Empresa Elementary School

4850 Avenida Empresa

Oceanside, CA 92056

School District

Vista Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:22
Type

public

School Map for Vista 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 February 08, 2024

My child currently goes to that school right now. The school is amazing. The teachers are amazing and get an A+ across the board. The only one complaint I have, and I've heard this from many parents. The principal, Mrs Hollowell. She is the most fake administrator I have ever come across. She talks down to the para's that are in the classrooms helping. Shows no respect to them. The way she administers makes me think she got educated in the stone age period. She talks down to the kids, making them feel guilty of every little offense. They are kids, especially those that are in 2nd grade and below. Remember, they are learning, they will make mistakes on the way.
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2023

This school was horrible for my daughter. She was bullied. The principal does not bother to solve the problem. In order not to solve the problem, she blames the person who is being bullied. Some children are very aggressive. And they are not encouraged to stop. Don't let this happen to your children. Do not send your children to this school.
Submitted by parent on January 03, 2022

Empresa is a wonderful community. Everyone is well educated and well cared for! All the staff are amazing and diligent. I would totally recommend this school for your children.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2020

As a former parent of a student at Empresa with learning differences, I can confidently say that Empresa failed to meet my child’s needs. So much so, that we get a monthly district check to send our child elsewhere. Despite the relatively high scores for this school, in my experience, those who have a good experience here have above average to high achieving students enrolled. Admittedly, their art and music programs are top notch. But this is a school- if your child leaves elementary school after 5 years with no academic skills, and can only sing well, and produce lovely art, I would consider that a failure. If there was a way to leave a negative star rating, I would. I can not recommend this school, not as a former parent, or former educator with other districts.
Submitted by parent on July 12, 2019

Our experience has been fantastic over the past 4 years. Each teacher we have known has been extremely caring and has helped our son succeed.
Submitted by parent on July 20, 2018

I have been a member of the PTA and my kids Room Mom for 4 years. I volunteered weekly and made great relationships with the teachers and front office staff. Parent involvement and volunteering has dropped dramatically, coinciding with the doubling of the student population. Bullying is tolerated. When my son was bullied the parents of the bullies were not even made aware of what their students were doing for months, and I reached out to them to try to find resolution. The principal and Assistant Principal do not communicate with each other regarding student issues. The teachers are unheard by the principal and all the principal cares about is her political gain. Multiple long-time invested families have left the school because the bullying is out of control. This once great school has fallen prey to the ambitions of one leader. It is truly sad to see what has happened. I hope that parents begin to speak out and force the hand of the principal. Children should not be afraid to to go to school. They should not have anxiety attacks because of the failings of a bad principal who doesn't want her school labeled as a bullying school.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2018

Excellent (barring a few minor incidents)The school doesn't have enough spaces for parents to park their vehicles. Also close to the bell time (start and end of school day) the traffic will be a bit more than usual. Please do not send or pick up any students through strangers (taxis/limos like uber / lyft, etc with unknown drivers).Few students come to this school with something they are not supposed to have.
Submitted by parent on January 17, 2017

Wonderful community and school environment that focuses on developing well-rounded children with strong interpersonal skills. Principal Dr. McKean is amazing and provides excellent leadership to great teachers. Very fortunate to have a full time music teacher and robust music program.
Submitted by other on December 16, 2016

My two children attend Empressa and we absolutely love it. The teachers are knowledgeable, patient, professional, and they truly care about their students. My son who is in kindergarten is very social and is still learning boundaries. Instead of always giving him negative attention, his teacher would ask him to help her get the class to be on task. He would feel a sense of leadership and remind him that he needs to be a good example. The communication between teachers/school and parents is consistent and clear.
Submitted by parent on September 14, 2016

We just love this school. We're on a transfer and it was one of the best decisions we could have made for our daughter. The principal is very hands on and knows most of the kids by name, and this is not a small school. The amount of parent involvement is over the top. There are never a shortage of volunteers. I just love that music classes are built into the curriculum. Empresa is a very well rounded school and not only has strong academics, but also teaches the kids to be kind and good people.
Submitted by parent on February 23, 2015

My daughter transferred schools this year from Bonsall West to Empresa and I cannot tell you how impressed we are with everyone from the principal to the office staff. Mr. Pence is my daughter's teacher and he is very quick to understand his students' learning styles and is an excellent communicator with parents. The principal is very personable and knows each child by name. She has an amazing 5-year plan and I could not be happier with our switch. My daughter is thriving. Please do not be put off by the lack of "curb appeal" at this school. It is truly 5-star in every way.
Submitted by parent on October 24, 2013

The school is fantastic- we came from a private (Montessori) kindergarten not knowing what to expect, and were blown away! The principal is very involved, knows the kids by name. Music program is amazing!
Submitted by parent on October 23, 2013

The principal and teachers engage and value the parents, as well as the students. I can't say I ever remembered my principals of the past- but Empresa kids know and love their principal on a personal basis. We have seen her rap at Friday Flag and perform "Gangam 5th Grade Style" to honor the 5th grade graduates, just to name a few ways she stays relevant to parents and students alike. The music program it top notch; it shows in the academic performance and achievement of the students and provides a backdrop to school spirit. While any elementary school parent would be hard pressed to find a functioning GATE program in most local districts, this staff and administration have been open and responsive to the needs of gifted students.
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2013

Having attended many schools as a "military brat" including small tightknit overseas DOD campuses as well as schools on the East Coast and in California I offer this opinion regarding Empresa. It is an extraordinary school! Beautiful campus with the rolling hills of Camp Pendleton as a backdrop, it's staffed by a team of people who obviously love their mission of educating,motivating and caring for the kids of our community. Their enthusiasm is reciprocated in the community support they receive (ie good level of parental involvement). It's no surprise they are a California distinguished school. One cannot talk about Empresa without a nod to the excellent music program with funding made possible by EPAF and under the excellent direction of Mr Cook . Empresa Rocks!
Submitted by other on October 30, 2011

This is the best school I've ever dealt with. I attended Empresa Elementary as a child, along with my two siblings and they have nothing but the best. Their academic standards are high, ensuring a great education and future for your child. Most teachers are tough in the best ways that will ultimately really help your child achieve their goals. Im starting college soon and will always be a huge supporter of Empresa Elementary because of how much I learned there with great discipline and a lot of fun at the same time! My best memories and most favorite teachers are from that school. Mostly because of how hard they pushed me and honestly did benefit me in the future.
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2011

My child attended Empresa for 3rd grade, she loved her teacher, the Principle and the school. The staff is wonderful and under the current Principle and all her hard work, Empresa is now a California distinguished school. We will be returning to Empresa for my child's 5 grade. I have been so happy with this school!
Submitted by parent on March 30, 2011

This school has good teachers but is terribly ruined by the current principle. Please back Mr. Goldberg or someone with his drive to make a better school.
Submitted by other on September 28, 2010

It is such a dynamic school. My grandson has been there for 5 years and he has loved every one of them. The school spirit is fantastic and the teaching staff and principal are stupendous!
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2010

The teaching staff are awesome as is their performing arts program. Very few, if any public schools still have a music program, much less performing arts.