Posted by Candace Stadelmann on May 30, 2018
Parents tend to view the world a little differently than the rest of us. After all, the transition from childlessness to parenthood is arguably the greatest identity change a person can experience.
Parents tend to view the world a little differently than the rest of us. After all, the transition from childlessness to parenthood is arguably the greatest identity change a person can experience.
Think about it—you no longer have the luxury of getting a full night’s rest, your refrigerator eventually transforms into a shrine of children’s artwork, and alone time will soon become a distant memory.
Even the place you choose to call home is now contingent on a variety of new factors. Proximity to trendy bars with craft beer, restaurants, and downtown San Diego may lessen in importance, for instance, while safety and child-friendly amenities and services, for example, the beach, theme parks like the San Diego Zoo, vacation rentals, and a community center become key motivators to move elsewhere.
So, it’s no wonder that growing families are flocking to North County San Diego. Cities include Poway, Escondido, San Marcos, and Vista. North County coastal cities include Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Oceanside. North County San Diego is one of the few picturesque Southern California enclaves that hasn’t been absorbed by the congestion of Los Angeles and Orange County to the north and San Diego to the south. Plus, many of the schools in North County are among the best in the state.
School Districts:
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Del Mar Union Elementary DistrictEngagement and critical thinking reign supreme in this district, as instructors continually provide their students with tools and resources to solve real-world problems.
- 4,413 students enrolled
- 8 schools within the district
- Teachers have 11 years of experience on average
Founded in 1925, Solana Beach Elementary has a longstanding history of academic success, serving communities in the City of Solana Beach, Carmel Valley, Fairbanks Ranch, and Rancho Santa Fe.
- 2,879 students enrolled
- 6 schools within the district
- Teachers have 13 years of experience on average
MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS
San Dieguito High AcademyStudents here exceed the state average when it comes to testing scores and advanced placement courses.
- 12,485 students enrolled
- 10 schools within the district
- Teachers have 12 years of experience on average
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Carmel Del MarDubbed the "School with a Heart," Carmel Del Mar is known to foster a collaborative relationship with their parental community. It is located in northern San Diego but serves the Del Mar community and is in the same area as Carmel Valley Middle School.
- 560 students enrolled
- 87 percent of students are proficient or advanced in English Language Arts
- 86 percent of students are proficient or advanced in Math
As one of the most popular elementary schools among locals with children living in the North County area, Olivenhain Pioneer offers a wide variety of fitness and community involvement programs. Olivenhain Pioneer is located in Carlsbad and is in the same area as Diegueño Middle School.
- 667 students enrolled
- 83 percent of students are proficient or advanced in English Language Arts
- 82 percent of students are proficient or advanced in Math
Pacific Rim Elementary is rated ‘above average’ in school quality compared to several other schools in California. Pacific Rim Elementary is located near the coastal area of Carlsbad.
Mission Estancia
- 886 students enrolled
- 93 percent of students are proficient or advanced in English Language Arts
- 90 percent of students are proficient or advanced in Math
Mission Estancia has been awarded the title of a California Distinguished School and a National Blue Ribbon School. Mission Estancia is also located in Carlsbad.
- 541 students enrolled
- 79 percent of students are proficient or advanced in English Language Arts
- 80 percent of students are proficient or advanced in Math
Aviara Oaks
This 19-acre elementary school campus is located in the southern-most part of the city of Carlsbad and covers over 827,00 square feet. Aviara Oaks has a reputation for high academic excellence and it is near the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort.
- 693 students enrolled
- 85 percent of students are proficient or advanced in English Language Arts
- 75 percent of students are proficient or advanced in Math
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Carmel Valley MiddleCarmel Valley Middle champions the central tenants to student success—professionalism, communication and respect. Similar to Carmel Del Mar Elementary, Carmel Valley Middle is located in northern San Diego.
- 1,531 students enrolled
- 86 percent of students are proficient or advanced in English Language Arts
- 84 percent of students are proficient or advanced in Math
In recent years, the school’s science and technology programs have flourished, with the robotics program becoming somewhat of a hallmark. It is located in Rancho Sant Fe.
- 250 students enrolled
- 87 percent of students are proficient or advanced in English Language Arts
- 82 percent of students are proficient or advanced in Math
Valley Middle School is the oldest of three middle schools in the Carlsbad Unified School District and is also located near the coastal area of Carlsbad.
- 1,027 students enrolled
- 68 percent of students are proficient or advanced in English Language Arts
- 61 percent of students are proficient or advanced in Math
Known for its proximity to the coast, campus amenities include a state-of-the-art campus, a shared public library, as well as the neighboring Boys and Girls club. Earl Warren Middle is located in Solana Beach and is less than five minutes from Flower Hill Promenade.
Oak Crest
- 715 students enrolled
- 78 percent of students are proficient or advanced in English Language Arts
- 72 percent of students are proficient or advanced in Math
Oak Crest Middle School is one of the highest-rated public schools in Encinitas.
- 852 students enrolled
- 74 percent of students are proficient or advanced in English Language Arts
- 64 percent of students are proficient or advanced in Math
HIGH SCHOOLS
Canyon Crest AcademySince August 2004, the academy has shown an improvement in state test scores in every area. Its is located in northern San Diego.
- 1,991 students enrolled
- 86 percent of students are proficient or advanced in English Language Arts
- 75 percent of students are proficient or advanced in Math
This campus offers a flexible educational environment that blends the best of independent study and a traditional classroom setting. Classical Academy High School is located in Escondido.
- 1,236 students enrolled
- 57 percent of students are proficient or advanced in English Language Arts
- 43 percent of students are proficient or advanced in Math
Carlsbad Seaside Academy
Here, the student: teacher ratio of 20:1 is lower than the California average of 24:1.
- 47 students enrolled
- 87 percent of students are proficient or advanced in English Language Arts
- 43 percent of students are proficient or advanced in Math
Del Norte has been recognized as a California Distinguished School and earned a 6-Year Clear WASC Accreditation since its founding in 2009. It is located northeast of San Diego near Rancho Bernardo.
- 1,933 students enrolled
- 89 percent of students are proficient or advanced in English Language Arts
- 77 percent of students are proficient or advanced in Math
Colleges:
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Mira Costa CollegeWith an average class size of about 30 to 45, attending students receive more personalized attention on average. Mira Costa College is located in Oceanside.
Palomar College
- 23,653 students enrolled
- 58.9 percent are female
- 40.6 percent are male
This community college boasts one campus, three centers, and four education sites in San Diego County. It is located in San Marcos.
- 36,838 students enrolled
- 46.5 percent are female
- 52.8 percent are male
STATE COLLEGES
San Diego State UniversityFounded in 1897, San Diego State University is the largest and oldest higher education institution in San Diego County. It is located in the mid-city region of San Diego.
- 28,649 students enrolled
- 67 percent graduation rate
- $13,475 average annual cost
This public university offers 62 different bachelor's degrees, 15 master's degrees, an Ed.D. program, and 13 teaching credentials. You can find this community college in the middle of San Marcos.
- 12,103 students enrolled
- 50 percent graduation rate
- $10,547 average annual cost
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
UC San DiegoResearchers and alumni from this school have won 25 Nobel Prizes and three Fields Medals, eight National Medals of Science, eight MacArthur Fellowships, and two Pulitzer Prizes. UC San Diego is located in La Jolla and is about 10 minutes from the coast.
- 26,584 students enrolled
- 87 percent graduation rate
- $13,913 average annual cost
PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES
University of San DiegoThis university is a private Catholic institution located on 180 acres overlooking the city of San Diego, Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
- 5,551 students enrolled
- 78 percent graduation rate
- $33,865 average annual cost
Headquartered in La Jolla, National University offers more than 130 undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as 23 teacher credential programs.
- 8,555 students enrolled
- 37 percent graduation rate
- $24,118 average annual cost
And as you can see, North County’s laid-back charm and unparalleled climate, coupled with its low crime rates and quality public education, make it the ideal place to start and raise a family.
