Advertisement

GreatSchools Rating

Del Sur Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 294 students

Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 2 ratings
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 11 ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

Rate this school

Click on stars to rate
Please select a star rating for this school.
    Helpful reviews answer questions:
  • What do you think others should know?
  • What do you like?
  • How could your school improve?
    Review Guidelines
    GreatSchools won’t post reviews that contain:
  • Inappropriate language
  • Allegations of criminal conduct
  • Names of students, teachers or staff
1200 characters remaining
Please indicate your relationship to the school.
Please read and accept our Terms of Use to join GreatSchools.
Indicates a required field

23 reviews of this school


Sort by:
Show reviews by:
Posted Thursday, May 16, 2013

Exceptional. That's how I describe Del Sur Elementary. This is our first year at this school. We specifically chose to live in Del Sur because of the schools. The staff, teachers and principal are amazing. The curriculum is challenging. The programs offered to the children are inspired. My daughter came from one of the top schools in SDUSD, and she was never challenged as she is now. We have an incredible PTA and Foundation that help provide beyond what the school district gives us, such as dedicated art and music teachers, teachers for remedial and advanced kids, technology, and more. Mr. Johnson has built an incredible environment for families with superior people and facilities. I am an advocate for STEAM learning, and this school comes the closest to that from what I've seen. I'd love more in the sciences and engineering for our students, but the school provides a lot in the fields of technology, arts and math.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 21, 2013

I cannot begin to start with all of the amazing things that happen at DSE. First it starts with top notch teachers, staff and principal. The curriculum is very challenging and seems to be above grade level compared to other schools. Most children live in the community, and the heart of the community is really the school. DSE is among the top in the Poway district on state tests. DSE scored 960 on the API for the 2011-2012 school year. This unique school offers many enrichment classes such as engineering, art, music, and band. There is an incredible foundation that funds a lot of extra's you wouldnt typically get, such as extra teachers, computers, software. This school is top notch in every way.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 1, 2012

Everything about this school is incredible. The teachers, principal Johnson, the facilities, the resources, the special events - everything. We have 3 kids at Del Sur, and a fourth about to start, so we have a good feel. And we are thrilled. We live in the Del Sur neighborhood, and will not even consider leaving as long as our kids are elementary school-age. We love the neighborhood as well and would be reluctant to leave anyway, but we definitely will not pull our kids out of this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 20, 2010

We are so lucky that our son attends Del Sur. At first we were a little concerned because we actually live in the district for Stone Ranch. However that school is at capacity, so we were sent to Del Sur- and I couldn't be more pleased. Mr. Johnson is an outstanding principal who loves the kids and is totally dedicated to their success. The PTSA is terrific and as a result the school receives more funding thatn many other schools. Further, Parental involvment is really strong.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 6, 2010

We are so lucky to be at this school! Prinicpal Johnson is the BEST principal and provides such care and leadership to the school. The teachers are stellar and provide over and above in academics, as well as, a caring and nurturing environment for our kids. Wish the school went through 8th grade!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 6, 2010

This school is AMAZING....from teachers to the vounteers and cirriculum! The first grade and kindergarden classes both have 1:1 laptops! The reading and math scores are soaring! Principal Johnson has dedication and great leadership skills. The PTA has added such a fun and spirited culture to the school it makes you look forward to the volunteerism which in turn make the kids thrive when parents get involved!! This school is so remarkable for its academic success and it's sense of community due to large parent involvement!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 2, 2010

I can't say enough great things about this school. Del Sur Elementary has what you would expect from a great school --top notch teachers and a great leader in Mr. Johnson, the school principal. But even on top of all of this, for a public school in a very big school district like PUSD - DSE very much has the small-school feel of a private school community. The parents are very involved and it is clear that the philosophy of the school leadership is to help each of our children achieve their highest potential -- and doing so with a focus on "21st century learning" -- preparing them in ways that will help them adapt to their changing world and how technology can be used as a tool to advance their learning. It truly is a special place and I feel so lucky and happy to have my children enrolled there.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 25, 2010

This is a fantastic school. The setting of the school and classrooms are so well equipped and tastefully designed . it feels like your kid is in a science/literary museum. Very well done and the teaching staff is great. Doug Johnson who is the Principal knows almost all kids by their first names. He is such a dedicated guy and a visionary. School has such good emphasis on Math and Reading. My kids has just finished Kindergarten and he has learned a lot. We love everything about this school. and really looking forward to another great year at this school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 28, 2010

Del Sur is a great school that is conservative. They don t try to push a bunch of socializing programs on our children. Parents are responsible for raising his/her children and Del Sur understands that. Del Sur is only responsible for teaching accurate history, math, science, and English. The only con so far is the PTA is a little annoying.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 20, 2010

There are some many factors that make Del Sur Elementary great, but all starts with great leaders. The principal, teachers, PTA, and staff are truly committed to provide our children with not only the best education, but also the best environment. There is always people going the extra mile to make sure of it. This school has heart! kids love Del Sur and are getting an excellent education.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 19, 2010

The teachers and principal are the best. Very involved and want to make a difference. It's better than a private education. The facility is beautiful.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 18, 2010

The entire staff is very involved. The Principal always seems to be approachable. All the parents seem very dedicated and there seems to be a great sense of community.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 18, 2010

It's a wonderful learning and fun atmosphere for the students. I had the pleasure of volunteering in my son's class twice a month. The teachers, staff and principal are top-notch!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 17, 2010

It's a brand new school with a great principal. It has a small school atmosphere, which is unusual these days.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 17, 2010

From the minute our child came on campus, we have been in love with Del Sur. The school is friendly and has happy written all over it! Del Sur has a 'place that is comfortable to be here' kind of feel to it and the kids do want to be there. The teachers, staff, and principal are always professional, well informed, helpful, and encouraging to students. When you are there, all they say and do, says they care about each child and are there to help them succeed.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 17, 2010

I am one of the lucky teachers who calls this school my home. We have a fabulous caring staff and generous families who together create a warm, successful learning environment for our students.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 17, 2010

We have had such a wonderful experience at Del Sur. The staff is top notch with an outstanding principal. From the teachers, to the high tech and gorgeous school itself, it truly is an ideal learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 7, 2010

the staff and teachers are dedicated and caring. very positive atmosphere
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 22, 2010

Amazing school, technology, art, music, dedicated teachers, principal and parents. Small, at the moment, but mighty!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 6, 2010

This is the first year my son has been at Del Sur Elementary and I am amazed at how great the school is. They have extremely caring teachers, staff and a great principal. You can feel the love that all the parents and teachers bring. I'm very happy with the school!
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.

The API reflects year-over-year schools performance based on STAR test score results from spring 2012.

This school's
API score

960

Change from
2011 to 2012

+15

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

10 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

10 / 10


API Growth scores over time

Did this school meet the API goal this year?
The state goal for API is 800. All schools that are below 800 are assigned an API improvement target each year.
  • This school met the state goal of 800.

API Growth scores by subgroup

In addition to schoolwide API scores, each student subgroup receives an API score.
Did this school meet all the API goals for student subgroups this year?
The state goal for the API is 800. All the student subgroups at a school that are below 800 are assigned an API improvement target each year.
  • This school met all student subgroup API targets for 2012

This school's
API score

960

What is the API?
The Academic Performance Index (API) is a single number assigned to each school by the California Department of Education to measure overall school performance and improvement over time on statewide testing. The API ranges from 200 and 1000, with 800 as the state goal for all schools.
Change from
2011 to 2012

+15

Change from 2011 to 2012
Comparing the API Growth to the Base shows whether or not this school’s test score performance improved between Spring 2011 and Spring 2012. The API ranges between 200 and 1000, with 800 as the statewide goal for all schools. Schools scoring below an 800 are given at least a 5 point target for the next year.
API Statewide Rank
(2011)

10 / 10

API Statewide Rank (2011)
The API Statewide Rank ranges from 1 to 10. A rank of 10, for example, means that the school’s API fell into the top 10% of all schools in the state with a comparable grade range. The 2011 rank is based on results from tests students took in Spring 2011.
API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

10 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)
The API Similar Schools Rank ranges from 1 to 10. It shows how the school compares to other schools with similar student demographic profiles. The California Department of Education uses parent education level, poverty level, student ethnicity and other data to identify similar schools.
English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 58% in 2012.

73 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
83%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
62%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

73 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
71%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 48% in 2012.

82 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
76%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

86 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
93%

2011

 
 
96%

2010

 
 
97%

2009

 
 
88%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 67% in 2012.

84 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
100%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
95%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

84 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
99%

2011

 
 
85%

2010

 
 
95%

2009

 
 
86%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 63% in 2012.

67 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
93%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
59%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

67 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
94%

2009

 
 
81%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

67 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
96%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
55%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students81%
Females83%
Males78%
African Americann/a
Asian91%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)81%
Economically disadvantaged53%
Non-economically disadvantaged88%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability83%
English learner63%
Fluent-English proficient and English only86%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduate91%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate82%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students83%
Females89%
Males76%
African Americann/a
Asian91%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)88%
Economically disadvantaged60%
Non-economically disadvantaged88%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability84%
English learner63%
Fluent-English proficient and English only88%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduate91%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate87%
Parent education - declined to staten/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students84%
Females86%
Males83%
African Americann/a
Asian92%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)85%
Economically disadvantaged50%
Non-economically disadvantaged90%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability83%
English learner64%
Fluent-English proficient and English only87%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)83%
Parent education - college graduate87%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate82%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students93%
Females91%
Males95%
African Americann/a
Asian92%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)96%
Economically disadvantaged77%
Non-economically disadvantaged96%
Students with disability100%
Students with no reported disability92%
English learner92%
Fluent-English proficient and English only93%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)85%
Parent education - college graduate91%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students100%
Females100%
Males100%
African Americann/a
Asian100%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)100%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Non-economically disadvantaged100%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability100%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only100%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduate100%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students99%
Females100%
Males98%
African Americann/a
Asian100%
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)98%
Economically disadvantaged100%
Non-economically disadvantaged99%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability99%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only99%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talented100%
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduate96%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to staten/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students93%
Females95%
Males90%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)95%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged95%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability94%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only93%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduate95%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate96%
Parent education - declined to state73%

Math

All Students91%
Females95%
Males87%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)92%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability92%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only92%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduate95%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate92%
Parent education - declined to state73%

Science

All Students96%
Females95%
Males97%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)100%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Non-economically disadvantaged100%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability95%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only97%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)n/a
Parent education - college graduate100%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduate100%
Parent education - declined to state82%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 48% 28%
Asian 15% 8%
Multiple or No Response 12% 3%
African American 10% 7%
Hispanic or Latino 10% 49%
Filipino 5% 3%
Pacific Islander 1% 1%
American Indian or Alaska Native 0% 1%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 118%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 228%N/A52%
Source: 1 CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Source: 2 NCES, 2008-2009

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 6N/A11
Average years teaching 7N/A13
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Full credential 17%N/A96%
Emergency credential or waiver 83%N/A2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

15665 Paseo Del Sur
San Diego, CA 92127
Website: Click here
Phone: (858) 674-6200

ADVERTISEMENT

Compare this school
to nearby schools

Compare schools »

Compare

Add this school to compare
ADVERTISEMENT