Del Dayo Elementary School

1301 McClaren Drive

School District

San Juan Unified
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:18
Type

public

School Map for San Juan 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 March 20, 2024

I have been extremely pleased with the education my daughter has received at Del Dayo School over the past three years. The school has proven to be an exceptional learning environment, thanks to the dedication and expertise of the Principal and staff.I would like to specifically commend two teachers who have made a significant impact on my daughter's education. Mrs. Andrews, the 4th grade teacher, has consistently demonstrated her passion for teaching and her ability to create a supportive and engaging classroom environment. Her commitment to her students' growth and learning is truly commendable.Additionally, I would highly recommend Mr. Corcoran, the 6th grade teacher, who has shown a remarkable ability to connect with his students and inspire them to reach their full potential. His enthusiasm for the subjects he teaches is contagious and has fostered a love of learning in my daughter.I am grateful for the positive impact this school has had on my daughter's educational journey.
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2021

Great, supportive community. Teachers who go above and beyond, and truly care about the kids. PTO is great at supplementing with great activities and events. I'm so happy to have my kids at this school!
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2021

Our children love this school. We are very involved in their day to day and have seen first hand how great the teachers are. The kids all get along well and are very inclusive. Everyday our kids come home excited and eager to learn. Couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.
Submitted by other on July 02, 2018

I'm trying to find a new school for my child, who is going into the 4th grade after having to remove her from Del Paso Manor following a disastrous experience. Del Dayo seems great on the surface but the reviews from parents are deeply concerning. It seems to be very elitist. The worst reviews seem to come from parents who are involved with their child's education, while the best reviews come from parents who simply state "It's great!" but provide no supporting information. I'd love to see more reviews containing factual information before I run out of time and have to make a final decision on where to send her.
Submitted by parent on December 05, 2017

Our child has attended Del Dayo for the last 6 years. With the exception of one teacher who was retiring that year so did not seem as motivated to teach we have had excellent teachers. The resource staff and all other school personnel are dedicated to supporting the school and students. Parent involvment is abundant and the funds brought to the school because of the active PTO and parent donations really add to the educational environment. The library is truly superb! Music and band program as well as dedicated arts program add to the enrichment. The campus is inviting and in a lovely neighborhood.
Submitted by parent on November 01, 2016

This school could be great if it weren't for parents that act like high school student with their cliques. I feel bad for the new Principal and administrators that have to deal with them every day. If you're not "in" your kids get excluded. There is almost no time for lunch which is a rushed horrible environment where the kids are scolded for talking most of the time. Dictated to where they can sit. The educational part is fabulous K-2 then it goes down hill. Many of the teachers have been teaching too long and are miserable.
Submitted by other on October 18, 2016

It's a shame that the teachers seem to rule with an iron fist. They seem respected out of fear rather than admiration or love. With that being said, the teachers have classrooms with 30 or more kids. If you can manage a group of 30 people without motivating them with money--you are a super hero.
Submitted by parent on November 24, 2014

With Thanksgiving being just a few days away, I thought I'd share my gratitude for this wonderful school since not only did my husband attend Del Dayo (many moons ago) but our youngest is now attending. Here are just a few of the things I'm thankful for: 1. The teachers, principal and staff - especially those committed to keeping our children safe and making sure they don't fall behind in class. 2. The parents who many go above and beyond to help out in classes, special projects, field trips, fundraisers and after school events. 3. Last but not least, all those others who are somehow connected to the school via family, friends and even neighbors who volunteer at the Fall Festival, pick kids up and drop them off, buy things from our many various fundraisers or contribute to our school in other ways. This community is the best I've ever had the good fortune to be a part of and I'm very thankful that my child gets to grow up surrounded by in this community.
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2014

Our school is an amazing place for our children to learn and grow! The staff is so dedicated. I'm amazed at how much time and energy the teachers, principal, and support staff put into making my child's school experience so positive. It's truly remarkable to be a part of such a wonderful educational team; as a parent I'm honored to help support these professionals in the work they do for my children! They do not receive as many thanks as they deserve in the spirit of thanksgiving, I'm so grateful my children attend Del Dayo! It's truly a special place, filled with caring families as well as a caring staff, lead by a caring principal.
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2014

Del Dayo is a great school with involved, caring teachers and an amazing amount of parent involvement. Sadly, the school suffers under the burden of a principal who seems to find children and their parents an aggravation. He is unavailable and unconcerned when confronted with an issue. The party line is we don't have issues at Del Dayo which is of course, not true. The reality is that issues are ignored, district policy consequences are not enforced and parents are left uninformed. It is a pity that the person employed to create a positive school environment is the person who I prevents this school from having one.
Submitted by parent on August 03, 2014

The teachers at this school are the best. The principle is great. I love Del Dayo!
Submitted by parent on December 06, 2013

I love the teachers at Del Dayo and had a very positive experience when my older children went to this school. My youngest is there now along with a different principal. Recently, I've been having lunch with my child at school and have been greatly disturbed by how controlled lunchtime is. The kids have a 20 minutes recess followed by 20 minutes to eat lunch. They have a stoplight which shows how LOUD the children are and when it turns yellow, "WATERFALL....sssshhhhhhh" is what they do which I find creepy. They have to raise their hands to ask to go to the bathroom, throw garbage away, get a drink of water. and are only allowed to talk quietly to the person(s) in front and to their immediate sides (not allowed to turn around to talk to anyone behind them). They call this tables manners...I call it tyranny!
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2013

I thought this was a great school and I was wrong. For the past 3 years I have tried to understand the algorithm used for class assignment. This year it became very clear that it is based on discrimination. There are three 2nd grade classes this year. The kids were selected by their last names; all kids with immigrant parents as well as the poor kids were assigned to Mrs. Barton s class. Mrs. Barton is a transfer from another school. Her class has no resources even though the principal knew well in advance there will be three 2nd grade classes this year. The principal, Thomas Harp, does a very poor job on planning and allocating the resources. Mr. Harp is full of himself and, when you talk to him, all you hear are empty words. He judges you by the car you drive and the clothes you wear.
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2013

This is our second year at Del Dayo. The Kindergarten teachers are superb! My 1st grader is doing amazingly well and he has the support he needs. His reading has improved two-fold as has his math just in the last four months. I must say too that his teacher this year is an angel. Don't be surprised if you have to get added to a waiting list to get into this school. It has tremendous parental and community support. Del Dayo is in a class of its own and it's worth the wait!