carlsbad/encinitas catholic schools & high school opinions (live, small town)

[aztoga]

Thanks very much to those of you who shared detailed and thoughtful feedback. The description of Olde Carlsbad sounds lovely- much like the neighborhood we live in now. I love the sound of it. I do like the description of Encinitas too though- being a bit less pro-development. The side by side tract developments are a real turnoff to me. I have a better idea of where to look now. Thanks again!

[Donna7]

Originally Posted by Olivenhain

Ok... Both Catholic schools have decent reputations.

If you're actually worried about your kids being around mostly white kids, you would be probably happier in San Marcos, Vista, Oceanside, or Escondido. They are all more "diverse" than Carlsbad, and certainly more than Encinitas, although our youngest attends LCC with quite a few hispanics, and it's a non-issue. All, and I mean ALL high schools have a drug & alcohol problem. Actually, virtually all middle schools do as well. Sorry, but that's reality. Doesn't matter if in Ohio or California.

It's always amusing to see folks try to prove which is better; Carlsbad or Encinitas. They have very different vibes to them, and you have to choose which you prefer. We spent many great years in "olde" Carlsbad, and have been in Encinitas for the past 10 years. In my experience, Carlsbad is more "provincial", more inwardly focused, and far more pro-growth than Encinitas. Not that Encinitas doesn't have it's share of cheesy tract houses like found those throughout much of Carlsbad. A lot of folks like that planned, structured environment. If that's your style, you'll love Carlsbad. Carlsbad also seems to have far more out of state transplants, with Encinitas more of a local's community. Again, this is anecdotal based on living here 30 years...

Encinitas has a choice of four very good high schools to choose from, plus the new Catholic high school (Cathedral) is close by. The new Carlsbad high school won't be built and ready for several years. Interesting, La Costa Canyon is actually in Carlsbad. Carlsbad was too cheap to build a high school where it was needed, so San Dieguito High School District built LCC. Carlsbad kids go to either San Marcos High, LCC, or Carlsbad High. You do not have a choice, it's based on your residence location. One city, three different high school districts. Intradistrict transfers are rarely if ever granted.

Finally, I know of few people that would move from "olde" Carlsbad to one of the newer developments. When we wanted a large custom home on a horse property, Carlsbad was out of consideration. Simply doesn't exist. We knew we didn't want to be in a tract house on a tiny lot, with a homeowners association. Our choices were Encinitas or Rancho Santa Fe. We chose Encinitas, and it's been a great place to live.

Olivenhain, thank you for the very helpful post. Just to clarify, if you're addressing me (regarding the "white-bread world" kids) - I don't mind that our kids are around other white kids; race has nothing to do with it; we are white. I was using "white-bread world" in a different context. Basically, my concern was/is my kids hanging around over-indulged, spoiled brats who have had everything delivered to them on a silver platter (if that's politically correct to say so). In my opinion, it is worse dealing with the parents who have this type of attitude than the kids; the kids usually mimic what they're taught at home, so I can't really blame the kids. To note, we certainly have our share of that here as well. I was just wondering if there was a big problem with this in either community; I realize that there is some of this everywhere, but was just interested to know from locals if this is the majority or just a few.

Also, our family's housing preference is similiar to yours - no tract homes on tiny lots with Homeowner's Associations. For us, we don't need a huge home; the only thing that I know for sure that neither my husband or I want to contend with is HOA's - "not that there's anything wrong with that" - LOL! Thank you very much for the very helpful information. Happy holidays to you and your family.

[Donna7]

Carlsbadbruin and J760, thank you! I really appreciate your feedback.

[Olivenhain]

Originally Posted by Donna7

Basically, I have no interest in my kids hanging around over-indulged, spoiled brats who have had everything delivered to them in a silver platter; if that's politically correct to say so. I personally was wondering if there was a problem with this in either community

Yes, there is a lot of this behavior both in Encinitas & Carlsbad. On my street, two high schoolers got new BMW's. Brand new... One girl got a new Audi. Another kid got a 2007 Nissan Titan truck. One other got a new Toyota Solara.

Our terribly deprived daughter got a 4 year old Chevy Prizm, and our son got a $1000 Subaru wagon. This is a very high income area, and many parents give in to their little darlings demands. They also don't want to look like they don't have the money to buy the brat a nice car. My wife drives a Cadillac SRX, I drive a Jaguar, and a couple other vehicles and we earned them... In my opinion, spoiled kids are a big problem, no matter where you are around San Diego county. Many areas for that matter...

[Donna7]

Originally Posted by Olivenhain

Yes, there is a lot of this behavior both in Encinitas & Carlsbad. On my street, two high schoolers got new BMW's. Brand new... One girl got a new Audi. Another kid got a 2007 Nissan Titan truck. One other got a new Toyota Solara.

Our terribly deprived daughter got a 4 year old Chevy Prizm, and our son got a $1000 Subaru wagon. This is a very high income area, and many parents give in to their little darlings demands. They also don't want to look like they don't have the money to buy the brat a nice car. My wife drives a Cadillac SRX, I drive a Jaguar, and a couple other vehicles and we earned them... In my opinion, spoiled kids are a big problem, no matter where you are around San Diego county. Many areas for that matter...

Yes, I understand completely what you are saying. THAT is definitely my biggest concern in relocating to SD, more than the housing prices, more than the other things that I read about. Yet, I do know that this exists everywhere in the U.S. Some areas of the country have bigger pockets of this than in others. My hope is that there are some well-grounded, down-to-earth parents (like you) who balance things out; people who enjoy the things they've worked for and earned. This is how my husband and I feel as well. This is a big concern for me, Olivenhain. I'll be out there in February for business; will try to get a "vibe" of the whole thing. I don't know how accurate it will be, but I'm hoping for the best. Thank you.

[oliver6323]

And someone please correct me if I am wrong....but what I've heard is that in the San Deguito school district there is such intense competition that it is hard for the kids to get the leadership positions they need to get into a first rate college.

Any opinions on this?

[Olivenhain]

Oliver, you have been misinformed. There are plenty of opportunities for kids to join groups, do sports, volunteer, do student government, etc. If your child puts forth the effort, they will be able to have all the chances they need. I also wouldn't worry to much about them getting into a "first rate college". In our experience, the student's fit at a college is far more important than the perceived reputation of the school. I.E; the best fit for your kids may not be what you would judge a "first rate" college to be. I believe their overall college experience will have far greater impact on their success in life versus a big name school.

Donna- what is the price range you want to be in? I'm not a realtor, but keep a close eye on the real estate market around here. I would be happy to give you specific suggestions of neighborhoods, etc. to look at, if that would help.

[aztoga]

Eesh- that "car talk" is an eye opener. Sure, nice cars are... well, nice but also scream big materialism to me. I am truly not trying to offend any of you readers out there who buy BMW's for your darlings for their 16th birthdays, but well... I just don't know what to say about that. That is SOOO not us. I drive an old minivan with several bumper stickers on the (minimally scraped up) back end.

I am increasingly nervous about the socioeconomic demographic. You say this is pretty standard around the SD area?

Well, instead of getting ahead of myself, I too am looking forward to figuring it out with my own two eyes. Really hoping we can make a visit out there in a few weeks.

Deep breaths... deep breaths...

[Olivenhain]

I think you'll find the spoiled-kid car situation in any relatively affluent area.

[Encinitan]

aztoga: just curious, but where are you moving from? This may help us gauge the degree of socioeconomic and cultural shock you may experience here.