Winter Gardens Elementary School

I too agree that Winter Gardens was wonderful and the teachers were great. We had such a small-town feel which we loved but since LUSD opted to expand the Language Emmersion programs. We were told we will now go to Lemoncrest. We were never asked what we would like to do yet our tax dollars are going for programs we never signed up for. Such a shame we will leave this district because its only going to get worse. So sad the English (primary language) speaking children will soon be on the very bottom rung...just saying.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is as close as you can get to a private school. The teachers and staff are wonderful! Unfortunately Lakeside Union School District is taking it away to expand the Language Academy!!!!! Without any community input, LUSD does not care about our community or the best education for the children of Lakeside!! They only care about Money! Yes I am leaving the district that we pay taxes on because I refuse to put my child in over crowded schools!
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school - we live in El Cajon but I put my daughter here at my sister's recommendation, as it is a small school and not overcrowded. She has been here for two years, Kinder and First. Mrs Mizar is a wonderful teacher, she has helped my daughter excel in her studies. Of course, all good things do not last and because of LUSD greed, this lovely little school will be a Riverview Language Academy extension. They are willing to plow money into a new Language Academy rather than into keeping this a traditional school. They shouldn't be allowed to do it. They didn't even tell us parents until March of this year and we didn't get to vote either. They kept sugarcoating and advising of "changes" to the school, but wouldn't come out and say that they were transferring the entire student body to an already overcrowded school until they were point blank asked about it. Now I'm seriously thinking about transferring my child back to Cajon Valley School District - maybe the parent who posted today also can advise of a school in East County that isn't overcrowded???
—Submitted by a parent

the teachers and principle do nothing at all about bullying, they let the kids do what they please and pick favorites. worst school my children have attended.
—Submitted by a parent

Lakeside Elementary is a rare gem planted in the East County of San Diego. As a visitor GCKids is always amazed how much these teachers give of themselves. The state's budget cuts & furlough days have caused many schools to fail, yet this school is thriving from grants and programs that will help enrich the students and their families.

I love how small the school is. It's a more close-knit family feel than larger schools. Plus the teachers and staff are great and there are a lot of parent volunteers.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been attending Winter Gardens School since he started preschool and is now in the 4/5th grade combo class. He is having a wonderful year this year and I am happy with the teachers, the other staff members and the wonderful PTA. I also love the Peacebuilder philosophy, not only of this school, but of the district. I also like that it is a small school with small class sizes.
—Submitted by L B, a parent

My son is in the 1 / 2 combo class with Mrs. Mizar, and I am beyond happy. She is so encouraging, and uplifting! Last year he attended a school in the cajon valley district, that was just so cliquish, and I am talking about the parents! His teacher only had negatives to say about all the kids in her class, so coming the this school was such a relief. The school is so small that in my opinion it is ran very much like a private school (with a lot of money) would run. The fact that the lunch ladies, and the secretary knew my sons name in the first week of school, was also a pleasant surprise. I have no complaints about this school, and that says a lot!!! :o)
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been at Winter Gardens for over four years, and we've been extremely happy in almost all aspects of the school. The teachers and other staff are excellent, the PTA does great on extracurricular activities, and we've appreciated the focus on the arts that is missing in many schools. Winter Gardens could definitely use some updates in technology, playground equipment, etc., but they do very well with what they have to work with. My only real complaint is with some of the parents of our students, which is not the school's fault, but affects the atmosphere there nonetheless. There are a lot of problems with lack of involvement, even with the most simple things like homework completion and dress code compliance, especially as the kids get older. I know this is a problem everywhere, but seems to be more prevalent here. More parent involvement is desperately needed!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a child who has been in three Lakeside elementary schools. He is now at Winter Gardens elementary where the 1st grade teacher is fabulous and spot on with her discipline plan. What I have found that I do not agree with is the lack of coherence in the school district among teachers and administration regarding their discipline plans. The Red, Orange, Yellow and Green card penalty discipline plans should be stopped! But the only way to waive the system is to talk with the teacher directly. This type of discipline demoralizes children and sets them up for failure. Other children see them as bad, and they begin to act bad.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in the infant/toddler development program here. I absolutely love this school. My only gripe would be really sick toddlers coming to school. That has nothing to do with the school itself though. I am usually unable to attend the parent participation because I work a funny schedule and my husband is usually out at sea. I really wish that I could participate more. Since I can't I am really grateful to the teaching staff for being so great with my son. Since being here he's learned how to crawl, and is attempting to pull up into a stand. If you knew my son you would know what a hard feat this is for him. They are miracle workers. Everyday my son comes home so excited. If only he could tell me just how great his day really was. I know that being here he will soon!
—Submitted by a parent

Winter Gardens is a fantastic School with an awesome (kid friendly) principal and exceptional teaching staff. I requested a transfer to Winter Gardens School from a 'Distinguished School' in the Cajon Valley School District and what a difference. My son 'hated' going to school. It was so bad he would hide his face and beg me not to make him go to school. My son is very good academically however he was failing socially and saw himself as 'bad.' This small school changed all that. The school's office personnel, maintenance, and kitchen staff are wonderful too. I highly recommend this elementary school if you are looking for an enriching school environment for your child. This school teaches children to 'Love to Learn.' The only thing this school is lacking are more parents who want to get involved.
—Submitted by Kimberly Paris, a parent

Winter Gardens is a small school with a staff dedicated to enrichment through the arts. The quality of the parental involvement is high, while the quantity is very low. More parents need to be involved.
—Submitted by a parent