Literacy First Charter School

799 East Washington Avenue

El Cajon, CA 92020

School District

San Diego County Office Of Education
Grade

K-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

charter

School Map for San Diego County Office Of Education 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 16, 2024

Best school ever! Every children are known at school,friendly and supportive environment.
Submitted by other on May 31, 2023

Very good school and very professional teachers
Submitted by other on January 23, 2023

Literacy First is a school where kids are known, teachers are valued, and parents are appreciated. I have two children that went through Literacy First Charters schools. Both have completed college and are doing well for themselves. My daughter is completing her teaching credential because of her teachers' impact on her life. Literacy teaches values, character, and leadership. I am grateful for all the wonderful people I have met and worked with.Thank you for caring for and supporting our children.
Submitted by teacher on January 23, 2023

I review Literacy First from the perspective of a teacher. While the school has great ideas and aims to provide some of the highest-quality education, I found the reality really fell short of expectations. There is an extremely high turnover rate for teachers. Most of the teachers care very deeply about their students, however many feel overworked and overwhelmed. During the 2021-22 school year, many (8-12) teachers quit mid-year due to the stress and miserable work environment. With the severe staff shortage, students are regularly missing out on mandated and required resources such as SPED, instructional support, art, library, and PE. A significant portion of the student population experience major behavior challenges, which make the medium-large class sizes very difficult to manage. Classwork was rigorous, but uninteresting and a challenge for most students. Many fell behind quickly and struggle to catch up. Much of the work was above the ability level of the class and teachers lacked any freedom to deviate from the prescribed grade-level curriculum. Much of the work was not meaningful or engaging for the students. The classroom environment was stressful. I think this school has good aims and potential, but it fails to execute their plans, fails to support the teachers, and fails to provide students with the supports they need. I would not send my own children here.
Submitted by parent on July 10, 2020

Literacy First provides a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. Parents play a big role in the student's education at LFCS. Your child is known at LFCS
Submitted by other on December 12, 2019

Literacy First provides a safe and supportive learning environment.
Submitted by parent on November 12, 2019

Having taught in public schools for over 7 years, I knew that this is where I wanted my kids to go. I drive from Lemon Grove to take my kids to school every day. I would drive even further if need for them to attend LFCS. We LOVE LFCS and are so honored to be a part of this school.
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2019

I have good experiences and the staff very friendly and helpful
Submitted by other on April 16, 2019

Love the attention to each child individually!
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2019

Best school ever! So happy to be a part of the LFCS family
Submitted by parent on June 22, 2018

My 2 kids have been attending here since kindergarten, they are now in 7th and 9th. Leadership has vision, teachers are highly trained, skilled and motivated. Teachers are held to a high standard and in turn the students are as well. We have been so blessed to have our kids grow up here.
Submitted by parent on June 20, 2018

My son is learning a lot in this school
Submitted by parent on June 18, 2018

My two children have attended LFCS from kindergarten. They both love their school and have grown into great little scholars. The whole faculty at these schools really cares about the kids, and wants to see them succeed. We have had nothing but a positive experience.
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2018

Because the learning is very good And the teacher is very nine
Submitted by teacher on January 29, 2018

Literacy First provides a positive and safe atmosphere for students to learn and allows them to take risks. We build up and instruct the whole child, preparing them academically and socially to be effective members of their community. I feel so blessed to be at LFCS for the past 5 years. I feel prepared by my administration and my leads to do the best possible for my students.
Submitted by teacher on January 25, 2018

This school is outstanding. It is safe, clean, organized, and has plenty of rigor and community spirit. Teachers, staff, students and parents are so committed to the program. I have been so blessed to work at such an amazing school. Two thumbs up!
Submitted by parent on January 15, 2018

Our three kids have attended Literacy First for the last 8 1/2 years. I cannot praise the educators highly enough. The teachers are invested in the students, committed to each one as an individual whether they are accelerated, high achievers or need special assistance or encouragement. They have provided opportunities for our kids to excel in areas they are most interested in. (For instance, one child loves teaching and her teachers have provided her chances to lead small groups or work with fellow students to provide additional instruction.) At LFCS, the whole child is considered and the development of who they are is equally as important what they know. Needless to say, we have been highly impressed with their level of dedication.The administration and staff are equally committed to delivering the best public education experience for each student. They work hard to know the students personally. They are devoted to creating a space where students can thrive. That being said, some of the campuses are on less than ideal properties. Facilities is a major issue for charter schools as they receive less state money for such needs than traditional public schools. They are well aware of the issues and are constantly on the lookout for ways to improve this. A large portion of the parents are very involved with the school, contributing volunteer hours that are the equivalent of several more full-time employees. This investment from the parents creates a real sense of community and - dare I say - family even.There is a large population of English-learners but LFCS has a track record of providing the additional instruction for these students and they are moved more quickly from that classification than similarly situated schools in our area. I have found the families of these students to be greatly appreciative of the opportunities presented both at the school and in the US. LFCS has an emphasis on American history. Talking with foreign born parents at events like the Thanksgiving feasts, Veteran's Day parades, etc. throughout the years about the lack of freedoms from whence they came and those we have here has provided me the chance to see all we have through new eyes with renewed appreciation and gratitude. We will be forever grateful for the educational foundation our children are receiving at LFCS.
Submitted by parent on January 09, 2018

My two sons (6th and 8th) have been going to LFCS since Kindergarten and I am so thankful for this school and the hardworking staff. My youngest son is such a strong reader, writer, and mathematician and loves school. He is a natural learner and teachers have challenged him and embraced his fun personality year after year. Watching him excel in math compared to students across our state gives me such hope for his career options. My oldest son does not learn as easily and teachers have adapted to his needs each year. He has grown into a student with many academic strengths after struggling for many years. I am so grateful for the well mannered group of friends he has and look forward to seeing how they mature as they go to high school together. I began teaching at LFCS when my oldest son was in 2nd grade and am so thankful for the positive staff climate, the desire to constantly reflect and improve teaching practices, and the parent involvement. I taught in 3 different traditional public school districts prior to working at LFCS and this experience gives me a constant backdrop for what LFCS offers.This school is one of a kind. It is so much more than high test scores and smiling photos-kids are loved and given skills for life.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2014

This is our second year and we love our school! Great communication between the parents and staff. Lots of opportunities for parents to come and be apart of their child's day. Overall we couldn't have picked a better school for our daughter's education!! Very pleased and always recommending!!
Submitted by parent on December 12, 2013

Literacy First teachers care for you child even while expecting academic excellence for all students. They have a wonderful extended year/day schedule that allows for lots of breaks in between the rigorous academics as well as special events. They use the latest in teaching techniques including, music, movement, memorization, activities, special projects and more. I highly recommend the elementary school for a solid character based education. They require all parents to volunteer 40 hours per year which enables the school to do more with less money.