Paloma Elementary School

Paloma Elementary just earned Distinguished School for the second time in its history. Top-down it is an educational institution dedicated to learning and committed to a sense of belonging, all the while challenging kids to achieve their personal best. They are also set to begin their 6th Grade Academy in the Fall of 2012. I am glad my child gets to be a part of this amazing school- hands-down one of the best in Temecula!
--Submitted by a parent

We had a problem with one of my daughters teachers- during a parent/teacher conference the teacher yelled at my daughter and then verbally attacked me. I was completely dumbfounded; I have never witnessed such unprofessional behavior. Afterwards I requested that she be moved to another class. The principal said that she normally doesn t do that but when it was clear that the teacher also wanted her moved she agreed. Overall I feel like the principal made excuses for the teacher s actions. Instead of having her apologize to me she asked that I not bring it up again, and actually suggested I apologize to the teacher. My daughter is doing better, but now I worry every time I send her to school. The teacher's attitude was that of someone that did nothing wrong. I don't even think she was reprimanded or that it went in her record. I truly believe that a teacher who cannot control her actions shouldn't be teaching.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm very dissapointed with the school. We moved here this summer and our daughter is having many problems. The concerning thing is that instead of helping my daughter to adjust, they are telling me about my parenting. Where are we, Stepford?
--Submitted by a parent

We've been in Temecula for about a year and a half. We started mid-term, and everything started out great... but my child was very unhappy after just a few weeks. I became aware very quickly of cliques even amongst the youngest children. The new principal was great at working with the kids, but the last teacher was just terrible. They don't do much for gifted kids as far as I can tell... I had to fight hard just to get my kid work hard enough to keep things interesting. So much of it was too easy, and the teacher couldn't care less about the kids as long as the shut up and followed the crowd. Some of the parents were great- but most won't even look your way if you're new. For "The Best School in the District", they're more focused on PTA numbers and fundraisers than they are on making sure the kids are happy and challenged, not teased or bullied. We will probably home-school if the next teacher is anything like we just went through this past year.
--Submitted by a parent

Paloma Elementary has the best teachers and principal who really care about the children and their education!!
--Submitted by a parent

Homeschool is obviously always an option for any parent; however, after homeschooling my own child I quickly realized that in no way could I even attempt to bring the same breadth to learning that Paloma does on a daily basis. I could provide the essential elements but not the extras that they provide (from computer lab to art lessons to weekly flag salutes to field trips to resources in the classroom etc...) I would recommend that you integrate yourself to the school perhaps by volunteering to bring your own 'personal wow!' to the school. Every parent has something to offer! They used to have a saying: 'If it is to be, it is up to me!' I take that to heart!
--Submitted by a parent

After 2 years of my daughter attending Paloma (starting at K), I am not particularly impressed. Nothing terrible, it's just OK - that's all. Actually, after my experience with Paloma and the entrenched bureaucracy, I'm starting to understand why people Home School their children.
--Submitted by a parent

My student transferred midyear and every effort was made to make him welcomed.Tteachers are really happy here. My student is excited to go to school and did not want the year to end. Teachers put much effort into bringing hands-on learning. (Growing chicks, making volcanoes, making fossils) The principal just left this year and she was amazing! The atmosphere here is 'learning is fun!'. Front office is pretty friendly. The academics could be more challenging. Expectations are not very high. Since moving here... school is too easy for our student. Our previous school district had 'High Expectations;High Acheivement'. They ability group students for all Math learning which allows teachers to really make progress. Excellent! We are so happy. Teachers are free to try new things.Students behavior is very friendly/kind but a bit rough w/bad language and subjects they discuss.
--Submitted by a parent

I feel this school is completely academically oriented, and am really surprised that anyone would think otherwise. My middle daughter is not as fast at math as the other two, and she is constantly being pushed and pulled and helped by her teacher to get her better at math. Yes, we do touch math. I was taught touch math, and while my other two never needed it, my middle daughter did, and the teachers have been great at keeping her up in math. The other two were both very good at math, and given harder work to do to keep them chalenged. This is a great school!
--Submitted by Sara Janecek, a parent

The atmosphere and educational environment is top notch. I'm a little shocked about the touch point math comment. Everyone learns differently and while touch math might not be best for all it is just a strategy. I still use touch math as an adult. I wonder if they teach touch math at private schools as well?