Mariposa Elementary School

2 Daughters @ Mariposa grades K thru 6th. "A" students in GATE > now honor students at Brea Jr High. Never a negative issue and always good communication with teachers
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of two children at this school. I was reading the reviews and felt I had to say something. I do not know what school the parents with these negative comments are speaking about, not once do I recall them having 7 fundraisers in one year, never have my children come home upset or with the knowledge that the school has no money. My children have been attending Mariposa since Kindergarden I currently have a 5th and a 3rd grader and we have not had any problems with teachers, staff or the principal. Actually the principal has been nothing but helpful towards us in many issues in and outside of school, she is a very professional and kind woman who is ready to go the distance when needed to do so for your child. As to the teachers being uncaring well that is not true I have yet to meet a teacher that does not care for her students, all the ones I have had the pleasure of dealing with are very caring towards their students and very concerned with their growth and well being. Overall we are very pleased with the school, and the staff its unfortunate some have not had the same pleasant experiences we do.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 kids who have attended Mariposa for the last 4 and 2 years respectively. I have great respect for the principal, who is passionate about her job and very approachable. My kids teachers have been wonderful with the exception of one. Parents are involved in classrooms, and PTA has put on some terrific events this year (movie night, father daughter dance, mother/son bingo). My experience with this school has been extremely positive.
--Submitted by a parent

No wonder there are many negative reviews about this school. The school has failed our minimal expectations on teacher quality and educational system. Their rate of 9 is very questionable. Teachers are ignorant, careless, and they do not value your children. If you do not spend extra time and/or money on teaching your children, they will not learn much. I strongly suggest not to waste your children's valuable time here. Also, do not ignore the negative reviews, because now I know that they're here for good reasons.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has failed my children on so many levels, I felt I had to say something. Most of the problems seem to coincide with the arrival of the current Principal. They had 7 fund raisers between September and November of 2009. I have no idea where the money goes. The Principal told the students that Colleges will be looking at their 6th grade achievement tests! What kind of person lies to children to further their career? Bullying is tolerated. Many of the Senior teachers are just waiting to retire. The math and science 'programs' are horrible. If I didn't spend my evenings teaching my children, they wouldn't learn anything. There were some good young teachers, but because of the union and budget cuts, they will be leaving. The sad part is that we moved to Brea because we heard the schools were good. Maybe Mariposa was a good school at one time...
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 kids at this school and had 3, but felt I had no other option and moved my child to Fanning, after a 1 year course of bulling. She felt she had to befriend the bull since the Principal claimed it was just 'girl drama' My oldest will be moving on to the Jr. High,(thank god) and my kindergartner will be joining his sister at Fanning for 1st grade. Very disappointed in several things that have gone on at this school. SEVERAL students will be leaving Mariposa this fall. Also, the school has way to many fundraisers, and then will turn to the students and tell them that the school is running out of money! So sad, for a child to have to come home and grab their piggy bank and try to take it to school, because they are 'running out of money'
--Submitted by a parent

Don't ignore the negative reviews. This school does well in thanks to great demographics and parent involvement (lots of stars, yay!). The minute you raise an issue, you are a person 'with issues'. There are some great teachers, but the lazy ones who only tolerate perfectly compliant children can really destroy the experience for your child (hmmm... no stars).
--Submitted by a parent

My child attended Mariposa for the 1st time this past year and it was a good experience. I attended each of the field trips & felt they were both educational as well as well planned. I feel the Principal truly cares & is very involved as both a school official & a parent. She too has a child at the school. I do have a is that the school is an open campus concern about the security of an open style campus. I am opposed to small kids walking to the office to turn in attendance forms. That should be a job for an adult. It is too risky in this day to chance 6 year olds to not wonder or be lured away. Additionally, I am severely opposed to the school being used as a polling site. This invites the opportunity of strangers wandering on to the campus.
--Submitted by a parent

This school takes way too many field trips. Most of them have no educational purpose at all. I send my child to school to learn not to take walks to the park or take a class trip to the movies. My child has been on 8 field trips this school year and in expected to take another one in 2 weeks. Unbelieveable.
--Submitted by Mother of four, a parent

I have lived in small towns before and I rate Mariposa as one of the best. Mariposa Elementary is a great school. The teachers and staff really care and take the time with the kids. You can call the classroom if you need to relay a message to your child, which is amazing to me. This is a wonderful school and town to be part of.
--Submitted by a parent