Sessions Elementary School

Sessions is an incredible school! The teachers work long hours, spend their own money on classroom needs, and teach like their hair is on fire! Presently, 7 teachers have or have had, their own children attending Kate Sessions. I feel that my child is receiving a first-rate education there. I choose to send my "seminar" child to this school, even though they don't have a "seminar" program. They are using an incredible critical literacy program which is resulting in sky rocketing test scores. This is just plain and simple...one of the best schools in the entire city. Previous reviews sound as if they are based on a personality conflict with one or two people. It is unfair and inappropriate to base a review of an entire school, on the interactions with one individual! Just saying! Sessions is a beautiful, beachy, neighborhood school! The parents, teachers, and children love being there and working together...and the newest test scores speak for themselves....A+++!
—Submitted by a parent

Worst School Ever! They are not kind and thoughtfu pepole. They are very mean and selfish. They don't care about children. They care own business. I am so glad I pullled out my kid. I don't recommend this school at all.
—Submitted by a parent

The worst school ever. The principal Susan DeVicariis has been one of the most difficult people to work with I have ever met. Too much preferences here. Don't go to this school!!
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at this school for many years and I am really disappointed with the education my children have received. It may be all CA schools, or just IB schools, but instead of teaching the basics, this school wastes so much time teaching about things that are way over the heads of most 8 year olds. Why have a child present a report on Anne Frank when children haven't even learned about the history of the war or even where Germany is? And last year my children sat through several hours of presentations about how t save our oceans. Really? The school day is short enough as it is. I don't think a 6 year old needs to suffer through 5 hours of "don't litter." This school has some good teachers, but under the current leadership, the focus on IB has prevented the children from learning basic facts needed to excel at school. Also, there is a huge push for the teachers to teach what is on the CSAT test, so don't be fooled by this schools high ranking. In San Diego, we all have a choice on where are children go to school. I am choosing elsewhere next year.
—Submitted by a parent

Getting more frustrated by the day having my children at this school. The principal has been one of the most difficult people to work with I have ever met. Unless it involves the IB Program, she doesn't seem interested. She wasted money on sending teachers to Hawaii for IB training this year and now the district is not even going to be funding the IB program. All that money wasted, and we parents are suppose to believe she didn't see the budget cuts coming? Selfish, just selfish!
—Submitted by a parent

The experience at the school was overall good. I seem to have a little problem with the experience of some of the teachers. I am a little concern of how well prepare is my child for middle school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has been great for my two kids. The teachers have been outstanding, but it does appear that they are truly overworked. Also, 'special needs' children are placed in classrooms with 'normal learners.' This does distract most children and impedes the learning process. I feel that I do have to supplement my kids' education at home to keep them up to speed. The principal is nice, but is too wrapped up in the IB program and not focused on what is important...education.
—Submitted by a parent

We have a child with special needs and we had a very hard time dealing with this school. The school made no attempt to deal with special needs concern and focused thier efforts on transferring our child to a 'special needs school.' The prinicple and teacher were difficult to deal with and it seemed like they had a general distaste for the hassle of dealing with special needs concerns.
—Submitted by a parent

Having a daughter start school this year, I am so happy that she is having such a great experience in kindergarten. The teachers and the principal are so caring to all the students and treat the kids as individuals. This is so important in starting their education off on the right foot. My daughter can't wait to go to school every day and does not understand why she can't go on Saturday and Sunday as well!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended this school for two years, and she loves it. The teachers are brillant, and create a learning atmosphere that is outstanding. This school provides an outstanding example for pluralism, and social justice. The children are encouraged to participate in enrichment activities as well as athletics. The PTO and parents are very involved at this school. If you are looking for a great learning atmosphere this is your school.
—Submitted by a parent

Sessions is an awesome school with lots of amazing teachers. Parent involvement is very high. All staff is very nice and caring, from the custodian to the office staff. Would highly recommend this school to anyone. Lots of military children, which is great if you are in the military because the kids understand that they may not always have their friends there due to moving.
—Submitted by a parent

I don't have a lot to draw from because I only have a child in kindergarten, but she loves her teacher Mrs. McDonald. She enjoys going to school everyday, and loves the opportunity having art, music, spanish, and pe on various days. The principal has wonderful standards for the school as a whole. Dress codes and appropriate behavior. The PTO is extremely involved and parents go out of their way to be there for the kids. I think it is awesome in comparison to the private school my child attended last year.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had two students at this school and it has been a great experience. The teachers are amazing and offer extremely personalized attention to your student. They really take the time to know your student and challenge them. The music program can not be beat! The PTO does a great job and funds the entire music program, librarian, art teacher as well as various teacher requests. The school is small and the students and families are unpretentious. What I do not like is that the last few years the principal has been moving teachers into different grades. It has caused alot of turmoil and confusion with the staff and parents.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children in this school. The teachers are fabulous. However, the principal feels the need to mix them up a bit too much causing a bit of angst among the staff which filters down to the parents. We are hopeful that the turnover will settle down soon. The PTO is working on the fundraising to lower it a bit but keeping in mind it needs to raise quite a bit of money to entirely support a music program, librarian and art teacher. If the money is not raised, the kids lose out. Overall, I am pleased with Sessions and the awesome education my children are receiving.
—Submitted by a parent

We have the best principal around. Our teachers are amazing and trully love our kids.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has been wonderful. The teachers seem very involved and happy with their career. My daughter has learned how to play music, square dance, and paint. As far as I can see the parents all seem greatly involved also.
—Submitted by a parent

good schoo, small but very good. teachers and students are al very nice. They have a great music program that is oferd from k-5th.
—Submitted by a parent

great school, great teacher's. Students are very nice. They have a great music program. Special education program here is great.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers are good. Will not be an active support for parents with children requiring extra support and feedback.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have attended here for two years. I have been pleased with the experiences that they have had. Though the fundraising seemed a bit much when we arrived, I found out what all it pays for at Sessions. Without it there would be no music teacher or librarian. It also helps out each classroom with activities and pays for fun days as well. Parental envolvement is welcomed at this school and there seems to be a lot of it.
—Submitted by a parent