PartyBear said:
Midway is not like it was in the 80s and before. It is alot more diverse now. It is not a rural small school. It is a big suburban school. Now I'm talking about the high school specifically. Down at the elementary school level there are probably a couple that are not that diverse.
This; however, Midway is still a very good school. They offer a wide variety of interest where most kids will be able to find their own clique. Many kids have to specialize in one sport to make a team, even at the junior high level due to the sheer volume of kids. Example ...
My daughter (at Lorena - listed below) was on Varsity Cross Country and Track her freshman year. (Granted she was fast - went to regionals that year). Her junior year she decided to play soccer for the first time since kindergarten. She was a started her senior season. She's a good athlete; however, that doesn't happen at a Midway. Most of those kids are year round club players to make the school squad. My niece (life long club soccer player) didn't make the Midway freshman team because she couldn't get her mile time under Midway's parameters. (This is part her fault for not working as hard as she should have in the summer.)
The following are my opinions ...
McGregor - Your friend probably saw nice houses with the McGregor zip code that are not in McGregor ISD. These are homes along the 84 corridor that are in Midway ISD. The actual town of McGregor is not a preferred spot at this point.
Crawford - Small school district - 2A. Very good school. Great parental involvement. A little further away from Waco than most areas; however, many don't mind the drive. They are very competitive in all sports.
China Spring - Nice bedroom community on the northwest side of Waco. It's a mixture of haves and have nots. It's a growing area as they just moved up to Class 4A - Division I. My cousin has taught in there for 15 years (even though she's too is a Midway grad and still lives in Woodway.) One disappointing thing is that they did not participate in junior Cross Country the last two years. I've heard that it was a budget issue. I don't know the whole truth; however, how do you allow that?
Woodway - These homes will always hold their value. Midway ISD- See previous opinions listed. All valid. Great lower level schools. Great HS. One has to decide if they want a huge school or a small school for their kids.
Lorena - As a Midway grad, I moved my family here 18 years ago. Growing bedroom community south of Waco. Great schools. Small schools. Kids all have a chance to play whatever sport they like (For the most part). They are one of the smaller 4A schools in the state; however, they highly competitive in all areas. My wife has taught 2nd grade here for a several years. Pros: Small town feel where everyone know everyone like family. Cons: Everyone knows everyone.
Robinson - 4A school south east of Waco. Close to Waco for convenience. Competitive in most sports. Smaller than China Spring; however approximately 40% more kids than Lorena. Good schools.
