What is the environment of the various Irvine high schools?

ksb1_IHB

New member
We are thinking of moving to Irvine from the Bay Area. I chose our current neighborhood solely based on high API scores, but in retrospect that wasn't a great decision. Elementary school (!) is already so competitive, with most kids getting after school tutoring just to get ahead, pushy parents, huge amounts of homework, the whole deal. My kids are smart and do well in school, but I don't want them raised in this dog eat dog environment, especially since they are sensitive kids who require some nurturing (they are only 6 and 9!).



I vowed to get away from it if I can, so here is my chance! If he takes the job, my husband would be working near UCI, and I don't want him to have a long commute. It would be good to keep it under 30 minutes, if possible.



Given all that, I'm looking into high school attendance areas and I have ruled out University HS. Northwood also sounds quite competitive, but I'm wondering if it's also a high pressure environment. Academics are certainly important, but IMO the quality of instruction is more critical than the high test scores (and teachers who "teach to the test"). Diversity is also important (we are of Indian origin, btw, and I wouldn't want my kids to be the only Indian kids in school - not that this would happen in Irvine!). Irvine HS and Woodbridge HS sound promising. Are the kids down to earth?



What are they REALLY like? I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks!
 
My two kids go to StoneCreek Elementary in Irvine, it is not that bad. Yes, my daughter had almost 2 hours of homework almost every day in 6th grade, but my son who was in 1st grade has less than 20 minutes of homework per night. Much better than other schools my kids have gone to.
 
Have you considered Beckman HS, and its feeder schools ---- Pioneer MS, Hicks Canyon Elem (Northpark), Myford Elem (West Irvine) and Peter's Canyon/Ladera/Tustin Ranch Elem (Tustin Ranch)? These are all in Tustin USD, although several of the schools including Beckman sit in the city of Irvine. We previously lived in the Irvine USD and our daugther attended her Kindergarten in a IUSD school. While it was a very good experience we were not *blown away* by the district. Over the course of the last few years we had done a lot of research on both IUSD and Tustin USD --- and decided that Tustin school district was the right one for us. All of the schools score almost identically to IUSD schools from an API standpoint, but we get the sense that its a little more balanced environment in TUSD. So we moved to West Irvine last year and are here to stay.



Another point that drew us here (and this is strictly taste) is the fact that the TUSD schools are all newer and more modern facilities than most of the Irvine schools, save for a handful in the brand new Irvine neighborhoods. And the TUSD schools are all fully gated and locked during the school days, while IUSD campuses are wide open. Yeah, I know its the safest city --- but I'll take those gates. Beckman is the newest HS in the city of Irvine. Everything we see regarding that school so far we like.



Again, this is just our opinion --- and you certainly won't go wrong in any Irvine school either. But like you, we were concerned with the pressure cooker environment --- and that was the primary factor in our decision. Oh, and don't worry about your kids being the only Indian students. At both the IUSD school we used (Westpark) and our current Myford Elem there is a very large Indian population.



Good luck.
 
It sounds like you ruled out Uni High for the same reasons we did. As we searched for homes in Turtle Rock we kept hearing about the stressed out kids, pushy parents, etc., and we decided that all of Irvine's schools are pretty amazing and trying to pick one that seems to have the right feel to you for your kids is the best way to go. Our oldest is only 3 so we have plenty of time, and I'm sure things will look a lot different by the time he is in school (so we may move again!), but we decided to stay in Woodbridge for the time being since we kept hearing tha Woodbridge High was one of the most "balanced" schools in terms of academics, sports, etc. Many of the other schools have slightly better scores, but I think that most of the repsonsibilty for raising a motivated, balanced, intellectually curious kid comes from the parents. I was raised in northern Cal and my wife and I are very academically oriented (I earned my degrees from Stanford), but we actually think a smart kid may do better in a great school where they are happy vs an amazing "top" school where they feel too much pressure.



Best of luck to you in your search!
 
I can only confirm from a friend that Northwood is very competitive. My friend actually said he regretted sending his child there for reasons other than academics. His son received a 3.5 GPA and scores were always in the 90+%ile, but the kid graduated this year feeling like he was a "below average" student. I think it depends on the type of kid but this school didn't help his kid's self esteem.
 
We rent in Harvard Square. Our daughter goes to College Park Elementary, which feeds into Irvine High. Last her was our daughter's first year here and I was happy with how it went. The school tries to balance academics with other activities. The parents are involved, but I haven't met any pushy ones yet. Last year, 1st grade, her homework was 10-20 minutes a night plus reading for another 15 or so. Next year should be around 20-25 minutes a night plus reading.
 
[quote author="tmare" date=1249614022]I can only confirm from a friend that Northwood is very competitive. My friend actually said he regretted sending his child there for reasons other than academics. His son received a 3.5 GPA and scores were always in the 90+%ile, but the kid graduated this year feeling like he was a "below average" student. I think it depends on the type of kid but this school didn't help his kid's self esteem.</blockquote>


I think the kids who get 3.5's and still feel like they're below average will usually turn out better than kids who get 3.2's and think they're superstar academics.
 
Thanks! I've been reading the posts - would love to hear more feedback!



After your NINE year old daughter tells you that she is stressed out and her life is nothing but school and work with no time to play, you know you have to make a change! (and we try to provide a very fun, balanced life outside of school and don't believe in overscheduling)

More later.
 
UCI is a very nice area. But you are right in your assessment of University High's competitiveness. Here are the high schools within 30 minutes of UCI.



1. University - the kids are very competitive and are overly proud of their school.

2. Woodbridge - there is more of an emphasis on sports.

3. Irvine - very well-rounded school with an emphasis on diversity.

4. Northwood - amazing campus, but has very many "nouveau riche" kids.

5. Beckman High - fairly nice school, but lacks traditions.

6. Tustin High - subpar school.

7. Corona del Mar High - very private school-like.

8. Newport Harbor - a mix of very rich and very poor students.

9. Estancia and Costa Mesa - not so reputable.



So there you go. Live by Irvine High. It's exactly what you're looking for in a high school.
 
I like to hear about experiences with Irvine high schools or any other Orange County high schools with regard to instilling civic responsibility, ethics, and personal development of the students.



One of my colleagues sends her daughter to St. Rosary High in Fullerton. I also have friends that attended Servite. I'm really impressed with their schools emphasis on charitable acts and a since of duty to be a source of positive change in this world.



Do any public high schools nurture this type of environment?
 
[quote author="Mcdonna1980" date=1249695131]I like to hear about experiences with Irvine high schools or any other Orange County high schools with regard to instilling civic responsibility, ethics, and personal development of the students.



One of my colleagues sends her daughter to St. Rosary High in Fullerton. I also have friends that attended Servite. I'm really impressed with their schools emphasis on charitable acts and a since of duty to be a source of positive change in this world.



Do any public high schools nurture this type of environment?</blockquote>
Just send your kids to Mater Dei and they'll turn out just fine. Mater Dei is a lot like Rosary and Servite except it's co-ed. I remember having to do 100 hours of community service work in order to graduate. GO MONARCHS!
 
I can't speak to the high schools, we've only lived year about a year and our daughter will be in second grade. Her elementary school did do some things to encourage responsibility - both civic and personal. I suspect most of the schools do similar things. Her school, College Park, did a food drive, gives out "gotchas" (slips towards a drawing for lunch & video games with the principal), participated in Red Ribbon Week and gives out awards every trimester for various examples of responsibility, citizenship, etc. I'm sure I've forgotten some stuff they do.
 
[quote author="usctrojanman29" date=1249698679][quote author="Mcdonna1980" date=1249695131]I like to hear about experiences with Irvine high schools or any other Orange County high schools with regard to instilling civic responsibility, ethics, and personal development of the students.



One of my colleagues sends her daughter to St. Rosary High in Fullerton. I also have friends that attended Servite. I'm really impressed with their schools emphasis on charitable acts and a since of duty to be a source of positive change in this world.



Do any public high schools nurture this type of environment?</blockquote>
Just send your kids to Mater Dei and they'll turn out just fine. Mater Dei is a lot like Rosary and Servite except it's co-ed. I remember having to do 100 hours of community service work in order to graduate. GO MONARCHS!</blockquote>


Boy, you have a better opinion of MD than my alum husband.
 
[quote author="usctrojanman29" date=1249698679][quote author="Mcdonna1980" date=1249695131]I like to hear about experiences with Irvine high schools or any other Orange County high schools with regard to instilling civic responsibility, ethics, and personal development of the students.



One of my colleagues sends her daughter to St. Rosary High in Fullerton. I also have friends that attended Servite. I'm really impressed with their schools emphasis on charitable acts and a since of duty to be a source of positive change in this world.



Do any public high schools nurture this type of environment?</blockquote>
Just send your kids to Mater Dei and they'll turn out just fine. Mater Dei is a lot like Rosary and Servite except it's co-ed. I remember having to do 100 hours of community service work in order to graduate. GO MONARCHS!</blockquote>


Unfortunately, I think if I put them in private school nothing would be left for college. What about public high schools, anybody?
 
[quote author="Mcdonna1980" date=1249704740][quote author="usctrojanman29" date=1249698679][quote author="Mcdonna1980" date=1249695131]I like to hear about experiences with Irvine high schools or any other Orange County high schools with regard to instilling civic responsibility, ethics, and personal development of the students.



One of my colleagues sends her daughter to St. Rosary High in Fullerton. I also have friends that attended Servite. I'm really impressed with their schools emphasis on charitable acts and a since of duty to be a source of positive change in this world.



Do any public high schools nurture this type of environment?</blockquote>
Just send your kids to Mater Dei and they'll turn out just fine. Mater Dei is a lot like Rosary and Servite except it's co-ed. I remember having to do 100 hours of community service work in order to graduate. GO MONARCHS!</blockquote>


Unfortunately, I think if I put them in private school nothing would be left for college. What about public high schools, anybody?</blockquote>
You do have a point, when my parents "shipped me off" to MD it was about $4,000 per year (90-94) which was actually slightly more than my UCLA tuition of $1,300/quarter (94-97). I think the last time I checked, the annual tuition for MD is around $10,000 per year.
 
It seems that either Irvine or Beckman HS would be a good fit for us, perhaps? How can I look for houses based on schools? We are postponing the move now, which is a relief because I am certainly not ready for it! In the meantime, I want to keep my eyes open to learn more about the market in these areas.
 
[quote author="ksb1" date=1249800219]It seems that either Irvine or Beckman HS would be a good fit for us, perhaps? How can I look for houses based on schools? </blockquote>


On both TUSD and IUSD district sites you can find maps showing the highlighted school boundary areas so that will give you an idea. If you see a house you like and there is any question which school of attendance it is, try the school locaters in our sticky thread at the top of this forum. To find homes within these boundaries, try using the interactive map search features found on most MLS sites such as ziprealty.



For example: <a href="http://www.tustin.k12.ca.us/HTML/schooldirectory/hsboundaries.htm">HERE </a>is the map of Tustin High School attendance areas so you can view the current zoning for Beckman.



<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d629b3127ccec78540b56c5000000030O08BbN3LZs3ag9vPhg/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=550/ry=400/" alt="" />



<a href="http://www.iusd.k12.ca.us/schools/maps/documents/HSMapCOIRevfor2009.pdf">Here </a>is a link to the IUSD high school map. (Too hard to paste the image.)
 
I also worry about the overly competitive environment of Irvine schools. I think it's important to get a good education...but that being said, I no longer believe it's necessary to go to an insanely terrific and competitive school, because I don't think it makes any difference in life. For me personally, I went to a pretty good high school, did well, and then went to a relatively prestigious university. But did it really matter - am I any richer or more successful than friends who did just okay in school and went to so-so colleges? No.



I'm sure my parents would think this is blasphemy, since I was raised to believe that the best possible education is an essential for success in life. But I don't believe this anymore based on my life experiences. I think what's more important is being innovative, taking some risks, and being good with people. These qualities seem more important than how competitive your elementary school or high school was. Obviously being smart and well-educated is still important, but I don't think you need to go to Irvine-type schools to get there in life. I was talking to someone about this and he was saying that it IS important to go to a competitive school because then your child learns to work hard and compete in the world. I agree to some extent, but I think crazy competition where your kid has to have tutoring to keep up or has hours of homework in 2nd grade is just unnecessary and does more harm than good.
 
I somewhat agree with traceimage when it comes to college.



I actually think it's better to save money and send your kids to a local junior college and then once they've decided what major they want to pursue... let them go off to a "regular" college.



From experience... my first two years was just fluff (well... actually... most of my college was fluff) and once I got my second job (I was working my first job in the industry while in college)... my degree almost became worthless as employers were more focusing on experience and expertise.



I do worry about the competitiveness of high schools though... even at the elementary level, there are those FCB parents who are very pushy when it comes to academics... can't we just let kids be kids?
 
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