Quality Schools
The Town of Westlake is home to Westlake Academy, an innovative, public, Open Enrollment Charter School. Westlake is also serviced by three independent school districts that provide additional public school options. There are 20 Universities within 40 Miles of Westlake.
All residents are eligible to enroll their children (grades K-7 currently) in Westlake Academy. The Academy provides a rigorous international baccalaureate curriculum on par with any private school.
Residents of Glenwyck Farms Addition live inside the Carrol I.S.D. boundaries, while all other current residential subdivisions are within the Keller I.S.D. No residential development is currently inside the Northwest I.S.D. boundaries.
Public Schools
Westlake Academy - Public Charter School operated by the Town of Westlake. Rated Exemplary by the State of Texas during its first year, the Academy sets a new standard for public education in the area. K-7 Attendance: 265. K-8 Attendance slated for 2005-2006: 297.
Carroll I.S.D. - 5A Public School District. Rated Exemplary by the State of Texas. K-12 Attendance: 7,305. Subdivisions: Glenwyck Farms
Keller I.S.D. - 5A Public School District. Rated Recognized by the State of Texas. K-12 Attendance: 21,786. Subdivisions: Vaquero, Estates of Westlake, Aspen Lane, Paigebrooke Farms, Mahotea Boone, Stagecoach Hills
Northwest I.S.D. - 5A Public School District. Rated Recognized by the State of Texas. K-12 Attendance: 6,343
Higher Education
There are 20 Universities within 40 miles of Westlake, among them:
Southern Methodist University -
Southwestern Medical School -
Tarrant County College -
Texas Christian University -
University of Dallas -
University of North Texas -
University of Texas, Arlington -
http://www.westlake-tx.org/en/QualitySchools.html
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
History of Westlake
History of Westlake
by
The Town of Westlake was settled by Charles and Matilda Medlin when they arrived in the area with about 20 other families in 1847. They initially settled along Denton Creek but moved south to higher ground after weathering ferocious floods from the creek.
Until 1997, the three-story Medlin barn was a local historic landmark. When it had to be removed for safety issues, it was believed to be 130 years old. Legends include those of Sam Bass and Bonnie and Clyde hiding in the barn.
In 1956, Dallas lawyer Glen Turner purchased about 2,000 acres along State Highway 114. The area came to be known as Circle T Ranch.
Soon after, ranches and homeowners in the surrounding community incorporated, taking the name Westlake. The area included what is known today as Westlake, plus the area north, to the northern shore of Denton Creek. This northern land was later disannexed from Westlake and formed Trophy Club. By 1952, Denton Creek was dammed and Lake Grapevine was formed.
In the early 1970s, Houston developers Johnson and Loggins and professional golfer Ben Hogan approached Westlake about building a golf course, country club, and a housing development. Residents' interests differed. In 1973, Westlake disannexed that area, clearing the way for the upscale housing development.
In the mid 1970s, the Circle T Ranch was purchased by oil millionaire Nelson Bunker Hunt. The ranch became known for its glamorous parties attended by celebrities from all over the world. By 1989, Hunt had declared bankruptcy and the ranch was up for sale. It was purchased by Ross Perot Jr. in 1993.
In the mid 1980s, IBM built Solana, the multi use office complex. IBM maintained a large presence until the mid 1990s. At that time, several of the office buildings became available for use by other corporations. Eventually, IBM sold its partnership interest.
In 1997, to the dismay of residents, there was an attempt to dissolve the Town of Westlake. Many court battles -- including appeals to the Texas Supreme Court -- were waged as emotions rose.
by
The Town of Westlake was settled by Charles and Matilda Medlin when they arrived in the area with about 20 other families in 1847. They initially settled along Denton Creek but moved south to higher ground after weathering ferocious floods from the creek.
Until 1997, the three-story Medlin barn was a local historic landmark. When it had to be removed for safety issues, it was believed to be 130 years old. Legends include those of Sam Bass and Bonnie and Clyde hiding in the barn.
In 1956, Dallas lawyer Glen Turner purchased about 2,000 acres along State Highway 114. The area came to be known as Circle T Ranch.
Soon after, ranches and homeowners in the surrounding community incorporated, taking the name Westlake. The area included what is known today as Westlake, plus the area north, to the northern shore of Denton Creek. This northern land was later disannexed from Westlake and formed Trophy Club. By 1952, Denton Creek was dammed and Lake Grapevine was formed.
In the early 1970s, Houston developers Johnson and Loggins and professional golfer Ben Hogan approached Westlake about building a golf course, country club, and a housing development. Residents' interests differed. In 1973, Westlake disannexed that area, clearing the way for the upscale housing development.
In the mid 1970s, the Circle T Ranch was purchased by oil millionaire Nelson Bunker Hunt. The ranch became known for its glamorous parties attended by celebrities from all over the world. By 1989, Hunt had declared bankruptcy and the ranch was up for sale. It was purchased by Ross Perot Jr. in 1993.
In the mid 1980s, IBM built Solana, the multi use office complex. IBM maintained a large presence until the mid 1990s. At that time, several of the office buildings became available for use by other corporations. Eventually, IBM sold its partnership interest.
In 1997, to the dismay of residents, there was an attempt to dissolve the Town of Westlake. Many court battles -- including appeals to the Texas Supreme Court -- were waged as emotions rose.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Westlake Property Tax? "Never Say Never"
Friday, Sep. 05, 2008
Westlake Property Tax? 'Never Say Never’
Mayor Wheat: 'Never say never’
By A. Lee Graham
Staff Writer
Would Westlake ever levy a property tax? The prospect seems unthinkable to those calling the 700-person community home.
But the need to serve a larger populace could place the idea in the hands of town leaders.
"I would never say never," said Mayor Laura Wheat, no stranger to the subject.
Even before taking office in May, Wheat heard the idea discussed among aldermen. Serving Fidelity Investments among other tenants, not to mention attracting similarly desirable corporations to town, could require additional resources.
"Nobody likes property taxes," Town Manager Tom Brymer said. "But it’s a dependable revenue source."
Whether to seek additional revenue streams has not been decided, though officials cite a need not only to serve existing residents and corporate neighbors but to attract new ones.
"As you get more quality people, that attracts more," Alderman Rebecca Rollins said. "When you get to something like a Fidelity or a Deloitte, people are like, 'Wow!’ What we’re trying to concentrate on is looking for ways to generate more revenue."
But existing resources may be sufficient.
"If the town does not expand its residential base too much, there’s no reason why the town’s [existing] revenues shouldn’t be sufficient," said Scott Bradley, who served as mayor 14 years before stepping down in May.
Since moving to town in 1977, Bradley has watched the community balance growth and tradition. And property tax has always been a four-letter word to longtime residents.
"It’s a point of pride with the town," said Bradley. "With older residents, I can’t see they would ever consider that. I can’t speak for new residents."
Whether to consider a property tax in a community reaping most of its revenue from sales tax could rest with public demand.
"It depends entirely on how many services that citizens demand," said Bradley. "As far as I’m concerned, we have all the services I would want." If the Shops at Circle T and other planned projects reach fruition, Westlake could enjoy expanded retail revenue.
"There’s lots of retail opportunity," said Wheat. "We’ll see what happens."
Westlake Property Tax? 'Never Say Never’
Mayor Wheat: 'Never say never’
By A. Lee Graham
Staff Writer
Would Westlake ever levy a property tax? The prospect seems unthinkable to those calling the 700-person community home.
But the need to serve a larger populace could place the idea in the hands of town leaders.
"I would never say never," said Mayor Laura Wheat, no stranger to the subject.
Even before taking office in May, Wheat heard the idea discussed among aldermen. Serving Fidelity Investments among other tenants, not to mention attracting similarly desirable corporations to town, could require additional resources.
"Nobody likes property taxes," Town Manager Tom Brymer said. "But it’s a dependable revenue source."
Whether to seek additional revenue streams has not been decided, though officials cite a need not only to serve existing residents and corporate neighbors but to attract new ones.
"As you get more quality people, that attracts more," Alderman Rebecca Rollins said. "When you get to something like a Fidelity or a Deloitte, people are like, 'Wow!’ What we’re trying to concentrate on is looking for ways to generate more revenue."
But existing resources may be sufficient.
"If the town does not expand its residential base too much, there’s no reason why the town’s [existing] revenues shouldn’t be sufficient," said Scott Bradley, who served as mayor 14 years before stepping down in May.
Since moving to town in 1977, Bradley has watched the community balance growth and tradition. And property tax has always been a four-letter word to longtime residents.
"It’s a point of pride with the town," said Bradley. "With older residents, I can’t see they would ever consider that. I can’t speak for new residents."
Whether to consider a property tax in a community reaping most of its revenue from sales tax could rest with public demand.
"It depends entirely on how many services that citizens demand," said Bradley. "As far as I’m concerned, we have all the services I would want." If the Shops at Circle T and other planned projects reach fruition, Westlake could enjoy expanded retail revenue.
"There’s lots of retail opportunity," said Wheat. "We’ll see what happens."
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