Murray Manor Elementary School

8305 El Paso Street

La Mesa, CA 91942

School District

La Mesa-Spring Valley
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:25
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 September 24, 2019

We have been nothing but pleased by Murray Manor. It is our neighborhood school and my son has been attending since Kindergarten (now in 3rd). While no school is perfect, this is a really great neighborhood school. Here are a few things that I have found special about this school. 1. Parents care deeply about their kids. People are really nice and appropriately involved. There does not seem to be competition among parents that I have heard about in other schools. It feels like every parent is rooting for the success of every child at the school. Parents help out and volunteer when they can. 2. The kids are nice kids. We had one issue with a kid picking on my son, but by in large it is the exception and not the rule. The kids are well mannered and respectful for the most part. 3. It is a diverse school, which I think adds a lot to learning. Many students are from different socio-economic groups and backgrounds. There is no typical students but a beautiful blend of cultures and ideas. I love that you can hear several different languages on campus! 4. The teachers are fantastic! Everyone seems to have a different favorite teacher, but so far, they have all been great. They care deeply about their profession and their students. The teachers work as a team and know all the kids in their grade. I have long felt that La Mesa is a hidden gem in San Diego. Murray Manor is one of the reasons that I love my neighborhood so much!
Submitted by parent on September 12, 2019

My son has been going to Murray Manor for a few years now. We considered private school, but at the end of the day, public was in the best interest of our family. It was the best decision we could have made! The teachers are wonderful - they know all of the students, their personality, and their skills & weaknesses. They push them to succeed, which is key for growth. The Principal, Mrs. Miller, has created a solid community of kids learning from each other and supporting each other, with a focus on the entire child thriving, not just their academic abilities. The PTA is very involved and does A LOT for our school - thank you! The after-school program (ESS) is fantastic as well. They are always playing games, helping with homework, and treat the kids with kindness & respect. ESS also coordinates with vetted outside vendors to allow kids to take extra curricular activities, such as karate, art, engineering, and Spanish. Murray Manor is a great school! A diverse community made up of teachers, administrators, and parents who genuinely care. Go for a tour, check it out, and look beyond the test scores.
Submitted by parent on August 06, 2018

Not great, my 1st grader enjoyed his experience due to his teacher. My daughter did not have the most positive year. As parents, we were amazed at the lack of communication.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2013

We moved our son to Murray Manor last year and have not regretted one day!! He has Asperger's Syndrome and was bullyed at his previous school. When we found Murray Manor it was literally a breath of fresh air. He now has "Autism Advocates" that help him socialize better on the playground, his teachers work with him, the facility listen to him at lunchtime when he's stressed and the Principal understands the need for a safe environment for all the children. The children that have formed this speical group to support my child should be commended along with their parents for being supportive at home and at school. With the state of our schools these days, it's so much harder for the teachers and facility. I wish we could spread Murray Manor's collective Team concept to all schools and create an environment of education to bring the next generation to it's highest potential...
Submitted by parent on October 01, 2013

My only complaint is the pick-up/drop-off process. The school did away w/their buses "as a way to promote healthy living," which is great if you live within a mile radius of the school. This is greatly inefficient for single car families & dual working parents who do not live in walking distance. The process itself is absolutely horrid & disorganized. Parking is basically nonexistent, there just isn't any but a small handful on school property which forces you to find parking on the street or in the parking lots of local businesses. I've even witnessed parents receiving tickets for parking in the wrong spots on school property. As you can imagine, parents are frantically rushing in & out w/their cars &/or aimlessly running in front of moving cars. It's gotten so awful that everyday I can bet I will get into a near car wreck or come close to hitting one of the many dozens of parents, w/children in tow, who don't use the crosswalk & rush out into the street, expecting car drivers to slam on their brakes for them. These are just a few of my qualms in regards to the issue. It's an absolute shame because it's a horrible accident waiting to happen that could be easily avoided.
Submitted by parent on July 22, 2013

This is a G-R-E-A-T school, period. Ambitious but caring teachers, and office personnel. I hope we get someone as awesome as Mr. Magliato again for principal though... I laughed at somebody saying parents aren't involved enough.. I was always mad how much they are involved, makes me feel guilty as I work full time and can't be there all the time!!!
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2013

I love Murray Manor! The teachers are great and the Principal is amazing! Parents and Faculty are very involved and you can tell! We have been going to MM for 3 years now and cant say anything bad. The PTA is awesome too!
Submitted by parent on December 18, 2012

It's ok. It's cliquish. It's who you know. And I don't think they handle the mean kids adequately. But the test scores are high. And very few parents are involved really.
Submitted by parent on July 31, 2012

i love the teachers most .they are great and so involve with the activities.want to see more.
Submitted by parent on December 03, 2011

This is such an excellent school! There is great parent involvement,and the principal is amazing. The staff really cares about their school, and their students.
Submitted by parent on August 18, 2011

If you want a great school with amazing parent involvement and a principal who is committed to excellence and quality education, then Murray Manor is for your child! The teachers are top notch and even during these troublesome times of budget cuts and HUGE class sizes, they continue to do the right thing and teach our kids to the best of their ability! I am amazed at how many awesome parents are willing to help out in the classrooms and fight to keep education thriving during this horrific budget slashing crisis that California is going through.