Pershing Elementary School

9010 Pershing Ave.

School District

San Juan Unified
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:21
Type

public

School Map for San Juan 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 July 25, 2019

I love this school!!! From the Principal to the teachers all the way to the janitor!!!! I'm blessed to be able to have this school as part of my community!
Submitted by parent on July 14, 2018

I love this school and feel very fortunate that my kids are able to attend.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2018

Overall, I hope to have all my kids with elementary school years left to spend them here. Preferably in the RL program. Out of the six different teachers we have experienced over 3 kids since 2014, we encountered only one who we had such a bad experience with that if we get her again, and are unable to change teachers, I will take that kid out of this school. All the other five teachers have been excellent, we are thankful for the new PE teacher and the choir and band opportunities that this school seeks to give. If we could get a crossing guard that would be incredible.
Submitted by parent on March 08, 2017

After my eldest son graduated from another elementary school that we loved that too was in the area, he later mentioned as a teen that he wished he had gone to a school with more diversity. He was also GATE identified but the program was after school only. The nearest school that offered a program during school hours was Pershing Elementary. Having watched close friends of our child go through the Rapid Learner Program and seeing how enriched their education was, we decided with our second son to have the opportunity to go to a school that offered advanced learning if he were to be a candidate. Our son is now in Rapid Learners and we are so pleased that we made this move. Thankfully we were able to open enroll and get into Pershing but later moved into the school's boundaries. We have had amazing teachers so far. Although there was a principal change, both have been great and the transition was smooth. If you are looking for your child to have an enriched learning experience and you most value their education in a nurturing environment, I highly recommend this school.
Submitted by other on August 22, 2016

My sons kindergarten and 1st grade teachers have been excellent. Keep away from the after school discovery club and find other arrangements as a working parent. They keep K to 6th grade together in the same room and don't monitor what the older kids are saying. My 5 year old came home talking about humping and other statements involving sex acts. Ms. Elizabeth who is in charge of that program is usually on her ipad and the other 2 teachers are always chatting up each other and parents. I still haven't figured out who watches the kids. It's a shame because the school is otherwise awesome and they are tainted due to the DC club. I know at least 3 people who pulled their kids out in the 4 months we participated in the program. The school though has a great curriculum and great teachers.
Submitted by parent on March 17, 2015

I am a parent of two students who attend Pershing. Our family moved within this school district just so we could attend. Best decision we ever made. Pershing is a truly wonderful school with an amazing principle that obviously cares for all her students. The teachers my children had have gone above and beyond as well for my children. There is an obvious family feeling within this school. There are ample extracurricular activities encouraging the students and their families to participate. This is a great school!
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2015

DS transferred to Pershing for RL in 2nd grade. As great as Green Oaks is, they were unable to challenge him enough. Was able to move DD here for 1st grade. Staff was knowledgeable and able to challenge her. She is now in RL in 2nd grade. Principal is caring, involved and knows all the kids. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity for our kids to attend Pershing.
Submitted by parent on June 10, 2014

Keep your kids away from this school as it has been in a downward spiral for quite a few years now. The Principal position used to be shared between two semi retired principals that split the time up. It left them constantly out of the loop. Thinking the latest principal addition would benefit the situation has actually only made things worse as she is now hated by both teachers and students as she acts like she is better than any of us and shows it consistently with no time to spend on parent or staff concerns.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2014

My child spent their entire 6th grade year wasting away. She has been given 3 exams all year in math. Science was spent listening to the teacher regal the joys of his neighbors and personal life. No focus on reading. Other classes taught by other teachers with no communication skills (except screaming insults on the playground). The goal at Pershing for 6th grade is to prepare the students for the "middle school" experience. Worried about your 6th grader going to Middle School? Don't be, they will get all the bullying and indifference they need from Pershing! Good job! Hopefully I won't have to take 3 jobs to pay for my child's tutoring so they can get through 7th grade having missed crucial 6th grade material. Middle school won't have the Pershing lunch lady who gives free lunch handouts to the district employee kids who don't qualify for reduced fee programs. She has a big heart because these kids come to school with a carrot stick and slice of ham so slips them a freebie. It is not what you know; it is who you know!
Submitted by parent on December 05, 2012

The school is excellent however one of their 3rd grade teachers is not so great. She is punitive with the children and does not allow parents to participate in the classroom with the exception of a couple with whom she chooses to work. She made my child feel anxious for not knowing how to read at age 7 yrs old. Rather than trying to help and TEACH Mrs. Laret chose to make my child so upset as to not want to attend school
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2012

Student Safety is not this schools priority and the principal puts the protection of the school before the safety of the children and then chooses to not be forthcoming about it to the parents.
Submitted by parent on July 26, 2012

My kids love Pershing and so do I. Over the last couple years there has been lots of teacher and principal turn over, but our new principal is a keeper! I'm looking forward to another great year of learning.
Submitted by parent on August 13, 2011

We love Pershing Elementary. The teachers are amazing and help is available if your son or daughter is struggling in one of the subjects. The faculty is very supportive and they, too, work hard to make sure your child's experience at the school both fulfilling and enjoyable. My son is in the first grade and although there is a lot of homework, most of it is review from the day. For a public school, this one is fantastic!
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2011

We moved from another state that had high state ratings and were very pleasantly surprised to see that this California school well exceeded the curriculum our previous state. Much more homework, which is a great thing and challenges both of our kids. I don't understand it when parents complain if there is a bit more...I would think parents would want their kids to learn more. Isn't that what school is all about? The teachers are great and so patient and helpful with the transition to their new school. I highly recommend this school. They encourage parent involvement and so willing to help with everything. I am thrilled to have our children in such a great school!
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2011

I am a parent of 2nd grade and 4th grade RL (Rapid Learner) students. This has been a great year! The teachers are great, principal is great and will be missed. My children are challenged and happy. Their self esteem is strong in part because of the excellent environment they are in. I would highly recommend this school to RL kids and neighborhood kids. AND don't let anyone tell you the homework is too much or there is too much pressure in RL. If your kids are smart they rise to the challenge. There are not hours of HW. HW is very reasonable. If you have a commute, do it for your kids. You will not regret it.
Submitted by parent on June 18, 2010

With three children at Pershing, and this being our family's third elementary school in various states, we are VERY happy with our experience here. Mrs. Mellerup (principal) is a great listener and responsive to concerns. Parents are highly involved. Family activities abound to meet other parents. The Rapid Learner program is an OUTSTANDING program for our children who really benefit from advanced curriculum and yet the school has a wonderful balance of not making neighborhood students feel any less able. Their motto is: Pershing--were every child is gifted and some are rapid learners. I recommend it highly.
Submitted by student on February 04, 2010

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