I'm looking for some moving advice ?

I will be moving from Melbourne Aust to LosAngeles CA area early in 2009. I have a 12yo girl completing year 6 and a 10yo boy completing year 4 this year.
I am a single parent hoping to broaden my kids global outlook by transfering with my work.
Are my children better served to repeat their current year when we move in February ? My son no problem, but my daughter is looking forward to secondary (middle) school.
How can I determine what their education level should be ?
Because we are not US citizens, will public schoos cost us ?
I will be working full time, do schools generally have good afterschool activities available ? Both my kids are sports oriented so school or club sports holds our interest. Do parents usually get involved in the kids sports ? I currently coach my children and after some settling in hope I can get involved too.
Someone told me everyone drives their kids to school....why ? Can they walk or take a bus ?
Thanks in advance for your answers.

Parent Answers to "I'm looking for some moving advice ?"

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If your office is located in Lennox. There are some great cities nearby with wonderful schools. Torrance, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach & El Segundo. What makes the schools in these cities so great is that they have their own school district. Much smaller than the massive LAUSD and much more manageable. Between the 4 cities, I think Torrance is probably cheaper in terms of housing. Do some research online and find out what the rent is ranging for apartments in those cities. Just remember that most cities have good and bad pockets within them. Specifically Torrance...stay away from south-east Torrance (not so safe). Let me know if you have any other questions.

Thanks Mrs Smith. Our office is near LA airport at Lennox. What is the radius I should be looking at and some nice area's within that radius. I'm looking at apartment living ... is it safer ?

Do you already know what part of Los Angeles you plan to live in? I guess it also depends on where your job is located. Just remember, the traffic is pretty bad here. I would love to make some suggestions, but I think it's important to live within a 30 minute drive to work. Trust me...it's not fun to spend an hour commuting to and from work. That got old really quick for me.

As far as not being citizens, that doesn't matter in the US. Everyone has access to free public education.

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