Santiago Middle School

515 North Rancho Santiago Boulevard

School District

Orange Unified
Grade

7-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:29
Type

charter

School Map for Orange 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 07, 2024

Santiago Charter Middle School is a fantastic school! I recommend Santiago to any parent without hesitation or qualification. When you visit the campus, you will immediately notice the caring atmosphere because every staff member is amazing (shoutout to Dr. D and Mrs. Pedroza, co principals, for giving this school the big heart that it has)!! If you’re on the fence, give them a chance by attending one of the campus events to hear what they have to offer and what sets them apart from other schools. For example, how many middle schools offer international travel opportunities? My daughter went on a 10+ day trip to Europe and made wonderful memories with her friends. Again, this school has it all (including pre-AP!) and so many parents I’ve talked to all agree it was amazing for each of their kids. No regrets!
Submitted by parent on July 29, 2024

Our Family has had 3 kids attend Santiago Charter Middle School and our experience with all 3 has been fantastic. The leadership which starts with the Principals, Dr. D'Agostino and Mrs. Pedroza sets the tone for the school. Dr. D' Agostino is out in front of the school 20 minutes before school starts Every Single Morning, Rain or Shine with a stop sign to direct traffic and to greet the kids as they come into school. Our interactions with the staff were always pleasant and professional. We feel that the Teachers did a good job educating our kids and following the curriculum. We felt that our kids were well prepared both socially and academically to move on to the High School level. We would not change a thing!
Submitted by parent on July 09, 2024

Both of my children graduated from Santiago and I cannot say enough great things about the school and its amazing staff and administrators. My oldest started middle school at a different school in the district and it was terrible . We compared different middle schools and happily decided on Santiago. The administration was so incredible when we decided at the last minute to ask for a campus tour and without hesitation, both assistant principals said absolutely no problem and walked us around and showed us each and every program that this amazing school offered. That alone was enough for us to make the change. I also felt like my children were incredibly safe at this school. At the last school we attended we had an issue with bullying and unfortunately it is a common thing at that school but since coming to Santiago, the administrators nip that in the bud right away, there was very little issues , with anything that had to do with the kids being treated poorly. The school goes above and beyond when it comes to the education process. My children excelled like I never thought they could because of the administrative support. My children are now honor roll students and are incredibly successful. Both of my children participated in sports and music and arts and I couldn’t even tell you to tell you how much they have grown just from the time that we were at Santiago.
Submitted by parent on July 09, 2024

My son chose to attend Santiago MS over our local middle school, and by far it was the best decision we ever made! The level of engagement, academics, social, and personal growth were above anything we expected. I have never met a staff more caring of each student. Every aspect of your students education is monitored and looked out for. Afterschool programs are offered to help those in need, teachers are readily available for helping a student not to mention every staff member goes up above and beyond to do what they can. Sadly, we only had two years at this exceptional school, and We have recommended it to many friends, whose children have attended the school, and they have thanked us profusely for guiding them in the direction of Santiago.
Submitted by other on July 08, 2024

Santiago is a great school, i have had two nephews at that school and they love thier teachers and the administration is outstanding. They are very involved with the students on a daily basis and they are very good at informing parents on the students advancements in class.i would highly recommend this school to anybody that is looking for a school who cares about thier students. Every time i walk in the office the staff has been great and the teachers go out of there way to answer any questions i may have.
Submitted by parent on March 15, 2023

Social promotion is alive and well at this school. The school is only still around due to the pandemic helping them keep their test scores private so that they aren't shut down. So many administration and very high-paying positions and yet the classes are impacted and several staff is not doing their job which should be ensuring successful students - not just trying to increase enrollment. This charter needs to be revoked as they are not doing their job. Thankful for amazing teachers in K-6 because it's that knowledge that is carrying these kiddos through their 7-8 experience. High School will be a rude awakening.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2022

This school is focusing on all the wrong areas. This year I have received multiple messages sent to all parents that students cannot take off their uniforms until they get home from school. They are also promoting brown nosing. According to my son, a straight A honors student, students who act like teachers pets get higher grades and awards without putting in the work. He tells me about how teachers act friendly but are unhelpful unless you are one of their favorites. Lastly, if you park at the school, prepare to be interrogated. They do not welcome parents parking and will reprimand and lecture you about school rules and their personal woes. There are at least 4 staff members patrolling the parking lot for some reason.The only part of the school I appreciate is the rigor of the curriculum they provide. The teachers are not always preparing the kids for the assignments, but they are not usually fluff pieces. Kids can get something out of doing the assignments if they can power through them without expecting too much help.
Submitted by parent on June 24, 2020

Best decision I have made in my son’s education was sending him to Santiago. I wish they had a high school.
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2020

Excellent! This school is filled with an awesome faculty that truly tries its best to help its students succeed!
Submitted by parent on December 06, 2019

My two sons were in al honors programs and had a great experience. All teachers cared about their education, and were there to help along the way.
Submitted by parent on June 06, 2017

My daughter has been at Santiago for two years. Though she started receiving special services at the beginning of the year, she tested out shortly thereafter and has continued to do well. My only negative comment is that she didn't have much homework which concerned be a bit. The principal is amazing and the office staff have a heart for kids. Dr. D'Agustino always returned my emails and was always outside before and after school making sure the kids were crossing the streets safely. My daughter enjoyed the assemblies and having the opportunity to choreograph dances to perform for the school. I like that they wear uniforms so no one knows who is well off and who is not. I would recommend this school. In fact, my younger daughter will be attending next year as well.
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2017

My son was only at Santiago for one semester of his 8th grade year to finish things off. He was not very challenged by the academics even though all his classes were honors classes. He was often offended at the lack of control that teachers have over the bad behavior of students, especially inappropriate or crude things that are said.
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2017

Amazing. I have put 3 kids through Santiago (one an Honors student, two not). If you're trying to decide on junior high, do your homework and come visit Santiago. Talk to the Principals. Talk to the students. Talk to those of us who've been here the last 6 years for the real story. We love the accountability, resources, diversity, leadership, extra activities, etc.
Submitted by parent on March 13, 2017

I have been blown away by the fantastic quality of teachers, administrators and staff at Santiago. They care deeply for the students, and the students know it too. We get multiple communications each week from the principal, and teachers. The history and science depts do an especially great job of keeping parents up to date each week with what is going on in the classroom. Love it. The leadership students put a focus on school-wide inclusiveness, which sets a great tone for the social aspects of the school. My daughter enjoys going to school every day. I would never have expected that at the middle school level! Kudos to the Santiago staff. Proud to be a Santana!
Submitted by other on March 13, 2016

I love everything about this school! The environment, the teachers, and the students, all top-quality! I couldn't ask for a better place to send my children!
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2016

I am absolutely amazed and more than pleasantly surprised at the high caliber education of the Honors Program, the personalized approach to positive discipline, and the professionalism and friendliness of the principal, staff and teachers. My son was in a local private school until this year (7th grade), and I can honestly say, I'm so glad that we made the decision to switch him to Santiago. Academically, the Honors program is much stronger, especially the writing assignments, which are integrated into the work of each subject, not just English. The students learn to study efficiently, take effective notes, do research for individual and group presentations, and participate in group projects and discussions. Socially, the student body is very diverse, with a good mix of whites, Hispanics, Asians, African Americans, and other minorities. This is important because children need to learn to understand, respect and work effectively with people from all races, cultures, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds, not just with middle or upper class white Christians. It prepares them well for the unique ethnic melting pot culture of America. The energy of the campus and student body as well as the staff is mostly positive, peaceful and happy. There is no tolerance of bullying or cursing on campus, but at the same time, there is no administration drama or overblown reactions to the normal infractions and imperfections of the children. The approach is primarily that of positive discipline and cognitive reasoning with the children with appropriate focused behavioral intervention and redirection, as opposed to verbal humiliation, or isolation. No place is perfect and there is always room for growth and improvement, but over all, this school is as close as perfect as we've experienced yet for our son.Thank you Dr. D'Agostino, Ms. Patel, Mrs. Mikkelsen, Mr. Van, Mrs. Grewal, Mrs. Gonzales, Mrs. Maude and all the staff for your wonderful support of the children and the positive example you set for them. Submitted by a Happy Parent.:)
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2016

Finally, a school where students can express their creativity! Santiago has the most Elective classes for students to choose from and a staff that really cares about providing students with a college ready perspective.
Submitted by teacher on March 03, 2016

I am one of several teachers on this campus that has been at Santiago for over 10 years. Our charter makes us a unique school where student needs drive our decisions. Teachers work collaboratively to develop curriculum that is meaningful, rigorous, and interesting for the students in our community. I'm proud of my time at Santiago, and I know my coworkers are too.
Submitted by other on March 02, 2016

Santiago's teachers and administrator's are superb. They provide a sense of community and warmth, while also challenging students to do their best. My children were prepared well for high school and college, and I would highly recommend Santiago Charter Middle School.
Submitted by other on March 02, 2016

"A public school with a private school approach." This is Santiago's motto, and it is perfect for this school!