You can debate what is good and what is not so good, but you can check out Scripps Ranch (highest middle school score – Marshall Middle), La Jolla (highest elementary school score at Bird Rock), and Preuss School at UCSD (high school) to get an idea of the top. This is in the San Diego Unified school district.
You have some higher scores outside the San Diego Unified district (a whole other conversation – but I believe if your kids are talented, it is better to be in the San Diego district) at Sage Canyon (Del Mar Union elementary), and Carmel Valley Middle. Preuss UCSD beats most anyone in any district, but can also be considered a special case (charter school etc. etc.).
It is easy to scan these and see that La Jolla, Scripps Ranch, Del Mar-ish, and Coronado have excellent schools. Some other areas, well, not as much.
I do recruiting (volunteer) for my school’s alumni association, so I am very attuned to school performance.
I understand the desire to buy, but consider that many analysts feel that the market is still 30-50% overvalued. By renting for a year or two or three, you might be saving over $100k-$200k.
PLEASE consider renting, if not only to learn the neighborhoods, but also to, possibly, save a huge, giant, enormous bundle.
