College Park Elementary School

2380 Notre Dame Road

School District

Newport-Mesa Unified
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

School Map for Newport-Mesa 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 25, 2023

What a special place this school is. My two kids are thriving and loving to learn at College Park. The school’s Principal, Jake Topete, knows every single kids name and really connects with them and cares about their learning. He has fostered and environment of positivity and the kids are excited to learn. The schools is really a great little community of engaged parents, caring teachers and helpful staff. My kids are challenged daily. There is a great focus on reading and my kids are well above grade level but most importantly they love to do it. We just finished an all school read where all the kids and staff read the same book together for a month - so fun! My kids are also loving learning mandarin - the teachers are really great. I highly recommend College Park!
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2023

What a great neighborhood school! We love that we moved into a good neighborhood that has a school within walking distance. Because of the teachers and their quality of teaching, my kids thrive academically. They look forward to going to school every single day. I've learned that many families in the neighborhood send their children to other schools in the district, which is a shame. My husband and I know we've made the right choice in sending our kids to College Park.
Submitted by parent on November 02, 2022

There is so much about a school that doesn't get reflected in broad scoring. Our family moved to the neighborhood and wanted to check out the school for ourselves and we have LOVED our experience thus far for the following reasons... There is a newer principal who is incredibly enthusiastic and a great communicator. There is a Mandarin Immersion program which is bringing in a lot of enthusiasm and parent support from throughout Costa Mesa (even though our 1st grader isn't participating in it). The PTA is fantastic and working hard to host community events and engage the students in fun ways during & after school. As with any school there is room for improvement, but I believe the current staff, administration, and parents will make this school better and better. Come check out College Park Elementary!
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2021

My children have absolutely loved their time at College Park so far. They have both had excellent teachers who work diligently to help the children learn in an environment in which they can feel loved and accepted. The teachers are encouraging and hardworking. The school recently got a face lift with a fresh coat of paint. They also just got a new principle and more and more parents are getting involved at school. We have loved our experience so far and are excited for what the future holds for College Park.
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2021

College park is amazing! I have two boys in the Mandarin immersion program and they love it. What normal classrooms do in a day the manderin program does in half that time so that they can study the mandarin language the other half. All the mandarin teachers are fantastic, especially Ms. Lam, she is the kindergarten teacher and has time and time again set her students up for success by giving the kids a wonderful foundation of learning. I recommend this program to any who are interested. I have two more kids and they will definitely be going to college park for the mandarin immersion program.
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2021

College Park is amazing! Our staff and teachers work selflessly to encourage, teach, and love our students. Our Mandarin Immersion program is outstanding! My 8 year old comprehends, speaks, and writes fluently in Mandarin already. The PTA puts on great events and helps parents be involved. College Park is the best school for my children, and we are proud to be Cougars!
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2018

Overall I would not recommend this school. The teachers, bless their souls, and the office staff, are the only reason we lasted at this school. They truly do care. However, they are limited as to what they can do with the tools they are given. My child left the school as one of the top kids in class only to find out she is far behind the state standard. The kids are mean and their parents don't care. Many of the kids are taking care of their siblings and are the English speaker for the family. Again, not to discredit the teachers or Mrs. Laura in the office. They are lovely and caring but as I said, they aren't given the proper tools, resources, or funds to do their jobs the way they want or need to. Sad, really, sad.
Submitted by parent on March 10, 2018

Terrible experience for my child and our family. I wouldn't recommend this school to anyone. My child was no longer excited about going to school. Once moved, they're thriving and excited about learning again.
Submitted by parent on May 22, 2017

I adore College Park -- I only wish we would have started our daughter here sooner. There are some issues with test scores, but a vast majority of the student population has one or both parents who do not speak English as a first language. How are they expected to help their children complete their homework? And many of the ESL students do not read or write their native language, so offering them standardized tests in another language is equally ineffective. Really, every grade needs at least two aides that can float, but I highly doubt that is in the interest of the district, so nothing will happen. My advice to parents of potential students at College Park? Be proactive. The teachers here are amazing. It has small classroom sizes (smaller than the ones at the private schools we attended prior to coming here!) and a dedicated staff. You will love this place as much as we do!
Submitted by teacher on December 31, 2014

College Park offers students a well-rounded educational experience. Complimenting the core curriculum, students are encouraged participate in many extra activities that keep them engaged in the learning process. From the award-winning after-school music program (consisting of free instrumental and vocal groups) to student council, running club, green club, project success and rocks, there are numerous opportunities for students to become active members of the student body and enhance their learning process. The staff goes above and beyond what is required by contract to ensure that every student is given opportunites to develop their unique skills, talents, and abilities. I have taught for over 30 years, in two different states, and in over 10 elementary schools. College Park Elementary is a great school!