Ralph A. Gates Elementary School

23882 Landisview Avenue

School District

Saddleback Valley Unified
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:28
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 other on November 12, 2021

What a great school and staff! My son just started kindergarten and so far its been wonderful. His teacher is great, and so are the other ones I have met. We wanted to give our son a chance at learning another language. And there not many public schools in California like this. In fact, one of the teachers in this school just won teacher of the year for the state. Only 5 teachers were selected. So that makes me feel honored to be going here. Yes, the overall ratings for this school are low. But it's because of the dual language aspect. It's not in a bad area nor does it have bad teachers. There are many students and parents that don't speak any Spanish, yet they attend here. Plus, it's not a huge school which is also nice. If you live in Lake Forest and you want to give your kid the opportunity to learn another language, check it out.
Submitted by parent on March 04, 2020

I am very pleased with Gates. My daughter is in 2nd grade and is fluid in Spanish (she is not completely fluent yet, but she can have conversations in Spanish and be well-understood even if she sometimes throws in an English word). I expect her to be fluent by 6th grade. One thing I really don't understand about these rating is the fact that they do not account for the fact that this is a Spanish Immersion school. Approximately 50% of the kids coming in are Spanish dominant students in Kindergarten and the primary grades are predominantly taught in Spanish to help the English dominant students learn the language. So, even if the test scores are not stellar in 3rd grade (you have a bunch of kids who predominately speak and have learned in Spanish taking a test in English in 3rd grade) does it really matter? You need to play the long game here--your kid is both bilingual and bi-literate by 12th grade if you stick with the program through Los Alisos Intermediate and Laguna Hills High School.
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2018

I am VERY pleased that my child is quickly gaining fluency in Spanish. We do a lot out of school to compensate for the lack of a rigorous arts and sciences program. BUT -- this is a cool school. Their little brains are bursting at the seems with the dual language acquisition. Teachers from around Orange County send their kids to this school because its language program is so well respected. That speaks for itself.
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2017

This school concentrates on developing great character, dual language, kindness, and meeting and exceedig all academic milestones. The teachers have the patience of a saint. They ate well-aware of the lower scores in math and english for hispanic students and are open and honest with parents on how they are working to change this.
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2017

My daughter and I have truly enjoyed our experience at this school. She isexcelling in the two way immersion program, as parents who speak english in their home and only one parent who speaks spanish there was a question how her success would develop. The teachers and other parents are always open to help and with a after school homework club it allows the studentsto always be prepared. As a homeroom mom I have always been welcomed by al grade levels outside of my daughters grade to help. The principal, vice principal, Teachers and staff are all so kind & approachable to all the students. The PTA and A.L.L. are always working hard to strive a high-level of school spirit and school support. Ralph Gates Gators are always striving to be Respectful, Responsible, Kind, Helpful and Caring to their fellow schoolmates and community. I have complete confidence in the schools co-development of (I say co- because we believe that the success of their education is not only in the school system but at home) of these children education to lead into strong and positive future that they will carry for the rest of their lives. Being able to teach and share with others around them.+++++++++++
Submitted by parent on July 18, 2016

At first, I was not sure if I want to enroll my daughter at this school; not very well inform about the program, plus they took forever to respond me if she was acepted or not in the program. My only motivation was that I want my kid to learn Spanish. I can not say anything good or bad about the principal, Mrs. Estling, because I only saw her 3 or 4 times in the entire school year, but I think she should be interacting more with kids and parents. Im agree with some of the reviews, she does not know anybody by name, or I never saw her talking or giving feedback to parents regarding the kids. My appreciationand gratittude goes to Mrs Baker and Mrs Regueiro, those kindergarden teachers are the best! really dedicated to their jobs, they not only teaching our kids, they are preparing them for the future. I was very glad that my daughter's first teacher was Mrs. Baker, she was really move by her students, always giving me feedback, what can I do better or how can I help my child to have a better development at school. Also, I will say that one of the newest teachers, Miss Salas, she was very kind, approachable, and she listen carefully to my concerns. I will definitively recomend the school for your kids. My kid was not speaking any spanish at all, until she started the program. Now, she can speaks both languages, she able to translate words, make senteces(long sentences more than 6 words in spanish and english) my husband and I are very glad that she is in the program.
Submitted by other on June 15, 2016

RAG is a substandard elementary school. Although it has the 2-way Spanish language immersion program, by no means does it offer a challenging academic environment. I believe the academic standards are lowered to meet the demographics. What's up with the math and science arena here? None. The end.
Submitted by other on January 27, 2016

The two way immersion (TWI) at Gates has been an extremely valuable experience. We find that teachers are organized and keep students engaged. School spirit is high and students seem to want to be at the school. I recommend Gates as a school.
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2015

I have 2 children in the immersion program. Everyone raves about it simply for the fact that their kids are excelling at a 2nd language. While I believe that to be commendable, I find the academics are lacking at the school. Math is mediocre at best with many teachers clearly uncomfortable with the subject. The writing program is also very underwhelming. I was deeply shocked at the inability of several 6th graders to write a simple paragraph or letter. Some teachers are effective, but many aren't.In addition, the principal is very unprofessional. She is very unapproachable, defensive and scatter brained in her demeanor. Mrs. Estling doesn't know the kids names, only knows a few parents, is never walking the campus during recess or lunch. I could go on. Now you might think that's a tall order to ask for such a busy principal. Well, other principal's in the district make sure to greet the students and parents at drop off and pick up. This small act ensures the safety of the students, the knowledge that the principal cares, and a welcoming atmosphere where learning takes place. Every year, we get multiple warnings at Gates about fast driving around campus and how everyone should slow down, however, the principal isn't on campus during those times. She assigns teacher's to stand at certain places around campus. Perhaps the principal should be there alongside the teachers ensuring the safety of the students and getting to know the community that surrounds the school. Should you bring up any concerns or other issue, Mrs. Estling takes it personally and makes rash decision rather than taking the time to review and professionally respond. It's no surprise the supervisors during lunch and recess are so demeaning to the students....shouting in bullhorns and making them all stand quietly in order because a few didn't follow their orders. Rather than train her staff and create an environment conducive to the learning of the students, this principal stands behind the bully tactics of some staff members. Recess and Lunch time are the students' only break and yet they are subjected to a very punitive environment. Perhaps, under new leadership, this school can be known not just for the ability of children to learn another language, but a school that promotes community, courage, kindness, and academic prowess.
Submitted by other on July 30, 2015

Principal lacks principles of honesty and fairness. Just this past school year, I know a party who accepted a one day sub assignment for kindergarten @ Gates Elementary , Lake Fores, CA. Though an English only speaker this party wanted to experience an immersion program thinking there would be an aide to help facilitate the day. There was not. That morning she learned much , including boards , etc. is in Spanish. Furthermore, core instructional time was mainly Spanish weaving some English. The morning teacher offered to be primary afternoon teacher clearing it with office. Principal should had known this before she demeaned this sub. This party enjoyed the children assisting with instructional and craft times leaving with a positive feeling for day. Was more beneficial for students that Spanish speaking teacher was lead teacher for day. Both teachers worked well together. Despite what her office approved for that instructional day, she completed a report demeaning this sub teacher's efforts that day including accusing this party of making a complaint about not understanding plans, Obviously, Principal did not take time to learn what her office approved , this means who is lead teacher for that day, Her report was very personal, demeaning, inaccurate, and accusing this party of a comment is just sheer deformation of character. It is concerning that this principal is without principles.
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2015

Love this school! I most appreciate the true diversity at this campus with families from every ethnic group, family make up, economic position and native language all coming together in a very positive way.
Submitted by parent on June 01, 2014

I can't say enough good things about Gates. I am in the unusual position of having two kids in the immersion program and one in the regular English program. All of their teachers have been nurturing and wonderful! My second grader is capable of doing all of his homework in spanish by himself, despite the fact that we have no native speakers at home. I have had close interactions and meetings with both the principal and the new vice principal and find them both professional and looking out for the best interests of my child. The fact that they are both busy (and therefor seem unavailable/unapproachable when dropping by the office) is irrelevant to me, as the most important thing is that they were there for my child when it really mattered. The English program academics are on the very low side for the district, which reflects the socio-economic status of the neighborhood. The PTA is amazing.
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2014

There are some really great teachers here, and some mediocre. My daughter is in second grade here, and so far we are very glad that she is going to Gates. There is plenty of diversity, and I do not believe any one school can have it all. The principal does not seem friendly or approachable, but often times I realize appearances can be misleading. Over all I think it's a great dual immersion program, and I like how the parents seem invested and interested in their children, but like any other school, it has it's cons as well.
Submitted by parent on October 24, 2013

Amazing!! We transferred into the dual immersion program and can't say enough wonderful things:) Principal is involved, open and knowledgeable as are the teachers and parents.
Submitted by parent on September 27, 2013

My son entered into the two way immersion program this Fall at Gates elementary. I don't know yet how the rest of the school is, but i am thoroughly impressed with my son's teacher and the enthusiasm and involvement of the parents in the immersion program. I have tried in the past to contact the principal but to no avail as it seems she is extraordinarily busy. This is one of the things that does concern me as i wonder how responsive she will be to requests for a meeting should any future issues arise during our child's attendance at Gates. Overall though, i am pleased with the quality of the two way immersion program here.
Submitted by parent on August 03, 2013

In July of 2012, my family moved to Tustin from San Jose where my oldest attended a Dual-Immersion Language School for Kindergarten. So, it was utmost important that I find a similar school as good or better. Gates Elementary has exceeded that expectation. From the moment I walked into the office approximately one month before school began to place my son on the waiting list to the moment I received a call that he had been accepted. From the moment of his first day of school when the principal provided a personal escort to his class to the moment I met his 1st grade teacher with whom I knew my son would be nurtured and strongly guided in his further acquisition of the Spanish language. And to all the moments through the end of the year, Gates has lived up not only to my expectations but the high standards it sets for itself! There is no other school I would want my oldest son and subsequently my youngest son to attend. My goals for my children are to be bilingual, biliterate and bicultural as well as succeed academically in a traditional program. Which means more than ranking by state scores that don't provide a world wide advantage to children as other countries do. GATES rock!!!
Submitted by other on July 30, 2013

I have been in this school for about 7 years. I had a great experience here at Gates. I am in the immersion program and I will hopefully continue until high school. The school over all is awesome from the assemblies to learning, it's all FUN! Yes some may say things about the principal, but it is amazing that she learns everyone's name. She started the same year I started going to that school. Teachers I have had, have been the best from patience to making learning easy! I am glad Gates was my school!
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2013

We absolutely love the Spanish immersion program! My 1st grader is doing AMAZING! She's now able to carry full conversations in Spanish. I would recommend it!