State

"School districts across California have begun trimming services and preparing to lay off teachers in response to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposed budget, which could cut about $4.8 billion in education funding in this and next year's budget. Educators say it's the worst financial crisis they can remember."

Well, let's see...California is now 47th or 46th in education in the country, perhaps the Govenator thinks that being 50th in education is a good thing. Why are we having this budget crisis now? Is it all a ploy?

A ploy to take money away from education?

Of course the answer in my district is to cut 305 teachers!

My daughter will be going to private school when we move to San Diego. The government has way too much power in making decisions that affect education. I am blessed that I can do that though.

I'm from SD, is your daughter going to one of the top three: Bishops, Francis Parker or La Jolla Country Day.

We aren't completely sure yet. It depends a lot on where we end up living down there. We are looking at a few areas, Clairmont, Mission Valley, Bay Ho....

Mtnlifer, most of the private schools have long waiting lists. I personally believe the public schools in SD are good. My son did very well and received many academic and athletic scholarships. Make sure she's in the Honor and AP classes. Let me know if you have questions about schools.

I REALLY appreciate that. I am not against public schools, my daughter has done really well up here. I just get tired of bureaucracy. But, that can be everywhere. We were looking at Serra Madre in San Marcos, but, that would be quite the drive.

Are you buying or renting? If renting, Coronado is a great place to raise a child. It's expensive, but safe, good schools and great parents.

We are hoping to buy.... I haven't even thought of looking in that area. My husbands aunt is a real estate agent down there and looking out on us.

The problem with the Bay Ho and Clairemont area is the schools aren't great and they have gang problems. It appears you want to be centrally located, but I would pass on these areas. Depending on where you'll be working, Scripps Ranch has good schools as does Carmel Valley.

My husband got a job in El Cajon, so we want to be a good commuter distance for him. I just want to be close to the water. But, I am pretty flexable for the most part. I have lived up here my whole life, so this is a big deal move for me. I am excited though.

Have you considered La Mesa? La Mesa is approximately 5 miles from El Cajon. The schools are good and the housing is now affordable. The beach is a 20 minute EASY drive. I prefer Coronado's dog beach if you have a furkid.

There are a couple of good websites to look at schools... start with Greatschools.net

If you find a school you like, look up the district or school web site and they are required to have a School Accountability Report Card (SARC) for you to download.

Then call and arrange a tour.

Choose the one that fits your daughter best and then look for a house in that area. Better to spend the extra $$ on a slightly higher mortgage payment, and get some killer equity, then to send her to a school that doesn't meet her needs.

Also check the US News and World Report and Newsweek rankings.

I really appreciate the advice. My daughter is my world.

There aren't necessarily good schools by every house... but there are houses next to every good school. Shop for the school, buy the house nearby. (Even if it costs a little more.)