Mariposa Elementary School

1111 Mariposa Drive

School District

Brea-Olinda Unified
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:21
Type

public

School Map for Brea-Olinda Unified School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 20, 2023

I have two children attending Mariposa and they are both thriving. They transitioned beautifully from Montessori where they attended Pre-K and K. There are plenty of opportunities for parents to get involved. Mr. Torres is a great principal and genuinely cares for the children.
Submitted by parent on November 25, 2020

Some absolutely terrific teachers mixed with a handful of underachieving educators--mostly well seasoned teachers who haven't evolved with the times. The bad apples are stuck on very traditional teaching methods, aren't very responsive, and are seemingly uncomfortable with technology. The good news is that Principal Torres and a majority of the teachers are motivates, personable, engaged and passionate about developing children. Mr Torres sat patiently with me to discuss an accidental internet accessing of inappropriate material. He's caring, genuine, and fair. 4 out of 5 of our teachers have been superstars. Devoted, bright, energetic and compassionate about kids. They do extra things like delivering rewards, saying "hello" and remembering names at the market, and sending emails at all hours. We are lucky to have such support!
Submitted by parent on August 30, 2018

so far last year Mariposa was beyond dissapointing. This year the teacher seems promising and I am looking to see a change with Mariposa. Principle has already been interactive with parents and students during drop off and pick ups which is a total 360 from last year. So this year is looking promising....
Submitted by other on September 14, 2017

I have had two children go through Mariposa...one with the former principal, Dr. C., and one with the newer principal. The experiences were like night and day. Dr. C. was engaging and the kids loved her. She knew all their names, all their habits, and all their strengths and weaknesses. She collaborated with parents and communicated like crazy, and because of it, parental involvement all around was immense. It was a great, tight-knit school. But my younger one had completely the opposite experience. The newer principal is very stand-offish, doesn't know how to talk to kids (or parents, for that matter), doesn't communicate, and is downright quite rude. My child had two very bad experiences, one of which should have required some investigation, and the principal didn't bother to do anything. The teachers don't get any support from this principal, and it shows because they are so frustrated (understandably). Practically all really great teachers, too! I feel bad, because Mariposa used to be such a desired atmosphere...now it's just sad. They need to replace this principal....she is a horrible public and personal speaker, and lacks any credit as a leader. I gave the school a medium ranking as a balance of my two different experiences. I would give it 5 stars for the past, and 2 1/2 stars for now.
Submitted by other on November 30, 2016

Since Dr. C left, everything is spiraling down fast. The new principal lacks the authority and control that Dr. C has and also the passion for education. We have been at this school for a few years, and am blessed to have good kids. Both get character awards annually, are A students etc. and I help out frequently. I notice till now, the new Principal after nearly 2 years still can't get their names right. Back then after 6 months when I first joined the school, Dr. C had already nailed down my kids' names and mine. And I noticed she knew a lot of every kid names as well as their strengths and weaknesses in class also. Without strong leadership, the teachers are left with little motivation- which is difficult especially with the confusion in common core syllabus. Everything is now left to teaching computer softwares and teachers are more like moderators, and lack that fire to inspire kids, as if witnessed in the prior years. A lot of parents I'm talking to are doing lots of after school teaching to keep up with syllabus material e.g. Kumon. It's so sad how fast things went down after leadership changed. Before I'd give this school a 5 star, but now it's no where close to that.
Submitted by parent on August 05, 2015

I have three grandchildren in Mariposa. 4th,2nd, and kindergardner. I am the offical homework person.
Submitted by other on November 23, 2014

I have three grandchildren in Mariposa. 4th,2nd, and kindergardner. I am the offical homework person. My daughter is a single mom. I am so greatfull for most of the teachers my grandsons have had. But two stand out. Mrs. Chavez and Mrs. Yocum. They are Angels. The one thing I'm saddened about is the retirement of the old librarian, Mrs. Miller. The library has been inadequate. Mrs. Miller was open for the children before school and after school. We loved that little extra time. Also when the Library opened this new school year it was about 3 plus weeks into the school year. Thank you Debbie Moore (Nana)
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2013

Something is ALWAYS going on at this school one way or another. Parental involvement is through the roof , which normally would be ideal BUT its always the same parents controling what goes on or how things are run. They have their "clique" and if you arent in it, they arent interested in what you have to say. There is ALOT of kissing up to the Principal. Elected PTA officers consist of a bunch of Drama Queens which are constantly in disagreement and its a joke. Academically, I question the "Blue Ribbon" Status. Parents, volunteers and students are pre warned of Executive visits and prepped on what to say, they are told what to wear and students are allowed to take work home that received a bad grade and correct it. The goalwants to make sure THEY look good approx. a week prior, students are allowed to take work home that received a bad grade
Submitted by parent on May 08, 2013

Mariposa has been a great experience for us this year. My daughter is in kindergarten and has really had a great time and learned a lot. The PTA has put on some fun activities and there seems to be a lot of parent involvement. The teachers really care about their students and it shows. Great school overall.
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2011

2 Daughters @ Mariposa grades K thru 6th. "A" students in GATE > now honor students at Brea Jr High. Never a negative issue and always good communication with teachers
Submitted by parent on August 18, 2011

I am a parent of two children at this school. I was reading the reviews and felt I had to say something. I do not know what school the parents with these negative comments are speaking about, not once do I recall them having 7 fundraisers in one year, never have my children come home upset or with the knowledge that the school has no money. My children have been attending Mariposa since Kindergarden I currently have a 5th and a 3rd grader and we have not had any problems with teachers, staff or the principal. Actually the principal has been nothing but helpful towards us in many issues in and outside of school, she is a very professional and kind woman who is ready to go the distance when needed to do so for your child. As to the teachers being uncaring well that is not true I have yet to meet a teacher that does not care for her students, all the ones I have had the pleasure of dealing with are very caring towards their students and very concerned with their growth and well being. Overall we are very pleased with the school, and the staff its unfortunate some have not had the same pleasant experiences we do.
Submitted by parent on April 19, 2011

I have 2 kids who have attended Mariposa for the last 4 and 2 years respectively. I have great respect for the principal, who is passionate about her job and very approachable. My kids teachers have been wonderful with the exception of one. Parents are involved in classrooms, and PTA has put on some terrific events this year (movie night, father daughter dance, mother/son bingo). My experience with this school has been extremely positive.