Figuring out school pathways in 92130 can feel like a puzzle. Two elementary districts serve the neighborhood, a different district covers middle and high school, and there is another “Carmel Valley” in Monterey County that often adds confusion. You want a clear plan that fits your child and your timeline. This guide shows you how the 92130 system works, where to start, and when to act so you can move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
First, confirm your 92130 location
92130 refers to Carmel Valley in the City of San Diego. The neighborhood’s schools are listed on the city’s Carmel Valley page, which provides helpful local context and school naming conventions. You can review that overview on the City of San Diego’s Carmel Valley neighborhood page.
If you are looking at the Carmel Valley area in Monterey County, that is a different place with different rules. Those schools are part of Carmel Unified School District. See the district’s Carmel Unified schools list if that is your location.
Who serves 92130 schools
Elementary districts
Most of 92130 is served by Del Mar Union School District (DMUSD) or Solana Beach School District (SBSD). Each district sets its own attendance boundaries and intradistrict choice rules. DMUSD explains boundary schools and “option areas” on its School Boundaries and Option Areas page. Notable 92130 elementary schools include Carmel Del Mar, Carmel Creek, Ocean Air, Sage Canyon, Ashley Falls, and Sycamore Ridge.
Middle and high schools
San Dieguito Union High School District (SDUHSD) covers grades 7 through 12 for most of 92130. Many students feed to Carmel Valley Middle School and Torrey Pines High School. SDUHSD also operates “schools of choice,” including Canyon Crest Academy and San Dieguito High School Academy. Choice campuses require participation in the district’s selection process and may use a lottery when applications exceed space. For a district overview, visit SDUHSD’s Our Schools page.
Private schools
A number of private schools serve families in and around 92130. These schools run their own admissions processes and timelines separate from public districts.
How enrollment and choice work
Boundary enrollment is the default
Your child’s default school is based on your home address. Use the districts’ boundary tools before you tour or apply. SDUHSD provides online enrollment through Aeries. Start there when you are ready to enroll: SDUHSD Aeries enrollment portal.
Intradistrict choice within DMUSD and SBSD
Both elementary districts allow resident families to request a school other than their boundary school, subject to space and priority rules.
- DMUSD’s “option areas” and intradistrict process are explained on its Intradistrict Transfers page. DMUSD’s 2025 window ran Feb 3 to Feb 28, which is a useful example of typical timing. Always confirm current-year dates on the district site.
- SBSD allows resident families to apply to any district school through its intradistrict process. Review SBSD’s Intradistrict Open Enrollment information for current steps and timelines.
Interdistrict transfers between districts
If you want your child to attend a school in a different district, you can request an interdistrict transfer. Approvals depend on the receiving district and sometimes your resident district. DMUSD outlines forms, timing, and appeal steps on its Interdistrict Transfers page.
SDUHSD high school selection for grades 9 to 12
Each year SDUHSD runs a “High School Selection” window, typically from late January through mid February. Families indicate their preference for the comprehensive high schools or the two choice academies. When applications exceed capacity, the district uses selection rules or a lottery, and some schools may close once full. Review current-year details on SDUHSD’s High School Selection page.
Capacity and priority rules
Districts use priority lists that commonly favor boundary students, then siblings of enrolled students, and sometimes children of staff. If a school reaches capacity, additional requests may be denied or waitlisted. SDUHSD and the elementary districts publish their priority and appeal procedures. For a district snapshot, see SDUHSD’s Our Schools page.
Your step-by-step timeline
Set reminders early. Many key windows open in winter for the following school year.
- Step 0: Verify coverage. Use the districts’ boundary lookups to confirm your address and default school, then note the correct district portals. SDUHSD’s enrollment page links to tools and instructions: SDUHSD enrollment and boundaries.
- Gather documents. Typical items include proof of residency, your child’s birth certificate, immunization records, and prior school records if applicable. DMUSD lists accepted documents on its Enrollment page.
- Watch the winter windows. DMUSD and SBSD intradistrict windows usually open in February. SDUHSD’s high school selection window is often late January through mid February. DMUSD posts current dates on its Intradistrict Transfers page, and SDUHSD posts them on the High School Selection page.
- Enroll in your boundary school first. If you live in the attendance area, complete enrollment in the district portal, then submit any transfer or choice requests during the open window. Use the Aeries enrollment portal when enrolling with SDUHSD.
- If a request is denied. Ask about the district’s appeal process and deadlines. DMUSD outlines interdistrict appeals on its Interdistrict Transfers page.
Helpful resources
- City overview: Carmel Valley neighborhood page
- Elementary districts: DMUSD enrollment and transfers, SBSD intradistrict information
- Secondary district: SDUHSD High School Selection
- Annual planning guide: Voice of San Diego Parent’s Guide to San Diego Schools
If you meant Carmel Valley in Monterey County
Carmel Valley in Monterey County is served by Carmel Unified School District, with its own boundaries and transfer policies that are different from San Diego’s 92130 system. If that is your location, start with Carmel Unified’s schools list and enrollment pages to confirm your school and timelines.
When you are planning a move, the right school plan supports the lifestyle you want at home. If you would like help aligning neighborhoods, commute patterns, and school timelines, reach out to Patrick Brown for a private, concierge consultation.
FAQs
Can I choose any SDUHSD high school if I live in 92130?
- SDUHSD runs a selection window that lets in-district families request a comprehensive high school or a choice academy, and popular campuses may use a lottery when applications exceed capacity; see the district’s High School Selection page for current rules and dates.
What is the difference between intradistrict and interdistrict transfers in 92130?
- Intradistrict means requesting a different school within your elementary district, while interdistrict is asking a different district to accept your child; DMUSD explains its intradistrict process on the Intradistrict Transfers page.
When do 92130 choice and transfer windows usually open?
- Most intradistrict windows open in winter, often February for DMUSD and SBSD, and SDUHSD’s high school selection window typically runs from late January to mid February; confirm current-year dates on DMUSD’s Intradistrict Transfers page and SDUHSD’s High School Selection page.
How do I find my boundary school in 92130?
- Use the districts’ boundary tools and enrollment portals to verify your address and assigned school; SDUHSD links these on its Enrollment and boundaries page.
If my request is waitlisted or denied, what should I do?
- Ask the district for its appeal steps and deadlines, keep copies of your documents, and meet all timelines; DMUSD outlines appeals for interdistrict requests on its Interdistrict Transfers page.
