Diegueno Middle School

2150 Village Park Way

Encinitas, CA 92024

School District

San Dieguito Union High
Grade

7-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:25
Type

public

School Map for San Dieguito Union High 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 04, 2025

My son is an 8th grader at Diegueno. I've been really happy with the school. I think it has provided him with a challenging curriculum, an opportunity to learn in a supportive environment, and the teachers are fantastic. It's a happy, welcoming place.
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2024

This school is Not a safe environment for students.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2024

San Dieguito School District is an excellent district. My children have been supported by their teachers and the school environment. My children are motivated by their teachers and they have found a kind, intellectual, and worldly friend group. The teachers have celebrated my children in their hobbies. I have one child who requires additional academic support via an IEP. The IEP team is knowledgeable, caring, and receptive.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2024

I have had 3 kids attend Diegueno middle school for the last 6 years and my experience has been wonderful! The school gives extra effort to make the incoming seventh graders, feel right at home. There are variety of afterschool activities, all for kids, parents, and families! I would highly recommend this middle school for any potential students.
Submitted by parent on February 24, 2024

Excellent middle school with caring admin. Principal Barnette is extremelly invested in the well being and education of all students (eg, attends school basketball games, post frequently on FB/ Instagram for parents), weekly newsletters etc. Ms. Coulter in the math dept is hands-down the best math instructor one could hope for. Active PTSA including parent events and connections. In an area where many can choose private school, there's no reason to- this public school has everything a student needs to be successful.
Submitted by parent on February 20, 2024

Great school! Both of my sons have gone to or are going to Diegueno. They create a safe, fun, and student centered learning environment. From support staff, to teachers, to administration they are all focused on not only providing a top notch education but to create good people who know how to be kind, respectful and responsible.
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2024

My child is about to graduate from DMS and has had a great experience. He describes it as being a safe campus where his concerns about academics or social issues were addressed promptly by caring teachers and admin and friendly campus supervisors. My son has thrived academically, with DNO fostering a real sense of independence. He enjoys learning and building his knowledge from text books and discussions, but also finds an incredible amount of joy in the hands-on project-based learning opportunities. As a mom, I feel DNO has an excellent PTSA with a strong partnership with admin & staff. I love all the veteran teaching staff with almost no teacher turnover. I've seen many examples of the teachers going outside of their comfort zones and teaching topics around social justice and/or bringing in outside groups/guest speakers to address such topics. The 6 week human growth and development lessons in 7th grade were excellent, addressing topics related to gender fluidity and expression. THANK YOU FOR THIS! I am grateful for the many things at DNO that contribute to a positive school culture.
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2024

Diegueno is an excellent middle school environment with a focus on learning, safety and kindness. Students are happy and teachers and staff are very engaged.
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2024

Our daughter is an 8th grader at Diegueno and has had a great academic and social experience at Diegueno. Her teachers are engaging and dedicated and she has made a good group of friends. Dr. Barnette is supportive and inclusive and goes out of her way to know all the students. My daughter feels prepared to take on high school next year!
Submitted by parent on February 16, 2024

We are so thankful to have this school in our neighborhood. Great students, families, teachers and staff!
Submitted by parent on February 16, 2024

We have had a great experience at Diegueno. The principal is engaged and really cares and that is reflected in the rest of the staff as well.
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2024

Strong, welcoming principal and really good teachers. Making facility upgrades that are helpful.
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2024

My son and daughter have attended this school. While middle school can be a difficult time, my son had an excellent experience at Diegueno including feeling inspired in his classwork and finding a club that led to friendship and engagement in an activity. For my daughter, things have been a bit more challenging, especially on the social front. The school has an excellent counseling staff and administration who have worked hard to support her through her more difficult middle school journey. From the start of the day to the end, it seems as if the leadership team of this school is working hard to help kids feel connected and to promote a friendlier culture.
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2024

Overall, the teachers in this school are really great and some are the best I've known. I felt my child was being left behind in grade school, simply because she didn't need attention. Testing into advanced math and English in Middle School, she appeared to be very average and standard classes were recommended. I thought otherwise and got her into the advanced classes. It was tough going at first because she needed catching up but her teachers were really supportive and encouraging. Now, half way through the school year, she is one of the top students. She just needed good teachers and she got them at Diegueno Middle School. She is also in the Band Program there and I couldn't rate it higher. The teacher is spectacular and all the kids know it. They love her and they all try their hardest to excel.
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2024

My daughter is in 7th grade now and I’ve been very happy with her experience of the school as a whole and the teachers and administration seem great.
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2024

This is our first year at Diegueno and it has been great. I appreciate the communication from the principal which comes in different forms.
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2024

Great experience for my daughter. She entered 7th grade this year and has been doing amazing. Huge Kudos to Dr. Barnett , staff and the new PTA team. Lots of changes to the campus to enrich the student experience for the long haul. Also, positive inclusive student activities all the time!
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2024

We have always had such a positive experience here. The teachers are welcoming, inclusive and the kids have a lot of respect for them.
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2024

Strong academics. Great adminstration. Dr Barnett is a wonderful principal.
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2024

I’ve had only very positive experiences as a parent whose child attends this school.