As usual, FLU makes some very astute points. I agree that you’ll regret buying a townhome instead of just sucking it up for a couple more years.
I also want to confirm his info that some kids in that area are NOT going to be able to attend either of the elementary schools that are within walking distance, Sage Canyon and Ocean Air (both of which are the highest rated in the district). There are going to be some confused and angry parents out there who thought that buying in that area guaranteed admission to either school.
Here’s an excerpt from an article published in the Del Mar Times on July 1, 2010, recapping the results of a recent DMUSD Bd of Trustees meeting:
“Del Mar school district to cap enrollment at Sage Canyon and Ocean Air –
The Del Mar Union School District will cap enrollment this fall at Ocean Air and Sage Canyon School to avoid overcrowded campuses.
Most district schools are anticipated to have sufficient capacity to accommodate all students who reside within their attendance boundaries – except for Ocean Air and Sage Canyon, whose neighborhoods are experiencing growth due to new housing developments.
Kindergarten and second grade at Ocean Air will be capped at six sections (classes), and first and third grade capped at five. Fourth grade will be capped at four sections, and fifth and sixth grade at 3.5 sections.
Sage Canyon kindergarten, second and third grades will be capped at five sections, first grade at six sections, fourth grade at four sections, and fifth and sixth at 4.5 sections.
Students who don’t get into their school of choice will be placed at an alternate school.
‘We know we are offering a wonderful education at any one of our school sites,’ Trustee Katherine White said.”
EDIT – I added the word “SOME” to the statement that kids are not going to be able to attend either Ocean Air or Sage Canyon even if they live in that area. Obviously there will still be kids in that area attending those schools!
One more point…the schools that the overflow kids will be sent to are pretty far away. Parents will be driving at least another 10-15 mins (maybe more in morning rush hour) one way to the other elementary schools in the DMUSD district.
