Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary School

Overall, any student/family would be fortunate to attend this school, with a few caveats. My child spent most of her SCG years while Principal Escobar oversaw the school. She was passionate, involved and always could be seen out in school grounds interacting with the kids. The new principal is much less of an on-campus presence. Her first day on the job last year, she was nowhere to be seen much to the amazement of many parent. My other gripe is with the preparation of 5th graders for middle school. Homework isn't the only standard, but it is important, and the 5th grade teacher gives out scant assignments, and they are never graded -- only checked to see if they're turned in. On the positive side, the rest of the teaching staff is tremendous and Sue does a fantastic job in the office.
--Submitted by a parent

Santa Cruz Gardens Elementary was a positive, nurturing and educational experience for my son. His 4th and 5th grade years prepared him for what now has been a seamless and smooth transition to middle school. I couldn't be more pleased with the teachers, the staff and the parent community - all dedicated to enrich and enhance the children.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is a wonderful place for children to learn. With all the budget cuts to the school systems the Home & School Club always rallied to raise funds to cover these budget cuts. They have a library and an Accelerated Reader program that have helped so many children read to grade level or above. If you are looking for a small school in a wonderful environment this is the one for your children.
--Submitted by a parent

Our daughter just started attending SCG and so far, we've been very pleased by the quality of the instruction, staff and high level of parent involvement.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a great school with solid committed leadership. The principal has always been supportive and responsive to my concerns. High quality teachers. Lot's of parental involvment.
--Submitted by a parent

An absolute gem of a school nestled in a safe beautiful neighborhood with a well-kept campus and wonderful community spirit!
--Submitted by a parent

Terrible experience with this school. Teacher and principal offered no support. School didn't offer any 'extras' like music, library, social studies, science... very disappointed.
--Submitted by a parent

Nice school. Very small student body, personal.
--Submitted by a parent

I think Santa Cruz Gardens is a great school! It is in a nice safe neighborhood with great kids and parents. We have alot of afterschool programs for the kids. We are one of the only schools that have art and music in the classroom. We are the only school in the district that has an accelerated reader program. The teachers and principal are dedicated and caring. We have a very active home and school club, that are dedicated to helping the teachers and the school. Our test scores have steadily risen every year. This is directly related to the teachers and the dedication of the principal.
--Submitted by a parent

Because of current leadership at the school site this school has deteriorated in its ability to work as a team with parents, staff and community. It once was a highly rated school in the Soquel Elementary District. Enrollment is dropping as parents try to get transfers to one of the other schools in the district. Over the last few years teachers have also requested transfers. Test scores have been improving but not because of leadership. The principal turns too much power over to a few parents, who work hard for their children.
--Submitted by a parent