Dona Merced Elementary School

10333 Palo Alto Street

School District

Central Elementary
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

public

School Map for Central Elementary School District

GreatSchools Rating

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on September 15, 2020

My kids been attending Dona Merced for three years now...they love it and I can tell from their grades and personalities how the staff and the teaching program has helped them in many ways.
Submitted by parent on May 08, 2017

I absolutely would not know what to do if it wasn't for the staff at Dona Merced, we went through a tragic loss in my family, as a result my daughter's learning suffered but the staff was so incredibly helpful and we have gotten her back almost on track. Especially the school counselor she came just at the right time for us.
Submitted by parent on April 10, 2017

My daughter went from private school to Dona, and she is loving it. She has been challenged in her learning and has made great improvement in her reading and math. We are very happy with Dona Elementary School. The teachers and staff are all dedicated to educating the kids.
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2016

My daughter attended Dona Merced K-5th. My son is in 2nd grade now and has been there since Kinder. The teachers are great. I appreciate the constant communication. There is always something exciting going on at the school to engage the children. There is a lot of parental involvement here and I believe that is another key element as to why the school thrives.
Submitted by parent on November 22, 2015

My children are thriving at this school. We love the teachers and staff. The school provides a high quality education while making learning fun. Sometimes the homework is very challenging and I have difficulty helping my kids with the common core math. The teachers make themselves accessible to answer my questions and promptly reply to my emails but I still have a hard time with math. I am so glad we are at this school.
Submitted by parent on July 16, 2015

My son spent 1st-5th grade there. I will admit, my boy was a tough cookie, but this school really bent over backwards to give him the extra help he needed and he was even given speech therapy. Both the Speech and Resource instructors were fabulous with my son and communicated with me well. They work with positive reinforcement. I did have some personality differences with a few of my son's teacher's over these years but nothing that wasn't resolved or semi-resolved with a meeting. Overall, the staff are great and I've been happy with my son's time there. They have a great before and after school program as well.
Submitted by parent on April 27, 2014

My son loves his school and loves his teacher Mrs. Hunt. He is excelling wonderfully and he can't wait to go to 1st grade. The office ladies are a hit and miss, I guess it depends what side of the bed they woke up on that morning. I will say there are to many fundraisers. Rather donate the cash then sell 30 items for the school to receive the same amount I donated.
Submitted by parent on April 21, 2014

I love this school the only complaint its about the office ladies, they are very very rude with the kids and the parents..
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2014

I currently have a son in Kindergarten, he is doing great at this school and is in the accelerated reading program. My son has achieved so much during the school year he loves his teacher Mrs. Hunt she is amazing and cares for her students.
Submitted by parent on January 17, 2014

while i love my childs current teacher/aides, this school has gone downhill in the last several years. the office staff ladies: i really question if they even LIKE children. they are rude most days, they are extremely nosy and the first lady you come to is always trying to find out more information than she needs for her job. the attendance lady is a straight up !*^*#**. if she distrusts parents and children so much--why does she work in the front office?? why not just work at the district, in the back ? or the basement? where you dont have to deal with people and kids? the principal is sketchy at best...not a people person (( unless , apparently you are the cliquey PTA , then you get to double park and cut in pick up line :) )) I am counting the HOURS until school year ends and my child can move on to a different school , where they trust parents, and speak NICELY to them. this school needs to get its friggin act together. I dont even recommend this school to new families that move in , i direct them to Coyote Canyon. MUCH better atmosphere there, better front office staff and truly helpful Kids Club there.
Submitted by parent on May 28, 2013

Dona Merced is an excellent school with great teachers. The energy, excitement and engagement seen in the eyes of students is unique.
Submitted by parent on March 14, 2013

I love this school and the teachers. We should be going to a different school but picked this one. They have a lot of programs that our other school cut. The Principal is very good and address concerns promptly. The rooms have stories and art all over the walls. There is a Library and classes have field trips, art and the kids learn to sing songs. They say the Pledge every morning. The teachers are creative and keep the students engaged. Good tickets are given out so behavior notices are not just for kids that misbehave. There is a before school walking club. It seems like there is always some activity going on. Tonight the PTA held the Talent Show and last month there was a Daddy and Daughter Dance with pictures and a DJ. My son's teacher really makes learning fun for him and we are glad we came to this school. If I had to find something that needs improvement, I would have to say it is the lunch. Not good. Frozen burritos and hamburgers in plastic wrappers.
Submitted by other on June 16, 2011

Ever since they put in a new principal, the school has not been the same,I remember when I went to that school almost 8 years ago and it use to be a place wherethe students education was first, where kids who didn't speak the language had the support of not on the the school resources teachers but also the students regular teacher. My mom felt horrible when she walked into that office and those ladies looked at her as though she was a pest after volunteering more then 10 years at that school. Not only that but instead of having the school call the parents to let them know that their child is misbehaving, they send home a paper expecting the student to give it to their parents, what a disappointment.
Submitted by parent on December 06, 2010

I cannot wait until this school year is finished and I can move my child to a new district for middle school. The office women are so rude. They act as if you are bothering them when you need them to do anything. This school is all about asking for money too. Fundraiser this, donate here, donate there, sick of it. The quality of teachers is hit or miss. The PTA is like a members only club. I always show interest in volunteering on the forms and I have gotten called in one time in four years to volunteer yet they insist they are always needing volunteers. Guess you have to be part of the clique. They have cut out bussing, band, track (since I attended here), and every other extracurricular activity that they are not making money on. Back to school nights have been cut out too! I am glad my childs time here is almost up. If not for the luck of getting a great teacher this year the transfer would have already taken place.
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2010

wonderful woderful school!!! my 2 sons now 2nd gradeder and kinder are sad that we are moving this year school year ended june 3rd,2010 and going to a new school as of aug. 2010.. Teachers are great COMMUNICATORS! any help they can give their there for the students and parents invovlement. Front staff are very helpful and friendly! Telephone reminders from the principal were awesome Keeping parents involved in activites and holiday or any events that would be taking place.. ***WE will be atteneding FONTANA district now (yikes)***