Northridge Elementary School

5150 Cocoa Palm Way

School District

San Juan Unified
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:20
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 July 27, 2021

They have the most amazing and caring staff of any school my children have ever been at. I feel like my children can be themselves at this school. They work hard to build connections through programs like their house completions. It’s similar to the house system in Harry Potter and my kids love it!! So thankful I ignored the initial low rating and went with them. I pulled my kids from LeGette so they could come here. Happy we did.
Submitted by parent on October 25, 2020

We have had a very positive experience at this school. It is our first year here and were a little nervous after reading the reviews. However, we have been blown a way by the quality of education and support our children have received. I feel like the low test scores speak more to the the fact that a large portion of the students are learning english, rather than the actual quality of the education. I have had children at both LeGette and here and I strongly feel that Northridge has given more to my children!
Submitted by parent on July 26, 2018

Over all the teachers were experienced and dutiful. Very kind, caring and made the effort to help all kids learn.
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2017

They do NOTHING! They teach NOTHING! If homework done - they even don't check it~!
Submitted by parent on January 07, 2017

If you love your child, you will avoid this school. It isna dumpimg ground for the worst children who would otherwise be expelled.
Submitted by parent on November 03, 2015

While we only spent one half of the year, we were very impressed with the school. The kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Ward, is wonderful! We could not have asked for a better teacher. The secretary is kind and helpful. We will miss the kindergarten there!
Submitted by parent on August 28, 2015

Dedicated teachers. Excellent Principal! GATE program. Friendly and helpful office people. K-6 neighborhood school. Free before school clubs.
Submitted by parent on July 25, 2014

My daughter attended 4th grade there for the 13-14 school year. Her teacher was previously a 1st grade teacher and had absolutely no idea how to teach a 4th grade class. She did not teach them the California History curriculum as required by state standards. She had them sitting on the carpet while she read picture books to them and claimed that it was a part of the critical literacy program. That is developmentally inappropriate at that age level. She also did not teach any science that year. In addition she did not have any control of her class and would punish all the students for the misbehavior of a few. The principal did not address issues as parents complained so they just continued. I was not happy with my experience at this school and am happy to say that I was able to transfer my daughter out and she will be attending a new school this next year
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2013

My daughter attends Northridge Elementary. She had a difficult time transitioning being a new student. The staff at Northridge did a wonderful job helping her feel safe and secure. This year is her second year at Northridge and she is a thriving 6th grader.
Submitted by other on June 22, 2013

I'm a student of this school from some moons ago, in the 1990s. I'm told some of my teachers have retired, but others are still there. I remember nearly every grade as if it had special meaning. The classes were not that challenging, but I was also difficult to motivate. This school once cared a lot for the arts. Staff would help put on plays and a big performance at the end of the year. In 2nd grade, we did "Over the Rainbow" in sign language. My biggest gripe is not really their fault -- it's a public school. The teachers are inconsistent with the amount of attention they give, and they play favorites. For the parents that are unhappy about the lack of advanced classes: the school used to have a GATE program. And for years and years, I know at least one teacher discreetly gave a multiple choice math and science test to the kids. For the ones who did really well, she would pull them aside, and they'd get special classes after school. I visited years after I left and she was talking to her new advanced class, telling them not to say anything to anyone about it. I know I could have learned something from those sessions.
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2013

My Son has been attending Northridge for a year and a half and we couldnt be happier with the school. The Teachers have been amazing, Staff friendly, and the extra activities and programs have been educational and fun. Were so glad we moved near Northridge Elementary School.
Submitted by parent on November 16, 2010

I have had 3 kids in Northridge since 2006. We attended with the old principal and we have had the new one for a few years now. We are finishing out this year and then we are transfering. I have 2 more kids to get through elementary school. I agree with most of the poor comments about this school. There is no parent involvment. I volunteer at the school once a week. I hate having to go sign in at the office. The women who work in there are so completely RUDE! This is our 5th year at this school and one of the office ladies has yet to ever acknowledge me. i don;t even know her name. There is a lack of respect by some of the children-but the teachers wear jeans and tshirts everyday. What do they expect? What happened to dressing professionally, taking pride in your career, and passing that on to the children. There are absolutely NO programs for advanced children. My daughter who is in 8th grade now and has a 3.7 GPA just took a 6th grade review test for history and got a 60% on it!! Now they are english as a 2nd language school.