Irvine schools: top schools vs pressure cooker (Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel: per square foot, to live)

[nouni7]

Hi there, I am trying to decide whether the schools in Irvine are a good fit or not for our family. From reading on this forum, I have heard mixed reviews on them. Some people say they are excellent and can't be beat, some people say they are pressure cooker type schools and "too" intense. I realize one doesn't necessarily exclude the other, and whether or not they are too intense is highly subjective.

So I would like to know what makes Irvine schools so good (compared to South OC schools - the good schools in Mission viejo, Laguna hills, Aliso viejo and Laguna Niguel). Is there a difference in a school that's rated a 9 in Irvine compared to a school that's a 9 in South OC? What is different about the schools in Irvine?

And on the other hand, why do some people think they are 'too' intense? what kinds of demands are on the kids (or parents) as opposed to the other schools? Is it more homework? Are all kids tutored? What are your experiences with those schools? (at which point is a supposedly "better" school not as desirable a school?)

Thanks for any input you have on the question!!

[Charles]

I am/was in your shoes. The academic stress of Irvine schools was a non-issue compared to the other reasons we didn't choose Irvine to live but rather Las Flores or RSM or Ladera or Mission Viejo or Laguna Niguel. These aren't negatives, just facts: Irvine was probably 15 to 20 percent more expensive per square foot. It is also very Asian where further south OC is more Caucasian.

So, when you ask about "good fit for your family", consider the community. Irvine is outstanding for amenities, and it is gorgeous. I work and workout in Irvine parks at lunch and I swim three days a week at lunch at Irvine High School so I am somewhat familiar with the community.