Pacific Ridge School

6269 El Fuerte Street

Carlsbad, CA 92009

33 Reviews

School District
Grade

6-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on July 16, 2024

My experience at Pacific Ridge School has been nothing short of fantastic. I unfortunately only got the opportunity to spend my last two years of high school here, but my techniques in all subjects had a rapid incline. In my English classes, I was supported completely and I could genuinely see my writing grow; after comparing my first and last essay written here, the change was tremendous. In my science classes (AP Enviro, AP Bio, and Marine Bio), I was consistently taught subjects that I could tell the teachers were passionate about, which only made them more interesting to learn about. In my math classes, I was able to build on prior knowledge and absorb the new information that was given to me in a productive manor. In my history classes, I was met with storytellers, teachers who cared so much about what they had to share that it made me, someone who doesn't generally like history classes, fall in love with the past. The arts team cared so much about me as a person and fostered students to release their inner artists, both in a performance and visual setting. The student support staff on campus was there for me at my lowest lows and helped build up my confidence again, and college guidance is the reason that I'm going to higher education. I consistently felt safe on campus with constant security at all entrances and exits. There were many events on campus that families were invited to, including Ginger Bread Breakfast and Showcase of the Arts. Also, there is talk about PRS being a liberal school, which is true, but it is also important to note that all viewpoints are heard here and listened to. Not once have I seen a student or teacher yell at another student or teacher about a certain belief that they have because this is a place where intelligent people can have educated conversations. All in all, Pacific Ridge School was worth every penny, and students that speak against it don't realize how much they have gained here in comparison to a public school education (trust me, I have gone to public school).
Submitted by other on June 18, 2024

I went here for two years and let me tell you guys don’t even bother wasting your thousands of dollars on this. First of all not only do you have to pay tuition but you also have to pay for uniforms. A jacket costs more than fifty dollars. You also have to buy a hundred dollar calculator that public schools in my area with a lower budget provide for free. Second, they don’t care about your mental health. I tried to go to the counselors and they gave me a dirty look and said they weren’t available. They don’t care about teachers either because my teacher broke down in class about a racist student and nothing to my knowledge was done prior to this at all. Speaking of teachers, I was probably gaslit and treated like a prisoner more times than I can even keep track of. It’s hard to talk to teachers at all because of the fear of being turned away. It was like they disliked us. Teachers should be helping us, and if you teachers can’t then you should find another job. This isn’t the way to be treating MIDDLE SCHOOL students whose brains are still developing. Of course that isn’t all of the teachers there, some of them I had a great experience with. Overall, I got what I needed academically from this school but it made my mental health way worse and I wouldn’t recommend kids who struggle with mental health issues to attend this school.
Submitted by parent on June 11, 2024

Pacific Ridge used to be community minded, but the school has taken a turn away from its service learning and purposeful intention mantra and has headed towards STEM. It has little diversity and the tuition has become out of reach for a lot of talented kids. The outcome vs the cost is worth exploring if you are considering having your child go here. I do not recommend if your child has any special needs.
Submitted by other on November 14, 2023

As former students we believe that this school is trying to gaslight their students into believing the narrative that staff and administrators believe is “correct” and that only. Anything but what is taught is shut down faster than students can share their viewpoint. Students are taught that individual opinions are not welcome which teaches them to be incapable of forming their own unique opinions throughout their young adult lives. Not to mention how the teachers, admin, staff, and students will collectively harass your child. If that’s not enough for you the curriculum is devoid of all educational content and leaves alumni completely unprepared for college level courses, particularly in the science department. Middle schoolers are aggressively indoctrinated with liberal agendas and schooled on gender and sexuality rather than the summary of the book they read in social studies! If you want to best prepare your child for the real world we recommend you look elsewhere!!!!
Submitted by parent on August 15, 2023

My daughter attended this school and experienced many major issues. For the last 2 years of her time at the school she was constantly bullied and harassed and the school refused to acknowledge the problem. She also was held back in one class and no matter how hard we tried to have her take a placement test they wouldn’t even give her a chance to do so.Every positive aspect this school advertises is a lie, you will pay $40k for a damaging experience.
Submitted by other on July 14, 2022

Extremely disappointed with my experience at PRS. I attended this school for two years and dealt with continuous bullying and sexual harassment from other students. I was harassed at school, online and even had a voicemail leaving me a death threat. Nothing was done about this despite bringing it up to the head of school multiple times. Not only that, but their mothers also harassed me and my parents as a result of these rumors. My grades suffered as a result and I fell into a serious depression. The perpetrators were never reprimanded due to their ties to founding members and large financial contributions. I never spoke about my experience and chose to leave the school instead. My academic performance thrived upon leaving and attending public school instead. I am writing this review after seeing that PRS claims to handle bullying immediately. This could not be further from the truth. To add to my horrible experience here, the teachers also get involved with rumors at this school and will treat you badly as a result. There is a serious problem with cliques here. PRS lacks diversity and the head of school is a victim blamer.
Submitted by parent on November 24, 2021

As a parent who had 3 children at PRS from 6th grade to graduation, I have seen a dramatic shift over the years.While I understand that most teachers in general are typically left leaning politically, I feel that a good administration and staff would put aside their personal views.PRS has turned so left leaning and "Woke" that they have lost touch with the community and basically shut down any student (or parents) who don't agree with their narrative.I think the current administration should remind themselves that the school was founded by a small group of YPO members (Business owners) who probably disagree with the extreme left leaning path they have taken.Very disappointing.
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2021

Incredible school with true 21st century learning. It has a diverse community population with exceptional leadership and teaching. If I could give the school 10 stars, I would.
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2021

We are currently in our second year and can confidently say PRS is exceeding our expectations. Our daughter is doing great. She is engaged, attentive and showing a wonderful curiosity in the things she's learning (something we weren't sure was possible with our cynical kid). Academically she's been encouraged to extend herself. There have been some (not many) teary-eyed homework sessions, but they always end with a sense of confidence the next day. If she's struggling with any of the material, it's clear that she knows she can talk to the teacher and will get the help she needs. Personalized attention is one of the main benefits that brought us here, and it's clear that the faculty prioritizes that. Additionally, the Harkness method of teaching appears to have the intended effect. Our kid would be happy to know the material, hide in the back of the classroom, and NEVER be asked about her thoughts on a topic. That simply doesn't happen with this method of teaching, and as far as we can tell, she's speaking up and engaging in the classroom. As parents, we want her to feel confident in her knowledge, especially because we know she puts in the work.Lastly, the school does a superb job going beyond just academic excellence. Participation in local community, personal integrity and having a global perspective are all a part of the focus in teaching to the whole student. Something we believe is vital to success for someone growing up in the connected world.
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2020

Excellent. Our son is thriving and excelling with the help of a fantastic structure and exceptional educators.
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2020

Excellent school. My son loves it at this school! We have been here 3 years now. The school does a great job fostering community, it offers outstanding academics, and they have a good variety of extracurricular activities.
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2019

We have been at the school going on three years. We have been really pleased with the experience our kids are getting not only academically but socially and globally as well. This school teaches to the whole child and looks to foster academic excellence, ethical responsibility and global engagement. Again, qualities that are so important to shaping who they become as they enter young adulthood and college. The school is extremely tolerant of differences and embraces them. The school also "thinks differently" and is continually looking to improve so they are always asking for feedback and incorporating it into their programs and classes. We have had such a good experience and have recruited a few new families to the school who have been pleased as well.
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2019

I loved what this school achieved in a short time and I loved its potential. This is why we chose the school. It's losing its way though, and I fear it will get worse before it gets better which is why we left.
Submitted by parent on September 27, 2018

Outstanding. I have two boys that have graduated and they both thrived at PRS. They both found a "home" - one in robotics and one on the volleyball and basketball court - which provided a joy to their days. When they return from college, they always swing by campus to re-connect with old teachers, and I think that says a lot about the care and time PRS takes in building a supportive community for their students.
Submitted by parent on February 08, 2018

Pacific Ridge is an outstanding school, both in terms of academics and pastoral care. The small class sizes are ideal and classes are taught in a debate and discussion format. It allows children to thrive and grow in confidence, and prepares them in a rounded way for life at college.
Submitted by parent on November 14, 2017

Excellent learning experience, service learning programs, and harness program!
Submitted by student on June 14, 2017

Although impressed by the academic preparation Pacific Ridge provides for its students, I cannot say that the work distributed by the school is particularly challenging. Furthermore, the focus on money (i.e. wealth status) at PRS makes for an environment of secrecy among staff, parents, and students, and shelter, leaving students unprepared for the real world. If given the chance, I would have taken only the academics of Pacific Ridge in hopes to avoid the small-town politics of this private school.
Submitted by parent on June 01, 2017

No complaints at all. Fantastic school. Very happy.
Submitted by other on May 22, 2017

Amazing school, great leadership and overall caring and supportive of each student. We could not be happier with PRS. Our son attended another private school in encinitas that was not good and being at PRS is a dream. He is inspired, happy and looking forward to learn
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2016

PRS is everything you could hope for in a school and more. My kids love it. The small class size, combined with the roundtable-discussion approach to learning is so engaging for the kids and really sets it apart from other schools. The faculty and administration are so caring and involved in the students' learning. It truly feels like a family and community environment. The academic classes are challenging and are complimented by the language, arts, athletics, community service and club offerings, which are all part of the regular schedule. The global travel program is also great.