La Costa Heights Elementary School

I am really disappointed in this school. We started off very strong a few years ago and since then it's just been a fast race to the bottom. The school would not run without the parents and that puts us in a uniquely awkward position of knowing just how screwed up the system really is there. You wouldn't believe the kinds of violent behavior that happen at this school without punishment or even one day of suspension, and there is little supervision on the playground, which in my estimations has INCREASED bullying and child neglect at LCH. Also, the school is constantly begging for cash. I realize CA is in trouble, but honestly, for this mediocre learning environment, I'm not in the best mood with the high-frequency campaigning. I think the distinguished school flag is as old as I am. Very disappointed in LCH.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had the pleasure of guest teaching in a number of San Diego Schools, La Costa Heights Elementary is my favorite. The staff is friendly, welcoming and professional. The facility is uniquely designed for learning and child safety. The children are engaged, happy and motivated. There is evidence of a great partnership between the administration, PTA and parents. Clearly, the principal and her team know what they're doing. This is an extraordinary school!

This school is wonderful. The principal and my child's teacher are both extremely dedicated and caring professionals. I love the technology and all of the innovative projects my child is doing. Go LCH!
—Submitted by a parent

Principal is the least of the problems in that school as she is not the one who supervise the school anyway. I wish she was an over achiever instead of being an under achiever. They seem they might be doing excellent in 1970s but is unable to grasp the 21st century on many aspects of education. Most teachers are unprofessional and dominated by certain stay-at-home moms. Kids can terribly be bullied by some other kids, even by their parents and no one would even notice especially if the bullying is taking place among the girls. They lose papers at the front office or, papers are not properly placed in kids files or, simply documents from other institutions like District get disappear from the kids' files. There are very few professional 'educators' up there. You can tell who they are if your kid jumps from his/her bed and cannot wait to go to the school every morning. I could have only stood for 2 years of unfairness, had to remove my child at the end of second grade and now, I regret that I did not do it before as he just started 4th grade at another school in the same neighborhood.
—Submitted by a parent

I love lch, it will always be near and dear to my heart since I promoted from sixth grade in 2010. There are great things to expect from this school and I can promise you your child will have a WONDERFUL experience. GO OWLS! :)

Principal is horrible at this school. She does not care about what is best for the children, only her own political agenda! We left this school and are so happy we did. Four Families from one Kinder class all left this school! We did have a wonderful teacher here, I will say that. Just don;t expect anything good from the principal.
—Submitted by a parent

Outstanding principal, hit and miss teachers and as a public school much more funding is needed for arts, and extras. I think LCH does the best it is able in the current economy and the huge disparity between socio economic extremes to balance both worlds to meet the children's needs. Supervision and events on the playground during recess and lunch need more awareness but overall this is as good as the private school he had attended and at least I am not paying for the status quo. I also feel I have a lot more to say about what does or does not go on here and that was not the case in a private environment regardless of the money spent.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had a phenomenal experience at this school. The principal is warm and receptive, the technology is way beyond anything I have seen in previous private schools my son attended. My son came into his first public school ever with only 6 weeks to go for the 5th grade year. Against all advice and odds, he completed the year with a report card of only A's and B's, became a happy, sunny child and made new friends. his 5th grade teacher was Mrs Street. She was fantastic. I am absolutely delighted with the school. I take my hat off to them! Very impressed!
—Submitted by a parent

This school has an awesome principal, who really cares . A few teachers who really needed to go, have thankfully retired. The art, music and P.E. programs are lacking, but I think that is pretty much standard as far as elementary schools in California go. Front office staff could be a bit more welcoming/ friendly.
—Submitted by a parent

This sight does not allow specific details so I will just say that I am completely baffled as to how this school received a rating of 9. My sons teachers have been completely unprofessional on more than one occasion. The principle does not respond to parent's concerns and I would would advise not to move to this school district.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has been awesome for my kids. They say all the kids are nice there. I'm reallly happy with the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Over the pst 3 years that my 2 children attended LCH I was very impressed by both the academic standards and the extremely commited staff who really are excellent. The amount of parent involvement is unparalleled and gives LCH a real community feel. We have recently moved out of state to another great school but we really miss LCH.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been at this school for 4 years and had two really good years and two bad years. Some teachers are great and some need to move on. If your child has any special needs or circumstance that requires attention, my experience has been very challenging. I have been very frustrated and had to fight extremely hard to be heard and for some action to take place. It has taken over a year to get a response and my child still does not have what is needed.
—Submitted by a parent

Both my kids attend(ed) LCH. While the majority of the teachers are enthusiastic, there are a few glaring ready-to-retire that need to go. They are doing a disservice to students and parents who have no place to go - even the principal seems to have her hands tied. Good ol' tenure.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school. They have wonderful after school activites. Staff is very professional and caring.
—Submitted by a parent

We are beginning our 9th year at LCH and we have had an incredible experience here. The teachers, staff and families are awesome. We love our principal and she has always been available to my husband and myself and to our children. Parent involvement is such a big part of the schools success as well. We love this school and we will miss it next year when our youngest moves on.
—Submitted by a parent

The school staff is great but the principal needs to be more involved and more receptive to parents.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended LCH for two years and he has done incredibly well with all of the extra curricular activities and tutoring programs they offer!
—Submitted by a parent

Extremely high level of parent involvement. Good academic programs. Poor art and music. Lack of extracurricular activites.
—Submitted by a parent

Very involved parents. Great academic program! This elementary school has been a blessing. I only wish they would get the new middle school built.
—Submitted by a student