La Jolla Elementary School

The principal is amazing. She has high standards for all kids -- which is demonstrated in the test scores. The person who complained about her use of the bullhorn clearly hasn't been at the school long -- and doesn't really know that much about what goes on there. The principal needs the bullhorn at pickup, when hundreds of parents are trying to pick up their kid at the same time. As another reviewer said, there is so much noise the kids wouldn't be able to hear their name if she didn't use the bullhorn. Pickup is stressful because the school has so many students -- and because some parents illegally park, do U-turns directly in front of the school, and disregard the safety of all children except their own. As for the comment about the principal's attitude toward other races, again, this reviewer doesn't know the principal or the school, because that is not true.
--Submitted by a parent

The reason the principal has a bull horn is that she is responsible for the safety of hundreds of children. There is a tremendous amount of noise during pick up and this is the only way for her to get everyone's attention. I have worked the pick up, and the current system is by far the best for the safety of all the children. As far as the attitude towards other races, I am completely blown away by this comment. What we love about this school is the feeling of community, and this feeling comes directly from Ms. Tripi! She cares about every child in that school, her passion is the driving force behind the success of La Jolla Elementary. It sounds like you are new to the school since you have a kindergartener. Please volunteer and get involved with the parents and teachers. I am sure you will then realize what a specail place our school is.
--Submitted by a parent

LJES is a great school. Yes, the principal can be tough on people who are trying to get into the school when they don't live within the boundaries set by the district. She has to be. People are frequently pretending to be residents in order to get their child enrolled at La Jolla public schools. In the past, if you have a highly gifted child, it used to be that people who lived elsewhere could send their child to LJES for its special "Seminar" program. But now, because of the influx of neighborhood children, there is only room for La Jolla children in that program. The downside of the popularity of LJES is that the school's enrollment has risen dramatically in recent years. There are now 620 children. Dropoff and pickup is very difficult and requires patience on everybody's part. And finally, yes, there is an amazing kindergarten teacher. She is a legend and everybody wants her. Can every child be in her class? Of course not. The other K teachers are really good. One of my kids had the famed teacher, another did not. They both loved their teachers and learned a lot.
--Submitted by a parent

I find it funny that a parent claims to be turned away from a school where by law, they have to take all children that live IN THE DISTRICT. I am certain that if any child was turned away, it is because so many residents who pay taxes to attend LJES see it as an outstanding education and community and CHOOSE to send their children to the school because it is their LEGAL right. Both LJES and Donna Trippi are amazing. I pinch myself everyday for the opportunity to send my child to a school with such an incredible community and outstanding parent involvement. This is NOT a private school. If you are looking for 15 kids in a class, minimal diversity in socio-economics, art every day, gardening, catered lunches and the ability to be a non-participating parent, then LJES is not the right place for you...spend the $10,000+ at a private school and get the same eductaion...but don't come with negativity, complain and not offer your help. LJES strives to be a positive community where the childrens' best interests come first, not the parents' social networking and absent behavior. LJES...I love it. I treasure it, and I am thankful for it.
--Submitted by a parent

My child attends La Jolla Elemtary after not being able to read in the 2nd grade at a private school. I hesitated to make the change because it was Nov. of 2007. La Jolla Elementary has been a breath of fresh air! I been pleasantly surprised, the teachers are much more experienced ,and the level of academics is far superior than all the other private schools my child has been (3 others). Donna Trippi, the principal is great! She is a gifted educator, a master problem solver, a great person and a true professional. She attracts and retains the best caliber of teachers. The resource educators are excellent! Mrs. Cirullo and Mrs. Zeinchner are goal oriented, they focus on achiving positive results . In just a few months my child is reading very well, eager to do homework and math, and exited about learning and school. La Jolla Ele. is excellent!
--Submitted by a parent

I have had my three kids in La Jolla Elementary since we arrived from another country almost four years ago. My kids and I have been really happy with the school, the teachers, the principal and the parents involvement. It is a great community.
--Submitted by a parent

Our son just finished Kindergarten. It has been a fantastic year, our son has thrived and we can not believe how much he has learned in 1 year! His teacher Ms. Jessica is fantastic, as well as everyone else at this school. There are so many activities and events which involve the whole family; we feel this is not just our school but also our community. I know in La Jolla there are a lot of choices of where to send your children, and we looked at them all. To those parents who are looking at private schools, we have friends who have made that choice, but I can not imagine they can have a better experience as we have in the past year.
--Submitted by a parent

This school academically is less than to be desired. Students seemed to be pushed through regardless of grades. Coming from a private school to this public school institution was quit an eye opener. Although, in an affluent neighborhood, I found the children wild, unruly, and worldly. I opted not to finish the year due to all the disturbing things I saw and heard. I for one cannot understand how this school obtained its reviews and rating. My experience has been a complete and utter nightmare.
--Submitted by a parent

Ms. Tripi is absolutely wonderful and is truly an exceptional leader. She is totally dedicated to the children and to the school. She is approachable and friendly and sets high standards. The teachers are excellent and available to parents after school. I feel my children are receiving an incredible education and I really couldn t happier. The schools PTA organization puts on some incredible events that really create a sense of community. The parent involvement is awesome! It is a great school all around!
--Submitted by a parent

Fantastic School. Principal Tripi is firm but well-respected and does a great job of managing the school. The teachers are excellent. This is our third year with the school (two children) and we are thrilled with the caliber of the teaching. Teachers are readily accessible after school in person, and daily via e-mail. The fund raising foundation raises a huge amount of money to finance Art and Computers and many wonderful 'extras' you don't expect to find in Public School.
--Submitted by a parent