Oakland Hills - How to handle school?

[tanglenet]

I've noticed that most young childless couples move here because they enjoy the area, but leave when they have children and the children reach the age of 5 to 6. The cost of the better school (Piedmont, Orinda, Moraga) is built into the mortgage and thus, tax deductible. On the flip side, we have several neighbors whose kids have gone through the Oakland Public School system and most of them went on to either UC or Ivy League schools.

[18Montclair]

Originally Posted by tanglenet

I've noticed that most young childless couples move here because they enjoy the area, but leave when they have children and the children reach the age of 5 to 6. The cost of the better school (Piedmont, Orinda, Moraga) is built into the mortgage and thus, tax deductible. On the flip side, we have several neighbors whose kids have gone through the Oakland Public School system and most of them went on to either UC or Ivy League schools.

Basically.

Even as far as schools, Oakland can be terrible or stellar. It just depends.

[twins4lynn]

Glenview is ranked an 8, with an API of 872. Absolutely is not a failing or low scoring school.
Glenview Elementary School - Oakland, California - CA - School overview

Edna Brewer is currently ranked a 6, with an API of 773. The school had previously been in the 800 range for several years, then dropped 39 points since last year (which can be due to various reason, change in staff, students, etc.). California's goal is to have all schools with a minimum API of 800.

Edna Brewer Middle School - Oakland, California - CA - School overview

[Shelacious]

Now that I have a baby, my issue with Oakland schools is NOT so much the academic performance. It's important, yes, but not the most important. My kid's physical safety and her ability to participate in whatever activities might float her boat without fear of reprisals from other students is my biggest consideration. And even within that, my concern is not so much the kids themselves, but how well their parents can be a part of the solution, rather than part of the problem. That's my biggest issue with Oakland schools-- I feel like a good percentage of the parents are a part of the problem. But I don't need a perfect school, or one completely absent of some challenges--even the best school may not be a good fit for every child.

[ssmaster]

Originally Posted by Shelacious

Now that I have a baby, my issue with Oakland schools is NOT so much the academic performance. It's important, yes, but not the most important. My kid's physical safety and her ability to participate in whatever activities might float her boat without fear of reprisals from other students is my biggest consideration. And even within that, my concern is not so much the kids themselves, but how well their parents can be a part of the solution, rather than part of the problem. That's my biggest issue with Oakland schools-- I feel like a good percentage of the parents are a part of the problem. But I don't need a perfect school, or one completely absent of some challenges--even the best school may not be a good fit for every child.

if this is truly your issue for an urban school district oakland is superior to san francisco at the elementary school level.
oakland does not have a lottery system like san francisco were your children can end up up going to elementary school with kids from the h-p or western addition projects.

oakland has a very strong neighborhood system at the elemenary school level.if you live in an oakland neighorhood of million dollar houses with 98% owner occupied and high educational attainment that is who your kids go to elementary school with.
in some neighborhoods the families donate $150,000 to $250,000 for things like music and art teachers etc
Chabot
Crocker Highlands
Hillcrest
Joaquin Miller
Montclair
Peralta
Thornhill

the assumption being this is your demographic and price point.
if not they don't want your kids around anymore than you want those other peoples kids around
snark