Let me talk about the pluses and minuses of the UC listings that were posted. As many of you know – I’m a UC resident – and grew up here as well. I went to Curie in the 60’s and my kids go there now.
Curie Elementary: Very good school. Not all teachers are great, though. A lot of “teaching to the test”. A number of teachers are older and may not have adapted to newer curriculum. There are some excellent teachers as well. VERY high parental involvement. Lacks socioeconomic diversity -so kids are all from the same background. (Some folks think this is good, others think it’s too insular.) 1/3 of the kids are GATE. Not a Seminar school.
Spreckels Elementary. Disclaimer – my sister teaches there. Spanish language magnet so it draws kids from throughout the district. This gives it the socioeconomic and racial diversity (and probably impacts the API scores). If you look at the API scores by race – white kids (neighborhood kids) do very well. (921). It has a Seminar program (super gifted kids). It has spanish language programs as part of it’s magnet. Very high parental involvement.
Disclaimer again: I considered choicing my kids into Spreckels for the diversity. I’m of the belief that kids need to see kids from different situations – life is not as insular as Curie.
6223 Radcliffe.
– Overlooks Genesee and the apartments on Genesee. Backyard is 100% pool. In the Spreckels elementary boundaries (even though closer to Curie.) Nice house, nice location, but the backyard would be a deal breaker for me.
7095 Condon.
– Overlooks Rose Canyon. Nice views. Would get train noise and traffic noise from Genesee. Not sure how loud it would be during the drop off/pickup hours for UCHS. I like this house – but noise might be an issue. Also in the Spreckels boundary.
4628 Benhurst
– Disclaimer again. My best friend growing up lived in the 1 story next door, LOL. Nice street. backs to a hillside that has houses below. Curie district. Looks to be a fixer – so probably overpriced… depending on the work needed.
6425 Edmonton.
– Literally next door to Curie. In fact teachers and some parents access the front parking lot through the alley next to this house. (You’ll see me walking my dog in that alley to pick up my sons from the after school program.) Lots of traffic on this street (and parking issues) due to the school. House was added onto over the years – doesn’t look like all additions make sense. But the ultimate “walk to school” house since it abuts the school.
UC in general:
UTC/North UTC is mostly condos with some detached homes. Newer homes. Denser development. Homes are in the Doyle Elementary boundary.
South UC (south of Rose Canyon, north of 52) has a variety of homes built between 1962 and 2000. Homes from the 60’s tend to be 2000sf and less. Newer (late 70’s) larger homes are in a pocket just north of Henries Market – between Mercer and Regents. Most of the houses on canyons or hillsides have larger lots. (80% of my block has 10k+ lots.)
More info than you ever wanted to know about UC. I know there are at least 2 other pigs that live in UC. It’s a nice hood – but may not fit your specific needs.
