How are the schools in El Cerrito?

What are you looking for in a school? Test scores are only one indication which you can look up. Otherwise it might depend on your child or what you’re looking for. How old is your child? Middle and high school may be quite different in 8-12 years if you have a little one.  

Although it has been a few years since my daughter graduated, she had very good experiences at both the El Cerrito middle and high schools. She participated in music, dance, cross country and soccer, as well as various clubs and advanced and AP classes. When she started 7th grade, she noticed right away that the former Kensington Hilltop students were ahead academically, but after a few months students from all the feeder schools had all reached about the same level. I'm not sure what your concern is...academics, safety? My child never felt that academic challenge was not available, and also never felt unsafe. Each year former Kensington 7th graders present a panel to answer questions from parents about Korematsu, maybe check when that is and hear for yourself from the actual students. 

Nobody "needs" to move because of schools. Previous posters gave good advice about it will depend on how old your child is now. Wait until you get closer and then evaluate for yourself based on your family's priorities. There's lots of good private middle/high schools within commute distance if you end up not liking the EC options. We sent our kids to the local EC elementary school then went elsewhere for middle/high school currently, and that was the right decision for us, but we are not you. As part of your research, check Insta/Twitter/TikTok for "____ school" and see what comes up, as well as google crime at "_____ school".