Dana School

Love Dana Middle. Was reluctant to go to middle school so young, but it has worked out to be a wonderful transition. High academic standards and great elective curriculum. :)
--Submitted by a parent

Okay school but not for science. 6th grade science is only 4 days every 2 weeks!
--Submitted by a parent

Both of my children went here. The teachers were hard working and fair. Both my kids were in music/band - the teacher had his favorites which was hard to swallow at times. Their school trip to Sacramento was great. The principle was engaged and the parent volunteers were amazing.
--Submitted by a parent

Our second child has just finished his 5th grade year at Dana and we are dreading 6th grade. I wish there was an alternative available to us. While we have found the academics to be fairly rigorous the delivery and the homework are not developmentally appropriate for the age of the students. Dana's staff and administration seems to think these kids can handle six teachers a day and two hours of homework a night. Unless you have a personal connection with a teacher forget about them responding to questions or comments. We continue to search for viable alternatives-it sickens my husband and I to think of another year of the same.
--Submitted by a parent

i cannot say enough about how great this school is. the campus culture by staff, students, and parents is amazing. we've had teachers initiate contact with us when they are concerned about something AND to tell us how great our child is doing! (how often does that happen?!) whenever we have had to approach counselors, principal, vp, teachers, etc. about a problem---they are attentive and caring with their follow through. the opportunities our two kids have experienced here are unique to 5th & 6th graders in San Diego. Dana operates as a middle school with electives such as band, orchestra, jazz, guitar, chorus, musical theater, drama, spanish, computers, and video production. they're in a protected environment where kids stay younger/innocent longer before moving to jr. high. no school is perfect though. it makes me sad to see some have had a rough experience here. check for yourself! www.danamiddle.com
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends Dana and we will not be returning next year. This year has been a nightmare for us. My daughter is being bullied by students and the school refuses to do anything about it. No call backs from the Vice Principal or her teachers as to what is being done to protect my child. The school's lack of compassion and inability to communicate with parents makes me sick. Parents if you can avoid sending your child to Dana, the kids are allowed to bully others and get away with it.
--Submitted by a parent

I loved, loved, loved this school. My son finished 5th grade and started 6th. However, we are a military family, and had to move out-of-state. My son had wonderful teachers -- one of them --Mr. Q --keep up the wonderful job you do at Dana Mr. Quezada. The school took them camping for a whole week, the after school program on campus is outstanding. I am not sure if they have the same principal, but she was very caring, and did a wonderful job. The school district we live in right now... it truly breaks my heart. I had to enroll my children in private schools. If you live in the Point Loma area in San Diego --take advantage, and enroll your kids there. You will not regret it.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is finishing 5th grade and she has absolutely loved Dana. I have been impressed by her teachers, the band director and the school librarian. The monthly parent/child book club has been a treat. We'll be back for 6th grade. Many of my child's friends are happy here--they are honor roll students active in band, musical theater or some other unifying activity.
--Submitted by a parent

My 5th grader had a terrific experience at Dana; tabs were kept on her progress. Periodically, I would visit a classroom (after school hours, of course) and speak to a teacher about a problem or issue my daughter felt she could not handle herself. Each and every time, the teachers were willing and eager to work with my daughter to solve the problem. We are very pleased with Dana.
--Submitted by a parent

Mostly just babysitting going on. Lack of respect from adm. terrible school.
--Submitted by a parent