Kelly Elementary School

4885 Kelly Drive

Carlsbad, CA 92008

School District

Carlsbad Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

School Map for Carlsbad 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 other on February 23, 2025

I am compelled to share serious concerns regarding one classroom at this school, which serves eight vulnerable students, many with specific learning differences. The teacher's failure to provide structured and accountable instruction has led to persistent issues in this classroom. Even more troubling, the principal appears to be sweeping these problems under the rug, leaving parents unaware of the daily challenges faced by these students. I urge parents to take these concerns into careful consideration when evaluating this school for their child.
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2021

We absolutely love Kelly Elemetary and our daughter is thriving here. The teachers are great and the principal is wonderful! She knows all kids by name and her effort and involvement in each class is evident. The school itself needs a bit of updating but they are in the process of a lot of renovations so I’m excited to see the final product!
Submitted by parent on May 22, 2019

We love being at Kelly and the support from the teachers and staff is amazing. Our children love it here and the transition to a new principle has gone well this year. We Miss Mrs. Armstrong dearly but Mrs Cobb has been a great new asset to our school this year and great to see whats to come with my kids having a year and two years left
Submitted by parent on October 04, 2017

We are in our third year at Kelly Elementary and we absolutely love it! This is one of the founding schools of the Great Kindness Challenge and it shows--there is a daily and constant focus on character and kindness. Schools are full of people so issues will arise, but this administration is fully equipped and very knowledgeable in dealing with any and all issues. I feel very good sending my child here knowing that she will be well cared for and get the best possible education.
Submitted by parent on August 28, 2017

This is a very strong elementary school - the faculty, administration and parents are all very active, academics are excellent, and there's a strong focus on character as well. We couldn't be happier with the school.
Submitted by parent on January 19, 2017

We have had a wonderful experience thus far and our son is really enjoying kindergarten. It is the first time he loves going to school and is sad when he is sick and has to miss a day. His confidence has tremendously increased and his learning skills have improved drastically. He is starting to read, loves math and has made a ton of friends. The principal is extremely hands-on, present, friendly and approachable. I'm so happy our son goes to Kelly. I couldn't ask for a better elementary experience so far!
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2015

Mrs. Armstrong is wonderful! Ms. Hensch, Mrs. McQ and Mrs. Cornell in Room 25, the LRC, are wonderful. Ms. Jury is great. The school really steps up and helps out special needs children, cuddles them and teaches them and yet also integrates with the mainstream. I couldn't be more happy with the progress my son made at Kelly School. It's also a beautiful school, lovely playground, gorgeous trees and tropical vegetation. The Fit Kids USA soccer is incredible after school as is PLAYBALL and the lunches with Chris and Rose are outstanding. Rose helps you get a discount if you qualify too and the lunches are superb. 5 STARS
Submitted by other on April 15, 2014

This is a great elementary school. I attended in the nineties and am now a Ph.D. candidate. I am not saying that is totally due to my elementary education, but the solid foundation of skills that I obtained at Kelly can't be discredited. Great school.
Submitted by parent on September 27, 2013

I went to this school, and now all my kids have gone to this school. AMAZING... No complaints. In fact my son has a learning disability and kelly schools amazing care and help saved him on many levels. I am not one to BS or hype up basic stuff, to get my love takes a lot. Going here as a child myself, then my 14yr old and now my 10yr old and my 2yr old will too, ive seen MANY MANY years of hands on here and not one complaint like ive seen at other schools when picking kids up or helping out. MANY of my friends who went here, have there own kids here now and we all agree its the BEST and its a blessing if you are able to come here. You can't please everyone, and unfortunately the ones who complain are the ones who are blind to the real issue and just need something to blame. Of course all the cuts stink, and of course its not ideal, but you can't blame the school........ They are the ones trying to jump through the hoops to save our kids
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2013

There are 33-35 kids per class, as with all the other public schools in Carlsbad. I don't understand why this website has such inaccurate class sizes. My child attended Kindergarten here last year and had a great experience. Kelly is a good school with a good principle and lots of parent involvement but I can't reccommend ANY school with that many kids in each class. The lessons are taught to the masses without consideration for kids who are above or below the level being taught; but that's the only way a 33 kids:1 teacher ratio can be managed. It's very unfortunate to see how our high property taxes are wasted. I'm now paying for private school.
Submitted by parent on August 01, 2013

Our family loves Kelly school! My oldest son first attended Kelly school after we moved to Carlsbad in 2006. I was so impressed with how the school was run, the principal, and most of the teachers, that when we left to attend our newly opened neighborhood school (also within the district), I brought my other younger children back to Kelly school. I love the reputation the school has had of such great parent involvement, as well. I'm one of those parents! The school scores (i.e. API) have always been high, in the top 3 of Carlsbad Unified. Overall, in my opinion this school is great.
Submitted by parent on August 04, 2011

I have 2 kids at Kelly and couldn't be happier with the results we're getting. Both kids are reading a grade ahead of their levels and both kids are excelling in math. They even finished the required math last year. This allowed their teachers to be creative and go beyond their grade level in math near the end of the year. My kids are very excited because Kelly will be only one of two schools locally with iPads. The teachers are extremely dedicated and committed to every child's success at Kelly. We also love the community and feel like everyone is free to explore who they are and do what they love. We are very happy the staff and administration understand the value of a "whole child" and don't just teach to the test.
Submitted by parent on July 17, 2011

I have 2 kids at Kelly and used to love the school. As a parent, i find the teachers don't have the same interest as in the past (some are VERY good but most are average). The academic curriculum offered is below what is offered at other good schools. While there is a lot of parent participation (and the community is excellent), very few professional parents offer to teach courses (as volunteers) compared to other schools (where Mandarin, Robotics, Science, Biology is taught by volunteers). In addition to academics, sports and music offerings leave a lot to be desired. I used to be very happy with the school but not anymore. You can see the decline in the STAR testing scores and the trend continues - unfortunately. The potential is there but the school needs better direction.