Bonita Canyon Elementary School

There is another reason why Bonita is the #1 elementary in OC. They pressure kids and their families tremendously to have the best scores, parents have to teach their kids or hire tutors to keep up with the demands, and will invite those kids that struggle or learn differently to leave the school and be placed in special day classes at other schools. This is no fault of the teachers, they are under tremendous pressure as well. It is a trend within the IUSD that they have to prove that they are THE BEST district at whatever cost, and this school takes this even more seriously. So anyone that does not conform to the mold, will indeed fall through the cracks (or will eventually leave).
--Submitted by a parent

There is a reason why Bonita is rated #1 elementary in OC, it is fantastic. It's not too big compared to other public schools, and the teachers are fantastic. I did the private school route first, and wish I'd started at Bonita first. My oldest daughter learned more in a month at Bonita than she did in a year at private school. All three of my children love the school. Parents are very involved & it is a great community.
--Submitted by a parent

Bonita Canyon Elementary has some wonderful teachers and a great new Principal, Mr. Bob Curley. The parents are very involved and the PTA is very proactive. However, due to the State budget, all IUSD schools have been impacted. The class sizes are very large (35 students) and many activities have been cut due to the State budget. Even school administrators admit that no matter how things shape up, it will not be pretty.
--Submitted by a parent

Over-rated. Not as great as everyone claim it to be. The teacher for my child was more interested in fitting them in a box rather than teaching based on their needs. Hopefully the new principal will provide more leadership. Needless to say, we are not the only one pulling our child out of this school after this year's experience.
--Submitted by a parent

Have always loved this school up to 3rd grade but 4th grade was HORRIBLE the teacher was unorganized, scattered, would go off on tangents and just seemed overwhelmed and stressed out. I'm pulling my child out because we can't afford anther bad year. What other parents say is that Bonita is great for K-3, then they switch their kids to Turtle Rock for 4-6. Wish I would have known that sooner.
--Submitted by a parent

Bonita's teachers are experienced but still very enthusiastic in their teaching and their interaction with the children and parents. They uphold a caring attitude and teach responsibility to the students. They focus on the learning but try to still make it enjoyable for the student.
--Submitted by a parent

School with no fence because there is ---> no crime!
--Submitted by a parent

While this is a high ranking school, I do have a couple of general concerns about school safety: the hills surrounding the campus are open, with no fencing to protect the kids; the pick up and drop off is very chaotic and kids are not looked after well.
--Submitted by a parent

My kids have all gone through this school and have had nearly every teacher - it is a great school, a safe and nurturing place for a child to spend their first 7 years of education. The staff, particularly in the lower primary grades, are competent. There are some good teachers, some forgetable teachers, but mostly every one is fine. The upper grade experience could use some improvement. The current principal has done a good job, but I feel it is time for some new blood in this position. Parental volunteerism and financial support for this school is what make it a cut above.
--Submitted by a parent

Top API in an OC elementary school in 2007!
--Submitted by a teacher