San Carlos Elementary School

450 Church Street

Monterey, CA 93940

14 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on March 09, 2023

This school provides a safe learning environment where children can foster their curiosity, expand their friendships, advance and refine their leadership skills and prepare for even the most rigorous high schools, and beyond. As an alum, I would highly recommend this school to your children. I look with fondness on my memories created here; my closest friendships were formed here.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2019

Probably better than public, probably not as good as other private schools.
Submitted by parent on July 29, 2018

Excellent! Both my kids really missed this school when they went to high school. Even though they were attending great schools after, they missed the "family" of San Carlos, the traditions, and the overall positive feeling they had there everyday.
Submitted by other on May 15, 2018

My children attended San Carlos school and their children are attending, some have graduated and are in high school. I have always admired their teaching staff, it's obvious they are not there for the money but for the love of teaching. The only complaint I have ever heard from a grandchild, is they wish the 7th and 8th graders would be treated more like Junior High students and not have the same rules as the lower grades. Get them ready for high school.
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2018

San Carlos school is wonderful caring community. We have 2 children here and have been very happy with the learning values and respect the school provides. The leadership has been tireless in their commitment and dedication to all the kids. I highly recommend San Carlos school to anyone in the area looking for a top notch academic and moral values do pace of learning.
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2018

I recommend San Carlos School without reservation. The school environment is warm, supportive, and welcoming. I appreciate that the teachers and staff take the time to carefully consider assignments, tests, projects, homework, and school activities. There is a great tech class, but technology doesn't replace good teaching in the core classes. Beyond a fantastic curriculum, the school teaches values, the importance of community, as well as study & organization skills. Bottom line, my kids love to go to school everyday.
Submitted by student on January 31, 2018

This school has barely taught me a single thing... They have an immense number of extremely strict and pointless rules, which can greatly hinder your San Carlos School life. They have no special or gifted classes, so if you are gifted, you're are learning nothing and bored out of your mind, and if you are not mentally inclined, you are always extremely stressed out. Their physical education is just sad, learning about virtues half of the time... They force parents to help the school out with their events. If they don't do their "Time and Talent" they get fined. I do admit, they have an amazing history teacher that has probably taught me more than all of the classes combined. The principle prefers quanity of homework over quality of homework, which I hate really hate. They are always in desperate need for money. You basically get lectured, take a test, then forget what you just learned. Heck, half of the kids in my class can't even write a complete and proper sentence. (Which is not their fault.) Trust me, you don't get prepared for the future at all. They have no business or coding class whatsoever. The only thing you learn in their tech class is how to format a google document properly. The classes are sometimes completely out of control.
Submitted by parent on August 30, 2017

Our boys attended SCS from K-8th grade over the past 14 years and our experience with leadership, academics, faith, morals, parental involvement, organization and communications was impressive. While every organization is not perfect, it truly takes a village to raise kids and we like that SCS holds staff, parents and their students accountable in all aspects, i.e. homework, grades, communications, community image, volunteer time, participation, behavior, bullying, sports, etc. The staff is committed to helping all students succeed in various ways however it is important to realize the result of your child's experience with SCS and it's staff is a reflection of the time you invest into your own child, school activities, their friendships and education. Also, SCS has an open door policy, the principal is very approachable and parents are given a platform to express any great ideas or concerns. One last highlight - each year the school provides a survey for all parents to give feedback on how the school can improve. We have seen SCS and its staff continue to grow in areas of communications, technology, renovations, etc. The kids at this school are very family oriented, hard working, respectful and smart. We give SCS 2 thumbs up as they have prepared our kids and generations of other students for both high school and college. Best of luck to all the RAMs of the future. "Thank You" SCS and all of its leaders and staff for a job well done.
Submitted by parent on June 18, 2016

My child has learned absolutely nothing during the school year. The teachers harassed my son and did not teach. One of the teachers gave the whole class a 100% due to laziness of grading. The school is desperate for money and volunteer work from the the parents. If you fail to participate, the school will give you a "dirty" look and exclude your children out of certain awards (sports, academics, etc.). The children are somewhat nice, however. All in all majority of the teachers are terrible. I regret sending my child here.
Submitted by parent on March 29, 2015

Predominantly working, caring, dedicated, involved parents at this school site. The principal listens to the parents, who run the school. Most teachers are qualified, yet one teacher I personally questioned, but came to understand that her family makes wonderful contributions to the school and church's existence. One teacher was quietly asked to leave this last year -when in fact, we ALL adored her caring, loving demeanor with the young ones. Another fantastic teacher was not rehired after practically all of the parents went in on her behalf--- because the principal does not make decisions for true leadership at this site. There will be other good teachers as always, and more terrible decisions. I hope that the students continue to move forward with love, security, and understand that sometimes, we lose the BEST (Miss G , Mrs P, Mrs J) because money and powerful parents run the school. God Bless
Submitted by parent on May 01, 2014

I am an alumni and now sending my daughter to San Carlos School. You will see many of the same faces around here from decades ago, because it is a family and such a welcoming place to be. I was worried in sending my daughter here that it may have changed drastically since I attended. It did change - for the better. I love it even more now. My only suggestion would be that they need music education. You will not find a local school with more respectful students. Their environment is one that fosters kindness and acceptance and I don't think a bully exists within this campus.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2014

I am very satisfied with the school's administration and procedure. I feel my son is a safe environment. The principal's priority is children's safety. I believe a child will succeed as long as the parent is always involved (weather the parent is working or not). Parent/teacher communication is imperative, no matter what grade the child is in. So much is said about Lee County's school choice process and school grading; but as a parent once you educate yourself with the process, you get a better understanding of the process. It would be helpful for the administration of the school to explain more thoroughly, in layman's terms, how and what does a lower grade mean at an individual (student) level. Unless you are part of the system/administration it is challenging to embrace the school grades/school choice.
Submitted by other on April 14, 2012

I have been to many different schools, and by far San Carlos is the best. I have experience with the middle school program in particular, and it is wonderful. Most of the teachers are supportive and intelligent. However, some teachers in particular get on my nerves and I cannot honestly understand why they are working there. The other thing is that Mrs. Bennet(the principle) seems to treat the older students the same as the younger one. She has a lot of useless and offensive rules to the older children, as if she doesn't trust them to be in a classroom alone. I had no problem what so ever with the homework. It is incredibly minimal in comparison to what some reviews say, But then again, not everyone is as competent as the child I knew. Everyone at the school is very welcoming and the students are intelligent, for the most part. Also, the 8th grade goes to Washington DC over spring break, and I think that is a wonderful opportunity. Faith is a big part of the school and all faiths are very welcomed. Personally, I thought Mr. Krislyn was the best teacher in the middle school program , as he was charismatic and very interesting to talk to.
Submitted by parent on February 16, 2012

San Carlos School provides a safe environment among generally well-behaved and respectful children. Education is adequate, but with an emphasis more on busywork than on real academic advancement. Expect your child to start with 1-2 hours of homework in Kindergarten, advancing to several hours of homework by the end of Middle School. However, also expect your child to have to catch up with his classmates in a some subject areas after San Carlos, arriving at the next school (even public). Teacher education levels and ability to educate children vary wildly from excellent to miserable. Parental involvement is a definite requirement, which is easier to fill if one parent does not work, but the requirements are manageable, even if only one parent puts in the time. As a non-profit, and to keep tuition costs down, there is constant fundraising and raffling, but this also provides opportunities to fulfill parental volunteer hour requirements.