EDUCATION
High Quality Education is a
Top Priority Educators Place a Priority on Delivering the Highest Quality Educational Opportunities Possible for Residents of All Ages BY MELISSA MILLER YOUNG
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ducation matters, and access to good schools is at the top of the list for people with families that move to the area. Education is a perk of living in Allen and Fairview for those with school-aged children, but whether they have children in the systems or not, the people of both communities understand the value that strong school districts provide to the community. And the region’s schools deliver. For families seeking a private education, there are 90 private schools in Collin County, including Prestonwood Christian Academy, which offers a biblically-based, Christ-centered education for its 1,500 pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students. The public schools are also topnotch. The Allen Independent School
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A L L E N FA I R V I E W C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E
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district serves the City of Allen as well as portions of Parker and McKinney. Student enrollments have risen steadily with the current size approaching 21,000 in grades kindergarten through 12. These students attend one of 17 elementary schools, three middle schools, the Lowery Freshman Center and Allen High School. Parents have high expectations and Allen ISD meets those with results. Students consistently score above state and area school district averages, and the district maintains a 98 percent graduation rate, sending more than 80 percent of graduates on to post-high school educational opportunities. Allen ISD and the City of Allen enjoy a long-standing partnership too, and have combined school and park properties, have built a community
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natatorium, and share facilities for recreation and social activities. Strong community support has enabled the school district to move forward with a number of facility improvement projects including a new Freshman Center, a new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Center, and an eighteenth elementary school. Renovations are also planned for several elementary schools and portions of Allen High School. In Fairview, students are served by two school districts, the Lovejoy Independent School District and the McKinney Independent School District. Lovejoy ISD is home to more than 4,000 students and consists of three elementary schools, one intermediate school, one middle school, and one high school. Known for its award winning academic, fine arts, and athletic programs, Lovejoy ISD, in partnership with parents and community, is committed to providing opportunities for students to reach their academic and personal potential. Lovejoy ISD graduated its first senior class in 2010, and consistently receives both state and national recognitions, having been ranked as the #1 public school district in the State of Texas and the #5 public school district in the