Santa Fe high schools (Los Alamos, Alamo: houses, elementary school, moving)

[rexwriter]

We are ready to leave Los Angeles! My wife and I have been looking at houses in Santa Fe. We love the city, homes and life style, but I do have a question about schools. Our son will be a senior in high school, and will be attending public schools. I don't know if it's true, but I've heard that the majority hispanic population at these schools is a source of racial tension. Is that so?

If that is true or not, is there much of a gang problem or violence in the Santa Fe public high schools, such as Santa Fe High?

Please understand that my only concern here is the welfare of my son, who is trying to decide whether to stay here, in a rather uncomfortable situation, with my ex-wife and her husband or to come to Santa Fe with us.

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Rex

[Devin Bent]

Frankly, I don't know. We looked into Santa Fe and Los Alamos schools when we moved here and heard an incredible number of contradictory things.

We did find bright, hard-working students attending the schools, but how typical were they??

I can tell you that I almost certain that he would not run into gang problems at the charter high school - called ATC or Academy for Technology and the Classics.

It is a small school relatively new -- seems to draw bright, perhaps somewhat nonconformist, students. I don't know exactly what extra-curricular programs the school has, but would expect little in the way of sports teams.

There is a wait list for the lower grades, but I believe that is no wait list for the 12th grade.

[rexwriter]

Thanks, Devin,

I'm going to check it out.

[funkymonkey]

Well, when I was in high school in Santa Fe 10 years ago there was some racial tension but it wasn't a whole lot. It was worse in my elementary school. (I'm white and was discriminated against because of that). I wouldn't worry about it too much though. By the time your'e a senior most the people that would cause a lot of problems have already dropped out.

I would advise to stick to honors or advanced placement classes as much as possible.

[domino]

The situation at home would have to be really bad to move a student for his senior year. I think that would be more traumatic than any racial tension that might be in SF public schools. Just something else to consider . . .

[bradly]

Santa Fe has great schools but with very high hispanic numbers...however the racial problem isnt as bad as it used to be beacuse more anglo population is moving into santa fe.

I'd say the best high school for you son/daughter is St Michaels High School!! its a private catholic high school but with great reviews and one of the best high schools in the state.

[ziaAirmac]

funkeymonkey was right on with his suggestion to stick to higher level academically bent classes if your son goes public. Santa Fe High is big enough it will split him away from a lot of what you might be trying to avoid. Times have changed quite a bit, and while it's much more homogenous, you can't guarantee his experience give the school's size. There's a dedicated vocational school down the hill that tends to split a portion of the student body off to trades-based tracks.

That said, I will second bradly's suggestion to at least look at St. Michael's High School (my Alma) I don't know what you're feelings are regarding religion and school, but I was in school when the last of the brothers stopped teaching, and I'm not sure religion class is even a requirement any more (It wasn't required every year anyway.). The various graduates have given back to the school, constantly improving the grounds and facilities. The student body is very well rounded, with a cross-section of people from all over, often including international students. Given the relatively small classes (They've grown quite a bit, but I graduated in a class of 69 students) and wide variety of backgrounds, I can tell you from experience that a new kid from California will be welcomed in. I still stop by to talk to staff and friends (some who now teach there) and donate work to special occasions. If you're interested, you need to contact them NOW. There's a process.

[rexwriter]

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS RESPONDED SO FAR. I really appreciate the various viewpoints. The more replies the better, since all information will help us make and informed decision about a very important matter. Thanks again.

Rex

[Vinegaroon]

Santa Fe High and Capital High have the same problems most public high schools do. There are drugs, crime, bullying and the like. St. Michaels does not experience nearly as much as that, but then again you get what you pay for.

You can get a great education in a public school if you are motivated to do so. If a student is the type that goes looking for trouble, he or she will easily find it in a public school.

[Devin Bent]

I have heard good things about Desert Academy from several people.

But ATC may have some of the same strengths if you can't afford a private school.