Time Crunch: SJ move w/8th grader in July

[abbey62]

I am from the East Coast and I am also investigating Silicon Valley towns to move to based on school quality. I'm wondering why Los Gatos or Saratoga (or even Cupertino) didn't come up as suggestions here. that's where we are looking. But I agree Leland is worth checking out based on what I have learned from my research . we just happen to like the downtown feel of Los Gatos better - more similar to what we are used to here on the East Coast).

[bealtaine]

Hi there,

Good luck with the move. Don't panic and feel you have to make the perfect choice right off the bat. You bright son sounds like he can cope with the challenges of a move.

My kids are not yet in middle or high school so sorry I can't be absolutely specific. Los Gatos and Saratoga offer high quality public education - kids there tend to come from high-earning homes. Campbell has a more earthy feel - I would look for a home that falls into the Westmont High district. Close to downtown SJ, I hear good things about Lincoln High School which would mean living in the Rose Garden district, which has tons of charm, a great YMCA, and great proximity to downtown. I am leaving out a ton of other great areas.

I'd suggest finding a place within your budget that has a reasonable school district. Then check out the areas and see for yourselves which area speaks to you both. What exactly is your son looking for in a school?

School is important but so is after-school and most especially important is the feeling of enjoying the place you call home. So don't stress, there a lot of good schools out here. I hope figuring this out with your son will be enjoyable for you both.

All the best!

[BayAreaHillbilly]

If you can afford it: Los Gatos, West San Jose, Saratoga, Cupertino, etc.

Commute will exceed your spec.

It is what it is.

[labets]

Originally Posted by abbey62

I am from the East Coast and I am also investigating Silicon Valley towns to move to based on school quality. I'm wondering why Los Gatos or Saratoga (or even Cupertino) didn't come up as suggestions here. that's where we are looking. But I agree Leland is worth checking out based on what I have learned from my research . we just happen to like the downtown feel of Los Gatos better - more similar to what we are used to here on the East Coast).

Thank you for your input;10 days later have you narrowed the choices down at all?where else are you doing research? Are you planning on renting or buying? I am a bit overwhelmed, currently focusing on selling my condo-25 yrs. of crap makes for alot of work... school is out in 3 wks here. I believe SJ doesn't have school buses either. The middle school daily hours are better though, home before 5pm I like.

[labets]

Originally Posted by bealtaine

Hi there,

Good luck with the move. Don't panic and feel you have to make the perfect choice right off the bat. You bright son sounds like he can cope with the challenges of a move.

My kids are not yet in middle or high school so sorry I can't be absolutely specific. Los Gatos and Saratoga offer high quality public education - kids there tend to come from high-earning homes. Campbell has a more earthy feel - I would look for a home that falls into the Westmont High district. Close to downtown SJ, I hear good things about Lincoln High School which would mean living in the Rose Garden district, which has tons of charm, a great YMCA, and great proximity to downtown. I am leaving out a ton of other great areas.

I'd suggest finding a place within your budget that has a reasonable school district. Then check out the areas and see for yourselves which area speaks to you both. What exactly is your son looking for in a school?

School is important but so is after-school and most especially important is the feeling of enjoying the place you call home. So don't stress, there a lot of good schools out here. I hope figuring this out with your son will be enjoyable for you both.

All the best!

Hello and thank you for all your positive input. The neighborhood and outdoor kid friendly aspect is something he has sincerely missed. We are moving from Boca Raton FL and not too many boys, his age, are in our area.

[sjnative]

difficult sulituation u have put uself n
many middles class ppl leave san jose and the bay area in general bc they cant enroll their kids n the private schools but dont want to avoid the public schools which are saturated with low performance, high needs ESL kids who r the reason why the charter schools exist
r u sure u cant private school him for his first year here until u can move into a neighborhood w good public schools?
do it just to buy time