La Madera Elementary School

25350 Serrano Road

School District

Saddleback Valley Unified
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:24
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 March 15, 2023

La Madera Elementary it is the only school in Lake Forest that has the Gifted and Talented Program (GATE). Both our sons were a part of that program. They have many teachers that really care and teach with excellence. Overall our expereince with the teaching staff has been good.
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2023

This is our first year at this school and we have been blown away by the care and dedication my child has received! I immediately felt a welcomed connection to the school when my child received a hand written card from his teacher in the mail. It just made his day and he was so excited to come to school. Not to mention he has grown in his school work and I love seeing him excited to learn. We love La Madera so far and are grateful to be here! The parking lot can definitely get busy, but if you make a plan with your child of where to meet you after school it is a smoother process.
Submitted by parent on November 23, 2022

Trash school to be honest good memeories
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2021

Good teachers, very clique-ish. Some teachers (specifically kinder) seem to have a leadership role greater than the principal. They utilize and wield their teacher's union authority over prioritizing teaching. I've seen the teacher union rep meeting during school hours while kids are around. They control where kids are placed with which teacher. A few teacher's kids go here and were given preferential placement with friends, etc, got better teachers. The same group of teachers controlled PTA & nomination committee. If you can look past those flaws and be involved in your child's classroom, by pass the PTA/teacher clique, you should be good.
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2019

A great school. My daughter has a very positive experience at this school.
Submitted by parent on March 20, 2019

Overall still a great school. I am concerned about increasing class sizes and the amount of homework coming home with my child not understanding it at all and I have to help her learn it.
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2018

Incredible teachers, administrators, families. Also, the PTA is very active and provides the school with a lot of support.
Submitted by parent on September 09, 2018

Amazing, thankful for the teachers and the health aide. They truly look after students as they would their own.
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2018

Teachers and staff at LaMadera are knowledgeable, friendly and caring. Student achievement, social growth, and safety are a primary goal. Very strong, supportive PTA.
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2018

Small school with lots of personal touch. The teachers are outstanding and give their all.
Submitted by parent on March 25, 2018

Since moving from Irvine our children have grown in confidence and academic achievement at La Madera.
Submitted by parent on May 01, 2017

This is a great school and there is lots of leadership and we have not experienced any issues as minorities. In fact, there is a great mix in this school.
Submitted by parent on April 06, 2017

Horrible, be very vigilant if your child is a minority! The principal and teachers are the bullies.
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2015

We couldn't be happier with La Madera staff and GATE program. Principal Ramsey is very accessible and responsive. The TLC before/after school care run by Kelly is great.
Submitted by parent on April 03, 2014

I have been a La Madera parent for 12 years with just a few left to go. I love the teachers and staff. It is a friendly and inspiring environment. There is a wide range of student diversity which is important to me.
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2013

Couldn't agree more with the positive comments, after nearly a full year here. Pragmatic leadership, caring and committed staff, PTA, parents and students.
Submitted by parent on December 02, 2012

My son's second grade teacher is organized, sets high expectations, and provides weekly feedback. She is also very responsive to my son's individual needs. Like most public school teachers, she is a highly qualified professional who sets high personal and professional standards. We are so happy with our experience at La Madera.
Submitted by parent on August 07, 2012

This is an amazing school! We moved here from Irvine when my eldest was in 1st grade. We were welcomed by everyone. My oldest child is now going in to 5th grade and I have another going into 2nd grade. I'm thrilled with everything that this little school has to offer.