Chaparral Elementary School

My two children tell me everyday how much they love chaparral. The positive learning environment created by the principal, office staff, and teachers ensures me my children's safety and enables me to notice their growth academically. I am highly impressed with SchoolLoop and the Learning with Laptops Program. Well Done.
—Submitted by a parent

Our children have attended Chaparral for the past 6 years and we couldn't be more pleased with the school. It feels more like a private school with opportunities to be actively involved in your child's education in both the classrooms and on the PTA. The principal, office staff, teachers, parents, even the regular substitute teachers, know and care about the kids and do what it takes to be sure the kids are doing their best everyday. We highly recommend Chaparral!
—Submitted by a parent

Our kids love the teachers and while I miss our old Principal it is still one of the best in the OC.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been in the pre-school program and it is excellent. The teachers are incredible and I feel is well prepared for the next kindergarten.
—Submitted by a parent

Chaparral Elementary is an amazing learning community! The principal, staff, students and families of Chaparral are second to none.
—Submitted by a parent

Dr Rafferty is an amazing principal!
—Submitted by a parent

This schools has some of the hardest working teachers I have ever seen. They spend a huge amount of time meeting, planning and creating a positive atmosphere for all kids. Even those with special needs. The teachers have all recently been doing a hands on program of math problem solving that has taken my children to a whole new level of thinking. This school (and principal) does put children first and reminds them everyday to 'learn like a champion!' I wish school was like this when I was a kid!
—Submitted by a parent

We have several students at Chaparral and they all love it! It is a wonderful school with the most amazing teachers! (We truly can't believe the caliber of the teachers & staff at Chaparral!) The principal is very diligent and is a teriffic leader. You'll see him everyday helping kids get out of cars in the 'drive up' line. He is very hands-on and knows most kids by name. The teachers in each grade level work in teams so each class seems to be on the same page. This school is known for it's great test scores (highest in district), but it's the teachers & staff that make it what it is! We can't say enough about it (obviously!)!! :)
—Submitted by a parent

terrible elitist school with no concern for the children.. only tests scores.
—Submitted by a parent

This school and its principal fail children with special needs. The principal has made it quite clear that he does not want your child if he/she is not 'typical'. Can't bring his scores down...
—Submitted by a parent

The school is awesome. I hate that 'elitist' thing. There are many wonderful, down to earth parents (and residents in general) who are far from rich and certainly not elitist. Ladera has smaller homes, condos, apartments, etc. and all kinds of people. The school reflects that. I can't say enough good about Chaparral.
—Submitted by a parent

Chaparral has been a wonderful experience for my 2 children. The teachers are exceptional and the parent involvement is amazing. The principal has high expectations of teachers, students, and parents which I think helps to make the school such a great learning environment. I highly recommend this school!
—Submitted by a parent

Chaparral is a great school if your child does not have a 'special need'. As far as I'm concerned, to the principal, this only brings down his idea of a perfect school. Funds are not available and fundraisers are never considered for the children who need it the most. Overall, the school is wonderful, the principal needs to be removed along with his elitist attitude and superficial idea of the perfect school. The parents are the ones that make this school what it is.
—Submitted by a parent

The school itself is outstanding. The problem is the community. Ladera Ranch is an elitest community. Be prepared to shell out a lot of dollars for fund raising and extra actitivies. Parent peer pressue is intense. Once again, no problem with the teachers... just the parents.
—Submitted by a parent

2ND highest test scores in district. Learning with laptops program unique and sought after. The feel of a private school.
—Submitted by a parent

Chaparral is a school where the children come first. Each child is encouraged to do their personal best without being labeled. The teachers are highly skilled and work hard to bring out the best in each child. The music program is incredible and the extra help available after school has been invaluable. The principal is kind and runs a tight ship. He is a great example of a leader. Thank you Chaparral for bringing out the best in my child and giving him the encouragement and confidence he has needed in his first year of school
—Submitted by a parent

Chaparral is an outstanding school. The teachers are leaders in the school district. Three of the teachers are National Presenters. There is a great music program K-5, monthly art projects. Parent involvement is very high.
—Submitted by a parent

Good in Liberal Arts but not progressive in math.
—Submitted by a parent

The academic program is unmatched. Children at all levels receive stimulating learning material. I have been in K, 2nd and 3rd grade classes and am amazed at the quality of the teachers. It has been an extremely well rounded learning experience for my children.
—Submitted by Mat, a parent

Exellent for sydney standards one of the best.
—Submitted by a parent