Carlton Oaks Elementary School

We moved from Reno to Santee and had several schools to choose from. A co-worker suggested Carlton Oaks and we have been impressed. Our son's grades have increased and he is making friends. The teachers are caring and administration does a great job of communicating what is happening at the school. Thank you Carlton Oaks Elementary School!
--Submitted by a parent

My kids have attended here for 4 years now and I couldn't ask for a more supportive staff. My son has a medical condition and had a seizure at school and health clerk was wonderful! She is so loving and caring to these students. My children have never had the "Williams" but they are a wonderful asset to the community through volunteer work and programs that my children has been a part of. I have had great communication with the staff there and really have nothing derogatory to say. My only complaint would have been it's an old school, but since the remodel, I can no longer say that. Santee school district is nice because it gives me a smaller community feel, if that is what you like. The VP has been very supportive and is always out with the kids. My kids really love the staff here :)
--Submitted by a parent

Most teachers are great, but if you have a child in GATE don't expect a special class for him/her, because most class rooms have certified GATE teachers.If you have a child with medical needs, don't expect the health clerk to keep the medications safe. If you have any concerns with your child's teacher, don't expect the vp to hear you out,because she will make excuses for her staff. I wish I had a boss like that., but would not want to be the parent at that school worry that my child's life saving medication has been compromised.
--Submitted by a parent

Whoever said that the Williamses "think they run the school" has no idea that they selflessly filled a huge void when they moved up to junior high last year. If by "run the school" you mean that they put in countless before and after school hours to provide extra-curricular activities without any compensation, then I'm proud to agree that they run the school in one very important area. Personal attacks here against dedicated teachers is uncalled for.
--Submitted by a teacher

My kids are really looking forward to another great year at Carlton Oaks. We have been so happy with the teacher, curriculum but especially their PTA. The PTA really welcomes everyone and does so much for the kids and teachers their amazing. I'm a member but work and it's nice to know my small membership fee does so much. We just got the kids state test scores and it confirms that Carlton Oaks is tops in all areas.
--Submitted by a parent

going downhill. moving teachers all over the place. 1/2 day every Friday has always been a total waste and expensive to parents. Hills has a better focus now. Too many changes at Principal. The William's teachers think they run the school. Used to be Great! Best thing going is the V.P. and if history repeats itself, she will move on soon too.
--Submitted by a parent

As the single parent to a special needs child, I am very pleased with my son's experience at Carlton Oaks this year. He is in a diversified, special needs classroom with only 10 other children. The principal, Dr. Stephanie Pierce, is new to Carlton Oaks this year, and has made it a point to get to know both kids and parents. Her strong leadership and example have had a positive influence on everyone. Funding could be better, but isn't that true of all schools in California? Thanks, Carlton Oaks, for a fantastic kindergarten year for my son.
--Submitted by a parent

Overcrowded classrooms, lack of individuality for children at their pace, really bad funding, where the child is forced to learn at everyone else's pace where half of the class is an upper grade an older than the other half of the class, any hope for children with special needs or children from divorced households that need a better game plan for grasping their learning?
--Submitted by a parent

Inexperienced teachers that do not connect with the children or try to help them if they are falling behind. The school is great as long as you do not have a student that has special needs, or needs a bit more guidance than others.
--Submitted by a parent

I moved here about 2 1/2 years when we got here I had all 4 of my kids at Carlton Oaks, 1 7th grader, 1 6th grader, 1 5th grader and 1 2nd grader. My kids were behind and due to the great communication of all the teachers my kids have not only excelled but have really learned to be the best that they can be, i hold Carlton Oaks responsible for this. I know when my kids go to school they are safe. I now only have 2 at Carlton Oaks and in about 5 years I will have another child at Carlton Oaks I cant tell you how happy that makes me. To the entire faculty your doing a superb job keep it up. Lisa Finnestad+
--Submitted by a parent