Hi,

I would really appreciate some opinions and advice from others and am hoping that a few parents in this group can help us out.

My husband and I are both currently looking for jobs (in IT) down in Austin. We were down in Round Rock a little over a year ago. We've been looking a lot of information online, but I'm wondering what opinions others have who are actually living there.

We've been looking at Round Rock and Cedar Park for housing. We have three boys, ages 12 (7th grade - will be in 8th this fall) and twin 3.5 year boys (who will be 4 in Oct and in Pre-school or Pre-K). So choosing schools is important for us.

I've checked out greatschools.com, but I'm not convinced that they are a great source for info on the schools.

Questions I have are:

1. At what age do kids start Pre-K there? Is Pre-K at the public elementary schools free or tuition based?

2. What is the average class size (pupil/teacher ratio)?

3. Do school districts there offer additional programs for assistance for kids (i.e. speech therapy if needed, reading or math programs for additional help in those areas)?

4. In the High Schools, do they offer advanced placement classes?

5. What are the elementary school times for the day?

6. What are the high school times?

7. Do Elementary schools there offer before & after school care programs (at a fee) for working parents?

8. Is there bus transportation to the schools if you are not within walking distance and if so, is it included in the school district budget (free to families) or do you have to pay a yearly fee to utilize bussing?

We are moving from SE Michigan. Curious about costs for living. We've gotten an idea of pricing on housing, but we're curious about finding averages for costs of cable/internet, heat, air condition, water/sewer.

Thanks for your help.

Kim Nuttle