La Mesa Dale Elementary School

4251 Olive Avenue

La Mesa, CA 91941

School District

La Mesa-Spring Valley
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:22
Type

public

School Map for La Mesa-Spring Valley 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 December 03, 2024

We love this school. Both of our children have been going since 2019, and we have had wonderful experiences with each class. The teachers are great, and the school works hard to connect with families.
Submitted by parent on December 03, 2024

We moved to La Mesa Dale from another elementary school within the same district and there was a noticeable difference right away in the welcoming atmosphere on campus. The principal and front office staff are kind and approachable. The teachers help their students learn and grow beyond just academics. The special education staff and other support personnel all contribute to a positive environment that lets each child know they belong.
Submitted by parent on December 03, 2024

Very involved and caring staff. Great experience.
Submitted by parent on December 03, 2024

We could not ask for a better school.The experience that we have had at La Mesa Dale is unmatched to our greatest expectations. The staff, students, families are incredible. Both of my children have thrived in the is community and will have the academic and cultural experiences that will prepare them for the rest of their lives. Our entire family feels included, seen, and appreciated here.
Submitted by parent on December 14, 2023

Ignore the Great Schools ratings and read the recent reviews! Test scores are not what makes a school great. We chose La Mesa Dale over our assigned school because of the beautiful diversity of the student body. There are over 100 countries represented here! We are so thankful that our children are building relationships with kids of all different backgrounds. Their lives are being enriched by learning from so many various perspectives. They are truly being prepared to participate in a multiracial democracy, which in my opinion is one of the most significant purposes of public school.
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2023

This is an incredible school. Unfortunately, we underestimated it by it's external appearance. The staff at this school have been so welcoming, kind and genuine. We transferred from another La Mesa District school that had a very toxic culture, which has increased our appreciation of this school.La Mesa Dale has been an outstanding example of how an elementary school should be. The diversity of the children are reflected in the staff here and it truly has felt inclusive of all that attend. We feel so lucky to be here.
Submitted by parent on August 30, 2023

This school is amazing. GreatSchools.org rating sucks. I would rate this school very high - teachers are amazing. Families are from a diverse background. My daughter has been in this school since grade 2 and she loves the school. I would highly recommend families if they are moving to La Mesa and are worried about this school rating - please do not be. The teachers at the school are highly motivated and the PTA is great. Ignore the greatschools rating.
Submitted by parent on February 13, 2023

Both of my children attend, we have been very happy with the quality of teachers, the support of staff, and the overall education they are receiving
Submitted by parent on February 13, 2023

The school is great. The teacher are amazing. Our two kids attend the school and their experience has been wonderful.
Submitted by parent on March 09, 2021

I think La Mesa Dale is so great, for so many reasons! First, all my kids love it. The teachers are really fantastic. I’ve been asked in the past my opinion on their greatschools rating, from parents whose kids have never attended, and never took a tour. The school has kids from so many backgrounds, which I could not be happier about. With all the different first languages other than English spoken at home, I don’t think the testing takes that into consideration when comparing to other schools where English is common in most households. It certainly is not a reflection of their quality of education. They’ve got a Reading specialist on campus whose wonderful and sweet as pie. All of my kids feel challenged and me, as a parent, am very happy with the diversity of instruction, projects, and assignments.They’ve got fun after-school activities like basketball, dance, and Spanish acquisition. Plus, for parents that need before or after school care, La Mesa Dale is the only school that has both the choice of ESS offered on campus, plus they are VERY close to the brand new Boys and Girls Club that is just beautiful and partners with the school to offer after school options for parents.Like I said, we love the school and couldn’t be happier.
Submitted by parent on March 04, 2021

As a community member and a teacher myself, I closely watched the school that one day my children might go to. I saw it have good years with positive student events and community involvement and other years when outsiders would warn me. I felt like so many neighbors would leave to look for something else, unable to tell me why they decided to choose elsewhere.We started attending LMD in 2019 and even during the roughest times for education, I couldn’t have had a more supportive encouraging and creative staff to get my young family to enjoy school love learning and crave exploration. Ms. Connie is one of the first faces you’ll meet. She is helpful dependable and has dedicated many years to this school with ALL students best interest in mind. Ms. Babbitt was made to be a principal, she hears all voices, celebrates even the smallest of achievements and reassures children that they belong. She walks into a room and kids just know she cares and strive to have a relationship with her. The support staff is a tight community who know the needs of teachers and students. I can’t give enough praise for the teachers. They work in grade teams and collaborate on lessons and activities supporting each other. At our PTA we get to hear about the updated methods and resources they are using and hoping to incorporate with parent support. Most have been a part of my little community for years. It’s worth noting that I’ve met many older neighbors who have nothing but praise as they reminisce the relationships they themselves had with my children’s teachers.There’s a lot of communication, but too much. I’ve heard many parents say they wished there was one hub that provided all the information instead of being spread out on email, website, ClassDojo, Instagram, Facebook etc. Having said that, I have GREAT communication with my children’s teachers and get a response in less than 24 hours, always!If you’re in our neighborhood I encourage you to try our neighborhood school, to be the change in our world that we so desperately need, to build community. We are a mixed group of people from all walks of life and I couldn’t be more proud to have my children attend school at La Mesa Dale Elementary.
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2019

Excellent. Two thumbs up! I wish there were more than five stars. Great education, great teachers, great learning community.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2019

My son has been a La Mesa Dale Lion for one and a half years at the time of writing and I couldn't be happier with his - and my - experience so far. For both grades, he has had fantastic teachers that make learning fun and engaging; they also allow the kids to move forward at their own pace, so that they are appropriately challenged. As a parent, I feel very informed about what is happening (and not just during teacher-parent conferences) and am connected to my child's learning. The school gets Title 1 funding which means it is unmatched in the area in terms of resources and technology. You notice this difference as soon as you come on campus. Outside the classroom, there is a growing sense of community via the PTA, and great community events focused on reading or math. Incidentally, my son also participates in ESS (extended school services) so that he can stay on after school while we work. That has also been a great experience - the staff got to know my wife and I very quickly and it's just a great program.
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2019

School is on the smaller side capacity wise so there is a "small town" feel. Positive learning is highlighted daily. I am very happy with my son's educational progress. Many parents are heavily involved in school activities which also shows a strong community support.
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2019

We love La Mesa Dale. We have transferred from another district to continue at La Mesa Dale. Miss Connie in the office is amazing. She is super helpful and kind. Miss Dana the school health tech is very caring. She makes sure to call if your student ever has to come to see her, whether it is due to a spill on the play ground of a fever.
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2019

Five stars. This isn’t supposed to be our school. We’re closer to Lemon Avenue. I’m so thankful Fate led us here.
Submitted by parent on January 23, 2019

horrible. Im doing my best to get my kindergartener out of there. Because he's a very good boy, he most of the time gets overlooked, he isn't challenge or stimulated and he has learn little to nothing new this year
Submitted by parent on June 09, 2017

Such a great school. The principal Mrs Rabasco is amazing. She is completely involved and hands on. She knows most parents by name and is never too busy to speak with you about anything. The teachers we have had the past 3 years are dedicated and go above and beyond. Our daughter has excelled tremendously academically and socially. Such a great school.
Submitted by parent on August 17, 2015

I have nothing but great things to say about this school. My oldest just started TK and from the moment I entered I was treated with a respectful, helpful, very nice Mrs. Connie. Who also took the time to explain to me how to enroll our daughter and what to expect. She answered all my questions and was so polite. The principal, I won't try to type her last name because I might butcher it, seemed very warm and welcoming. Answerig questions and greeting me as I walked by. On my second time ever meeting her she remembered me and my name. There has to be a minimum of thousand parents of students and yet I was remembered. That touched me. I always see her patrolling the halls stopping to talk with parents and answer questions and she always does so with a smile. I've read some reviews that said their children have too much play and not enough education: My daughter tells me something new everyday and on that note I hate to burst anyones bubble but children learn lessons that stay with them through life by playing. Whoever said learning shouldn't be fun? I can't speak for other teachers but my daughter loves hers, Mrs. Saltzman. I feel like a lot of these reviews are quick to point out problems but are short on ways to solve any issues. I honestly feel like the people in this school generally care for my daughter and all of the students. I personally want to be apart of that and help improve HER experience as much as possible. The staff seems very open to suggestions. I pray that if you read this review you will give this school a chance, or a second chance if your child is already here and you have an adverse opinion. Overall, I am very satisfied with with the staff and education my daughter is receiving.
Submitted by other on August 15, 2015

I have a 5th grader and a 1st grader. I have to say they have received a fantastic education, and their teachers really seem to care about the kids. I've been really impressed coming from san diego unified as far as the quality of teachers and the culture at the school. I'm looking forward to my youngest starting kindergarten this year.