Is there a big difference in education quality?

[Kangen.Irvine]

IUSD HSs are all great but API is being recalculated and parents should beware that not everyone gets to brag about being in the Top Ten etc in Irvine.

 

[irvinehomeowner]

I also don't understand why there's all this hoopla all the time on TI about Ivys. Let's be honest here, the majority of you probably won't have kids getting in anyway (myself included).

Blame IHS.

 

[qwerty]

Hindsight is always 20/20. You don't know what your life/career/potential is until way after college decisions are made. So if it all depends on the field, should we discourage  some women to not even to go college? Afterall, a college degree isn't required for being a stay at home mom.  Should everyone be required for genetic testing. If they have some tragic life shortening gene, they shouldn't even bother going to college bc their return on investment will be poor?  Apply yourself in high school, get into the best college you can and go from there. So annoying when people go around telling others NOT to go Ivy bc they know so and so who makes millions and went to CSUF. Yes, you can be a dud at life even if you go to harvard. But I would rather take my chances there (if you can even get in)

Well if we are being honest, there is only one workplace for women - the strip club

 

[eatthis]

Name brand of high school does not matter but when you're competing with strong students in primary school level I think when they go on to college that competitive edge makes them stronger and more likely to succeed in college.

At this age, kids are often more influenced by their friends than the parents. If you have them in an environment where all of their friends and classmates are all focused on high achievement they're much more likely to do the same.

 

[doremi]

Hindsight is always 20/20. You don't know what your life/career/potential is until way after college decisions are made. So if it all depends on the field, should we discourage  some women to not even to go college? Afterall, a college degree isn't required for being a stay at home mom.  Should everyone be required for genetic testing. If they have some tragic life shortening gene, they shouldn't even bother going to college bc their return on investment will be poor?  Apply yourself in high school, get into the best college you can and go from there. So annoying when people go around telling others NOT to go Ivy bc they know so and so who makes millions and went to CSUF. Yes, you can be a dud at life even if you go to harvard. But I would rather take my chances there (if you can even get in)

Well if we are being honest, there is only one workplace for women - the strip club

Oh hellz no!

 

[Paris167]

Name brand of high school does not matter but when you're competing with strong students in primary school level I think when they go on to college that competitive edge makes them stronger and more likely to succeed in college.

At this age, kids are often more influenced by their friends than the parents. If you have them in an environment where all of their friends and classmates are all focused on high achievement they're much more likely to do the same.

yes that is exactly my point - in any one of these Irvine high schools the kids there are over achievers and they influence each other to excel because it fosters this competitive edge. That strength is really important in a good college where all the kids are at that level. At UCLA a girl in my dorm floor was the valedictorian from some lower class high school where she was easily the best and didn't have that competitive edge and then at the college level she did really poorly and had trouble keeping up. It's much better to be average at a strong high school than the best at a poor high school for that reason.

I'm not saying don't go to an Ivy if you get in and of course you should encourage your child to do the best they can - but kids in Irvine are under a large amount of pressure - mostly because this Ivy glorification is not just on TI but everywhere in Irvine including at the schools. All I'm saying is there are plenty of good colleges out there and Ivy is not the end all be all. And Ivies are expensive!

So NO I'm not an idiot for turning down Yale Qwerty - I would have been an idiot if I went and am now an additional $100k in school debt with no change in my career path from where I am now. Overall school debt should always be a factor in any child's decision to choose a school because the reality is very few get a full ride and higher degrees now in masters, doctoral, MD, JD are on average alone an additional $100k. What's the point of all these fancy degrees if you come out with a massive amount of debt (private loans these days with variable interest rates) before you even have your 1st job.

 

[qwerty]

Paris - it wasn't directed at you just the general population. You'll never be an idiot in my book

 

[paydawg]

I'm glad this question has fostered a fairly healthy discussion.  Going back to the actual question, it appears the general consensus is that the difference between the IUSD high schools is fairly small and that a school like Northwood shouldn't be considered a difference-maker by itself. 

I tend to agree with that general opinion.  Also, I believe that, in time, the API scores of IHS will improve as newer communities (CV) are zoned to that school.  It also appears that IUSD likes to tinker with school zoning every few years.  Is that correct?

 

[eyephone]

I'm glad this question has fostered a fairly healthy discussion.  Going back to the actual question, it appears the general consensus is that the difference between the IUSD high schools is fairly small and that a school like Northwood shouldn't be considered a difference-maker by itself. 

I tend to agree with that general opinion.  Also, I believe that, in time, the API scores of IHS will improve as newer communities (CV) are zoned to that school.  It also appears that IUSD likes to tinker with school zoning every few years.  Is that correct?

I think one thing to consider, IUSD should create a HS magnet.

 

[Irvinecommuter]

College choice should probably be based on career objective (if they know at that time). If you want to be a big 4 pArtner, a top 5 accounting school should be where u want to go. If you want to be an engineer go to a top 5-10 engineering school, etc.

Where you want to work should also be a factor. You want to work in LA/OC ucla and USC are fine choices

And let's be honest. Being an Ivy grad will always help, can't go wrong with that. If you get into an Ivy and don't go your an idiot

Disagree....student debt is a huge consideration.  Going to Cal for $100K less than going to an Ivy league over 4 years make a lot more sense.

 

[Irvinecommuter]

I'm glad this question has fostered a fairly healthy discussion.  Going back to the actual question, it appears the general consensus is that the difference between the IUSD high schools is fairly small and that a school like Northwood shouldn't be considered a difference-maker by itself. 

I tend to agree with that general opinion.  Also, I believe that, in time, the API scores of IHS will improve as newer communities (CV) are zoned to that school.  It also appears that IUSD likes to tinker with school zoning every few years.  Is that correct?

I think one thing to consider, IUSD should create a HS magnet.

Nah...it's better to have really good reputation for the district rather than one school.  They are already having issues about people trying to get into the district who don't live in Irvine. 

 

[nyc to oc]

I think you also have to differentiate between what kind of high school is best for getting into a prestigious university, versus what kind of HS education will help you do well  in college once you are there.

I think that being a big fish in a smaller pond probably does help you stand out from your peers during the college application process and may make it easier to get into a name brand college.

But those kids who made it through a competitive school like Uni and did well, but not top of the class,  probably are well prepared to do well at whichever college they end up at, compared to someone who may have been valedictorian at an easier high school, and is then unprepared for the higher level of work required at university level.

Your preference as to which environment you prefer for your children may be influenced by your view on what is the point of high school and education in general.  Is it to get into a good college? Or is it to have your children be well prepared for life overall?

 

[qwerty]

I think you also have to differentiate between what kind of high school is best for getting into a prestigious university, versus what kind of HS education will help you do well  in college once you are there.

I think that being a big fish in a smaller pond probably does help you stand out from your peers during the college application process and may make it easier to get into a name brand college.

But those kids who made it through a competitive school like Uni and did well, but not top of the class,  probably are well prepared to do well at whichever college they end up at, compared to someone who may have been valedictorian at an easier high school, and is then unprepared for the higher level of work required at university level.

Your preference as to which environment you prefer for your children may be influenced by your view on what is the point of high school and education in general.  Is it to get into a good college? Or is it to have your children be well prepared for life overall?

i think you guys discount the smart kids at lesser schools. while the school may not have as many smart kids than at better schools the smart kids generally compete against themselves. they are smart, they are probably trying just as hard as if they were at a harder school

 

[bones]

i think you guys discount the smart kids at lesser schools. while the school may not have as many smart kids than at better schools the smart kids generally compete against themselves. they are smart, they are probably trying just as hard as if they were at a harder school

Don't worry qwerty.  I don't discount you.  Your house maybe.  But not you.

 

[paydawg]

IMO, the main point of high school is to get into a good college, b/c the admissions process is such a numbers game these days.  The responsibility of preparing your child for the rigors of college, and life overall, fall mainly with the parents. 

With that said, here is my quandary.  Do I put my child in a good high school (IHS) with a great chance to succeed?  or do I put my child in a 'great' high school (Northwood) with just a good chance to succeed?  By 'succeed', I'm referring to GPA, class rank, and other quantitative measures that I'm guessing admissions offices put heavy weight on. 

 

[bones]

IMO, the main point of high school is to get into a good college, b/c the admissions process is such a numbers game these days.  The responsibility of preparing your child for the rigors of college, and life overall, fall mainly with the parents. 

With that said, here is my quandary.  Do I put my child in a good high school (IHS) with a great chance to succeed?  or do I put my child in a 'great' high school (Northwood) with just a good chance to succeed?  By 'succeed', I'm referring to GPA, class rank, and other quantitative measures that I'm guessing admissions offices put heavy weight on. 

The difference between Irvine High and Northwood High are exaggerated.  Yes Northwood is ranked higher than Irvine and it has a better reputation amongst the Irvine set.  But the reality is, Northwood is not that "great".  I really think you're splitting hairs here. 

 

[jmoney74]

IMO, the main point of high school is to get into a good college, b/c the admissions process is such a numbers game these days.  The responsibility of preparing your child for the rigors of college, and life overall, fall mainly with the parents. 

With that said, here is my quandary.  Do I put my child in a good high school (IHS) with a great chance to succeed?  or do I put my child in a 'great' high school (Northwood) with just a good chance to succeed?  By 'succeed', I'm referring to GPA, class rank, and other quantitative measures that I'm guessing admissions offices put heavy weight on. 

The difference between Irvine High and Northwood High are exaggerated.  Yes Northwood is ranked higher than Irvine and it has a better reputation amongst the Irvine set.  But the reality is, Northwood is not that "great".  I really think you're splitting hairs here.

home school the kid!

 

[Irvinecommuter]

IMO, the main point of high school is to get into a good college, b/c the admissions process is such a numbers game these days.  The responsibility of preparing your child for the rigors of college, and life overall, fall mainly with the parents. 

With that said, here is my quandary.  Do I put my child in a good high school (IHS) with a great chance to succeed?  or do I put my child in a 'great' high school (Northwood) with just a good chance to succeed?  By 'succeed', I'm referring to GPA, class rank, and other quantitative measures that I'm guessing admissions offices put heavy weight on. 

The difference between Irvine High and Northwood High are exaggerated.  Yes Northwood is ranked higher than Irvine and it has a better reputation amongst the Irvine set.  But the reality is, Northwood is not that "great".  I really think you're splitting hairs here.

home school the kid!

Save on vaccination costs!

 

[irvinehomeowner]

IMO, the main point of high school is to get into a good college, b/c the admissions process is such a numbers game these days.  The responsibility of preparing your child for the rigors of college, and life overall, fall mainly with the parents. 

With that said, here is my quandary.  Do I put my child in a good high school (IHS) with a great chance to succeed?  or do I put my child in a 'great' high school (Northwood) with just a good chance to succeed?  By 'succeed', I'm referring to GPA, class rank, and other quantitative measures that I'm guessing admissions offices put heavy weight on. 

The difference between Irvine High and Northwood High are exaggerated.  Yes Northwood is ranked higher than Irvine and it has a better reputation amongst the Irvine set.  But the reality is, Northwood is not that "great".  I really think you're splitting hairs here.

home school the kid!

Save on vaccination costs!

And spend that money on annual passes to Disneyland because you can take them there on weekdays!

 

[paydawg]

IMO, the main point of high school is to get into a good college, b/c the admissions process is such a numbers game these days.  The responsibility of preparing your child for the rigors of college, and life overall, fall mainly with the parents. 

With that said, here is my quandary.  Do I put my child in a good high school (IHS) with a great chance to succeed?  or do I put my child in a 'great' high school (Northwood) with just a good chance to succeed?  By 'succeed', I'm referring to GPA, class rank, and other quantitative measures that I'm guessing admissions offices put heavy weight on. 

The difference between Irvine High and Northwood High are exaggerated.  Yes Northwood is ranked higher than Irvine and it has a better reputation amongst the Irvine set.  But the reality is, Northwood is not that "great".  I really think you're splitting hairs here.

I tend to agree with you...hence the quotation marks.  I'm glad others share my sentiment on the topic.  My goal was always to get my child into IUSD, where there are no bad options.