Northwest Houston 

The Houston Northwest area is a thriving community that encompasses a vast array of commercial and retail businesses, excellent hotels and recreational facilities, trees and parks for relaxation and lunch breaks, cultural and entertainment events, shopping and dining experiences.  

Houston loves it's sports teams! Professional sports seasons for baseball, hockey, soccer, and football are enthusiastically attended. The Houston Texans, and the Astros top the list for sports enthusiasts, as well as the Rockets and Comets basketball teams. The largest rodeo in the world takes place in Houston, and racing fans flock to the Sam Houston Race Track. Houston is truly an area of international events: The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, WorldFest, Houston International Festival, Texas Renaissance Festival, Houston Greek Festival, Houston Egyptian Festival, Houston Japan Festival, BayouCity Arts Festival are some.  

This area is experiencing rapid growth both in the real estate market, and business and commercial areas. Residents are making an investment in their locale through community organizations, development of business services, attracting nationwide businesses and educational institutions, and investing in real estate opportunities. The incredible growth of the general Houston area has resulted from plentiful natural resources, development of several transportation modalities, and a spirit of growth and pride. Over 100 ethnic groups contribute to the colorful character of Houston.  

Good educational institutions are recognized to be a cornerstone for healthy community development. The Cypress-Fairbanks, Klein, Spring, and Aldine Independent School Districts which serve the northwest area are highly rated, and the Montgomery Community College District, through a cooperative venture with colleges and universities in the area, allows students to expand their curricula, and to obtain higher degrees from such institutions as Texas A&M, Sam Houston State University, Texas Southern University, and the University of Houston. 

LOCATION 

The Northwest Houston area encompasses the commercial districts, towns, and residential areas that lie to the northwest of downtown Houston. I-90, I-290 and Hwy 6 and 249 travel through this area.  

TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORTS  

The Houston metropolitan area has many transportation services that ease the traveler’s journey. In January 2004 the new METRORAIL, a 7.5-mile light rail opened and Amtrak provides both passenger and commercial service through Houston. Major freeways provide quick access to and around the metropolitan area: I-45, State Hwy 249 and U.S. 290, and Hardy Tollway network the Houston area. METRO provides Park and Ride services as well as intercity regional bus routes. The Port of Houston is the nation’s third largest ocean port. The George Bush Intercontinental Airport, William P. Hobby, and Ellington Field all provide convenient air service to the general Houston area. Hooks Airport, a private facility with full capabilities for corporate aircraft, is also located here.  

BRIEF HISTORY 

The Northwest Houston area was settled primarily by farmers and ranchers during the mid 1800’s, and the population grew at a moderate pace until the mid 1900’s, at which time several expansions and facilities changed the face of this area. The forested areas gave way to increased urbanization with the rapid growth of the Houston area. The Bush Intercontinental Airport brought traffic and trade and visitors to the area, new businesses were established, and new housing developments sprang up. Champions Golf Course subdivision was the first of many custom home subdivisions that followed. During the 1980’s extensive retail, apartment, and commercial development took hold, and the 1990’s saw the establishment of Hooks Airport, along with an additional increase in commercial development.  

ABOUT EDUCATION 

Harris County School District serves all students in the general Houston area. The District is comprised of 22 ISD’s (Independent School Districts).  

Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (CFISD) is one of the districts in Harris County and is an example of the quality of education and extent of services that the District provides its students. CFISD has within its borders eight senior high schools, 14 middle schools (two of which will open in the Fall of 2005), and 40 elementary schools. In addition to its regular program of studies, CFISD has three special program facilities that serve students having particular needs and challenges. 

The Adaptive Behavior Center provides a supportive framework for students who have experienced behavioral, emotional, and academic difficulties at their school. A team approach helps students feel supported and have a sense of belonging to optimize the learning environment. A Behavior Management System provides meaningful rewards, educational tasks appropriate to the individual student, and supportive teacher intervention. Students learn better ways to interact in socially acceptable ways, and be more responsible. 

The emphasis in the Alternative Learning Center is on helping students develop better self esteem, to grow socially and emotionally, and develop more positive attitudes. The idea is that self esteem is achieved through academic and behavior successes, and better problem solving skills.  

Carlton Center serves full-time students who have mental retardation, and also have Autism or multiple disabilities.