San Joaquin Elementary School

22182 Barbera

School District

Saddleback Valley Unified
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:19
Type

public

School Map for Saddleback Valley 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 December 12, 2024

A gem of a school in a community where San Joaquin elementary alumni continue to move back to and send their kids to the elementary school, so dear to their hearts. Best teachers, staff and a loving community! We embrace the diversity and our children are stronger and bonded together like a team. The most unique experience in all the best ways!
Submitted by parent on December 12, 2024

Both my kids go to San Joaquin. The school is great. Staff and teachers are very attentive. My kids love this school.
Submitted by parent on February 28, 2020

In the 2+ years here, my daughter has gotten quality education and we experienced a most modern approach to learning. I appreciate the teachers, staff, admin and leadership.
Submitted by other on February 06, 2019

San Joaquin is making huge strides and the culture is definitely changing. Teachers are incorporating different strategies within the classroom and various programs are being initiated.
Submitted by parent on November 27, 2017

I would take my child out of this school if I could. My child has been a victim of bullying since arrival, and the principal has taken NO action against it. The teachers/volunteers in the yard tell the students to get away from them when approached with a problem. ineffective, and their scores continue to decline. I ask why this principal is still employed.
Submitted by parent on October 24, 2014

My daughter is in third grade at San Joaquin, she's been a Cheetah since Kindergarten, and we absolutely love it. The school and staff have really worked hard to increase the quality of the experience for the kids over the last couple of years, and it's showing in my daughter's development. Her teacher last year REALLY pushed her to excel in areas she was falling behind on, and by the end of the year she was an honor roll student. Her teacher this year is just as great. The principal has always taken my concerns very seriously, and she really cares about the well being of the kids, and wants them to do well. Any issue I've had has been resolved immediately. The school is also proactive about offering bullying prevention seminars. The after school TLC program is also top notch - Rhea and her staff have become like family. They help my daughter with her homework every day, and do a great job at giving the kids creative outlets and activities, which is such a big help to working parents like me. My little one is happy and receiving an excellent education at San Joaquin, and I couldn't give it a higher recommendation.
Submitted by teacher on September 23, 2014

San Joaquin is a wonderful school! The only reason Great Schools has given it a 4 is because of outdated test scores. This is the same reason it is labeled "Program Improvement". This rating is based on standardized tests from years ago; tests not even given in the state of California anymore. San Joaquin has worked hard, and their teachers, curriculum, and resources are top notch. Come take a tour of this awesome school and see for yourself the learning that happens when you are a San Joaquin cheetah!
Submitted by parent on August 19, 2014

My sons were in kinder and 6th grade last year at San Joaquin, and my youngest will be continuing at the school for first grade. Both of them had extremely positive experiences. My sixth grader was able to participate in afterschool track and field, and the school even offers chess and art too. His teacher, Mr. Fowler, was a great role model for him to look up to--he managed the classroom very well, and LOVED being there with the students. My kinder had Mrs. Von Luft and flourished throughout the year. The school has started an enrichment time every morning for students who speak only English, while bilingual students get leveled English Language Development. I am excited to see how this enrichment class will challenge my soon to be first grader! I highly recommend San Joaquin to any parent in Laguna Hills. Awesome experiences!
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2014

My daughter has attended this school for k-2. Her teachers have been great so far. The principal on the other hand, has been horrible. She doesn't listen to the parents, she looks down on them. This school spends money on the English language learner kids, and on anti bullying, and, my daughter has been bullied so much this last year. There is not proper supervision on the playgrounds. I hope to have my daughter elsewhere next year!
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2013

MY daughter is currently in sixth grade at San Joaquin. She has attended San Joaquin since kindergarten. She qualified for a GATE school in first grade but we decided to keep her at San Joaquin. We have been very happy with this school. All of her teachers have been great! They have all provided her with an excellent education and have been very caring and concerned. There is a nice small community feeling at San Joaquin too. We highly recommend this school!
Submitted by parent on April 07, 2013

My oldest son has been attending the school for two years. He is in the Special Education Class. We are happy to see his improvent in all areas, since he is with the teacher Miss Keene. She is Great, very kind and nice with parents. The KEY is: "Parents get involved if you want your kids succeed at school". The Principal Mrs Schibler is very nice and always listens our concerns. School is clean and organized.
Submitted by parent on November 26, 2012

There are some good teachers, but compared to other schools in the area, it is a poor choice. 40% of the kids are "English learners" which means not fluent in English. This is where the school spends its money and time, with afterschool programs and such, in an effort to get test scores up to average. If you have bright kids and want them to learn to excel, take them somewhere else, as they'll get no support here. Also had a problem with one of the kids being bullied. We and our kids are very happy we left this school.
Submitted by parent on October 04, 2012

I only rate it 4 stars instead of 5 because it needs more parental support! We were quite worried when all our methods for transfering our daughter failed and we HAD to go to our school within our boundaries or private school. With much concern we enrolled and moved forward, it proved to be a wonderful experience for my daughter. The teacher was incredible. The prinicple was engaged with students, parents and staff. Our daughter thrived here! I believe it would be a better school if the parents that should participate in this school would realize the score has more to do with demographics than actual effectiveness of the staff. AND their scores are improving! :) Go San Joaquin!
Submitted by parent on June 08, 2012

My son is just completing his first year at this school. We started him here in first grade this year with much trepidation about public school in general. He had been in a private Montessori school prior to coming to San Joaquin. He has THRIVED at San Joaquin!!!! We LOVE this school, the principal is AMAZING and the teachers are awesome!! If only more parents in the neighborhood would realize that the school would be an even better school if YOU placed your children in it instead of spending money on private schools out of our immediate area. If you are considering this school, I highly suggest you give it a chance!!! Thank you to all the staff, parents and volunteers of San Joaquin!!!!
Submitted by parent on July 13, 2010

I have two sons both of which attended K-6, I moved further away and chose to keep them at this school with a transfer request. This is a great school that really cares for the children that attend. My favorite teacher is Ms. Hammond. She has a heart of gold and truly loves her job, I've never seen such a dedicated woman.
Submitted by other on June 14, 2010

the staff is very unkind, rude TO my kids. The teachers and advisors are horribly rude and unprotective. The teachers are horrible, and the principal is slacking off. OMG!! There totally is Nothing CHALLENGING AT ALL!! My son is in 5th grade there and he only does addition and has no homework at all. He only has to read for 5 minutes.
Submitted by parent on May 11, 2010

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Submitted by parent on July 03, 2008

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