Santiago Elementary School

24982 Rivendell Drive

School District

Saddleback Valley Unified
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:25
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 November 01, 2023

Absolutely love Santiago STEAM, my kids left TUSD schools when we moved down here, and we found out we could choice in for Santiago, so we did.It changed the their entire experience both at school and at home. The teachers are simply great. The environment is top notch, and PBIL seems to really work. My only regret is that after 6th grade they will have to move on. Luckily there are other STEAM options in the area that we will be planning for and hoping they are as good as Santiago has been.
Submitted by parent on August 24, 2021

Absolutely love Santiago Steam Magnet! We choiced in two years ago and so glad we did. I'm so impressed with this school and my daughter is excited every day to go to school. The teachers and staff are amazing.
Submitted by parent on August 17, 2021

This is our third year at Santiago STEAM and we love the school! The teachers have all been amazing. The school is focused on project based learning and teaching students about the world around them and seeking ways to help solve world problems. The principal Mr. Johnston cares very much for the school and students. The PTA is very active in the school with many activities, events and projects to extend and compliment the students’ STEAM education. In terms of testing, my son has been continually assess and has met to exceeded the standard benchmark in reading and math. Also there is no homework which allows for extracurricular activities and what I feel the ability for the student to enjoy learning more.
Submitted by parent on August 16, 2021

Santiago STEAM is the absolute best school I've had experience with. I am shocked by the score; it must be based on the fact that Santiago moved to I-ready during the pandemic? I've been living (and moving around) in Southern California for 45 years, have 4 kids, and have teaching, administrative, and parenting experience with Private, Charter, and Public schools from Santa Barbara, Santa Clarita, LA, and all over OC. I've heard all of the educational philosophies out there and am a big fan of interdisciplinary learning and project based learning. I've had my kids in OPA which pledges to teach to multiple intelligences but failed to meet it's promises in multiple ways. Santiago STEAM has managed to effectively and successfully teach subjects in conjunction with each other (in STEAM fashion), and *with project based learning*, cultivating team work, and also touching upon social learning like identifying your feelings and how to understand with and work with others. I have always been against public schools and the usual 1:30-something ratio each class has, but honestly this hasn't hindered any of my daughters' teachers' abilities to fulfill all that I've stated above, and impactfully teach all content successfully, and with a glorious no homework policy (backed by research). My daughter was withdrawing emotionally in 3rd grade, and her teacher caught it and helped her. The principal, Howard Johnston, is never ending in compassion, diligence, diplomacy, forward-thinking, and dedication to providing a fair and thorough education for all students. He has championed the STEAM magnet and changed the school around and has *kept it consistent and true to vision* and continues to improve with each year and through large tides like the pandemic. I have one child who just started at Serrano Intermediate and they accept Santiago STEAM students automatically into their STEAM program. I've been considering moving over the past year, but remain here so that my other daughter can benefit from Santiago to the max!
Submitted by parent on March 11, 2020

The 19/20 school year is the first year our son has attended Santiago. We have NOTHING bad to say; his experience (and ours) has been great! His teacher is amazing. He loves going to school and his class is doing some impressive things with technology for kids their age. The project-based, group-learning approach seems to be effective and fun for him. I also love that the school emphasizes character development--a big deal in my mind.
Submitted by parent on March 08, 2020

We choiced into Santiago STEAM after it became a magnet school, and we are so impressed. They work in a project based learning environment. So they learn their units, collaborate on solving problems, and practice presentation skills for end of unit summaries. It's kind of amazing to see what they accomplish.
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2019

So far its been one year and Santiago steam magnet school have exceeded my expectation. We love it here! I am glad we choiced in!
Submitted by parent on October 13, 2018

We are a new family making the transition from a small local private school with high tuition to Santiago Steam Magnet School and I cannot be more pleased with our experience this far.Personal story: While baking cookies at my daughter’s friends house this week, the three 4th grade girls created a power point presentation for us parents explaining why we should allow them a sleepover.
Submitted by parent on February 08, 2018

Love this little school in the trees - the Principal is focused on our kids and bringing in new methods of teaching/learning
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2017

My daughter has attended Santiago for almost 5 years. She loves school and has had great teachers each year! We feel so lucky to be a part of this hidden gem. Also the before/after care program, TLC, is wonderful. We feel like family.
Submitted by parent on March 10, 2017

I wasn't sure what to expect when we started as I couldn't find much information online, but I have been really impressed with this school and our overall kindergarten experience. The campus in the woods is so beautiful. The facilities are wonderful and the playgrounds have new equipment. The kindergarten classes are a good small size, my daughter only has 9 other kids in her "late bird" group. The teachers are SO organized and there is almost always a parent volunteer in the classroom so the kids get plenty of individual attention and I enjoyed working with them while I was volunteering. The principal has brought in award winning computer programs like STMath for the kids to use during their computer lab time that is adaptive and allows each kid to work and advance at their own pace. The school gets additional funding that allows it to purchase top-quality programs that other schools in our area wish they could afford. Computer lab is amazing also. The kindergarten kids have done singing performances for families and there is always a classroom party or PTA event every month. One of the best things is the kindergarten parents gather at the classroom door for both pickup and drop off so you get to know the families that your kid is going to school with. We are a very diverse bunch, and its clear we all share in the common goal of our kids education and experience. I hope I will still run into them after we just dump our kids on the curb next year. The principal Mr. Johnston is very enthusiastic about teaching and has brought in a lot of new learning techniques and teaching methods over the past year and I'm very glad to see that this school is going above and beyond to try new things and find solutions that will help the kids who need it most. There are other schools in the area focused on having the "highest test scores" or creating the reputation of being "hard to get into", but I feel that my kids are going to get a very well-rounded experience at Santiago, have curriculum taught in new engaging ways, and make great friends that will move on with them after 6th grade.
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2016

The teacher was great...I dont blame the teacher, my child needed more though. More structure, more tools, more technology. It truly is an aging school with old outdated buildings and materials. I feel bad for the teachers, it should be no reflection on them that my daughter went from doing very well at a Montessori to refusing to do her homework at Santiago.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2016

My son is in Mrs Blackmore's 3rd grade. He is a handful to say the least, very smart and easily bored, which sometimes makes him act up. Mrs Blackmore found a way to deal with him and challenge him, without punishing him non-stop. Her strategy has worked wonders! Not only has he excelled academically (making honor roll), but his behavior has improved tremendously. We don't know how to thank you for everything you have done!
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2015

We've been here for 3 years. We've enjoyed each teacher and watched our son grow academically and socially. Love the neighborhood and the neighbor's involved in it.
Submitted by parent on June 18, 2015

Santiago Elementary is a fantastic school! I have had two children attend this school. One is heading into high school and my other child will be in fifth grade next year. There are so many things I enjoy about this school. Not only do we have a group of wonderful teachers but the community of kids and parents make the school experience fun for all of us. As a small school events like Family Fun Nights, Talent Show and Nutcracker performances allow for the whole school to come together and really form relationships as well as create memories for the kids. I have been really excited about all the new technology in our school. The Chrome books in the classroom have really exposed my child to a new way of doing school work. Overall such a great experience with Santiago and i would recommend it to everyone looking for a great elementary environment.
Submitted by parent on April 21, 2014

My son went to this school last year in 2013 and he is in the special ed program. The special ed program in Santiago elementary is excellent and his teachers are wonderful. My son was in Mrs. Jasniys class and she is a awesome teacher along with her staff. I love this school and have had nothing but the best experience. I am not sure how the regular class instruction is but for special ed its a A+
Submitted by parent on March 13, 2014

Love this little school in the woods. Great, dedicated staff that loves each and every student. Kids and parents love to come to school everyday and the principal even does valet service!
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2011

As a family new to Santiago elementary this year we have been immensely impressed by the principal,teachers,staff and PTA. Dr. Norman is approachable, accessible and truly cares about the welfare of ALL of her approximately 600 students.Dr. Norman and her staff are committed to rolling out innovative technological programs and their application in the classroom to further enhance the educational experience of her students.The PTA is very active and dedicated and we look forward to more fantastic events like the the family fun night we just attended.Accommodations for any student , not just those for children with food allergies,can provide parents the opportunity to teach their children empathy and compassion for others and need not be viewed in a negative light. I have every confidence that we will have a spectacular year and am proud to now be a Santiago Eagle!
Submitted by parent on September 09, 2011

We have been told that due to one child being allergic to peanuts, the school is asking approx 400 other families to not send peanut butter sandwiches, cokkies or candy...... I believe this is wrong for the following reasons: First and foremost is if this child were mine, I would not be willing to chance my childs health on 400 other families doing what you requested......Life shows us 10% of the people never get the word... 40 families or there abouts is not worth the chance..........Now lets address the fact that kids love peanut butterand jelly sandwiches, especially younger ones and even doctors say peanut butter his healthy for youngsters..... There has to be a better solution rather than punishing all the kids that do like peanut products.......