Mariners Elementary School

It's a good solid education where the parent community plays a big role in supplementing for extra supplies nad teachers
—Submitted by a parent

Had a wonderful Kindergarten experience. First grade changed our entire opinion of this school. Very poor quality of teacher. Sends her to the principals office when work is not completed in class instead of sending it home. My daughter asked to use the bathroom and teacher did not let her and she went in her pants. Very upset about that still. Have not met the nicest of parents. The kids act just like there mommies and daddies- very stuck up. They try to enforce a uniform dress code but to not abide by it. A lot of profanity yelled around campus in front of little ones. And girls dress very inappropriate as to the boys (sagging, spaghetti straps etc) Not impressed and will be moving (once again) to a better school district.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 kids at opposite ends of the age spectrum at Mariners. I find the teaching staff to be a mixed bag. While there are couple of energetic and innovative teachers, who are passionate about what they do, there are as many teachers simply going through the motions and who are set in their ways. I think it would be prudent to consider transitioning out some of those teachers who are lengthy on tenure, but short of the aforementioned passion . What makes Mariners overall a great school, is the commitment and involvement of the parents. The school's foundation is heroic in providing those little extras for the kids, other schools in the district don't have( IE computers, music & science programs etc). and the spirit of their involvement is infectious.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two kids that attended Mariners for the first time this year. We moved to Newport Beach from another state and the kids were nervous about making new friends. My son is in sixth grade and my daughter is in third grade. I would have to say, this is by far the best school they have ever attended. The front office people knew my children by name, they made tons of friends and my son's grades improved from C's at his previous school to all A's and B's at Mariners. As a parent, I could not have been more happier with the teachers and staff. I would highly recommend this school to any family relocating to Newport Beach.
—Submitted by a parent

Jury is still out on this one. Daughter is in 5th grade. Teacher is high strung and short with the kids. Sink or swim attitude of the teacher so far. No extra attention so far, just a warning that parent needs to do xyz to get child up to speed. I'm not sure if she's there to teach, or just grade.
—Submitted by a parent

There are some great teachers and great programs, however, these programs take so much time for the teachers that they always seem stressed. They offer science programs that they say other schools don't have and reading programs that they say are above and beyond, but I have found that there are several other schools providing them too. The principal is very involved and friendly, but discipline could be a bit stronger. Started with Mrs. Blue who was great, but very demanding of parents and strict with the children. Mrs. Wolfe was wonderful and helpful during reading challenges.
—Submitted by a parent

Posting my review because I used this great website when moving from Europe - California: My son started 5th grade in 2009 at Mariners. Being foreign I feel that both my sons teacher, teachers aid, classroom parents and the principal have been extremely involved and helpful to us. Even with 35 kids in class you do not feel left behind at this school. I feel that my son has learned a lot during his 6 months at Mariners. My son is happy = I am happy. Fantastic school - fantastic principal!
—Submitted by a parent

Our principal is awesome! She knows every student's name, manages the parents and staff extremely well with care, dediation and concern. Mariners is lucky to have her.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been at this school for 8 years! My oldest is now at Ensign and I have to say that Mariners definitely prepares kids for middle school. She is in honors English and Honors Math and learned everything at Mariners! The teachers are able to differentiate and help all kinds of kids because of the parent volunteers and extra programs the foundation and PTA provide! The principal is very dedicated, knows each student by name and the teachers work extra hard!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. My daughter is second grade now, when she started kindergarten her english was not great, now she is fluent. She also had hard time reading at first, now she is one of the best readers in her class.Mrs. Dory, my daughter's kindergarten teacher was absolutely the best and she set the bar so high for any future teachers. She was just amazing!. Mrs. Baker (first grade) is also an excellent teacher.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are fantastic, the families work together, and the education is top-notch!
—Submitted by a parent

We were pleased with the school in Kindergarten. First grade has not been as good. First the parking lot is a danger to the children. They do not enforce any parking regulations in the tiny lot. The teacher professionalism from correspondence to the parent to some of the teachers not dealing correctly with the students. The administration is not very professional. Constantly asking for money.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is about to start the 2nd grade and after 2 years (K + 1st) I can say that I am very impressed with the school. 20 students per class, not the 30+ that we see in other districts that friends and family send their kids to. The teachers seem to care as does the administration. The city(s) of Newport and Costa Mesa levy city taxes for the school that restrict the students to being residents and you have to be prepared to prove it as often as necessary. Excellent school, even if the rent in the surrounding communities is high.
—Submitted by a parent

We couldn't be happier with Mariners after six years of attending the school! The teachers are so dedicated to each student and our kids enjoy learning. Our school has great families that are motivated to offer enrichment programs and continually find new ones to enhance the curriculum through the Foundation.
—Submitted by a parent

Academic Programs - Accelerated Math and Reader programs are very good. Foundation provides many extra-curricular programs in science, music and computer sciences. Parent involvement is essential to your students success, both the PTA and the Foundation are very strong and active.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended Mariners Elementary for the last two years (5'th and 6'th grade). She had one medicore teacher and one OUTSTANDING teacher. Parent and teacher involvement is very high and is probably the major contributing factor to the overall success this school enjoys. (check out the ratings, test scores...etc). Not a whisper of any sign of drugs, gang-related activities or crime. Of course, this is Newport Beach, a very affluent community which can provide the financial resources neccessary for all the 'extras' needed for our poorly funded public school system. Overall it is an excellent school.
—Submitted by a parent

Mariners is a good school for the average and below average student. Our challenge with Mariners is related to the lack of programs geared to a gifted child. Parents are involved and have set up a foundation to provide funding for additional programs such as teacher aides, science, technology and music. Without these extra parent contributions, there would be a clear gap in available programs. The school is located in an affluent area and lacks the special funding other schools receive for special programs. I believe the school has a solid, but not innovative program which likely relates to the solid, but not innovative principal.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in 5th grade at Mariners El and she began here at age 4 1/2 in Mrs. Blue's kindergarten room. She was taught sign language - in kindergarten! Their science program is tops and the Foundation and parent involvement couldn't be better! A+
—Submitted by a parent