FReeper moving to D/FW area needs input on area Churches & Schools

November 26, 2002 | getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL

[MeekOneGOP]

FReeper moving to D/FW area needs input on area Churches & Schools

Not for myself, but for FReeper getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL, whose spouse is military and being reassigned. Their family will relocate to the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area and wishes to establish themselves. Since I am not a wealth of information regarding the schools and churches, I suggested that I could try to help by posting a "vanity" article to seek help from the good FReepers in the D/FW area that were familiar with the schools and churches and could provide helpful input.

Here is a note I received from getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL regarding her needs, etc...

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I would love any information on Christian and/or Catholic schools that are known for their strong emphasis in Biblical teaching. Churches of the same mindset, as well; very community & fellowship oriented (as dh is gone a lot, and I could definitely use some like-minded friends, and even some help with my children at times).

After finding these two things, I would then like info on home builders, family-oriented neighborhoods, wonderful parks, etc...

If I had to move tomorrow, what I have found so far leads me to the west-southwestern part of Plano, north Carrollton area, I suppose. So far, what I have read about, I am really interested in Carrollton Christian Academy. I would love some personal experiences regarding this area and/or school, if anyone has had them.

I really appreciate your help! We are facing the possible activation of dh's military status, and would like to move within the next 6 months in order to take advantage of low interest rates. I keep elaborating, but I'll spare you.

Folks can private mail me, or arrange this however you see best.

Thank you so much!

[MeekOneGOP]

Actually I live in far NE Dallas county, but in re-reading my post that's not clear.

I lived in Arlington back in the 70s and early 80s when I attended UT Arlington. I lived on campus and I liked it ok. For getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL's needs, I agree that Arlington might not be suitable.

The teen suicide problem in Plano is due to parental/peer high expectations on their kids for scholastic achievement and some kids can't handle the stress. Well, at least that's what I have decided, anyway, from a few reports I've seen.....

[MissAmericanPie]

You live in the area? Great! I wouldn't recommend Arlington to anyone, the 90's have not been good to the place, it's become very much third world. Have you heard much about Mansfield?

It's a growing area right now for middle to high income families yet still keeps a small town flavor with its historic downtown, hometown festivals, and friendly churches. It's south of Arlington, golf courses, country clubs. An acquaintance of mine is President of the garden club there, and Joe Pool Lake is a great recreation lake with a beautiful marina.

She might want to put it on her list of look sees.

[getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL]

I hope that I'm not breaking protocol here in replying to everyone at one time, but my box overfloweth!!

Let me first thank so many of you for giving me such wonderful links to go through in the next few days! I look forward to all of them, as well as replying to you all as I go through them.

Next, let me apologize for the fact that it's taken me so long to respond in this thread. I will briefly explain why, and I think this will give you all a sense of where I am coming from and why my needs re: moving are somewhat unique.

Dh is an airline pilot. He is also a Marine Corps Reservist. After serving several Reserve years working on the ground side, he recently landed a new position which has him flying again in the Corps. A few days ago, he returned from completing two weeks of training in his new plane. Several hours ago, he left again for a few days of airline flying. (sigh...)

As a FReeper might imagine from my call sign...we are not happy campers having to raise our children where we are now. We had dreamed prior to 9-11, to be back in AZ about now, planting roots for our family. We are adjusting things according to variables regarding a possible activation, possible deployment, wage loss, seniority, etc...

I am very excited to be moving to an area where more times than not, folks say hello to strangers, are polite around children (and even adults)and are God-fearing, fellowship type Christians. Wearing all the hats that I do, as a sahm, virtual single parent, and possibly active duty military family again; I very much need some fellowship & community (in the safest of areas), that I feel, the airlines, the Reserves, and South FL just don't bring.

We are both born, schooled, raised and married in the Catholic Church. Up until a few years ago, sending our children to Catholic schools was without question. My only gripe: I want my children to learn the Bible; Not just the stories, but the Word. We would love to find a great Catholic parish and school, but are looking a lot closer at non-denom. Christian schools.

And because this post is getting waaay too long, this is my last important point to squeeze in here...I am deathly afraid of tornadoes. No laughing, no dismissing it. I probably should be in some therapy, that is how afraid I am. I have always had nightmares about them, have known people who've been killed in them...that kind of scared. SO....reassurance, good recommendations for quality builders would be HIGHLY appreciated as well. (lol!...sigh...)

Oh me! I am ever so *thankful* for all you FReepers, and all the others I have met here! God bless you all this Thanksgiving!!

[PAR35]

If you haven't already googled them up:

List of Catholic schools: http://www.cathdal.org/CatholicSchools.htm

Ursuline (high school for girls) has an outstanding reputation.

Of the schools mentioned above, Prestonwood is linked to the church presently pastored by the head of the Southern Baptist Convention. Trinity Christian Academy is non-denominational. Public schools in some suburbs can be a viable alternative.

There is a wide selection of Catholic churches in the Dallas area. Worship styles do vary.
http://www.cathdal.org/DallasParishes.htm
http://www.cathdal.org/Out%20of%20Dallas%20Parishes.htm

[PAR35]

RE: tornados

For less than $10,000.00 you should be able to either have a safe room installed or a storm shelter put in. A "do-it-yourself" anchored in a large closet would be even cheaper.

[sinkspur]

Places to not live: Euless, South Ft Worth, South Dallas, Oak Cliff, West Ft Worth is ok just not near anything, Irving, Richardson, Dallas (except maybe north east)

Euless is a fine place to live, since I live here. Nice neighborhoods, and the area I live in is in the Grapevine/Colleyville School District without the Colleyville housing costs.

Maybe you've singled out the areas you've singled out because we, along with the others, live alongside black people.

My black neighbors are some of my best neighbors.

[sinkspur]

You, also, are clueless about Euless.

[sinkspur]

For less than $10,000.00 you should be able to either have a safe room installed or a storm shelter put in. A "do-it-yourself" anchored in a large closet would be even cheaper.

A waste of money. The odds, even in Texas, of getting a direct hit from a tornado are in the millions.

Spend the money on a Hummer. You've got a greater chance of getting run over by one of the transplanted Yankees than a tornado.

[sinkspur]

We are both born, schooled, raised and married in the Catholic Church. Up until a few years ago, sending our children to Catholic schools was without question.

Holy Trinity Catholic School in Grapevine is outstanding, though it is tough to get in to, since it serves four parishes.

Nolan Catholic High School in Fort Worth is the only Catholic High School in Tarrant County.

[Centurion2000]

Euless is a fine place to live, since I live here. Nice neighborhoods, and the area I live in is in the Grapevine/Colleyville School District without the Colleyville housing costs.

Maybe you've singled out the areas you've singled out because we, along with the others, live alongside black people.

Not sure what part of Euless you live in (perhaps North of Trinity High school and east of 157) but there are parts of Euless that I would never live in.

As far as pointing out which places NOT to live in. Who cares if there are blacks in the area. I was referrring to general upkeep of the cities and the crime levels.

I have black neighbors too in Plano. It's a crime issue, not a race one.

[FreedomCalls]

Speaking of crime. Remember the neighborhood crimes maps that used to be on APBNews.com? Is there anything like that out there anywhere else? I miss those pages since APB News went bankrupt. It made this kind of neighborhood search easy.

[FreedomCalls]

Here is what they look like.

[sinkspur]

Not sure what part of Euless you live in (perhaps North of Trinity High school and east of 157) but there are parts of Euless that I would never live in.

That's exactly where I live. There are parts of Watauga and North Richland Hills where I would never live, but they were on your recommended list.

I would have, were I you, focused on where to live. Period. This woman is not going to decide where to live based on the word of a bunch of strangers.

[MeekOneGOP]

Thanks for the ever-so-warm reply. You have a great Thanksgiving!

And best of luck in relocating to D/FW. I'm sure you'll be happy here.

[MeekOneGOP]

I found this image just a short while ago. I thought this was funny....

[SWake]

A 4' X 8' bolt-together design that can be built into the corner of the garage costs less than $4k. Some think it's not worth the money, but guess whose door gets knocked on when the clouds get weird?

http://www.keepsaferooms.com/

[getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL]

Promised the girls I would watch the Macy's Parade on tv with them, so gotta run. But wanted to share *this* one with all of you...depending on your sense of humor, and guests this Thanksgiving, you might want to give it a try!!! The Tan-Line Turkey

1. Cut out aluminum foil in desired shapes.

2. Arrange the turkey in the roasting pan, position the foil carefully (see attached)

3. Roast according to your own recipes and serve.

4. Watch your guests as they try to decide where to start carving.

[MeekOneGOP]

LOL ! Love it !!

[PAR35]

She wouldn't be buying protection from a tornado, she would be buying peace of mind. If she is that worried about the storms, it might be a worth-while investment for her.

An alternative for new construction would be a steel framed house.

Speaking of tornados - is the BankOne Tower in Fort Worth still on the market?

[sinkspur]

Speaking of tornados - is the BankOne Tower in Fort Worth still on the market?

Yep. It's still standing there, because it will cost as much to remove the asbestos by hand as the building and property are worth.