Murdock Elementary School

4354 Conrad Drive

La Mesa, CA 91941

School District

La Mesa-Spring Valley
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:27
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 June 16, 2021

When my 6 year old was a kindergartener, he had a sensitivity to cheering and clapping (he is on the spectrum). During one of the school assemblies, the students were going to perform so the parents were invited to watch. To my surprise they had announced to the room of 100+ people that instead of clapping, we would be quietly snapping instead. I started tearing up and my parents who were with me were so impressed and touched by the thoughtfulness of the staff, students and families of this school. That small gesture really told me the leadership and staff of Murdock truly care about their students.
Submitted by parent on August 06, 2019

We wished that Murdock was a K-8 so we could stay there until high school, but unfortunately no. Our boys have learned so much by attending Murdock and are definitely ready for their new adventure at their new schools. If you have the opportunity to place your child(ren) here, do!
Submitted by parent on August 06, 2019

We love it! If you are looking for a positive, healthy, and loving environment Murdock is the place. We love the K-6 option and all the staff.
Submitted by parent on May 31, 2019

We have been pleased for the most part with K-4th grade experience. However, would advise leaving before 5th grade.
Submitted by parent on February 23, 2018

Wonderful, we are very happy with our entire experience at Murdock, great school, great staff, lots of parent involvement is key.
Submitted by parent on May 29, 2014

I love this school for so many reasons. First and most importantly, my son LOVES school! The Teachers he has had have given him the gift of LOVE for learning. What amazingly dedicated teachers! They go above and beyond for their students and school family. We also love Murdock for the incredibly strong parent involvement. You really can't find this type of support and involvement in any other school these days. The PTA at our school rocks! There is always something fun happening on campus that includes the whole family (movie & popcorn nights, Halloween Happenings, Science Night, Art Night, etc.). Daily, I see Moms, Dads, and Grandparents, on campus... helping with art, PE, reading with students, grading papers, volunteering their time for the students. It's a wonderful school family! You sense that family-feeling when you walk on campus. We also love this school because it has a Music Program. We feel very grateful that the PTA sees the importance of music in kids lives- and faithfully raises the funds to provide a great music teacher. What's not to love about Murdock?
Submitted by parent on May 28, 2014

We left a private school during the past recession to place our son in this school. We heard lots of wonderful things about this school, and since we live in the boundaries, we thought we would give it a try. I agree that the office staff are extremely rude. They NEVER smile and act like you are bothering them when you have to speak with them. The principal also lacks great leadership skills. What makes this school stand out is its excellent teachers that care about teaching their students. The other is the parent involvement; however, it makes some of us full-time employed parents feel guilty about not being able to readily pitch in. This school works for the average or exceptionally intelligent child. It was a terrible fit for our son who needs a little more attention and support. We have since returned to the private school, which is a better fit for our son. I was under the impression that Murdock has no problem dismissing the students that are not gifted so they can keep their test scores high. They focus a lot on maintaining high test scores.
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2012

I wrote my 1st review in '07 when we began here and I thought I'd write a new review now that this is our last year. First, we LOVE that there is a 6th grade on this campus. If we could stay longer, we would. Despite economic cut-backs district-wide, Murdock has kept its policy of providing the BEST education via it's caring teachers, support staff, and principal. The PTA is fabulous. What continues to make the difference and fill in the gaps is the amount of support from the parents. On any given day, you will see parents volunteering their time making copies, stuffing folders, laminating, doing errands, walking the halls, supervising the fields at recess...it truly all adds up and makes a difference. Thanks to all at Murdock for a wonderful 7 years; we have made great friends, learned lots and will truly miss you & wish you well!
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2012

Our daughter was in EAK (Early Admission Kindergarten) at Murdock. I was a teacher at a local private school, and my husband and I hadn't considered public school as an option. We thought we'd try it for EAK and LOVED it. To say it is an outstanding school is truly not enough, and we have decided to send both of our children to Murdock. Mrs. Tavolazzi was patient, knowledgeable, kind, organized, and truly provided the best educational introduction these little students could have hoped for (as well as us parents!) We have heard wonderful things about the kindergarten teachers as well as many other teachers throughout the school. They are very strong in their field, & due to the strong interest in teaching at Murdock, must have many years of experience in order to teach at this particular school. They are accessible to families, and the number of volunteers here is astounding. I always felt welcome to come and help in the classroom and in the school. It is considered the strongest in La Mesa-Spring Valley School District, and I have no doubt after our time here that it is a very special place for any child during their educational journey.
Submitted by parent on May 28, 2012

Murdock is top quality. Lots of parent involvement, rigorous curriculum, great PTA, and a wonderful before and after school daycare program. I'm glad it now has sixth grade on campus.