Bird Rock Elementary School

"When in Rome" - I like how some parents have this perception of being a wealthy school equating to everyone should carry a guilt... I think not. This is an amazing school and it is primarily children that come from parents who are professionals (not those living off of lottery winnings). So the assertion by some that this is a 'rich' school is ridiculous. Don't confuse rich with educated, hard working, career oriented, and successful. And that is what makes a difference at Birdrock. It has a majority career oriented and educated parents so they understand the importance of education for their children. These negative reviews should be evaluated closely for context. Many of us grew up without a silver spoon and feel no guilt for trying to give our children a better life. Some families donate money, some donate time and energy, but we all try to donate something. Birdrock is a wonderful school in a Norman Rockwell neighborhood. Children are often a reflection of their parents, so if your child feels out of place, perhaps it starts with the parent dropping the baggage. I am very critical and see this as the ideal gem to raise my children.
—Submitted by a parent

BRE is a great Elementary School which provides a lot of good teaching for the kids. Nevertheless, it does not provide social skills for the kids who are unprepared to establish enriching friendships. Since it is located in a rich area of La Jolla, it is noticeable some discrimination and arrogance coming from local parents. To be better recognized by school, parents and kids HAVE TO get involved. In some way, it is annoying the pressure that is done for involvement in fund raisings and money contributions! Intellectually, my kid learned a lot at BREl, but he did not make friends at all. In fact, to arrange play dates for him was terrible (of course, not if you are a great fund raiser and a rich family person sharing your front-beach house). So, I decided to take my kid out of this school. I still prefer having my kid enjoying good friendships and having some more fun instead of too much information and pressure to succeed at young age. I personally don't remember what I specifically learned on the first grades, but I do remember the friends and the games I used to play. In my opinion, this is what makes the difference in the society nowadays: social skills.
—Submitted by a parent

One word - Exceptional. My son started attending kindergarten this year and thus far my wife and I have been very impressed by the teachers and the exceptional parent involvement and support for the school. The parents of this school have a sense of entitlement and if the school needs anything we all contribute whether it be with our time or financial support. This year the school will raise approximately $250,000 to pay for additional teachers and to support programs for the children. When school lets out daily you will see almost every parent standing outside the classrooms to pick up their kid.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school with exception parent involvement ( can be overbearing). A little homogenous but all in all a great experience. Art, music, PE, library and computers have all undergone dramatic improvements in the last couple of years. 5 stars.
—Submitted by a parent

Thanks to funding from the Parents' Committee, Bird Rock has re-introduced music and art classes for all grades this year (2006-7). My first grader transferred from a blue ribbon East Coast school at the start of the school year and I have been very impressed with the high quality of the teaching staff, the curriculum, and the extensive parent involvement in the school. The reading and writing programs are especially strong at the first grade.
—Submitted by a parent

Bird Rock used to be considered the premiere elementary school in San Diego but in recent years the programs and leadership have diminished. Also, they have no music classes and limited PE and Art classes.
—Submitted by a parent

Have had a hard time accessing the principal when I have had concerns about my child's progress. Lots of pressure to test well. Nice families. No music.
—Submitted by a parent

Bird Rock Elementary is a fine school. My child is doing very well there. I find it much too crowded though and there is no music program for every grade level, only band for a few 4th and 5th graders. The parents are very involved but can be a bit much. Overall we are happy but would like to see more diversity and a music program.
—Submitted by a parent

Bird Rock is a great school, as long as you do not mind a homogenous environment, with heavy parent involvement, high expectations and pressure to test well. The staff is very motivated and dedicated, and turns the high parental expectations inot a very positive learning experience for the kids. It could use more non-academic endeavors and less clique-prone parent groups, but overall, everyone cares very much and passionately contributes to promoting overall excellence at the school. It is also a very open and spacious campus, considering it is such a small school. The current principal does a very thorough and fair job, balancing the staff and parent needs/expectations, while never losing fcous on the kids and their need for fun and discipline. It has a deservedly high reputation and is a reflection of the input of all involved: Staff, parents, and kids!
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school with a very high degree of parent involvement. Fundraising can get a bit tiresome but the result funds a library, PE teacher, art teacher and computer teacher, among other 'extras'. Teachers are highly motivated and involved. There are great field trips and each year the 5th grade class leaves behind a lasting environmental art project. There is a real sense of community at this school, which has very high academic achievment, ranking it at the top of San Diego elementary schools. I attended this school in its early days and am proud to have my daughter attend now.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has gone to Birdrock since she was 5 1/2 years old. Birdrock is a school where the children come first. Each child is encouraged to do their personal best. The teachers are highly skilled and work hard to bring out the best in each child.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son has been attending Bird Rock Elementary since kindergarten, and is now graduating 5th grade! To all in our community, Bird Rock is, without exception a school with the most dynamic parental involvement of any school in the San Diego school system. All of the staff are wonderful...great care has been taken in selecting everyone from office personnel to teachers, to leaders. Staff dedication and warmth, superior curriculum, unique computer classes, hands on art instruction, charming, state of the art library and school ground ambiance make me so pleased that we chose this school for our only child!
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been attending Bird Rock Elem. for the last 3 years, and I cannot tell you how blessed we are to have such a wonderful public school in our neighborhood. The Principal, teachers, staff, children and parents make it a wonderful atmosphere for all.
—Submitted by Amber Provenzano, a parent