Paul Ecke-Central Elementary School

To echo a previous post, I'm a well-educated (B.A., M.A. and J.D., all from Ivy League schools) parent sending my children to Paul Ecke. I'm excited about the prospect of my children attending their local school, with local children, in a diverse environment. After some research, I'm not worried about my children falling behind academically, developing poor morals or social skills, etc. I think they'll thrive. I urge local parents to give it a go and support our community, what I view as the best community in San Diego County.
--Submitted by a parent

We were initially impressed by this school's sense of community, parent involvement, amazing art program and laid- back feel. But as the years passed, the negatives began to outweigh the positives: low test scores,unruly/ disrespectful kids, hit-or-miss teaching abilities and the parade of principals took its toll. Lewd comments/ crude behavior in the upper grades, bullying and a dire lack of a working program to instill good social /moral ethics made the school an unacceptable choice. We pulled our child and are very happy we did.
--Submitted by a parent

RE: review below . Well, my "smart" child is coming to the school and we are looking forward to her attending a community school where she can make friends with kids in the best laid-back beach neighborhood in San Diego County! She could learn anywhere, especially considering state standards are in place at all CA public schools. I am so glad the Principal has a global perspective and realizes the importance of children learning Spanish. -Submitted by a parent with a tattoo that surfs (see below), has a master's degree in education, and two teaching credentials.
--Submitted by a parent

This rating is from a former student. I attended this school when it was just "Central School" from 1981-1983. I had the same teacher for both grades and I remember feeling very embraced and eager to learn, which was something she fostered. I sure wish I could remember her name, but she was a pretty amazing teacher, especially coming from a student who is now pushing 35 years old! I remember enjoying my time at this school. I'm not sure what the atmosphere is like, but it still looks very much the same as it did when I attended so very many years ago.

3 Principals in 4 years. Current principal is out due to baby. Too much resources spent on spanish programs. EUSD is "free choice" district so transferred to another school and was shocked how behind my child was -- at PEC, he was top in class. School has no clue all the "smart" kids are leaving. Principal addresses parents in spanish and english. Small school and cool area but that's about it for the positives. A few awesome teachers and some aweful ones too. A lot of surfer/tatoo'd parents.
--Submitted by a parent

We have two sons that attend Paul Ecke Central who love the school and their current and past teachers. As a parent you are conscientious of a public school and how they operate with limited public resources. I would have to say that this school does a great job with what they have. They seem to make a real effort to know each kid as an individual. Most importantly, we like the community atmosphere with the very strong parental, PTA involvement.. They have a lot of functions as well- Farmers market, carnivals, and well organized fundraising events that are fun for the parents. So far, we have been happy with the school and plan on sending our youngest child as well starting next year.
--Submitted by a parent

We initially went into this school with some trepidation and the kindergarten experience wasn't great from our perspective. However our son thrived. He's now in first grade and is excelling. We love the community feel of the school, lots of parent involvement. There's a new principal who is invigorating things and our son has also been lucky enough to have a teacher who is new to the school, and she's been fantastic...adapting learning to meet the various levels in the class, so no-one gets left behind and no-one gets bored.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has no vision and cares only about STAR test scores. Children are not taught independent and/or analytical thinking. The time spent here has been a complete waste and the district should be ashamed that it perpetuates such closed minded teaching/thinking!
--Submitted by a parent

PEC is a school that at one time had the feeling of family. The teachers were great, but they are all retiring or just leaving now. The teachers don;t always want the parent input. There are about 3 upper grade wonderful teachers. I hope they don't leave too. Good pricipals are also hard to come by.
--Submitted by a parent

Good teachers they are nice with the kids. But school lacks of staff and security.
--Submitted by a parent