Vicki has provided a great link for finding schools. There are several in North County where I work...Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Vista all have at least one Montessori school and the home prices are within your range...There are several community colleges with business programs in the vicinity as well as Maric College in San Marcos. In addition San marcos State University is very convenient to the areas I have described. When will you be relocating??

Tue Apr 22 2008, 18:55

Hi Wendy,
I am from Virginia too, originally! Schools are so very important - Here is a link to Montessori Schools and then a few other links to help you choose the right area for your family -

Montessori School list:
http://www.soldbyvickib.com/professional24.shtml

San Diego Magazine Articles on the School Districts and Ratings etc:
1)
http://www.soldbyvickib.com/professional9.shtml
2)
http://www.soldbyvickib.com/professional19.shtml
Here is a link to National School and Community Demographic Statistics where you can search by city, state and zip code:
http://www.soldbyvickib.com/professional1.shtml

Also, to address the college and schools again too, here is a directory that give loads of links to the schools in San Diego County as well as tons of other local resources such as restaurants, utility companies, transportation etc...
http://www.soldbyvickib.com/professional23.shtml


Hope you find the information helpful! Enjoy!

Mon Apr 21 2008, 16:51

Hello Wendy,

I'm not incredibly familiar with all the motessori schools in the area, but I did run a search on google and found one down in Mission hills, which is actually a nice little area that definitely fits with your price range as well. As far as business schools, I myself went to San Diego State University and got my degree in Marketing and I believe it was a great experience and the school has actually gotten much nicer since I graduated in 2000. Mission Hills is probably about a 10-15 minute drive depending on the time of day and if there is any traffic. Hope the info helps and feel free to contact me if you have any other questions.

Make it a great day,

Josh

Mon Apr 21 2008, 11:00

As far as going back to school for Business you have a many options. San Diego State University -Has a great business program and the have full and part time programs. SDSU is located in the central east part of San Diego County. GREAT SCHOOL!

In North San Diego there is CSU San Marcos. Located in the Central North San Diego County they offer full and part time programs.
There are several other options such as USD-a private school and other smaller schools that are geared towards working professionals such as Univeristy or Phoenix, National University, Alliant University etc.

As far as Montessori Schools go...they seem to located all over the county. My best advice is build a relationship with a realtor so that he/ she can start helping you put the puzzle together. A realtor will help you with locations based on where you will be working , being close to a College for you and close to a good montessori school for your children. If I can help you in anyway please feel free to contact me.
Alison Bell
619-384-6997

Fri Apr 18 2008, 15:19

Here is one close to North County in Encinitas a coastal community. You may look in San Elijo where there are some homes listed in this range, however; they do have higher Mello Roo's. We also recommend Lake San Marcos, or La Costa Valley which is a straight drive to the school. We can assist if you have real estate questions specific to your families needs. You will love it here.
Janice Davidson TheDavidsonGroup.biz. Montessori School of Encinitas
141 S. El Camino Real
Encinitas, CA 92024
Tel: (760) 632-5433
Fax: (760) 632-5432

Thu Apr 17 2008, 11:51

Hi Wendy,

I will just comment a bit about your Montessori question as we live in Carlsbad and have done some research for school needs for our 3 year old. As you may know, Montessori schools can vary quite a bit in the environment and daily activities, so I don't know which of the local schools may be closest to what you currently enjoy. Plus the age of your children may limit your choices depending on how long you plan to keep them in Montessori schools.

As far as finding a nice place in Carlsbad, it will be a bit tough to get a single family home in the $500k price range, but you will have quite a few options by going up to $800k. In general, the further east you go, the more you get for your money.

Let me know a little bit more about your specific housing needs, and I can recommend some particular neighborhoods.

Catherine had some good info about schools. Also, many busy folks find getting an online degree through places like the University of Phoenix (http://www.uopxonline.com/programs.asp) is another good alternative.

Sincerely,
Tony

Tue Apr 15 2008, 22:45

Hi Wendy: Catherine has provided excellent information for you to consider...I would also like to add that in your price range, you should take a look at 4S Ranch - Rancho Bernardo and parts of Rancho Penasquitos. Lots of great housing options in your price range. Any questions, just ask...Good luck with your move...Maria Weiss 858-248-0863!

Tue Apr 15 2008, 11:23

Hi Wendy,

Carlsbad is a great family community to raise children. The weather is unblievable! Not to mention you have legoland in the community, costco, clothes outlets, lots of parks, beaches, etc...

There are two well known Monetessori schools, Briliant Kids Montessori and Carlsbadcountryday montesorri (760) 434-4161. I sent both my children through montesorri and was very happy with the results.

Business school: There is a couple good community colleges to start; Mira-costa college and Palomar college. I believe they have campuses throughout San Diego. If you want to go straight to a University, San Diego has several. San Marcos State University which is located 6 miles east of Carlsbad. Or you can attend SDSU or SDU (about 20 miles south of Carlsbad). These are all great schools, and some have campuses located around San Diego for people working and atttending school.

I am a realtor in the area and live in the area. If you need any resources for San Diego, please visit my website at http://www.encinitasproperties.net or give me a call at 760.815.3866 and I would be happy to explain the area in more detail and send you some brochures for you to read. On my website is a link to the carlsbad chamber of commerce and city. They are excellent websites with a lot of information.


Life is Good! Catherine Barden

Tue Apr 15 2008, 07:45

Take a look at Berkeley, CA or its next door neighbor, Albany, CA. The Haas School of Business at UCBerkeley is close, more than one Montessori school in Berkeley, and your price range will afford you a 3bedroom/2 bath home in a nice and safe neighborhood. It is true that the Bay Area will cost you more for less than Richmond, VA, but the Bay Area is vibrant and wonderful. My dear neighbors moved back home to Richmond, VA last year, so I know about their search for a home there. Plan a trip to our area, it will help your search. All the best, Liz

Tue Apr 15 2008, 06:10