April 10, 2012

Where to go to school

I've been really doing my homework about elementary, middle and high schools.  I'm comparing some high schools side by side, here's my table, just in case you're curious.  If you live in Las Vegas you should be.

Centennial
Palo Verde
Clark
Sierra Vista
Desert Oasis
Bonanza
Number of Students
3010
2804
2671
2107
1956
2184
Violence to other Students
28
38
54
61
28
64
Violence to staff
3
0
0
0
0
1
Possession of a weapon
3
7
2
4
2
7
Distribution of controlled substance
3
2
3
3
2
3
Possession/use of a controlled substance
17
40
36
41
27
36
Possession/use of Alcohol
2
9
10
3
7
2
Great Schools rating
8
10
6
7
6
7


So it seems to me that Centennial is my best option, unless of course they just aren't dealing with all their violence and drugs.  Palo Verde has the highest test scores (10, students I've talked to who went there said there were a lot of cliques and snobs and community comments agree), Centennial (8, may have racism issues), Clark (all community ratings say it's the best school in Las Vegas, but the test scores are lower and look at all the drugs and violence!)  I guess Desert Oasis is lower on drugs and violence, but their test scores aren't great and the community doesn't like them much either.

I think I might have to let go of my dream of my favorite neighborhood where the trees are taller than the houses and they were all built with a specific family in mind.  That's Clark high school, and magnet schools that are really difficult to get in to.  900 applications and 100 spots.  Subpar zoned elementary school.  A neighborhood that makes my heart sing, but the schools don't match.



I may move to the untamed desert.  The mountains sure are pretty.


But I love alive earth.
I love Nashville.