano ISD consistently shines, and for good reason! Here are a few standouts:

High Schools:

• Plano West Senior High School: The Academic Powerhouse (Website: Plano West Senior High School)

• Academic Performance: 

• Consistently high STAAR test scores, exceeding state averages.
• Robust Advanced Placement (AP) program with high pass rates.

• Strong college acceptance records, with students attending prestigious universities.
• Graduation rate typically above 95%.

• Teacher-Student Ratios: 

• Varies by class, but generally aligns with Plano ISD averages.
• Expect larger class sizes in core subjects, but specialized programs may have smaller ratios.

• Extracurricular Activities and Programs: 

• Extensive athletics program (football, basketball, soccer, etc.).
• Award-winning fine arts programs (band, orchestra, theater).
• Numerous academic clubs (debate, science Olympiad, robotics).
• Strong STEM focus with advanced courses and competitions.

• School Culture and Community Involvement: 

• High-achieving environment with a focus on academic excellence.
• Strong school spirit and pride.
• Active parent-teacher associations.

• Parent Reviews and Testimonials: 

• Parents often praise the school’s rigorous academics and college preparation.
• Some express concerns about the competitive environment.
• Search online forums and parent review sites for details.

1. Plano Senior High School: A Legacy of Excellence Detailed.  (Website: Plano Senior High School)

• Academic Performance: 

• Solid academic performance with a history of high graduation rates.
• Offers a wide range of AP and dual credit courses.
• Diverse student body contributing to a rich educational experience.

• Teacher-Student Ratios: 

• Comparable to other Plano ISD high schools.
• Teachers are generally accessible and dedicated.

• Extracurricular Activities and Programs: 

• Strong athletics programs with a variety of sports.
• Highly regarded fine arts programs, including band, choir, and theater.
• Numerous clubs and organizations catering to diverse interests.

• School Culture and Community Involvement: 

• Strong sense of tradition and school spirit.
• Diverse student population fostering a welcoming environment.
• Active Alumni.

• Parent Reviews and Testimonials: 

• Parents appreciate the school’s diverse environment and wide range of opportunities.
• Many highlight the strong fine arts and athletics programs.

• Jasper High School: Building a Solid Foundation Breakdown (Website: Jasper High School)

• Academic Performance: 

• Excellent academic preparation for high school.
• Focus on foundational skills and knowledge.
• High standardized test scores.

• Teacher-Student Ratios: 

• Generally favorable ratios, allowing for more individualized attention.

• Extracurricular Activities and Programs: 

• Variety of clubs and activities to engage students.
• Strong emphasis on academic clubs and preparation for high school programs.

• School Culture and Community Involvement: 

• Supportive and nurturing environment.
• Strong focus on building a solid academic foundation.

• Parent Reviews and Testimonials: 

• Parents frequently mention the school’s ability to prepare their children for the rigor of high school.

4. Plano East Senior High School: Diverse Opportunities (Website: Plano East Senior High School) 

• Academic Performance: 
  • Offers a wide variety of academic programs, including AP and dual credit courses.
  • Strong emphasis on career and technical education (CTE).
  • Focus on providing a well-rounded education.
• Teacher-Student Ratios: 
  • Comparable to other Plano ISD high schools.
• Extracurricular Activities and Programs: 
  • Robust athletics programs.
  • Active fine arts programs.
  • Diverse clubs and organizations.
• School Culture and Community Involvement: 
  • Diverse student body.
  • Strong community involvement.
• Parent Reviews and Testimonials: 
  • Parents appreciate the school’s diverse offerings and supportive environment.

Middle Schools:

• Rice Middle School: Academic Excellence and Innovation (Website: Rice Middle School) 

• Academic Performance: 

• Consistently high academic performance.
• Focus on STEM education.
• Strong emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving.

• Teacher-Student Ratios: 

• Good ratios allowing for good teacher student interaction.

• Extracurricular Activities and Programs: 

• Wide range of clubs and activities.
• Strong athletics programs.

• School Culture and Community Involvement: 

• Positive and supportive school culture.

• Parent Reviews and Testimonials: 

• Parents often praise the quality of teaching and the focus on academic growth.

• Renner Middle School: (Website: Renner Middle School) 

• Strong all-around performance in academics and extracurriculars. Known for a good school culture.

Elementary Schools:

• Haggar Elementary School: Strong Community Focus (Website: Haggar Elementary School) 

• Academic Performance: 

• Strong focus on foundational skills.
• Dedicated teachers.

• Teacher-Student Ratios: 

• Good ratios.

• Extracurricular Activities and Programs: 

• Various clubs and activities.

• School Culture and Community Involvement: 

• Strong community involvement.
• Nurturing environment.

• Parent Reviews and Testimonials: 

• Parents appreciate the strong sense of community and the dedicated teachers.

• Andrews Elementary School: (Website: Andrews Elementary School) 

1. • Consistently high performance, and known for a caring staff.

Preschool Options:

• Plano ISD Early Childhood School: (Website: Plano ISD Early Childhood School) 

• Provides a strong foundation for early learners.
• Focus on developmental skills.
• Experienced and caring staff.

• Primrose School of Plano at Preston Meadow: (Website: Primrose School of Plano at Preston Meadow) 

• A well-known private preschool option.
• Focus on balanced learning.
• Strong reputation.

Private School Picks: Faith, Academics, and More

For families seeking a private education, Plano has some fantastic options:

• John Paul II High School: Faith-Based Excellence (Website: John Paul II High School)

• Academic Performance: 

• Rigorous college preparatory curriculum.
• High graduation rates and strong college acceptance records.
• Focus on character development alongside academics.

• Teacher-Student Ratios: 

• Smaller class sizes compared to public schools.
• Personalized attention from teachers.

• Extracurricular Activities and Programs: 

• Athletics, fine arts, and various clubs.
• Opportunities for faith-based service and leadership.

• School Culture and Community Involvement: 

• Strong sense of community and faith.
• Values-driven education.

• Parent Reviews and Testimonials: 

• Parents appreciate the school’s focus on faith and character.
• Many highlight the close-knit community and supportive environment.

• Prestonwood Christian Academy: A Comprehensive Approach Analyzed (Website: Prestonwood Christian Academy)

• Academic Performance: 

• • Comprehensive curriculum from preschool through high school.
  • Strong AP and dual credit programs.

• High academic standards.

• Teacher-Student Ratios: 

• Varies by grade level, but generally favorable.

• Extracurricular Activities and Programs: 

• Extensive athletics program with state-level success.
• Highly developed fine arts programs.
• Numerous clubs and organizations.

• School Culture and Community Involvement: 

• Christian worldview integrated into all aspects of education.
• Large, active community.

• Parent Reviews and Testimonials: 

• Parents appreciate the school’s comprehensive approach and strong Christian values.
• They also appreciate the large number of extracurricular options.

Charter Schools: Alternative Educational Paths

1. Legacy Preparatory Charter Academy (Website: Legacy Preparatory Charter Academy Plano )

• Academic Performance: 

• College preparatory focus.
• Emphasis on strong foundational skills.
• Individualized learning plans.

• Teacher-Student Ratios: 

• Smaller class sizes, promoting closer teacher-student interaction.

• Extracurricular Activities and Programs: 

• Clubs and activities that promote leadership and character.

• School Culture and Community Involvement: 

• Community focused.

• Emphasis on student involvement.

• Parent Reviews and Testimonials: 

• Parents appreciate the smaller class sizes, and focus on college preparation

The decision of where your child goes to school is inextricably linked to where you call home. Ensuring a good school district is often a top priority for families. Resolution Realty Group understands this connection and is dedicated to helping you find a home that perfectly aligns with your educational aspirations.