Chaparral Elementary School

Excellent teachers and parent volunteers, high academic expectations, one of the few CA elementary schools with a P.E. teacher and music teacher thanks to PTA funding, Foundation funds the fabulous Art Corp program and the computer lab, extra programs like Melody Makers (choir) and Fitness Club (running) help make this school one of the best in San Diego County.
--Submitted by a parent

New principle is great - excellent communicator, decisive, firm and team player. School start-up was poor- last minute teacher notices the night before, kids did not get to meet teachers in advance and initial open house left no time for Q & A. Some teachers seem to avoid parents, react defensively to student performance questions and provide little to no communication on a week to week basis (especially at report card time). It would be great if all teachers took example from principle about proactive communication, always better recvd even if the news is not good.
--Submitted by a parent

We just started our son here and are reserving judgment. It is a very large school with 7 kindergarten classes. There are issues with the sheer number of kids on the playground (they take lunches and recesses in shifts) and with safety issues in the parking lot during dropoff and pickup times. The teachers seem good and well-intentioned, but the curriculum is quite academic, and there are lots of worksheets and busywork, even at the kindergarten level. The entire district just implemented a full day schedule for kindergarten. The principal is new and is making a real effort at communication, with phone messages and emails to the parents nearly every day, and an improved website. New construction completed with a beautiful playground.
--Submitted by a parent

The principal is a poor communicator. She does not follow through on policies that she has instituted. She seems to be more interested in keeping her test scores up and continuing the legacy of the 'Blue Ribbon School' status more than doing her job well. The teachers are very good and they do have a wide variety of activities in which the children may participate outside of the classroom. The individual teachers are what make this a Blue Ribbon school. It is too bad that they can not get a principal of the quality to match the rest of the school.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are very organized and thorough and have a very good understanding of the children. I echo the sentiment about the principal about her aloofness toward the parents and teachers. The after school programs seem to be decent. I was a bit surprised to see that the teachers have to be traffic cops after school and that they will get in 'trouble' if they aren't at their positions immediately after the bell. I experienced this the other day when I tried to to talk to my son's teacher and we had to go to the parking lot to direct student pick-up traffic. However I give the school 4 stars mainly because of the teachers!
--Submitted by a parent

My son's teacher is wonderful through and through. The parents participation is very heavy. The parents also kind of form their own exclusive cliques.
--Submitted by a parent

Chaparral is one of the top schools in the top district in Southern California. The teachers are exceptional. Remodeling will make the playground really kid-friendly. The foundation and parent involvemnet at the site are a model for all schools. Can't say enough good thigs about the Hawks!
--Submitted by a parent

I have been actively involved with committees and fundraisers as well as in various classrooms and on field trips. I agree that the volunteer/parental support is very good at this school, but maybe over zealous. The teaching staff is one of the best, but as with any school, there are some weaker teachers and few exceptional teachers who will be your child's favorite teacher throughout their school career. The Principal is not at all well-liked by many, if any. The Principal is unapproachable and unfriendly. I can't imagine working for someone like this Principal. Construction is nearly complete. New technology is top-of-the-line. In a safe and up-scale neighborhood. The Principal is the only downfall. What about the beautiful murals we had before the school repainting?
--Submitted by a parent

I've been involved at the school for a few years. The children and parent support is great but some of the teachers have been teaching too long and have a hard time with change and working with others. Unlike others, I think the Principal is great and does care about the students, she just has her hands full with construction and the teachers. I think the quality of the school is great except for a few teachers who need to retire.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree that the Principal is not effective nor liked. The Vice Principal, however, is well liked by my children. The school is undergoing a remodel/add-on and it's been a mess. Programs have been 'let go' this year, but hopefully will be reinstated eventually. Some good teachers, and some not so good. Limited play area for the children now, and limited shady areas. Good cafeteria, good character program. Strong PTA and volunteer program. They should go back to grading with A,B,C,D & F; not with their confusing check mark system that they have in place. We truly miss the enrichment programs! And, yes...where is the Science Fair? This school needs improvement...hopefully it will get it. After school care is not desirable.
--Submitted by a former student