One thing many people don’t realize is that in elementary grades, public schools have a 20-1 student-teacher ratio (I forget exactly grades follow this requirement). Private schools don’t have to match this and rarely do. I’d say that is one major advantage for the nicer public schools.
Also, parents who have kids with issues who can’t get their way at a public school will go private. I wouldn’t say that is a major contributor, but something to think about.
I can’t imagine a nicer environment for students than these Carmel Valley schools. That isn’t to say you won’t get a bad teacher or have bad experiences with other students.
With 1 child, living in a less expensive neighborhood and going with a private school may be viable, but with 2, you are looking at 40K/year and investing in the Carmel Vally house starts to look more economically sound.
