Trying to Maximize Quality Education (for 2 kids) and Minimize Overall Expense In Silicon Valley (Fremont: best neighborhood)

[Home Addict]

Now that we have a family with two kids, education becomes very important to us. Unfortunately, we bought our house years ago in a less-than-decent school district.

With public education funding dwindling, it seems like even the best public schools may not offer what they used to. And we heard some top-performing school districts which encourage parents to send their kids to after-school tutoring. To us, that's a waste of the children's time - they should learn in school, not after school. Thus, buying a house in those areas don't seem like a good investment. At the same time, private schools cost a fortune and I can't imagine going private for K-12 for 2 kids in the South Bay!

So the question is: how to maximize quality education for 2 kids (i.e., hope they learn a lot and pray they get into decent universities), while minimize overall expense? The simplest way for us is to stay put, and put them through private schools. But dang that is expensive with a mortgage and two tuitions! But if we have to move, which school district to move to for decent educations? We are flexible from East Bay (Fremont) to Lower Peninsula.

Should we just sell our current house and rent? That seems more flexible in case the school district is in decline.

Appreciate all opinions.

[DouglasD]

How about "parent's homeworks" every night? My wife and I take turn every nights teaching/working with our sons after they completed homeworks.
About selling/renting options, you also has the option to rent out your current place, and rent a place that near a good school.

[ccm123]

It's a call that many families make in the Bay Area, how to balance housing costs and send children to schools to achieve a good education.

I was raised to believe that education is an investment, one that will pay lifelong dividends and something that can never be taken away from you. With that in mind, my folks always tried to buy a home in the best neighborhood they could afford, so that we could attend good schools. The benefits paid off later in life for my siblings and I.

[KarinaR]

I think some school districts allow you to send your kids there if you work in the area, so you don't necessarily have to move if either of you work in a good school district.

Also, some kids need more tuition than others, so consider how your kids learn best. Do they need smaller class sizes? Do they need a homework club?

Home schooling is fairly common, and not as bad as it sounds (I.e you work within a community of home-schoolers with a curriculum, support, etc), but ultimately the kids who perform well usually have parents who discuss, teach and support that learning at home. I spend about 2 hours per night helping my 10yr old on and off, and my 12yr old usually just needs ideas or someone to read over her work, say half an hour of my time. They both attend a middle school that is rated 10 on greatschools.org.

My advice is to choose a district with the least financial problems. Our district is looking at scrapping Wednesdays as a school day altogether! A well-funded school is probably the best environment for teachers and students.

Finally, I recommend using greatschools.org as a guide, but don't worry if a school has a score between 7 and 10, as this just reflects academic results. you want a school that cares about your child and gives them the confidence to be who they are and be happy. The schools with high scores can be a harsh place for those who can't cope.

[Falcon driver]

So now the question is asked, what are those great school districts? I agree, living in a district with excellent schools is my top priority. Any word on Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, San Ramon? I see they are ranked high, but are they in decline?? Any money troubles in these communities? No school on Wednesday?? That,s crazy!