A parent on the waiting list reached out to me. They mentioned that their number on the waiting list for the private school they applied to was in the double digits, indicating that it would be nearly impossible this year. There was also a sense of urgency since their child is already in 6th grade and they need to secure a spot for next year. Such situations are not uncommon among Korean families in San Diego who are concerned about their children's education.

The school this family applied to is La Jolla Country Day School. It is a private school that serves grades K-12 and has been well-known among Korean parents for its academic performance for many years.

The graduating class of 2025 received over 670 college acceptance letters. Ninety-four percent of applicants were accepted to one of their top three college choices, and graduates went on to a total of 72 different colleges. Twenty-three point forty-two percent of graduates attended one of the top 50 colleges in the U.S., while eleven point fifty-seven percent attended one of the top 25 colleges, with two point forty-eight percent going to Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, or MIT combined.

The tuition for grades 9-12 is $48,900 per year. It is difficult to explain the long waiting list solely based on tuition costs. The school has received an A+ rating from the evaluation organization Niche, which indicates a high number of applicants. The Niche rating is based on a combination of academic achievement, college acceptance rates, and surveys from students and parents, with A+ being among the top tier.

School rankings or ratings are results, not causes. The reasons that parents frequently discuss are college acceptance rates and the depth of the curriculum. The school offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and there is dedicated college counseling staff, which is often mentioned. Taking many AP courses and scoring well on the exams can often exempt students from having to retake those courses in college.

Families on the waiting list often look at nearby public school districts as an alternative. Naturally, this raises the question of home prices. The average home value in the La Jolla area, where this school is located, is $2,476,319 (Zillow, as of May 31, 2026, a 4.4 percent increase from the previous year). The median sale price is reported to be between $2,350,000 and $2,400,000 depending on the source. Rental prices were not specifically confirmed in this survey, so it is safer to check with local agents or management offices for accurate rental rates.

Families moving from other states are often surprised by this price range. California's property taxes are based on the sale price and the annual increase is limited, so it is important to consider how this differs from the property tax structure in their previous residence. Mortgage rates can also vary significantly depending on the time, so it seems practical to compare fixed and variable rate options when seeking loan advice.

Before viewing properties, obtaining pre-approval can help define the actual budget range. In areas like La Jolla, where properties sell quickly, this process can also impact negotiation power. If approaching as an investment, it is important to calculate rental yields as well. Areas with good school districts generally have steady rental demand, but the high purchase prices can result in different yield calculations compared to other areas. Rather than assuming prices will always rise, it is safer to consider actual profits by including loan interest and management fees.

School district boundaries can change every year, and private school admission criteria are adjusted annually. If you have a specific address in mind, it is advisable to verify the school assignment before signing a contract.

This article does not constitute investment or legal advice, and it is necessary to consult with real estate professionals and school representatives before proceeding with any transactions or admissions processes.