La Paz Intermediate School

25151 Pradera Drive

School District

Saddleback Valley Unified
Grade

7-8
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 August 22, 2023

We moved to La Paz after a difficult two years at a neighboring middle school. La Paz is smaller and had the hometown feel we were seeking. The front office was really helpful when we moved and the Principal was enthusiastic and happy at her job. The PTA is engaged and so far the teachers are great. The one thing I noticed about this school is that the community didn’t have any negative things to say online, so we felt the student body was more well behaved which is huge just being that its middle school.
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2020

My child did not enjoy it-an honors student...Aside from teachers being disengaged and learning very little the students just seemed to be rude and cliquey according to her-she felt like this school had a population of keeping up with the Jones attitude and lacked real integrity and heart.
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2017

It has been amazing! I was really concerned with my son going to middle school but this has been so organized that my son has done very well there, and he has made good friends.
Submitted by parent on November 15, 2014

This school needs new leadership! It's time for the district to replace the Principal with a person that actually understands what the students need. The administration is about appearances and test scores and not about students and their needs. Student safety and student learning should always be the first priority and with what my child experienced at La Paz it was clear that student safety was not the first priority!
Submitted by parent on September 04, 2014

My 8th grader has really soared at this school. He went from average grades to all A's and a few B's. It is obvious how much the teachers enjoy teaching by their enthusiasm and my own student's development. The parent involvement is pretty great. Those parents who are involved put in 100% and put together: International Day, 7th grade Renaissance Fair, Zombie Fundraiser, etc. I would only suggest that the District invest in more technology including a more robust wifi for the technology classes.
Submitted by parent on July 27, 2014

In response to the previous review. The scores speak for the school. I suggest you use spellcheck, or review the more rigorous English curriculum before posting.
Submitted by parent on May 08, 2014

This school is awful they do evrything there own way not the districts way, and the music teacher is awful she visited my daughters school and look at her and said "i bet you want me to shut up now dont you" this school deserves a 4 too much ressecces los alisos only has one its a way better school
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2013

My son is in 7th grade and absolutely loves La Paz. One of his comments was, "You can't not learn there. The teachers make it so easy." He has become so much more independent and responsible with his homework. The teachers are very involved with each student's progress and encourage them to achieve their best.
Submitted by parent on November 05, 2013

I have never seen such a high concentration of teachers who refuse to teach and instead assign worksheets that they *hope* give some knowledge to the student. I feel bad for the few teachers who really try to teach and who's reputation is just ruined by the others.
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2012

Excellent. I am very happy with this school. My son just graduated from the school. He has gain the skills and confidence he needs to prepare for high school. The teachers are 6 stars. Everything was super, including the fun sports activities during lunch time. Best pick intermediate school.
Submitted by parent on July 25, 2012

with only two years of middle school & 900+ students, people have a variety of experiences. My sensitive 7th grader had an easy entry b/c of the WEB program (Where Everyone Belongs) & that La Paz places all students in groups- "tribe, village, or camp"- where they share the same teachers. Yes, there will be some students who tease & bully others, & you may not like a teacher anywhere, but the school culture matters. Staff involvement in school activities was great (even after school--better than our top-rated elementary school!) & when my student had a tough time, the school counselor, VP, & teachers were extremely helpful. Love the music program (band w/ Mr Robbins-- I hear great things about orchestra too). Since it is a daily class, with performances at night, kids feel a part of something special. (I hear similar things about Drama, & the Arts electives from other parents.). The key for me is parent involvement, & since many struggle to find a balance b/t allowing their tween some space yet staying involved, it's sometimes lacking. Office staff are very helpful, the principal (Ms Carroll) is amazing, with just the right amount of the "cool" factor for the kids & authority.
Submitted by student on August 02, 2009

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Submitted by teacher on August 15, 2007

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