Home > California > San Diego > San Diego Community
Private Schools in San Diego?
baciamille February 10, 2012
I have a 4, 6 and 8 year old and we're moving to San Diego in the next 12 months. My two older kids are currently enrolled in a gifted school but we're not set on the same scenario. But to that end we have looked at The Rhoades School in Encinitas.
We run our own business, so can really settle anywhere, although I'd rather not be in La Jolla. We will most probably decide where we live based on where the kids go to school. So, where do we send our kids to school?
Any opinions out there on Rancho Encinitas Academy, Encinitas Country Day School, The Children's School, Francis Parker School and Warren Walker School?
Thanks in advance!
chrisnlavin October 9, 2012
Hello there.
Check out TorreyTimes.org to get a feel for day to day life in one of the nation's best private schools. Good luck with your search.
Chris 81005
1Stephen1 July 16, 2012
There are many different types of programs available in San Diego. I am the director of Balboa City School and we also have two very good preschools called the Honey Bear preschool.
Choosing a school for older children is more difficult. For example, for many people budget restricts what will be available. Charter schools are free, but they tend to have larger classes - like public schools. Private schools can range from about $25,000 a year to $8,000 a year. All the schools you mentioned are quite excellent. You would not go wrong with any of them in my opinion. If you have any further questions feel free to email me. I would read parent reviews carefully because sometimes they are venting, etc. etc. 79434
gmajen June 28, 2012
You can't beat the Rhoades School in Encinitas. The teachers are amazing and we are so lucky to have a school of this caliber in our area.
Our granddaughter just scored 99% on the IOWA test as a first grader. We knew she was bright, but the teacher's at Rhoades have really made her learning experience a pleasure and challenge. She loves school, so do we (her parents and grandparents).79203
TiffanyRealtor June 3, 2012
Poway, Encinitas and Carlsbad have great reputation for good PUBLIC schools in case you wanted to consider that?
Poway is far inland, can get quite warm, but house prices are much more affordable, and mostly are newer trach homes.
Encinitas and Carlsbad are pricey because they are coastal, but they still have some bohemian feel and small town comraderie with some options for big lots and older homes or new trach homes.
There is high parent participation in each of these three school districts.
They all have several elementary schools that rank highest academically API of 10 - excellent for public schools.
Our kids go to a public school in Carlsbad where the whole school is taught at "GATE" level (Gifted and Talented Education) with a lighter load for the few challenged learners, rather than the opposite. So when we see friends from other nearby schools - we're surprised that they are not studying what we are in the same grade.
Different schools have different options for Fine Arts.
At our school there is successful fundraising to pay for Music Class for every student once a week, as well as impressive Art and other programs.
I wish I had more advice for you on private schools, but I wanted to ease your concern about some of the public options. Use Great Schools ranking to narrow it down if possible.
If you have any specific questions feel free to ask me directly (California native, and San Diego for 12 years now) TiffanyHomes@yahoo.com
Good luck78752
SD_Momma April 25, 2012
Another gem in gifted education is Renaissance Village Academy. My 3rd grader is a student in this small school and is thriving beyond my wildest expectations. My best advice is to look at the schools you are interested in, visit during times when you can observe and hopefully get a chance for your child(ren) to visit for a couple days to see if it's a good fit. 78034
elaisim April 12, 2012
Hi,
I almost have the same issue with you. I have a 11, 9 and 5 year old and moving to San Diego in 2 months. My two older kids also enrolled in a gifted program but in public school. I have been searching for a very good school for my 3 kids for months. My husband work for a hi-tech company near Pacific Center Blvd. We would like to stay somewhere closer to his company. We found out on line and some co worker mention that the Del-Mar Union and Poway School district are the best choice for our kids. Any opinion and advise about the schools under that district? Which school is having the Chinese Immersion Program? Thanks a lot!77756
110467 March 26, 2012
I would like to suggest that you take a look at Mt. Everest Academy in the Clairemont area of San Diego-very central and a nice, affordable neighborhood. Mt. Everest is a public K-12 independent study school that has many of the good qualities of a private school, yet, it is free through San Diego Unified School District!! Most of the students live outside of the local community because it is worth traveling to come to such a wonderful learning community. The school follows a home study model with extra support for parents and students through weekly grade-level classes, a peer-tutoring lab, instrumental and choir classes, art classes, computer classes, and even elementary
Spanish classes! Mt. Everest Academy families are warm, welcoming, and supportive of high moral standards for their children. It is a breath of fresh air in the education system. My child's self-confidence has grown dramatically since transferring him to Mt. Everest Academy. The principal and teachers are wonderful and supportive! I suggest you take a look at it before paying the high rates of private schools that can leave you feeling disappointed. With not having to transport your children to school daily, it also allows for more flexibility with running your own business. http://www.sandi.net/mteverest77530
sargers March 25, 2012
Hi,
I have similarly aged children and recently went through a similar vetting process. I thoroughly researched, toured and spoke with parents at most of the schools mentioned. We are Jewish (though not affiliated) and ended up choosing CHA, the Chabad Hebrew Academy in Scripps Ranch. It is central to all parts of the county and has great housing options (with large backyards) and is accessible to the airport for my husband, who travels a lot . The school is a gem and they offer middle income discounts. The principal is a very highly regarded educator across the region. My children transitioned very well from the independent school that they attended on the east coast and they have made great friends quickly. The school is small enough for highly individualized attention, yet large enough to field a large athletics department playing in leagues and sports across the region including an impressive K-8 golf development and competitive program. The facilities are gorgeous and the kids love to hang out after school. We have found the Chabad Hebrew Academy to be a very special place for our children.
77505
AndyEros March 19, 2012
Hi. Isn't it great to have so many choices in S.D.? I went to one of the big three private schools soooo long ago (you mentioned one of them). Much has changed, but not at Warren-Walker School where my kids attend. It has the same curriculum levels, greater emphasis on multiple intelligence and project-based integrated learning, and still has the warm feeling of a small private school community. (My kids get hugs on demand! :) The challenge level keeps it an above-average student population, and problem kids filter themselves out. My kids can go anywhere from there as it is highly respected. You have three? You'll appreciate the reasonable tuition, and they work with you for multiple siblings. My kids work hard and love school.77282
chuggdog February 22, 2012
You left out one huge gem, The Cambridge School. I grew up in the area and attended Sante Fe Christian. I've been around Francis Parker school and it's not what it seems. I find that a lot of "private" schools have many of the "problem" kids because the parents want their children straightened out by the school. Of course this could happen anywhere. You should check out the reviews of The Cambridge School. Come out for one of their open houses and check it out yourself.76737
