Carlton Hills Elementary School

My daughter will be going to high school next year so I had to write and say we have always loved Carlton Hills, We have heard about bullies at other schools close to us and we are very happy that our daughter has never had to deal with anything like that. I fully recommend Carlton Hills.
--Submitted by Yvonne Lawrence, a parent

This school is the best school I have ever encountered! I came to California in the 2nd grade and attended a San Diego Unified School District school. I have seen the big difference in this school district compared wtih SDUSD, this district is the best. This school, which my children attend (the older one now in high school) has the most amazing teachers. If it wasn't for the dedication to the kids demonstrated daily by the principal, vice principal, teachers and resourse specialists, my autistic child would not be earning a 3.33 gpa in high school, with no modifications. The staff here really care about the kids, and it shows in the excitement both of my children exhibit about going to school. My kids are devastated if they can't go to school...
--Submitted by a parent

I don't know what the other student is talking about with Mrs. Bertrand. She was the most amazing teacher. She teaches with humor and makes learning so much fun. I can still sing the Preamble! Even though there have been so many budget cuts, she still stays late after school for any student who needs it. She also spends her time and money to be in charge of ASB. She went to many of our sporting events at West Hills after we graduated from Carlton Hills and she always made us feel special. Maybe the other student wasn't doing his/her work, because Mrs. Bertrand does have high expectations because she knows we can do it and she doesn't accept excuses. I have had many teachers in my junior high, high school, and college years and I can honestly say that Mrs. Bertrand was my favorite teacher of all time. She is one of the reasons Carlton Hills is such an amazing school!

I am a student that has moved on into highschool now and i have to agree with the upset parents. I struggled alot in Jr. High not only because i was having family problems but also because I have a learning disabilty I personaly though Mrs. Bertrand was a horrible teacher and i think Mrs. Barker needs to work harder one on one with her students when they need help after school. When i first started 7th grade Mrs. Harris was my home room teacher and she was amazing she helped me one on one after school and she would stay there with me even when it was 5:30pm if I wasnt done I was very dissapointed that they let such a wonderful teacher go...DISSAPOINTING!

I have a ten year old who has attended this school since kindergarden. I feel we have the best school possible for him. Every year he has had wonderful teachers. He loves to learn and has excelled in every subject (because of the wonderful teachers). I love that the school is K-8 yet is still small school. It reminds me of the private school I attended as a child where everyone gets to know each other. I have another child getting ready to start school and am excited to go through his school years with him attending Carlton Hills.
--Submitted by a parent

It's interesting how the negative comments involve the jr high teachers. Most children at this age are experiencing a huge transition to life and can be very unmotivated. Personally involved, I know the biggest problem is with homework completion. With lack of parental supervision and lack of educational values, students can get away with no interest in their studies. When teaching 4 different classes (not just 4 different subjects) the environment is more challenging. I feel the jr. high teachers are organized and every 3 weeks a form of communication on student progress is given to parents. Within the last few years test scores have increased and are similar to "higher performing" schools if not surpassing. If the teachers were blaming students and not giving quality instruction, how could students perform so well on new concepts? Think about it! Great school and hardworking teachers under such harsh economic budget

Excellent Teachers, including the best Third Grade teacher in the entire county, excellent administration, active PTA that helps the school even with infrastructure goals, handling the current budget cutbacks without impacting the core: teaching students. The students are excellent, eager, and energegetic towards their studies.
--Submitted by a parent

ok, honestly, all of these people that say that this school is bad and the teachers there are horrible, they're really not. the teachers there are totally awesome, and as for some of the teachers calling kids lazy, it's mainly because it's true. i was there for 7th grade, and most of the jr. high [including me at times] gets very lazy with our schoolwork. so don't go dissing the teachers when really, it's probably your own kids'[s] fault[s], ok? and as for the school itself and all of the budget cuts, every single one of them is usually necessary to keep the school open. and it's not just carlton hills, either. it's also carlton oaks, rio seco, and all the other schools in the santee school district. plus, the jr. high teachers are awesome. my favorite was mr. stanley. so just think about that!
--Submitted by a student

If I could do it again, my children would attend Carlton Oaks or Rio Seco. Many Jr. High teachers are dis-organized, abrupt, and rude. Take a look in their rooms. The only decent thing about this school is the office personnel. Karen runs the entire office/school, recognizes the parents & students by name, is friendly, knowledgeable, kind and caring. Carlton Hills needs to be re-evaluated.
--Submitted by a parent

Their cafeteria food needs a complete make-over. Other then that this school is great!
--Submitted by a parent