Mary Mcleod Bethune Elementary School

25390 Krameria Avenue

School District

Val Verde Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:24
Type

public

School Map for Val Verde 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 04, 2023

Great communication with parents, very involved staff and PTO. Evaluations and testing quarterly to keep your child on track.
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2020

I cannot wait to transfer out of this school. For a couple of years, parents kept saying that this school is all about money. Now, I see what they are talking about. The Principal and PTO President are too close and is not transparent about the money. The students are not treated equally and the school does not live up to its name. Don’t send your kid here
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2017

Pretty much unhappy. Many of the teachers are great: Ms Edwards, Mrs Pitchford, Ms Ramirez, Ms Uzzi...to name some.
Submitted by parent on December 13, 2016

The principal never knows what's going on. The assistant principal has absolutely no clue what she's doing. My children have been at Bethune since kinder, that's the only reason I haven't taken them out because they are comfortable with friends they've grown up with. Aside from that do not let your children attend.
Submitted by parent on June 11, 2015

My daughters attended Bethune in 2012. Their experience was so bad that I switched their school in the middle of the year. My youngest daughter had a very mean teacher. The teacher was highly inappropriate, coming to school on Halloween as the girl from the Hunger Games and bringing a real crossbow with her. Additionally, my daughter was cussed at on a daily basis with no recourse for the offender. My oldest daughter was bullied endlessly by a boy who wanted to date her and she politely declined his advances. This boy attempted to punch her multiple times. He would trip her, spit his food out and throw it at her face, etc.. Another time he attempted to put her into the trash can during lunch. The campus supervisors are useless and the principal wasn't any better. Mr. Rashad ended up having the bully and my daughter sit in his office while he wrote up a fake "restraining order" on them both. They were supposed to stay at least 100 feet from each other at all times. Trouble is, they were in the same class all day long and there was no way to comply with his "order." To the best of my knowledge, this boy was never suspended or disciplined outside of the "restraining order" and a few stern conversations with the principal. I would not recommend this school to any parent.
Submitted by parent on November 04, 2014

I have two students attending Bethune Elementary. We are very happy with principle Kaleb Rashad. He has proven that he is concerned with the well being of my children's education and health. Mr. Rashad is present to help anyone out with any issues. We also love our Teachers. Mrs. Frost and Ms. Francis are outstanding teacher that get the job done. Both of my children are reading and completing math problem beyond their grade levels, all thanks to the school staff. The kids love going to the library where there are numerous books to check out. The computer lab visits are another hot topic during dinner. The afterschool program is just an added bonus to helping our family out with homework and child care. This is our second year at Bethune and we will be attending this school until my kids graduate. #BethuneRocks #TeamBethune
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2014

The school is wonderful because the principal shows his presence, always. He is aware of what's going on in the school and care about the well-being of the students and their education. He is a very up-beat person.
Submitted by parent on July 25, 2013

This school was a good school before. .now I dont want to put my kids in that school. .the teacher r great teacher. my kids have been there since kindergarten n now with the changes of principal is not the same school any more...I only give one star to the school because of the teachers...other then that no stars...alot of bullies. ..n nothing gets done n the new front desk woman's omg..they need to have a good customer service. ..
Submitted by other on January 24, 2013

I am completely disappointed with the new change in principal. Our former principal she was great and the new principal is well he is not up to par to be polite about it. The front office is unwelcoming and boring and front office staff is not as friendly and it is very sad. It is an elementary school not a military type school. I feel for the parents of the kids who are suffering from some type of bullying and the lack of consequences for those students doing the bullying. This school had potential, but I feel it is getting worse instead of better. Bethune definitely needs major changes.
Submitted by parent on December 22, 2012

This school is in dire need of help. Students get bullied, the duties are unfriendly and do not attend to bullying issues on the playground. The principal is new and must be overwhelmed because he does not follow through when he states that he will do something. My children do not feel safe at this school and are cussed at by other students on a daily basis. There are weekly assessments which is why their test scores are high. They also have weekly lessons on bullying, but it doesn't seem to be having a positive impact on their students or their teachers.
Submitted by teacher on April 05, 2011

I have worked at Bethune for many years now and I have to say that we have an amazing staff headed by a great principal. Our principal expects excellence from herself, the staff, and the students, and it shows in all areas. We have hard working teachers who go the extra mile it takes to acheive the best from their students. Our students love coming to school. The support staff is helpful, supportive, and friendly. We welcome all with a smile. We all work together to encourage and build up each student. I must add, also, that we have amazing parents who come and help out at our school. I love working at Bethune.