Ocean Beach Elementary School

My daughter's school has been excellent for my daughter. The staff, teachers and children are amazing. The principal really gets involved.
—Submitted by a parent

It would be hard to imagine a more wonderful school that OBE. A diverse and accepting community, strong academics, one of the best (if not THE best) arts program in the district, and an awesome and supportive group of teachers. It's an incredible place with incredible people. My family just attended the annual fundraiser for the arts last weekend. It was so much fun! I volunteered, along with tons more people, and it was a great experience. Kids hip hop danced, there was an auction, along with the funniest performers we'd ever seen All this raised money to keep the arts going strong. So glad to have two more years at this amazing place!
—Submitted by a parent

We are saddened by the inaccuracies in your review and will share info about donations and fundraising. Our expectations are for high academic achievement, and to encourage creativity through our comprehensive arts program. We are a diverse community school that receives Title 1 funding for students on free lunch yet our achievement rivals that of high $$ schools! We are at the top of similar demographic schools. We receive countless monetary, supplies, and volunteer resources from Ocean Beach and Point Loma, businesses, restaurants, families, and universities. Our CA Arts grant helps fund one of the largest arts programs in SDUSD and Spring Fling helps fund the remainder of the arts. Fundraising and donations cover 4th grade Sea Camp Experience. We do turn down donations when we don't need the materials and fundraising opportunities when we have too many other fundraisers going on, or they do not fit our goals. SDUSD also limits fundraisers for each school. We're sorry that we couldn't participate in your fundraiser this year and encourage you to attend a PTA meeting to share your proposal well in advance. Please visit our school and website to get to know us better.
—Submitted by a teacher

Some good teachers, not a very friendly staff or PTA though. They really sell themselves short. Their fundraising goals are about a tenth of the other schools in the area. They turn down donations and community involvement and they don't tell you what the money will be used for. They could be a really great school they just don't expect much from the students, the staff or themselves.
—Submitted by a parent

What a great community beach school with a strong focus on creativity and art! Teachers and principal are enthusiastic, creative, and caring and are eager to help all students learn and become problem solvers. The staff has high expectations for student learning and teachers genuinely plan curriculum together. There is an emphasis on monthly character themes and children work and play together well. Many parents, volunteers, and university students are active in the classrooms. There's a wonderful positive vibe on this campus where everyone is made to feel an important part of their school.
—Submitted by a parent

We Love OB Elementary! The teachers are wonderful and they care about the children. Whenever I have a concern about my child's academics the teacher is always on top of things giving helpful suggestions to help my child excel and be the best student he can be.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has a truly dedicated teaching staff, a tireless principal, and a wonderfully committed community of parent support. The deep dedication to the development of the whole person at OBE is a rare and a wonderful thing to experience in these days where test scores are seen as the "all" of education...and they are good at that too! My sons have thrived at this school! Our family had a choice. We are delighted to have chosen Ocean Beach Elementary.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school. The principal knows every child by name! She has a vision for the school which includes academics and arts. She goes above and beyond what is required of her. Most teachers are dedicated and care very much about their students. We have excellent relationships with teachers of both of our children. Parent involvement is strong. The school forms a close knit community, which is wonderful given the diversity of the community. Greatest compliments to all staff of OB Elementary.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers rush through curriculum, they give no atttention to any child who might need extra help. And once you ask for an explanation they get defensive and take it on the child, which make the child be afraid to tell what is going on in the classroom or to ask teacher questions. Principal does run the school with an iron fist, she listens to nobody and usually put the blame on the child, there is no opening for conversation. A couple of amazing teachers and also a couple who are there just for the paycheck.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter can't wait to come to school each day! It's true kinder kids learn letters, sounds, words, and even write and do math. That's called the CA Standards and there are benchmarks each semester that our children work toward. This is a school where kids still paint, draw, sing, and dance while they are learning to read and write. Anyone who spends a good amount of time at the school can easily see kids are happy. I expect the teachers and our principal to hold high standards and be accountable for learning. Thank you OBE!
—Submitted by a parent

OB Elementary is so focused on maintaining themselves as a 10 school, they forgot that their job is to encourage, socialize and motivate children! My kinder HATES to go to school. She cries everday before school because, in her words, the teachers are mean to her. They drill the children, as they have decided ALL of the kinders have to know how to read and write and do math before Novemember 1. There is no individualism or creativity in teaching. I have attempted to address my concerns with the teaching staff as well as the principal and the district to no avail. I have offered to volunteer in the classroom and was told that it would be better if I didn't! Their focus is on ratings instead of our kids.
—Submitted by a parent

I love OB Elementary for lots of reasons. They have an excellent teaching and counseling staff. They are always there for us, in difficult and good times. They are very involved in the community and its best interests that concern the children. They are innovative while still maintaining the basic, good principles of learning. They have bent over backwards to help my grandson and our family in our life experiences. this is truly the best school ever!
—Submitted by a parent

it is a close knit community type of school. they turned 100 years old and it reminds you of days past. the old timer alums shared stories of when they were students (way back when) at the celebration (100th) last year at the town hall that were priceless
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school because it is so close to the beach and the kids get field trips there.
—Submitted by a parent

We are so glad we chose Ocean Beach over other area schools. Our kinder child had a great year at O.B! His teacher was fabulous and we can't believe what a reader and writer and math wizard he has become. The school provides a unique dance, musical keyboarding, theater and arts program that can't be found in other schools. Also impressive is the degree of hands on science and learning in classrooms. The entire staff goes out of their way to make sure that every family feels welcome and encouraged to be active at Ocean Beach.
—Submitted by a parent

Our experience at OB Elementary has been excellent. From an academic standpoint, our expectations have been exceeded. This school offers one of the best arts programs we have seen. Children participate in dance, theater, instrumental music and art lessons. The teachers and principal are enthusiastic, positive, and dedicated. Our parents are active and everyone works together to make this a real community school. The O.B. campus is beautiful and has a computer lab with musical keyboarding, digital stations in every classroom, and a great library. The office staff is friendly and helpful. We extensively researched and toured public and private schools in our area and chose Ocean Beach as our choice. We are so happy that we did.
—Submitted by a parent

This is clearly the best elementary school I have experienced. Ocean Beach provides an incredible fine arts program where kids have theater, perform plays, learn keyboarding, dance, draw and paint. Student projects, art, environmental Green projects are displayed everywhere. They offer a unique marine science program that prepares 4th grade students for an intensive week at Sea Camp. The principal, teacher and parent leaders are visionary and promote strong academics and high expectations for our children. Their caring environment and enthusiasm nurtures well-behaved and happy kids! There are no pretentious people here, children s accomplishments are celebrated and everyone matters! There is unity and a strong sense of teamwork and everyone is proud that this school has earned the award of a CA Distinguished School.
—Submitted by a parent

We are proud parents of OBE students! Every staff member works in unison with parents to create an exiting academic and arts program. Staff makes extra effort to welcome and involve every parent and child. Incredible family, community and business support for programs.
—Submitted by a parent

OBE is an awesome school with great academics, community participation, and a great feel. If you are looking for a place where your child will be supported, will excel, and you will be a true part of their education, OBE is the place for you.
—Submitted by a parent

The Best School in the area! We toured all schools around and know what a difference this school is making for our kids. Friendly involved staff, principal and parents, beautiful campus & innovative programs. Strong teaching and arts programs. 4th graders attend week long sea camp and all children learn about global and green issues. Thank you OBE! Check out their website at www.obelementary.com
—Submitted by a parent