City Heights/ Weingart Branch Library & Performance Annex
It's important to have establishments like the City Heights Library. The highest crime rate in San Diego would probably be in City Heights. The area has more lower income families. With the not-so-best schools and not-so-best neighborhoods, it's important to have safe harbors for the kids for resources and learning. I love this library. It's fun. And I know that it is making a difference for kids and adults in the neighborhood. Lots of stuff, good emphasis on children's resources: computers, playroom, books. There's the summer reading program. I'm not sure if they have regular programs throughout the year. But it's a fairly sized library. I have no idea what the "Performance Annex" is. Maybe an extended part of the library?
PROS: Good location, Great kids section
CONS:
Linda Vista Library
This is a huge library. When you come, you'll notice how spacious it is. Lots of stuff. A huge media section, including: Dvds, Videos, Cds, Music, so on. Lots of computers. I don't think I've ever been throughout the whole library because there are many turns and sections. One of the things I find memorable about this library is that as soon as I come in, I feel like I am in a big triangle. Odd. But yes, there are many programs. A wide selection of books and media. Highly recommend. They are also have a lot of displays, pictures, and decorations that theme the entire library.
PROS: Decorations, Media, Sections, Big
CONS: ?
North Park Library
There's a huge selection of dvds! I always come here to borrow dvds. Of course it's less than the Central library, but more than any other library I've visited in San Diego County. This library has a fairly big kids' section with children's books, toys, puzzles, chairs, tables, blocks, so on. This is the only library I've been to where you can check out Puzzle sets to bring home and return when done. This is a pretty large library. Good amount of computers. Lots of programs. Very children oriented. Always has book sales.
PROS: Large kids section, Lots of Dvds, Puzzles
CONS: ?
Oak Park Library
This is my local library. I love it. It's a fair size, smaller than most I've visited in San Diego County though. There's a good selection of media, dvds, books, so on, but less than other libraries. There's maybe about 10 computers available for public use. There's also a security guard at all times, so feel safe to read in peace. (Laughs) I love the summer reading program that they do every summer at this branch. There's always story time, crafts, and booksales every month on select days. This is a very important library and conveniently placed. It is right next door to the fire station and about a block away from Oak Park Elementary. Many kids come to the library after to school to read or go on the computers as they wait for their parents to pick them. I like coming here to just simply study. I love it.
PROS: Local, By the Elementary School, Security, Many programs
CONS: Smaller than others
School of Creative and Performing Arts
This place is not like any other. It basically is a private school, but isn't. There are less than 1500 students with grades 6-12. A middle AND high school. How odd. You would think it'd cause problems for the students, but it doesn't. I would think it enhances the campus in range and variety. Yes, the school is a creative and performing arts school. There is theater, stage, voice, choir, visual arts, photography, film, ceramics, band, orchestra, piano, instrumentals of all types, many genres of dance, martial arts, and who knows what else. Throughout their whole time here, students are required to take ONE class of fine arts as a condition to attend school there. You really get the best of both worlds here. "Arts and academics share center stage" is their motto. I believe that is true, depending on what the students choose to do. The arts create a very interesting and encouraging environment for learning. A lot of people think that academics would be lacking at SCPA, but it isn't. There is a large range of classes, including honors and AP courses as well. The one thing that makes the school less than any other high school is the lack of sports. However, students can play for any other high school in San Diego county. Oh, and the campus is beautifully built. 40 acres.
PROS: Arts, Academics, Big campus, Great facilities, studios, etc.
CONS: No sports
Teen Driving School
As you expect, their primary students would be teenagers. 15-16 year old teens come to driving school for driver's ed. I attened a week of school at this location when I was 15 or 16. There are many practice tests and informative lessons. It was 75$ a course that spanned 5 days or so. I actually don't know if that is a good price. But it was the cheapest I found at the time, I believe. And I passed my permit exam. Definitely really boring, but worth it. Some interesting safety videos. Good lengths for breaks. Definitely recommended.
PROS: Informative, Many practice tests, Good breaks
CONS: Boring, but expected.
High Tech High School
Definitely a world class school. Evident by their awards and distinguished honors, this school is very unique. 100% apparently are accepted to college. And 80% to a 4 year university. That's ridiculously amazing. The facilities are so incredible. They do place an emphasis on robotics, technology, science, and innovation. Their school provides a place of learning that not only is engaging but encourages every student's individual ideas and creativity. I think everyone should visit this school to see. Applicants admitted to this school are selected by lottery. For good reason too. More than half of their graduates are first generation college students. Their school is revolutionizing. Apparently, there are no books here. I actually don't know what extent of that is true. Back when I was younger, the school opened and was accepting lots of students. I just assumed it was dumb. Probably going to be some random school with emphasis on technology and computers. It does emphasize on technology and computers, but also sooooooooo much more. High Tech High is reversing the detriments in California state high schools. It is also a start that tackles the national education crisis. If I had known the potential of this school, I would have thought twice before brushing it off when it first opened. High Tech High offers opportunity for so many with the potential for dramatic change in this country. Very different type of school. It's not for everyone. But for many so far, this school has proved to be revolutionizing.
PROS: 100 college acceptance, Amazing facilities, Technology, Innovation
CONS: Acceptance based on lottery, not sure how you can get in.
Lutheran High School of San Diego
Lutheran High is a private high school right next to Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Which is sort of odd, but whatever. Most of the students who attend Lutheran High are Lutheran and/or came from previous Luteran schools. The classes are really small. I think the ratio is about 1 teacher for every 15 students for the whole school. Which is very efficient towards the objective of learning. There is a wide variety of classes, including challenging AP courses. ABout 90% of their students typically go to college. I'm actually not sure how much it costs to go here. But I bet it's a hefty sum. However, there's financial aid. Lutheran High is definitely not lacking in academics and collegiate preparation. However, it would be a clear and definite change from a public high school. No rallies or big campus with lots of people. There's only a little more than 100 students. The "high school life" is clearly not the same at Lutheran High. The school provides challenging classes, helping students prepare for college, while placing an emphasis on religious growth. Although a lot of typical high school activities are lacking, the staff does try to include such activities into the school year. They do have some organizations, some sports, dances, and some fun.
PROS: Challenging, Small class sizes, Colligiate preparation
CONS: Small "campus," Not many student organizations
Jackson Annex Elementary Schl
This school isn't the best school located in the not-so-best neighborhood, feeding students into the not-so-great high school next door. The school doesn't have high test scores or award winning teachers. But still, I think if students really want to learn, it is possible to do well and succeed. However, the environment seems to be the hindrance to many students' education. It has always been rumored that there's always fights, gangs, and drug related activities that happen. And according to many students, many fractions of that is truth. I live fairly close to Mann Middle. I would consider it my neighborhood school. But when I was young, my parents would not let me go there. And honestly, there are better middle school alternatives in the East San Diego region. For the sake of education and a safe learning environment, I suggest students find another school. There are also many good schools in San Diego that provide transportation to not so local neighborhoods.
PROS: Local
CONS: Test Scores, Fights, Neighborhood
Hoover Senior High School
It's definitely a diverse school with all ethnicities. There's more than 2,000 students. Kind of crowded if you ask me. But the school is big enough, I guess. However, there should be more parking for students to drive to school. But it's a very local school for many students, which does not require driving. Academics are okay. Average scores. Hoover has some good sports teams for students. What concerns me most about the school is that it is not in the safest neighborhoods. It's right next to city heights, which has the highest crime rate in San Diego. But it's a nice good in general.
PROS: Diverse, Sports
CONS: Not so good neighborhood, Average School
