Middle and High Schools - do we get to choose? (San Jose: houses, transfer)

[clarity1971]

Possibly relocating to California area within next 4/5 months. Husbands job will be in Cupertino so we are looking to live in area within a 45 minute commute.

One deciding factor will obviously be local schooling (we need Middle and High).

My question is this: If we move to an area where we are in a catchment for say 3 different Middle Schools, would we be allowed to choose which one we sent our child too? Or do we not have a choice? What is the school we want is full?

Thanks in advance

[clongirl]

Call the school district for the area you're moving to. Each district has their own rules.

[clarity1971]

Thanks Clongirl, will look into it

[prairieguy1]

Clarity...yes, check very carefully. California law is pretty strict and most good school districts are zealous in "keeping out" those from other districts. You might have a little leeway (or maybe not) in choosing a school within the same district, but definitely not intra district. Ask the school district--and if they are being vague, pressure even more into getting an honest answer as to the policy of transfer within a district. All California school districts resist "pushy parents" who refuse to just sit docile and do as they are ordered. Intradistrict is impossible if your kid plays sports---the residencies of those kids are scrutinized closely. Schools just sit by and allow gang wannabes to terrorize staff and students, but are very proactive in sports because they don't want the terrible "disaster" of having to forfeit games when the opposing teams expose that your kid really lives in district A but plays for a school in district B. (yes, you will be "found out!")

Lots of school districts within 45 minute drive of Cupertino. Equivalent houses in the better districts will be far more expensive in the better school districts, especially those in catchments for excellent schools. Visit the schools, gather all the demographic and academic data. If an otherwise lousy school boasts of a terrific program (say, in music, and it happens) that your kid would benefit from, follow that lead, but actually visit the class, ask to speak with other parents, etc.

Consider very hard to sacrifice the size of your house---if you find a school district you like, I think it is worthwhile to buy a smaller, older less expensive house in a good school district than the newer McMansion with all huge square footage at the same price, but located in a poorer school district. Alternatively, buy a nice house in a decent neighborhood in a bad school district, but use the savings to purchase private schooling. Also, ask the public schools for info on charter schools and check them out--some are excellent, some are just as bad as the public schools, but almost all maintain better discipline.

As you can tell, it is not easy. Many California school districts are horrific; and if you choose wrong, you are stuck in that district--you literally have to move to save your children from academic disaster. There are too many variables and too many schools to choose from in your search area, we cannot help much long distance. You will need to devote lots of time internet searching, gathering data and comparing, and then devote a good two weeks on the ground shoe leather investgating your options. Sorry--many great things about California, and the south bay/San Jose have many exciting and lively things. But too many California public schools are basket cases, and it takes hard work to avoid them.

[clarity1971]

Thanks for your indepth reply. We are going to start by compiling a list of the best schools and districts by looking at API scores and Greatschools etc but appreciate that this is only just the start of it and won't give us the whole picture. I think that a visit to indicidual schools is going to be crucial.

We need an affordable area within reasonable commute of Cupertino. We are not looking for top top pushy schools (so from what we have heard would rule out Cupertino)

[prairieguy1]

clarity....great start, just plan to allow for lots of search time and you will find what will work....it's when people say "oh, in 6 weeks I will move to California, guess it's time to find a house and some good schools..." when they get in trouble.

I am very familiar with schools in North Bay and some in East Bay...afraid I don't know much about districts on the Penninsula/San Jose. I think Los Altos qualifies as a "top top pushy" school....Palo Alto is supposed to be real good, but probably pricey as well to buy into the district. That's all the specifics I can offer...

Best of luck