Info Needed on Independence High School (to rent, house, neighborhoods)

[Cucayg]

My husband and I looking to rent a house in Berryessa. I really love the house and it seems to be on a quiet street. I have a child who is a sophomore in high school. I'm told that he will be attending Independence High School. I've read some reviews on this high school and I'm a little nervous. The population is so large. A lot of the reviews talked about violence, fights, gang activity, etc. Can anyone give me information on this high school? Should I push to put him in private school instead?

I would really appreciate some input.

Thanks!

[sonarrat]

Yeah.. it's definitely one of the reasons why the area is not so expensive.

[moovin]

It's an average school. There are much better but in neighborhoods where it's more expensive to live.

[XSolidsnail]

I graduated from Independence in 2007. The school is doing much better now than when I was freshman.It used to be known for gang related stuff, but when I came there it fizzled out almost completely. There are some mexican gangs there but to be honest they minded there own business; they only feuded with other mexicans (and even that was rare). Just some pranks pulled off here and there. There are some quality teachers there and many AP courses you can choose from (if your son is interested). Tons of clubs and varsity sports too, so your son can keep himself occupied.

[sanjose1990]

Originally Posted by XSolidsnail

I graduated from Independence in 2007. The school is doing much better now than when I was freshman.It used to be known for gang related stuff, but when I came there it fizzled out almost completely. There are some mexican gangs there but to be honest they minded there own business; they only feuded with other mexicans (and even that was rare). Just some pranks pulled off here and there. There are some quality teachers there and many AP courses you can choose from (if your son is interested). Tons of clubs and varsity sports too, so your son can keep himself occupied.

Cool i graduated 2008.
as for the gang stuff. its true to an extent. solidsnail has got it pretty much right.

not to be rude or anything but is your son a smartie? if he is then he would have no problem at all. just take all the honor and AP classes. its as if the bad parts of independence high school never existed.

yeah there are fights and such but they only involve the crappy students that skip class all the time and dont do much. as long as your son doesnt get into that, which i doubt he would be able to if he takes the higher up classes then he'd be great.