Allen (Ella B.) Elementary School

I really like how the parents and staff are very involved. I think my child is learning a lot but it looks like the teachers are stressed out. Just from being on the blacktop in the mornings there is a woman that goes around screaming at children and this is non-stop. I know this happens in a few classrooms, but I hope that it doesn't happen in most classrooms. I was not impressed by what I saw in Kindergarten classrooms, but this is partly due to California budget cuts leaving ONE Kindergarten teacher to instruct 24-25 children by alone, which can leave teachers pretty stressed out. I know a few children had gone home complaining of headaches because of the yelling. Allen Elementary has a few things in the community but not as much as other schools in Chula Vista elementary school district.
—Submitted by a parent

Allen School is a well established school in the Bonita community. The vegetable and butterfly gardens are the outdoor highlight. The cafeteria has improved immensely with the choices offered and a lot more healthy than the past years. The school runs on a very small budget because it is a small country school so it is necessary to make yearly donations or participate in the fundraisers. My two daughters have attended Allen and both are well prepared each year to move on to the next grade level.
—Submitted by a parent

I personally met with a primary grade teacher in rewards to one of her students. Although, her student is an emergent learner, the teacher had nothing positve to say about her own student. Everything she said was extremely negative. It is very dismaying as an educator to see a peer behave in that manner. Additionally, the meeting was cut short. She then said she had other business to tend to. I stayed for a few more minutes and checked out the ambiance of the school (which was great by the way) but a few minutes later, I see the teacher congregating wiith other staff members and laughing and giggling. Her "other important business" didn't strike me as...important! It is shameful to know that a teacher rather meet with her school friends than to entertain the burning questions of parents. Shame on on you!

Our kindergartner loves Allen School and her teacher. They have a lovely garden and the staff and teachers are kind, approachable, and helpful. It's true that they don't have any field trips planned, but they have had six guest presenters so far this year! My kid loved the animals the Humane Society brought in to share. I think it's better to bring guests in than to take a bus full of 5 year-olds out! I do with they had more open library time. The fund raisers are non-stop, but I am guessing it's just an attempt to bring in money to keep the drama teachers and the librarian. We love Allen School.
—Submitted by a parent

My child just started here and she really likes it. The only things is that they have fundraisers just about every month, but the younger grades k-3 especially Kindergarteners do not get to participate in many activities, no field trips at all..they are basically confined to the classroom which is really boring. I am satisfied with how my child is learning here but I have to admit I am a little disappointed....
—Submitted by a parent

My kids have been going to this school for 3 and 4 years and I'm very happy with just about everything! The key is parent participation - if you want your child to do well, you have to be involved - whether it's volunteering in the classroom or, if work prevents you from being able to volunteer, then be involved in all aspects of their homework and extracurricular activities. The school can't do the job of the parents! The reason for all the fundraisers is to try to compensate for the budget cuts as much as possible. The principal makes it very clear that we are not expected to participate in multiple fundraisers, but rather that different fundraisers are offered to accommodate different interests and hopefully generate some much needed funds for the school. Then maybe the kids can have more field trips! My kids are doing exceptionally well (reading as much as four grade levels above their current grade) and I'm convinced that it is the combination of great teachers and our continual participation as parents in as many aspects of their school life as we have time for.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been at this school since K and is in his third year now. The principal is great, willing to listen, and creates an atmosphere of fairness and understanding. The teachers are "hit and miss" as it is in every school, some are fantastic and some are well, less than fantastic. The school very much creates a small town feel and with that comes the traffic congestion unfortunately. Overall, the experience has been a good one.
—Submitted by a parent

allen school is okay ...staff are kind of rude and teachers are not friendly..the principal are nice and easy to talk to.my son is very disappointed. im not please to my son teacher coz his not learning anything.kids go to school to learn.and teacher should have patient teaching. im very dissatisfied to this school
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. The principal is AWESOME. Shes so friendly and greats all the kids infront of the school very morning. It is a fairly small school thats very old but has a flower garden and a vegetable garden that the kids get to help maintain. The two issues I have with this school is traffic and my daughters teacher. My daughter teacher needs to retire or something. shes way too stressed out and takes it out on the kids due to her lack of control of herself. And for the traffic It has to be the worst. When 11 year olds are directing traffic you can expect many delays in dropping your kids off since the school only has one area to drop off on the westside of the school. There is only one way in/out to the drop off area/parking lot of the school. The school needs to open the gates on the east side and it would probably prevent many kids from being late due to the traffic
—Submitted by a parent

Adorable school. Has flower and vegatable gardens for the kids to work in. Tons of play area. Kind efficient staff. Environment conducive to learning. Parental involvement encouraged.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been at Allen Elementary for 3 years. I have been impressed overall with the quaint location, dedicated staff, great leadership as well as the many programs in the performing arts they work to incorporate into the educational program. They have a program called, 'Art in the Community' and it's fun to go into a business and see the art from our school.
—Submitted by a parent

My children has been at allen now for 6 years. Over the years I have seen a big decline in the arts and music program. I understand there are budget cuts but a lot of what the kids learn , can be learned at home. The drama is good, the dancing is not very good, and the music is eh. Hopefully next year will be better.
—Submitted by a parent

The school has a great curriculum for students, the attention to detail in education is second to none, wich my daughter would agree with!!
—Submitted by a parent

Allen is a wonderful school that enhances my children's education with programs based in the Arts. The staff is dedicated to educating each student and seeing them succeed. I wouldn't want my children to attend any other school.
—Submitted by a parent

My children attend Allen Arts Academy!! It is a small, rural school with lots of opportunities for success in all areas! We have an annual arts on stage show that is fun, creative and great to watch!
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a teacher at Allen for 10 years. It is a wonderful place to work. The staff and parents are so helpful and kind. We have a wonderful visual and performing arts program and great students.
—Submitted by a teacher

Allen is such great school!!! We are like a big family.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school and strong staff. Parent involvement and support is very high. Great curriculum and environment for the students.
—Submitted by a parent

Experienced and knowledgeable teachers. Good selection of music and student activities.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a performing arts school and my 3 boys love the music, art and dance. The teachers are good to great and have been very supportive and creative problem-solvers with the challenges that they boys bring.
—Submitted by a parent