oking for info about schools Aptos/Watonsville (Salinas, Vista: house, neighborhoods)

[jukes]

Just bought a house in Aptos!! Moving in next summer. My boys will be entering K, 6th and 9th grades. Just came for a few days to look at schools. Does anyone have experience of schools in Aptos? I'd love to hear from people who do Valencia Elementary seemed so over crowded with up to 34 kids in a class.

I also visited 2 charter schools in Watsonville, one called Ceiba College Prep, anyone know of this? I actually really liked it, and the bonus is my 2 older boys can go there together and it saves my 6th grader having to go 1 year valencia, then change to Aptos Jnr High for 7th. Ceiba seemed really friendly and is smaller (500 kids) and 100% go on to college. It's 97% Hispanic, my boys are not, however this in itself doesn't bother me and I was assured this wouldn't be an issue. It had a nice feel to it with high expectations and pride in what they do.

The other was Alianza Charter in Watsonville, where my youngest could start in K and be immersed in Spanish (it's english and spanish bilingual school). Anyone know of this? However it was further out in Watsonville so perhaps a little far to drive every day (35 mins).

There's another called Linscott Charter, I didn't visit, anyone familiar?

I like 'smaller' schools where the children are known, and can receive more individualized education and support. currently in NC, one goes to a charter and one goes to a private middle school with just 70 boys (we can't afford private once we move, he received financial aid).

Other suggestions appreciated, or ideas where to go more info. Great Schools can be hard to go by.

Many thanks

[MtnSurfer]

I've heard really good things about the private High School there named Monte Vista from multiple sources: Monte Vista Christian School About MVCS Some families even bus/drive there kids their from Monterey its so good apparently.

Regarding elementary schools, I've heard Rio Del Mar is good for a public school. I know one the teachers and he is excellent. I have no info about the other schools but someone else may.

Welcome to the Monterey Bay!

Derek

[jukes]

Thanks Derek,
Unfortunately we won't be able to afford private schooling, due to moving and having to get established again!
I really would love my boys to start in the right school for them, to prevent yet another change..
Many thanks.

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by jukes

Thanks Derek,
Unfortunately we won't be able to afford private schooling, due to moving and having to get established again!
I really would love my boys to start in the right school for them, to prevent yet another change..
Many thanks.

Yes, I completely sympathize with you as we have been raising our three kids here since our move from CO over eight years ago. The area is truly beautiful in so many ways and the kids love it. Yet its expensive for families. We actually homeschool our kiddos. Though our oldest is in high school and taking classes at the local community college as well.

I do have one more comment about the all hispanic neighborhoods for non-hispanics. I have two friends I work with who kids are/were in this same boat. One went to Salinas High and the other King City. They stood out like sore thumbs. But they've all done well and actually graduated with honors. So the diversity didn't seem to effect them nor did the 'poorer' neighbor and demographics. Though there may be some social stigmas to deal with along the way. I'm sure you are taking that into account. Having really involved parents seemed to make the biggest difference for them.

Derek