Rancho Santa Fe Elementary School

Two of my children attended RSF, and we can not say enough great things about our two-year experience. The teachers and administrative staff are talented, dedicated, and concerned about the well being of their students. Their communication is excellent, and parents are always well informed of events both inside and outside of the classroom. Mrs. Walker is a principal like no other. Her presence is constant, and she cares immensely about her school. The teachers I had direct contact with were Mrs. Tassin, Mrs. Cargill, Ms. Muir, Ms. Engish, Mr. Gallant, and Coach Owen, and we will forever be grateful to them. However, hearing other parents at the school praising their childrens' teachers I know that the teaching staff at RSF is exceptional. Also, we were fortunate to have a morning violin program before school, and Ms. Rainey was an added blessing to an already amazing staff! The icing on the cake was an organized and kind front office! Thank you Rancho Santa Fe, you will always be fondly remembered!!!
—Submitted by a parent

If you value your child's education, do not send your child here! The teachers are nice, but the curriculum is substandard. I pulled my son out to attend an online school because of this, but kept my younger daughter in the school. Huge mistake. The teacher said her sloppy work was fine and did not have her work on this until towards the end of the school year (my daughter is in second grade). The standards of work overall is low. The school lost money turned in for a yearbook, and I was unaware until my daughter came home on the last day of school without a yearbook. Now, I am told there was no way to order a yearbook. If you want your child to have a good education and excel in life, do not send your child here.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been very impressed with Rancho Santa Fe, my daughter was in Kindergarten this past year. We had Mrs. Smith and I cannot say enough wonderful things about her. She really cares about the children and made my daughter feel loved and nurtured. My daughter really grew while in Mrs.Smith's class. She left Kindergarten with confidence and an eagerness to learn. She cannot wait till next year and either can I. The principal Mrs. Walker is very concerned about her school's safety and the success of her students. I would highly recommend Rancho Santa Fe.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been extremely satisfied with this school. My daughter is now a 4th grader and attended RSF since kindergarten. Communication with the teachers is excellent, safety is a priority, and there are ample programs before, during, and after school to help struggling learners as well as gifted students. Highly recommend.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been very happy with this school. My daughter had previously been in Kindergarten in another state, but due to her birthday, had to be placed in Kindergarten again. We were told that after some tests, she would be able to move to First grade. She had Mrs. Smith as a kinder teacher and I was very impressed at how she handled my bright student. After the testing, we met with the principal and a plan was put into place to move her from kinder to first. it was a very smooth transition, with great communication between teachers to help with the transition. Mrs. Walker, the principal, has been wonderful and my daughter's first grade teacher, Mrs. Cargill, was awesome! I couldn't have asked for a better school for my daughter. Keep up the good work!
—Submitted by a parent

My son went to kindergarten at R.S.F. and he loved it. His teacher Mrs. Klingbyll is amazing, she makes the learning fun and interesting. Every week I would get a letter home explaining everything that they would go over that week and the homework was at appropriate level of difficulty. I cannot really say anything about the other teachers but I would highly recommend Mrs. Klingbyll.
—Submitted by a parent

Not at all satisfied with this school's Teachers, Principal or Super Intendant. They do not help parents out with getting the help our children need if they have any type of problems. They would rather sit and wait till it's too late for the child. I will never have good ratings for this school!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My whole experience with L.E.S.D has been luke-warm. Trying to get my child the help she needs has been a difficult process. Doesn't anyone have kids that struggle?
—Submitted by a parent

The music program is outstanding! Mr. Moore's teaching style is fun and exciting for all the children. My 3rd grader is learning to read music and had wonderful opportunities to perform with a free after-school choir throughout the year. There are free violin lessons being offered this year on a limited basis, as well. We have been at this school for 4 years and we have had great teachers every year. It really helps if you get involved as a parent and visit the classroom often to see firsthand how the learning environment is in your child's classroom. Parental involvement in school will benefit your child in every way. Rancho is a great school in a great neighborhood!
—Submitted by a parent

Not to thrilled with the school this year.A lot of teacher over turn in the 2-3 years,Regular grades aren't able to move forward and learn more, kids get bored as they can't move ahead if they already know stuff.New principle and a lot has changed from the other. I see it being worst than good. The subdivision is great the school could be better.Does have a good parent volunteer system.Also this school does not recognize perfect attendance students as other schools in the Litchfield district do.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids love their school and my experience with RSF has been great! The reading program has worked wonders for my 3rd grader.
—Submitted by a parent

Rancho Santa Fe is a great school in a great neighborhood. I wish that the district had an art program for this school. Although, there are parents who volunteer to go into classrooms to teach art. Need a little more fun learning & creative lessons in the classroom. Don't get stuck in a rut! All in all, Litchfield Schools are excellent! You won't regret moving here and attending.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children who have gone here for the last 2 years (a first grader and 5th grader)I also worked at the school for about 6 months and I can say that Rancho is a wonderful school, I am thrilled that my kids go there, the teachers and staff are great, it is small and well organized with a lot of parent evolvement. It's a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had 2 kids in school here from pre-k until kinder and I have been very happy with the past two years. Speech took along time to get into however. Everything else is great.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is one that is on the low end of adademic programs, teachers, etc for a Litchfield District school
—Submitted by a parent

I have been impressed by the quality of teachers here. The multiage and music programs are wonderful. The only disappointment is the district's decision not to have an art curriculum until middle school; however, Rancho has great parent involvement in providing quality art experiences within the classroom.
—Submitted by a parent

Nice small size, very safe and orderly environment.
—Submitted by a parent

I can't say enough good things about RSF. My son has now been in the primary multi-age program for 3 years (1st-3rd grade), and it has been absolutely fantastic. He is a very young 3rd grader, but I feel he has learned so much including some very basic life skills that he will carry with him always. I must point out that the multi age program not only taught my son to excel academically, but also helped him to be socially responsible and emotionally mature. Thank you Mrs. Ashby and the rest of the multi age staff! You guys rock!
—Submitted by a parent

The primary multi-age program is quite effective. The leadership, vision, safety and quality of eduction is good. What puzzles me is the AIMS and other standardized test results are merely average.
—Submitted by a parent

Very good academic programs; keep students interested in school; music program is very good as well.
—Submitted by a parent