Magnolia Elementary School

My daughter is currently half way through her kindergarten year! She has been so excited to go to school everyday and is always disappointed when it isn't a school day... As a teacher (in another district), I have been very impressed with all the technology that the students and staff members have access to, how many "extras" they squeeze in every week (art, music, PE, etc.), and the wonderful community feel that the school has! We have been very happy with our daughter's first elementary school experience and can't wait for our younger daughters to join her!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is absolutely amazing! From the moment we stepped on campus the first day of school, to back to school night, to my sons teacher Mrs Henken and the charismatic Principal Hines I have been so incredibly impressed with the warmth and enthusiasm of this sweet little school. It really is a little gem in the middle of old Carlsbad. It is small, clean and has a great history as I've been told it's the oldest school in Carlsbad. The parents and kids I pass everyday are friendly and you can tell take pride in being Lions. The best part of all though is that my son comes home from school everyday and says school is a blast! I am so thankful to be part of the Magnolia community.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Magnolia! My son has been at this school for two years now and I have nothing but great things to say. The teachers are great! The academics are strong and the principal is a strong leader. The school is small and has a strong community feel. I'm very happy we have this great school in our neighborhood.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Magnolia! My son is close to finishing Kindergarten at Magnolia and we have had such a positive experience with the teachers (Mrs. Cooper is great!), parents, and our exceptional principal, Mr. Hines. This school offers a warm, nurturing community atmosphere along with high academic standards...a winning combination!
—Submitted by a parent

We just received the California 'Distinguished School' award. Magnolia rocks!
—Submitted by a parent

Magnolia is a fantastic school with outstanding teachers and an incredible principal. We couldn't be happier. Mr. Hines knows my child and his door is always open. He is an incredible leader and has superb people skills. GO MAGNOLIA!!
—Submitted by a parent

A special thanks to our new school principal, Mr. Hines! You are awesome, we needed someone grand to guide this great school for our children!!
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year for our daughter and it is turning out to be a fabulous school. The teacher's and principal, especially, are very in tune to teaching a robust academic program. Keep it up! Mr. Hines is really going the extra mile to make a great program. It may be an old building, with changes coming, but it's all about parent imvolvement and learning.
—Submitted by a parent

Very dedicated and experienced staff combined with a nurturing environment. There are plenty of staff that will take a sincere interest in your child's development. It's better than most private schools my kids have been enrolled in in NY.
—Submitted by a parent

This year has started out very good. The new principal Mr. Hines seems very involved and dedicated to seeing the students succeed. I believe the curriculum at the school could be a little tougher.
—Submitted by a parent

There is nothing really spectacular about this school. There are other schools in the district that are so much better! I will say that the teacher's at this school are exceptional and the office staff is great. There isn't any real diversity at this school, there is no leadership, they have a new principle that is more about the rules than anything else, and she might not be here next year. Who knows what will happen at this school. They do have music and PE, which is good because other than that, the children are pretty limited at what they can do at recess. And you will most likely see the same parents around volunteering and doing things for the school, them and the teachers are what keeps this school running. I hope that they get a principle in here that they can keep.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers at Magnolia Elementary are truly Amazing! I have been extremely pleased with my childrens' progress through the years and they continue to excel. I feel it's the teachers that should receive the credit for their continued success. Thank you!
—Submitted by a parent

Our concern is the lack of direction at Magnolia. There were efforts made to upgrade technology that never happened. The campus structure itself is obviously in need of upgrade and repair. Talks at local school meetings voice indecision on whether CUSD wants to move this school forward with advances$ that would keep students thriving and competitive. The teachers are diligent, caring pros who, along with parents, are keeping it afloat. However, a school's success is rooted in the leadership offered by administration from superintendent/school board on down to principal.
—Submitted by a parent

Magnolia is a very special school. Parents involvement is amazing. Everytime I go over there I feel like everyone is looking after our kids. It's also fantastic for our kids to be able to interact with deaf and hard of hearing students.
—Submitted by a parent

Again we have parents that really don't know this school making comments like below. This school is great. There are not a lot of people leaving. A few went last year to Jefferson because they thought the grass would be greener there. Guess what, they're coming back. 40 out of 89 5th grade students last year from Magnolia have a 3.5GPA or better at Valley Middle. We have great teachers and good kids. If you want to go smell the green grass somewhere else, go ahead. But don't put down our teachers and school at Magnolia. They're great!
—Submitted by Involved parents, a parent

Only concerned with test scores. Very little integration of and respect for parents, children or teachers. Moral is low, families transferring to other schools with a happier atmosphere and more challenging and creative opportunities. Dhh is exceptional, but more a dictatorship than a democracy at this school.
—Submitted by Mom and Dad, a parent

Maybe with a new principal, the teachers will be happier. They seem so sour and sometimes take it out on parents and the children too. Classes are too crowded. School lunches are the pits - so unhealthy. The few good teachers try hard, but get no praise from administration. Parents are not listened to at all.
—Submitted by Rob, a parent

Magnolia is a great school. My daughter started out a little rough this year reading and is now doind great. She loves school and has had a great start to her education.
—Submitted by a parent

Active parent involvement and somewhat diverse student body help make this school succeed.
—Submitted by a parent