Hidden Hills Elementary School

25142 Hidden Hills Road

School District

Capistrano Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:19
Type

public

School Map for Capistrano 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 March 07, 2023

I am pleased to share my positive review of Hidden Hills Elementary School as a parent of a fifth-grade student. The school's staff is dedicated to their students' success, and this is evident every day with the presence of young, well-dressed teachers, a distinguished principal, and a caring community that warmly welcomes parents and students each morning, creating a trusting and confident environment.The school's commitment to providing two meals a day, breakfast and lunch, is commendable as it ensures the students' overall well-being. The administrative staff is always polite, kind, and responsive, and when a child arrives late, they fill out the sign-in sheet without imposing any pressure, anxiety, or embarrassment, thus teaching respect and calmness.The school also organizes various fun and engaging events throughout the academic year, building a strong sense of community. In conclusion, I highly recommend Hidden Hills Elementary School to parents searching for a nurturing and supportive environment for their children. Their dedication to student success and well-being is evident in every aspect of the school, and it makes a significant difference in the lives of their students.
Submitted by parent on April 23, 2019

This school is a prime example of why our California school system is in trouble and is failing. This school and district is the reason why we are moving into a new district where we can align our son with the proper resources and safety. It's very disappointing to attend an IEP with a room full of staff that allow their ego to get in the way of providing an inclusive environment for a 6-year old
Submitted by parent on March 26, 2019

I love this school. Their school motto is lead with kindness, work to succeed, show respect. If those aren’t important to you, then I’d pick another school. If you embrace hard work, kindness and respect for one another, then this is the school for you.
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2019

This is a very special and unique school. My daughters have been to 3 different schools in the district. This is not our homeschool, but I chose this one by "School of Choice." Other parents I talk to say the same thing about this Hidden Hills. It has a unique, genuinely caring, atmosphere and culture. The teachers go above and beyond for kids with special needs, as well as challenging advanced students with higher learning. I love this school. If I were to give this school a motto, it would be "Kids First". However, the school has it's own amazing motto that also fits to a T, "OWLS - Own your actions, Work to Succeed, Lead with Kindness, Show respect, Yes! Yes! Yes!" And the kinder class adds it's own motto "Be a Buddy, not a Bully."
Submitted by parent on July 29, 2017

My daughter started kindergarten last year she will be entering 1st grade next month. We commute in from Lake Elsinore and I am so glad I made the decision to do so. The teachers the principal the parent volunteers the entire staff are all about the kids. They say it takes a village to raise a child well this is one tight knit village. So supportive and positive and proactive in making sure every kid is set up for success. Absolutely ZERO tolerance of bullying. Hidden Hills is amazing!!!
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2017

I cannot be more proud than being a Hidden Hills Parent! Everyone is so kind and work so hard to build a great school community. My kids wake up eager to learn and have fun with their friends. I can't thank the staff enough from the principle always trying to promote and bring great programs to the school, to teachers who challenge my kids, to the wonderful lunch lady who knows my kids by name, to the energetic staff, to the janitor who keeps the school clean. I am grateful and beyond impress with the school. I have 5 children and hope to raise them all as Hidden Hills scholars, as long as I live here in Laguna Niguel!
Submitted by parent on December 04, 2016

Hidden Hills has truly embraced our son who is a first year student staring in 2nd grade. His teacher goes above and beyond to support his learning and the administration and principal are extremely supportive. This school has a great technology focus and allows children to work in a positive and nurturing environment. Our family is very pleased with this school after years at a private Montessori school, our son is still able to exercise hands on learning.
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2016

We could not be happier to be living in an area that has such a great school on its doorstep. The teachers know their stuff and most importantly, are incredibly approachable. The newer changes have been positive and have allowed for a greater range of child to excel. We will be sad have our eldest moving on next year but so pleased to have a school of this quality and caliber in our neighborhood.
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2016

I have been a parent at Hidden Hills for the last 5 years and all my kids have attended starting in kindergarten. The teachers at Hidden Hills are highly skilled and I have been impressed with their differentiation for all skill levels in the classroom. My oldest child qualifies for GATE and is challenged at her ability while other kids in her classroom who are working on different skills are challenged at their level. The principal, Pam Sawyer, gets things done! I have been impressed with the amount of time she spends to incorporate feedback from parents. For example, last year she started trimester awards to recognize academic and character success for students. This year, the staff has taken it further with a scholar of the month program for students demonstrating scholarly traits like being prepared, reading, and asking good questions. Students at Hidden Hills also have great access to technology including laptops for every child in grades 3 to 5, as well as laptop and ipod carts for lower grades and the computer lab for grades K - 2. Finally, I appreciate attending a neighborhood school where my kids run into their classmates when we go to the park or for a walk. I would recommend HH to any parent looking for a supportive community with excellent teachers and staff.
Submitted by parent on May 12, 2015

This is by far the worst school I have ever experienced. My son came from a prep school before we moved up to Laguna and was in accelerated classes. His teacher has been very wonderful but the Principle is horrible. My son has missed a total of 3 days (non consecutive) due to illness, and instead of contacting me directly, they send me a letter from the district attorneys office about his THREE absences (which were authorized). I am beyond furious at how the school blindsided me with this whole situation. Another HUGE issue is school safety. There are random people walking in and out all hours of the day while school is in session. There are no gates and parents/guests etc do not have to check in with the office, they just walk on campus and cruise around. I am highly concerned that someone could come snatch a child due to the lack of on campus security. There have also been multiple school lock downs because of random people making bomb threats and being on school grounds unauthorized. I am pulling my child out of this school after this year and moving him to another school in the district.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2014

Excellent staff. Excellent leadership. Both of our kids went to HH, and we were pleased and impressed with just about every experience they had. The extra curricular programs are especially well run, and the kids seemed to benefit greatly.
Submitted by parent on June 20, 2014

I'm very disappointed with this school. They teach below standards, they do not challenge their students and they reward students for silly little reasons, instead of, awarding them for their academic progress. It's truly disheartening to see the same students get the same awards for "cleaning the campus or doing some sort of good" which is great to do, BUT, whatever happened to recognizing them for their academic efforts too! Good students shouldn't have to pay for children who do not excel because of the lack of parenting they receive at home. It's not fair!
Submitted by parent on March 04, 2014

We attended Hidden Hills K-3 and I transfered to a " 9 " school thinking I was missing out on something here, and My daughter had a lot more friends at a near by school as well so I thought it was the right choice. Boy was I wrong. The attention and time put into her education by the amazing staff here is not reflected in their test scores. When I look back at the quality of teachers I was blessed have help me raise my daughter I feel sad that I removed her from this school. I credit each of them for having a big hand in raising her into a smart capable and productive student. Not to mention all the lessons in life and examples of character she experienced. We truly miss our teachers here. With nearly 3X's the pupils at the new school my child is lost in the shuffle and the small town, everyone knows you feeling, that is a thing of the past.
Submitted by parent on June 21, 2012

My kids where in this school for 3 years. My son was having issues learning and the teacher and principal did everything they could to help him and made him feel cared. I will always be grateful with them and everybody in the school. Sadly I do have to move them to another school do to job but I truly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on October 10, 2011

Both of our girls attend Hidden Hills and love it. The teachers are truly incredible in their commitment to give the students the best well rounded education experience possible given the many budget constraints. The schools' PTA is comprised of the most dedicated to fund everything from field trips, art masters program, books, balls, science fair, and even the Librarian's pay.
Submitted by parent on July 26, 2011

My kids attended this school for 7 months before we did everything in our power to move out of the district. As the previous reviewer said, the teachers and staff are fine, it's the principal who is totally incompetent. We had an issue of bullying going on and went through all the appropriate steps to have it taken care of but the principal would not take the actions she should have. It finally took me going to the super and threatening to go to the media, as well as another parent threatening to sue before the bully was dealt with.