What exactly makes PUSD so great? (Poway: homes, neighborhoods, luxury)

[auberrylane]

Hi! After considering different areas in north county, we're now seriously looking into 4S. Family of 5, young children. I've read a lot about PUSD on this forum and other places, and I can't quite put my finger on what it is that makes it such an excellent district. I'm a teacher, so I'm familiar with different schools and districts in California. We're currently in the central valley. We've been down to SD a few times to scope out different neighborhoods.

What is it that makes Poway Unified stand out above the rest? Is it the teachers? What exactly is the culture at the elementary level? Highly competitive? Emphasis on what-- sports? Grades? Discipline? Do the elem schools have recess time? Lots of homework? Well-rounded? Hands-on curriculum? Caring teachers? Bullying policy? Are your kids happy in school? What are the PTAs like? Clique-y or welcoming?

We are not opting into the rat race. I want my kids to enjoy their childhood, and I'm willing to homeschool or go the forest kinder route if needed. I honestly don't care about test scores. I've taught at fantastic urban schools with terrible scores, but the staff and kids were the BEST. Both husband and I are ivy university-educated, down to earth, love nature, and interested in raising kind-hearted, smart, hard-working children. I'm wondering if I'll find others in an uber suburb like 4S who want to live 'simply' and care about important things like compassion and social justice? Am I dreaming here? There's a long backstory to how we ended up considering 4S, that I won't get into here. And yes, we know about the MR fees. We're willing to pay in if the schools are really worth it. Because I used to teach elem, I do want my kids to get a great education that nurtures their love for learning. Just wondering what makes PUSD so great. Please share specifics! Thank you!

[NYSD1995]

Are you from CA? If not it's important to understand that CA ranks very poorly nationally in school quality and even locally, school quality is highly variable and a direct reflection of the demographic makeup of the city they are located in. Since there is relatively little middle class in CA you have a lot of really poor schools and really good schools but relatively few mediocre ones. Poway isn't that much better than it's neighboring wealthy schools (San Dieguito), but it's a lot better than the schools that are nearby but down the socioeconomic ladder a bit i.e. (SDUSD). General rule of thumb is that the large urban districts are notorious for being insolvent, corrupt and poorly managed, and even the wealthy areas within the large districts can be affected as a result.

[Axxlrod]

I don't think you're going to find many other Social Justice Warrior type moms in 4S. Most are stay-at-home soccer moms who wear yoga pants and drive luxury SUVs.

[NYSD1995]

Originally Posted by Axxlrod

I don't think you're going to find many other Social Justice Warrior type moms in 4S. Most are stay-at-home soccer moms who wear yoga pants and drive luxury SUVs.

I would say typical 4S demographic is a white collar 2-income family where mom is a Sony Project Manager and Dad is an engineer. Large percentage of asians and whites. Luxury cars, luxury clothes, expensive vacations, etc.

[auberrylane]

Saasberto- I appreciate your perspective. I hadn't thought it from that standpoint before. Very helpful!
Axelrod- This is what I'm afraid of. I know PUSD has high parent involvement, which is great. But is the culture elitist?

[auberrylane]

Originally Posted by Sassberto

I would say typical 4S demographic is a white collar 2-income family where mom is a Sony Project Manager and Dad is an engineer. Large percentage of asians and whites. Luxury cars, luxury clothes, expensive vacations, etc.

I just saw your reply. Got it. Sounds like parts of the Bay Area.

[Axxlrod]

Originally Posted by auberrylane

Saasberto- I appreciate your perspective. I hadn't thought it from that standpoint before. Very helpful!
Axelrod- This is what I'm afraid of. I know PUSD has high parent involvement, which is great. But is the culture elitist?

Don't know if I'd call it elitist, but it's quite "yuppy" to me. I know a few families that live in 4S. None of the wives work.

I don't think you'll find many SJW's in the suburbs. Isn't that an urban kinda thing?

[jeffrow1]

Oddly enough I live in Poway Unified district, specifically Rancho Penasquitos. My wife is a high school math teacher at PUSD and I guess we both fall in the liberal democrat genre. Her probably more than me. I know our particular precinct usually votes 49.5% / 49.5%, pretty much a diverse group. The high schools do have different characters however, all good just different.

[eastcoastbias]

Originally Posted by Sassberto

Are you from CA? If not it's important to understand that CA ranks very poorly nationally in school quality and even locally, school quality is highly variable and a direct reflection of the demographic makeup of the city they are located in. Since there is relatively little middle class in CA you have a lot of really poor schools and really good schools but relatively few mediocre ones. Poway isn't that much better than it's neighboring wealthy schools (San Dieguito), but it's a lot better than the schools that are nearby but down the socioeconomic ladder a bit i.e. (SDUSD). General rule of thumb is that the large urban districts are notorious for being insolvent, corrupt and poorly managed, and even the wealthy areas within the large districts can be affected as a result.

This is right on....
Although Poway Unified hasn't been managed all the well they have the huge Captial Appreciation Bond due in 15 or so years.

[tstieber]

Originally Posted by auberrylane

I just saw your reply. Got it. Sounds like parts of the Bay Area.

As a Bay Area transplant, I would say very much so.