Washington Elementary School

I have two children in this school. The other day a neighbor came up to my children (their native language is English) and said good morning to the kids in Spanish. My children translated the Spanish into Italian and responded to my neighbor in Italian. The foreign language instruction is fantastic. Additionally, my kids actually complain when I pick them up from the after school programs because they don't want to leave for the day and love school so much. Most importantly, I feel that the staff and teachers value both education and life lessons for the kids. With foreing language instruction, a beautiful interactive garden, and many enrichment programs, I feel that the school provides a well balanced and global education. The well balanced education serves the kids well and is important to ensure that the kids grow up both intelligent, but also with responsible and community oriented values.
--Submitted by a parent

I am the principal of Washington Elementary School. We have made many new changes such as 10 ft wronght iron fencing surrounding the school and a new front office entrance that allows us to secure the entire school during the school day. All visitors must enter directly into the front office to sign in. We share Amici Park with the San Diego Park and Recreation Department. The public uses the park after school hours. Currently, we are working with the Little Italy Association in building a dog park on the south end of the grass area. Children will have a safe and clean place to play, as well as our neighborhood dogs. Call me at (619) 525-7475 to make an appointment to see our new school! Janie Wardlow

My 3rd grader was bullied every day because she couldn't speak spanish. The office staff has no idea what they are doing. No security, gates left open, homeless people walking though, college kids tanning, and dogs using the bathroom in the school's one grassy area. Wrote a check to the PTO in June, it got deposited in September.
--Submitted by a parent

Out of the 4 schools my daughter has attended this was the best school. I loved everything about it. It was the best school experience she has had so far. I wish we still lived near this school.
--Submitted by a parent

My child is in kindergarten and so far I've been delighted with Washington Elementary. Our teacher is kind, motivational and organized; our new principal has taken on challenging long-term goals (e.g. bringing up test scores, site improvement projects) and achieved short-term wins (e.g. Spanish lessons for English speakers, English lessons for Spanish speakers); our PTO is supported by committed and dedicated parents. We've got a good thing going and we're only getting better.
--Submitted by a parent

This past school year has seen many changes - all for the best. We have really enjoyed the addition of art, PE and drama to our campus. We have also seen a dramatic increase in parent involvement and community partnerships. We did experience some difficulties at the beginning of the school year due a poorly implemented program, but it has only made the school stronger with the formation of an incredible leadership team resulting in the identification of solid academic and vocational goals. My daughter has just completed the 5th grade with the great honor of receiving the President's Award for Academic Excellence. I now look forward to my second grader being treated to the same high standard of education. I encourage you to come visit us at Washington. We are a wonderful warm and nurturing community school.
--Submitted by Karen Cumming, a parent

The Harborside Program is a great program(07/08). The teachers are the best.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has been nothing but a dissapointment. There are no extras and the teachers seem eager to leave early. There are several serious issues that have yet to be addressed the 'open campus', behavioral, and absolutley no extras.
--Submitted by a teacher

The merger between the Harborside Program and Washington has been very dissapointing.
--Submitted by a parent

Washington has been a great place for my very young, but talented little girl. She is now entering the 2nd grade reading above her level. She has grown by leaps and bounds with the caring attention that has been given to her education and individual creativity. This school has been a wonderful addition to our family!
--Submitted by Jen Ziegeler, a parent