El Camino Creek Elementary School

Our 4 children have attended this school. After a change in administration a few years back, there has been an increase in problems like bullying, and lack of proper supervision of the children on the playground. New kindergarten classes have a supervision ratio of something like 15 or 20 to 1. Things are worse on the larger playgrounds, and so the bullies rule the playgrounds in large groups. I am sadly disappointed in the lack of caring and leadership that permits this circumstance to continue for years. I'd like to see better leadership in dealing with the bullying. I'd also like to see better programs in support of gifted children. This school's test scores are good each year, but there aren't programs for the genuinely gifted children. Our experience has been that the teachers aren't equipped to teach to the upper fringes, and so their response to a child who is gifted is to give her more homework or offer to push her up a grade. I'd like to see the school cut administrative expenses and increase it's per capita spending on each student, so that it matches other area schools and then apply that surplus to bolstering programs for the gifted students.
--Submitted by a parent

Our son started kindergarten here this year and so far he loves it more than he even loved his Montessori Preschool. He is challenged appropriately by the daily lessons, has a great time on the playground and loves the after school program. The teachers are excellent in terms of communicating with parents and managing the children in class. There is enough structure so that everybody learns, but not so much that the children can't explore and learn independently. The parents and PTA groups are also extremely active and help keep critical programs in place through fundraisers and volunteer work. Our son is a smart kid and my wife and I did a lot of research before settling on this elementary school. So far, we feel as though we've definitely made the right decision.
--Submitted by a parent

Overall, this very large school (~900 students) has many fine qualities: a caring and responsive principal, devoted teachers, an automated principal messaging system to home phones, extremely high parent involvement, well maintained facilities, an active foundation and fundraising mechanism, recent technology improvements, very high API scores and many extra-curricular activities and programs to choose from. Many teachers implement tiered skill-level groups for varying capacities in certain subjects. Most teachers show a genuine enthusiasm for teaching and child development. Areas for improvement include a safer pickup/drop-off area, a more transparent grading policy at the higher grades, and more lunchtime playground supervision as some bullies rule without consequences. We moved into the area for this school and have not regretted it. It does appear that the active PTA or Fundraiser parents often seem to get the teachers they want for their children. While not perfect, ECC offers what I think is important in a public elementary school and would recommend it without reservation. With that said, I also think nearby OPE and Mission Estancia are equally well run.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had 3 children attend this school for the last 5 years. Yes, it is a large elementary school but there are amazing teachers who are very dedicated to the students. My children have been well-prepared for their schooling beyond elementary school and are fully capable of taking honors and AP classes with the education they received at ECC. There is a lot of parental involvement which helps the kids thrive. In response to the person who stated too much was spent on the "magic show"--actually it is a talent show which is very low budget and very little is spent on the show. It is a wonderful way for the kids to express themselves!! So happy to have been a part of the ECC community!
--Submitted by a parent

I really like this school. I move my daughter from Vista. Was a very great change, but the result is just perfect! I love the school, good teachers, a lot of programs and great academics.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is more about fluff and parties than the basics.The PTA just had a huge magic show,thought it was America's Got Talent! How about spending money on the basics and giving more to teachers for classroom use. Agree about the bullies at recess.
--Submitted by a parent

Bullies rule the playgrounds. There are 30 or more kindergarteners for each adult on the playground. There is less supervision of the older chidren which leads to bullying. I believe children deserve more supervision during recess breaks so they may play without being bullied.
--Submitted by a parent

We are new kindergarten parents. We were hesitant to go public mostly due to fear of the unknown. However, our experiences in this school are altering our thinking. The parents are generally warm, engaged, and mentally present. The teacher is organized, controlled, and kind. The administration seems organized, attentive to pertinent detail, and enjoyable. There will be bumps in the road but ECC is providing an environment that will allow our kids to navigate the bumps and grow from the experience. Great job ECC! Thank you for your hard work.
--Submitted by a parent

Kindergarten for my child far exceeded my expectations. My daughter is looking forward to 1st grade.
--Submitted by a parent

The parents make this school. The administration needs to show more concern for the students needs. Per student funding is well below the State average, I'd like to see more money go into education and supervision of the students.
--Submitted by a parent