I have always been a rolling stone and my son was born in Denver :) Then when it became obvious that his "dad" was not going to step to the plate I moved to Coronado with my son when he was 1 and we stayed put until he graduated High School. I was a single mom in every respect. His dad did not show up to make a claim, so my son has "none" on his birth certificate for "father".
Then I lost weight and lost all my friends and lost my work and lost my money. I've been a homeless vagabond since 2013 trying to push my natural weight loss message. My son is a total mess with ptsd and depression back in San Diego now. He was homeless for about 5 years and now barely has a roof he might soon lose.
Even though Coronado was a great place for his early years, my biggest regret is not leaving the country at about 9th grade and bringing him with me doing home schooling. I had a dream that he would have a home town like I do not. But he cannot even go there now.
Starting in 8th Grade - he has suffered about 25 deaths in his circle of close friends from every tragedy you can imagine. It's been a nightmare and I do not know if he will make it himself. It's my never-ending fear these days.
I don't know if you know about the San Diego Coronado Bridge, but it is a suicide magnet and the main entrance to town.
One of my son's best friends jumped a few months after graduation. This was a kid I was a "reading mom" for in 2nd grade. The bridge closes at least weekly for jumps or attempts. I really kick myself for staying as long as I did and subjecting my son to this.
Many other kids that used to hang out in my house are now gone to other tragedies. Many have died from "unknown" causes and of course everyone then thinks it was suicide. My son is not the only one suffering. The last death for him was in March of a messed up kid my son used to take care of and protect from bullies. He took that death hard and has not really come back since then.
I left a year and a half ago since I was not helping him and I was fading away myself. This journey has made me healthier and better able to work. I thought my son would do better if he did not have me to be a focus of his anger and sadness. But this has not been the case.
I'm glad I left; I hope never to return; but I sure miss my son. I pray for your son - High school is not easy anywhere. My recommendation is not to be in an elite school but I have absolutely no authority as a parent and don't recommend listening to me on this topic.