400K!…And I thought we’d done good on our sale, you blew us out of the water! That’s great! Can I ask, which community did you sell in that netted you that nest egg? Just me being nosey honestly, don’t mean to pry if it’s personal.
With regards to the school district thing, wish I could help. Our daughter went through Poway Unified K-3 then we lost out minds and moved to Temecula(sorry to the Temeculans on the board – no offense to you all – we lived in Silicone City (Crowne Hill)and we just did not fit in, plus the commute for my husband blew!). Once in Temecula we started homeschooling (various reasons I won’t bore you with), then continued homeschooling when we got back to San Diego through San Diego Unified School District’s homeschool program.
Our daughter is entering 7th grade this fall so I’ve been through all this school district drama recently (as compared to people I know who are grandparents and shake their heads at me for homeschooling because they have no idea what public schools are like these days).
First off I’d say check the school district web site and look at each schools “report card”. It’s a snap shot of their test scores, funds allocations, etc. Some of the schools in the older ‘hoods are often better off because they have established staff and faculty whereas schools in new developments can be a nightmare with new staff, new (as in very young) faculty, all of which leaves your kids education hanging in the balance while they sort out their issues.
I’ve spoken with many people at local parks, in our neighborhood and our old neighborhood in Sabre Springs. I’ve been very surprised by how many people have gone the private school route – and not for the usual religious reasons as I originally thought – they just want a good education for their kids and some control over what is taught, plus the opportunity for better extra curricular activites.
My point is, your child will be happy where ever you guys find a home and neighborhood you love, don’t stress about revolving it around a specific school.
The school thing is a tough call. You’ll have to really think about what you want from your school. Some people find it really important to be at a new school, with new rooms and new computers. Others like the older, established schools, while others like private or even homeschooling. Start researching now and by the time you are ready to buy you’ll know what you want in a school. Remember, inter-district and intra-district transfers exist for good reasons – if you find a home you love but the school isn’t perfect, you can always apply for a transfer. I’ve known lots of people in Scripps Ranch (San Diego Unified) who transferred to Poway Unified schools so their children could go to half day kindergarten (SDUSD has/had full day kinder). Don’t pass up on a home you guys will stay in for 10 years because it’s not in the school zone you want.
