Monterey Ridge Elementary School

We moved to California in 2011. Everyone told us that PUSD was the place to be for our kids to get a good education. I think maybe for CA schools, PUSD and this school might be considered great. Unfortunately I am horrified at what people consider a "great" education in San Diego. The programs (art, music, a real GATE program for elem) offered in our old school are nonexistent here. The class sizes are huge, 35 kids in one classroom is not acceptable. 22 was the max in the public school my kids attended in the NE. The schools are under funded and it shows. The teachers are really only teaching to test standards and not really caring if kids enjoy learning or are even learning at all. The whole thing makes me very sad and wish I had never come to CA to begin with.
—Submitted by a parent

It is ridiculous that you have a lottery for children to attend your school. especially those that live across the street, insane. No matter how great your school is, the fact that you prohibit children that live less than 500 feet to not go to your school, is poor administration. My child feels he is not good enough, as well as the fact I paid 7 years of melaroos to go to a 22 year old school and not the one RIGHT next to my house.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very happy with this school and it's staff. My child just completed kindergarten, and Mrs. Stokes was an AMAZING teacher, who was very patient, attentive, and caring towards her students. She encouraged students to do their best and enjoy their education while learning. My child could not wait to go to class. She was also very engaging with parents providing weekly updates of what was taught in class and tips with how to continue that learning process at home. The school is also one of the few to still provide music and PE. As principal Dr. Newman is a complete advocate for each student to reach their potential and have the best educational experience possible. He was very active in the student population and very approachable for students and parents. He will be missed by everyone as he is moving forward in his career and commitment to children's education.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall this is a good school. Some of the teachers and staff can be unprofessional at times though.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a great environment for children of ALL abilities and talents. My son has an IEP and I've been very pleased with the advocacy of staff and administration working together with parents on behalf of all children. Dr Newman is a tremendous leader in the local special needs community.
—Submitted by a parent

An amazing place! I never dreamed our children's school epxerience would be this rich. My child loves going to school. The principal is everywhere and leads a great staff of teachers who care and teach with great passion. As a parent I a encouraged to be part of the school and particpate. A wonderful place and there is such a feeling of community on campus.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the best school hands down and we would not want our 9 year old anywhere else! The Principal is a true visionary making sure the children get the best education and ensuring the staff are maintaining a very high teaching standard. The scores from the last CST prove this is working. In addition, the school environment is one of love and guidance where parents are involved and always welcomed. There is a wait list for new teachers and new students to get into this small gem which says a great deal about any school. My entire family feels fortunate to be able to be a part of MRES. Keep up the great job!
—Submitted by a parent

The principal, teachers, staff and PTA really have their priority in making MRES the best learning environment. Parent involvement is also prominent and encouraged.
—Submitted by a parent

Everyone (teachers, staff, parents and students) works together to make Monterey Ridge a great place to learn.
—Submitted by a parent

The focus is on all children reaching their own potential.
—Submitted by a parent

MRES has a top rate learning environment. From LCD projectors and Promethius ActivaBoards to an extremely well trained faculty and a visionary principal!
—Submitted by a parent

A fabulous school. We are so lucky to be able to send our kids to this great school. The teachers are great, the principal is great ... they have such high expectations for kids and they make sure they succeed. Super high test scores and fun acitivities... my kids even get to be in a talent show. I just wish this was a k-8 school so that my kids would not have to go to middle school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a previous teacher of PUSD and when we moved back to San Diego I was insistant on having my son enrolled in PUSD, where I have had experiences with the best teachers, principals, and staff! We selected MRES because of the reputations the teachers had, as well as API scores. My son is in kindergarten now with Mrs. Scioscia who has well exceeded my expectations for academics as well as social/emotional elements. She has high expectations for the students in her class and they strive to go above and beyond the CA grade level standards. All the while Mrs. Scioscia is maintaining a warm, loving atmosphere for the students, as well as the parents who feel welcomed and appreciated as volunteers. The office staff and principal have been exemplary. The PTA president & board have been VERY receptive to voluteers and put on incredible events, i.e. Teacher Appreciation Week!
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school, great teachers, families are very nice and environment is outstanding for students. New principal is doing a great job with the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Super, super school! There is a real focus on kids here. So many good things. Very strong and caring leadership. My kids love school - the technology in the classroom is very high tech. The teachers care about how the students are doing. One of my children has special needs and the team works to truly support him which did not occur at our last school.
—Submitted by a parent

Monterey Ridge Elementary is an excellent school with great teachers. We couldn't be happier with very fine staff and teachers. The new principal is outstanding. The PTA is exactly what the review posted on March 26, 2008 described, very sad.
—Submitted by a parent

I am extremely pleased with how this school year has begun. The new principal is very nice. He is very present on campus. I attended the Coffee with the Principal he held for us parents and it was fantastic. I left with a lot of ideas on how to work with my child and feeling very lucky that he is so knowledgeable and accessible. This is definitely going to be a great year with the enthusiasm he brings. The staff is top notch and my daughter s teacher is very caring and welcoming. She is loving school and is anxious to head to school each morning. Monterey Ridge is a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

We are very pleased with the leadership, staff and curriculum at MRES. Ms. Merein is a loving, kind and knowledgeable teacher. My daughter started Kindergarten this year and loves learning. The activities and curriculum help foster my daughter s love of learning and she is excited to learn more! The children learn so much and I am very pleased with how my daughter s educational development. The staff is so caring and thoughtful to each child s needs. Thank you to Ms. Wardlow and Ms. Merein, I am very happy with my daughter s development. I have 2 more children who will be attending MRES and I look forward to spending more time at MRES!
—Submitted by a parent

We've had our kids in two other very good elementary schools in San Diego, and Monterey Ridge is far and away the best. We bought a house in 4S Ranch primarily to have our girls in the neighborhood schools. Both the teachers and the administration in MR are superb. Our kids love this school and so do we!
—Submitted by a parent

Please dont base your decision on the school, because of the PTA. We can not forget these Woman are strictly Volunteer and voted in. Im sure they do the best they can. All schools have their flaws, as NO one is perfect. MRE is a five star school since grand opening. Who is learning day by day. How to stride in bettering our childrens education! i say keep up the great work! Mrs Wardlow, Teachers and staff!
—Submitted by a parent