Jones Elementary School

LOVE, LOVE LOVE Jones School. High performing school. Great school climate, outstanding teachers, supportive parents and smart students. A small school with a very big heart! The principal listens, cares deeply about all kids and supports teaching and learning. My wife and I feel very fortunate we found this school for our two sons.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to say that my children are no longer in this school and I'm extremely happy about it. The principal is very rude to select parents. I constantly had to track her down and then she was rude. She bullied my children to the point that my son couldn't do well and hated going to school. My daughter was always in the Gifted program and she qualified for the seminar program but was placed in a regular classroom where she wasn't challenged and her behavior started going downhill. We moved to Washington State where BOTH of my children have excelled. My son has gained his confidence back and does wonderfully at school and at home. He loves going to school now and we had to put him in therapy where a lot of things that happened to him in the school came out. His therapist even wanted to see if there could be some type of charges brought against the principal and a few select teachers. Personally, I just wanted to be done with them and move on. I now have two happy children who are flourishing and have moved on from the nightmare of this school and that woman they call a principal.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been in Jones since kindergarten. I picked the school based on its great school rating, which recently went up. The principal has been nothing but great. She is out in front of the school almost every morning greeting the kids as well as after school. We had a bully situation last year and she handled it right away and took it very seriously. This year i have a 3rd grader in the GATE seminar class, a kinder, and a preschooler all at Jones. I love their small class sizes and every teacher we have had has been nothing but helpful to my sons education. EVERY teacher 3rd grade and up is GATE certified. I have nothing but good things to say about this school. I love the small community feel to Jones. I am going to be so sad if we ever have to move.
—Submitted by a parent

These reviews must be written by teachers. This school is very unprofessional. Especially the principal. I had to take my son out of the school. Not all the teachers are GATE certified. My son attended this school for 3yrs and he's only had one teacher that I liked. I know a few parents that have taken their child out of this school. I even had to contact the school district regarding the principle and the way she talks around the children. One school that I do love is Zamorano Elementary. Very good teachers there... Overall, I wish I could give this school zero stars.
—Submitted by a parent

Jones is an amazing school! My kids will be entering 4th and 2nd grade, respectively, and we've had awesome teachers all the way. Great communication between administration and parents/teachers, very active PTA, lots of fun extracurricular activities and special events for the kids, all teachers are GATE certified, special Ed teachers are amazing, great diversity within the community, let's see, what else... They offer the Seminar program and the teachers we've had so far (3rd grade - Mrs. Sanders and Mrs. Albers) are phenomenal! Absolutely no complaints about this school. I know of several families that have moved as far as Bonita and still drive their kids back up here to go to school! Keep in mind that this school is on the year-round schedule, which may not work for everyone (but we LOVE it!)
—Submitted by a parent

Jones is more than a school, it is a family. Sadly we have to leave because we moved to a new area, but feel very lucky to have had our daughter attend such a wonderful school. The teachers really have the kids' needs at heart, you see that they genuinely care and go above their means to empower the students. Can't say enough great things about the PTA, they are an inspiration to everyone. Wonderful after school program ran by an excellent group. And finally the make up of the students is pretty diverse, which paints a great picture of what the world really is. They all are doing an outstanding job educating/raising the children. Kudos to Mrs. Powell for a great year!
—Submitted by a parent

We have two boys now at this school and we all absolutely love it! The teachers are wonderful and I can't even begin to say how phenomenal our principal is. Parent involvement is very high, and it makes a huge difference. I give this school a 10. We are so fortunate.
—Submitted by a parent

My son Chance has loved being at this school, the teachers are great and the quality of teaching is excellent. I recommend this school to all parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Jones is a hidden gem in Serra Mesa. The new Principal, Rita Powell, has shown excellent leadership skills and truly cares about students. Kindergarten teachers are awesome. After that, it's hit or miss. Some are fabulous, dedicated teachers who love their jobs, while a few need to change professions.The computer lab is excellent. The school would greatly benefit from an art, music, or foreign language program.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to San Diego from the Midwest about a year ago. I was cautious about California Schools and checked out several areas within San Diego and many schools. I visited several in the area and picked Jones over the other 3 in the area. My son loves his 2nd grade teacher, his friends and we are about to move into a house and my son stated that he only request is that he gets to stay at Jones. It is definitely worth the little extra drive knowing he is getting a quality education and teachers/principal that really cares. Thank You.
—Submitted by a parent

I went here the kids and teachers are great! I am still friends with the students that went there.(I'm in high school)
—Submitted by a student

Jones is an amazing school. I have one child in Kindergarten and one in First grade. I absolutely love this school. The teachers are truly dedicated to each child. The principal is also always at an arm's reach. They provide these children with a wonderful education, but they also provide extracurricular activities for these kids constantly. I would highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Jones! The teachers are great. I love being part of the PTA it is so much fun. My daughter has been with Jones since 2nd grade and is now in the 5th grade. She has grown so much and everyone of her teachers have been awesome! They have a great GATE program and the kids are learning very quickly. The activities at the school are so much fun and I love to be a part of everyone of them. I will be sad to leave Jones after this year, but who knows I might hang around there anyways to help my other fellow PTA members out.
—Submitted by Jenn Sarabia, a parent

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Jones!!! My kids have been there for three years, and we've been so pleased with the teachers, staff, principal, and PTA! I try to convince all of my friends to send their kids to Jones too :)
—Submitted by a parent

This is my daughters first year in school and I have to say this school is awesome! Ms.Hayman is the best kindergarten teacher I have ever seen. She understands the smaller kids need to move alot and incorporates that into her lessons. She tests,and groups each child to make sure no one is left behind. My 'nervous' child is completely at ease with her and the class size is under 20. I love this school and highly recommend it!
—Submitted by a parent

A hidden gem. Some great things going on here. Principal is reaaly great. Really watches out for all the kids. School size allows everyone to be special. Teachers emphasis eauality. Diverse enrollemnt.
—Submitted by a parent

Super school. Small. Everyone know everyone. Very polite. PRincipal is terrific. Teachers are very dedicated. Parents and grandparents are hands on. Gate/Seminar is outstanding. Great location. Quiet, safe neighborhood. Good library and computer lab.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a small, well maintained school. Only about 340 students in the 2005-06 year. This is our first year and we love it. My children say 'Jones Rocks!', they love their teachers and all the staff knows them by name. I was apprehensive to send them to 'public' school, but now I feel foolish to think like that. Both of my sons teachers are very caring. I am able to volunteer so I see the school during learning hours. There is a lot of parental support, which is unusual with public schools. In our community there are 5 schools, Jones has the best scores - also the average years for the teachers is very high! We always see the principal, she is very visible and approachable.
—Submitted by Nicole Threadgill, a parent

Teacher is very helpful to us for gaining information on daycare when we need it so badly. She also support my kid to overcome reading/ speaking language.
—Submitted by a parent