A Comparative Analysis of John Sinnott Elementary and Curtner Elementary in Milpitas: Neighborhoods and Academic Quality

Introduction

I have personally attended Curtner Elementary for 4 years, lived under the shadow of John Sinnott Elementary for 23 years, and have sold homes in the vicinity of both schools for the past 10 years. From my experience, the schools themselves seem to be of comparable educational quality. However, there is a significant difference in the neighborhoods surrounding these two institutions.

Academic Quality Overview

Both schools offer a well-rounded education, ensuring that students are well-prepared academically. Despite the similarities in academic standards, the living environment beyond the school gates presents a stark contrast.

Journey Through John Sinnott Elementary

Living just within walking distance of John Sinnott Elementary, I have observed that the neighborhood here is a cut above what is offered by Curtner Elementary. The area boasts large, upscale homes designed and built by Shapell, along with newer, well-maintained townhouses. This exclusive residential enclave is likely home to affluent families, given the high-value single family homes in the area.

The neighborhood is noteworthy for its exclusivity and tranquility. Parents from neighboring communities regularly drop off their children in this area for activities such as Halloween trick-or-treating. This underscores the desirability of the neighborhood and its appeal to families seeking a high-quality living environment. Although the housing prices are exorbitant, homes in this area often start at around $1.4 million and can exceed $2 million for larger properties.

Experience with Curtner Elementary

In marked contrast to the Sinnott neighborhood, the area around Curtner Elementary is more diverse. The housing in this part of Milpitas includes small condos, older apartments, and smaller, older homes. Despite the high housing prices for the size of the homes, the diversity of the neighborhood results in more through traffic and street-side activity, introducing a bit more noise and less desirability compared to the Sinnott area.

However, this neighborhood still provides a safe and quiet living environment. It reminded me of my experience growing up in one of those tiny condos for 6 years, filled with memories of a simpler time.

overlays and Price Disparities

It's worth noting that while Curtner has its share of quieter neighborhoods that match the quality of Sinnott, especially in the Yellowstone area. This makes the housing prices in that region quite similar to those around Sinnott. However, the top end of Curtner area homes tend to start around $1.4 million, whereas Sinnott homes start at around $1.4 million and can go beyond $2 million for larger properties.

Conclusion

In summary, while both schools in Milpitas offer a commendable academic environment, the neighborhoods surrounding these schools vary significantly in terms of desirability and living conditions. If you prioritize an exclusive, upscale neighborhood with large homes and less traffic, Sinnott Elementary is the way to go. For those who prefer a diverse, albeit slightly busier, neighborhood, Curtner Elementary might be the better choice.