Our Lady of Grace Elementary School

We were disappointed with the math curriculum. Even though my daughter had straight A's in math through the middle school grades (6 - 8), she didn't pass the test to take Honors Geometry this fall at a local public high school. Upon investigation, the curriculum in 6th grade matched the 5th Grade California Standards.
--Submitted by a parent

Our children have attended OLG for nearly 5 years and the quality compared to other schools in the nearby area is excellent. Younger grades are nearly a full year ahead of the local public schools, 5 kids qualified to go to CA State Science Fair Finals. Families are asked to volunteer - 3 hours a month. This time not only helps keep costs down, but kids LOVE seeing their parent(s) involved. Discipline is more strict than public schools - since it is a priviledge to attend, not a right. There is a 'Peace Patrol' - a group of kids that assists/encourages kids to resolve issues, but serious issues are handled by administration. Tuition is comparable to other parochial schools and about 40% less than other private schools in East San Diego.
--Submitted by a parent

Compared to public schools in the Fletcher Hills and La Mesa area, the second and fourth grades are almost a year ahead in math, spelling, reading and handwriting (this is based on a side by side comparison with the neighbor's children and our nephews). Tuition is increasing 10% next year, due to less funds being raised this year. Since this school is private it does not receive any public funds - unless funds are raised or tuition increased the only option is to cut staff or salaries. The teachers and staff are very dedicated to the kids - we love it and feel blessed to be here. We volunteer a great deal, to make up for others who will not or are not able to (even though we both work full time). The kids are worth it. The teachers deserve it. It is our responsbility to make the effort.
--Submitted by a parent

The curriculum seems to be behind what a neighbor's child is doing in the same grade at the local public school. Discipline is very weak. Some of the children are very aggresive and resort to bully tactics. The principal appears to not want to anger the parents of those children. Perhaps because of declining enrollment? We are considering leaving at the end of the school year.
--Submitted by a parent

My only concern with this school is the intrusive manner in which they constantly ask for more and more money from the parents. Tuition raises every single year, and by alot. The constant demand for volunteer hours, money, and donations is extremely excessive.
--Submitted by a parent

Nothing short of incredible! It is an amazingly loving, safe place where children learn more than you could imagine. The academics are superior to LOTS of other schools (just look at the entrance acceptance rate for HS) but more importantly, the kids are taught manners, respect and behavior. The school is a well-rounded environment that encourages home, school and church working together to give the best possible for your child. It is a place that expects parents to be parents. If you are a concerned, loving parent who wants the best for their kids, this is the place for you. You child will be better for it.
--Submitted by a parent

The principal needs to go back to the classroom. The staff's moral seems low. Excessive rules.Everyone on staff looks over worked, especially the office workers.
--Submitted by a parent

The school is very strong in the academic programs. There is very high level of parent involvement, it's a wonderful school. The Kindergarten and first grade teachers are incredible. My child is very happy here. We love everything about the school.
--Submitted by a parent

Math instruction was not up to par. I was lucky enough to have children who are capable of studying independantly because our last year's teachers were not productive whatsoever. The principal should consider returning to teaching rather than administrating. High moral standards are expected and discipline is enforced much better than at the public level.
--Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school, academically, but the rules are excessively strict.
--Submitted by a parent