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!
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!