Prospective home buyers often ask us which schools in San Diego are the best. Though “best” is subjective, there are certain schools and districts in San Diego and San Diego county that receive top ratings each year based upon a variety of criteria.
In 1999, California passed the Public Schools Accountability Act. One of the main components of this act featured the Academic Performing Index (API), which measures a school’s academic performance and progress. Schools and districts are assigned numeric scores ranging from 200 to 1000 with the ideal target for all schools set at 800. Growth is measured by how successful the school is in reaching this ideal target. The API relies heavily upon standardized testing but also includes factors such as graduation rates and attendance.
Del Mar Heights Elementary school, located in the seaside neighborhood of Del Mar Heights in San Diego’s Northern County, received an API score of 965 for the 2009-2010 school year.
The online resource, GreatSchools, compiles data from public schools across the country and assigns ratings based upon the results of the state’s main standardized tests scores of the past year. Schools and districts in San Diego County are assigned ratings of 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest attainable rating.
Last year the Del Mar Union Elementary School District, in which Del Mar Heights Elementary school is located, received the highest possible rating of 10.
Private schools in San Diego County were not factored into the district ratings. The type of standardized testing offered in private schools is generally not the same as what is required in public schools.
California is one of many states that feature an open enrollment policy. This means you can enroll your child in any public school in the district (including charter schools) as long as there is space to accommodate them. Certain districts will allow you to enroll in neighboring districts, as well.
If schools are important to you when searching for a home, consider Del Mar Heights. We can help you find a great home in this area.