School options have always come up as a great, big question mark for people living in the area or investigating moving to Kensington and Talmadge. When my family moved to Talmadge, we did so intentionally due to the proximity to the Language Academy (a tuition-free French and Spanish Immersion K-8 magnet in the College area). The truth is, we have so many options at our fingertips…you just have to know where to look! Although many in years past have not sent their children to our local neighborhood schools, I am seeing an evolution take place currently. I know of several local parents who are getting involved in the schools, from Franklin Elementary to Hoover HS, and reclaiming them as our local resource for education. Besides the STEAM program at Franklin Elementary (and the newly formed first ever PTA there, thanks to Talmadge resident Robin Taylor), there are public charters, magnets and traditional schools within a short drive – offering an array of specialized curricula ranging from language immersion, multi-media, performing arts, as well as several private schools nearby! I am often asked about schools at the open houses I host and am glad to be able to speak from experience, as well as to have watched many nearby schools flourish over the past 15 years in to true gems. For the record, the charters and magnet schools are most often tuition-free. This is the biggest misconception out there and I want to clear that one up right away. I encourage you to check out all school options within a close proximity to the community as you may well be surprised to see how plentiful your choices are! Two great resources are www.GreatSchools.org, where you can find parent ratings and review as well as district report cards on every school in the area, and www.Sandi.net/schools (this is the San Diego Unified School District where you can learn about all the different school options available at the district level). What a beautiful thing to have not only the ability to take advantage of local traditional schools but also the incredible programs developed at these local magnets and charters too. Kensington and Talmadge really DO have it all!! I know many parents who have had experiences at most all nearby schools and am happy to connect you to them as a sounding board or resource as you may be conducting your research. Give me a call or shoot me an email any time.
