I have a son who will be ready for kindergarten in a year or so, and I've just found out that Houston is the school he'd be sent to, according to where we live. Can any parents give me their views on the school, particularly in the younger grades? Are the teachers kind and nurturing? Do the kids seem happy? Overall, have your kids been happy with the school? I'm really looking for a good school environment.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Houston just had an Open House. Below is the info from the Mount Airy Parent Network (Yahoo group). Houston's web site is: http://www.phila.k12.pa.us/schools/houston/ Don't know much about it personally.

Title: Houston School Open House Date: Friday May 16, 2008Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am Location: 7300 Rural Ln., Philadelphia, PA 19119Notes: Henry H. Houston school is having a kindergarten open house on MAY 16, 9:00-11:00AM. If you would like more information or would like to see the school at another time, please contact MAPN member Ken Campbell at 215 483 2596 or kenrcampbell@...

Ken Campbell's email address in Airedale's post is shortened. Here it is again -- kenrcampbell @ msn.com If Phillyblog lops it off again, PM me and I'll send it to you directly. The parents and administration at Houston are working very hard to keep kids in the catchment. I know that both Ken and the principal would be very happy to talk to you.

From what I know, the principal is finishing her first year there and the parents are really happy with her. She was previously the assistant principal at Henry and was well-regarded there as well. I know several people who have visited Houston recently and report that the school looks good and they're doing some exciting things there. I also know that they have a nice playground. Of those parents that I know, the biggest issues have been poor diversity compared to other area publics like Henry and Jenks, as well as standardized test scores.

Someone mentioned Mt. Airy Parents Network (MAPN). If you're not already a member, you might consider joining just for the school discussions. We just completed an education survey of our membership this month and will be setting up a series of programs to help parents.

Best of luck from another "Catherine C."!

My son won't be in kindergarten til 2009, but I visited Houston this spring and was very impressed. The playground has been mentioned, but I was also very excited about their library, which is unfortunately rare in a Philly public K-8 school. The building was very inviting, and I saw a whole lot of happy kids.

It's not our district school, but it's high on my list to learn more about.

Thanks, everyone! I really appreciate your input. I'll visit the school soon and check it out. And I'll report back, if I visit fast enough!