4S has a large boys and girls club and the YMCA. This would be in addition to any of the other school programs in addition to the smaller private options as well. Plus those two have summer programs. YMCA can be on the more expensive side depending on which camp you chose. Each week can be something different, giving you the flexibility to mix it up and cater to the specific desires of the kiddo and your wallet.
In SR you have quite a few options as well. You have SAY at the schools (identical to ESS in Poway) In addition to Jing, KinderCare, Scripps Ranch Swim & Racquet Club, Sol City, & Maggie’s Art.
My son attends Jing and they too have additional enrichment options, Chess, Lego Club, Mad Science etc which is rotated throughout the year. I liked the idea of him learning Mandarin, since most schools do not expose children to a second language until middle school. Having lived abroad in Africa and Poland when he was 3-6 he was already exposed to the foreign languages, so I figured we’d continue to build on that.
My only concern if you were to elect for 4S/Del Sur is your commute. Give a cruise up the 15 one afternoon after you get off work, actually, do it a few times. It’s pretty painful. That combined with most after school programs end at 6pm, if you’re in a demanding career with long hours, you can find yourself smacking against that cut off. Plus I cannot stress enough, evenings FLY by with school age kids. If I get stuck grabbing him minutes before 6, by the time we get home decompress, walk the dogs, get dinner on the table and then finish homework, it’s bedtime. That’s not including throwing them in shower and reading to them and actually enjoying your kid time! Add in sports, any of the girlscout/boy scouts, music lessons… every.minute.counts!
Have you considered University City? Off of Governor Drive? I feel that area is a hidden gem. Would keep you guys close to SV for work however that split may make it painful.
What do you guys do for fun as a family? Are you going to be content with the local activities in 4S? Or do you find yourself maximizing the city and it’s attractions? Beaches? During the week, I’m a robot and we just get through the grind. Weekends we hit the town. I love being 20 minutes from just about anything we like to do. Museums, Balboa Park, Beaches, Restaurants, D&B… You’re kind of tucked away in 4S. Which isn’t bad if it fits your lifestyle!
