Soleado Elementary School

27800 Longhill Drive

School District

Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:22
Type

public

School Map for Palos Verdes Peninsula 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 other on May 31, 2023

I went to Soleado as the second school when I moved to Palos Verdes. It was difficult for me to make friends for a while, but the yard supervisors and teachers are always kind. I will admit that I had witnessed some bullying in the time that I went there, but as far as I could tell, it was stopped quickly. I have good lasting relationships with most of my teachers, and I have a younger sister currently attending. I have little experience with the social-emotional support as I always refused to accept it myself, but they do help kids who have learning disorders, speaking disorders, and are learning English as a second language. Personally all through first grade and a little bit of second grade, I attended a speech class for a small speaking error I had in which I had difficulty pronouncing the 's' and 'sh' sound. Overall, I made many great friends and had plenty of positive experiences there.
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2019

Soleado is an excellent school with an outstanding team of staff. The Principal is very dedicated and spends a lot of time with both students and teachers. There is a diverse range of kearning experiences offered.
Submitted by parent on March 05, 2019

Have noticed an incredible decline in the school since leadership changed. The principal is never present, and drop off/pick up has become an absolute nightmare. At times taking over an hour to even drop off or pick up my son. The posting of the "matrix" all over campus is not effective in that it is merely posted and no follow through. My son has even reported being told to throw his barely eaten lunch away bc time for eating was over (despite the fact that his teacher let him out later). He came home hungry and pretty upset at being instructed to throw his food away. Very sad to see the culture and energy change so drastically and cannot wait for our time to come to an end at this school.
Submitted by parent on November 18, 2015

We have met many great families and feel that it's a real close-knit community. Our kids are engaged learners and we look forward to another great school year full of new challenges and adventures.
Submitted by other on October 31, 2013

Soleado is a lovely school if your child is above grade level. With the exception of one first-grade teacher, Burson, no one appears to know how to differentiate learning. As a former reading teacher and a classroom teacher with a master's degree, It is disheartening to see my grandchild being pidgeon-holed by a teacher who is new to a grade level who is very defensive and probably just holding her head above water. This seems to be a wasted year.
Submitted by parent on September 12, 2013

Currently, all 3 of children attend Soleado. It is a fantastic school and I could not be happier. The teachers are really caring educators that bring out the best in my children. My children have all had wonderful teachers. I'm saddened to read some of the negative remarks about the former principal. I know he is a caring administrator and great educational leader, in fact the best I've ever encountered. Furthermore, I was very disappointed that he has moved on to be principal of Miraleste instead of Ridgecrest where my children will be moving on to after Soleado. My children are happy and learning. I hope that funding remains available to continue the music, art, and phys ed. programs. Again, this is a fantastic school and should be the benchmark for elementary education.
Submitted by parent on June 16, 2013

We just finished our second year at Soleado. This is a high achieving school with a very diverse student body. Teachers are very dedicated. Principal is involved in everything from quality of teaching to greeting everyone and being involved with all school activities. Parents are very involved. Everyone works together well making it a warm and supportive environment for the kids. We feel blessed to be in this school.
Submitted by teacher on May 21, 2013

I've heard this is a great school. I agree to sign in for this school. I will become a teacher for this school too. I am very excited.
Submitted by parent on April 11, 2013

This is such a great school, the principal is great and really involved in the school, with the parents and the students. My daughter is in Kindergarten and she LOVES it!! The teachers are really patient and experienced.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2012

I could not be happier that my child attends Soleado. The Principle, Mr. Allen, is an amazing leader and a great role model for the students. He inspires teachers, students and parents. In fact, many of the teachers in the district do their best to send their own children to Soleado. The academic standards are excellent; the moral and ethical codes of the school are excellent. We have had an amazing few years at Soleado and look forward to more. i am shocked to hear of the negative review below, but based on the author's vitriolic attitude, which is not a reflection of the culture at the School, I imagine there is another side to the story. Regardless, I could not be more pleased to have my child be a part of the Soleado community.
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2012

The principle is very disrespectful . His name is Mr Allen. Get a new principle !
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2012

Reality check, and I'll also speak for those parents who have even shared negative disappointing comments with me about Soleado, except they wont speak up 'against' this supposedly high rated school, NOT! I had to UN-enroll one of my kids, not because he was bad but because he was bored, not learning to his capacity. Teachers tend to complain to parents a lot, which means teachers cant handle the situations or learning problems that arise. The principal has had the nerve to call me for very inappropriate insinuations and personal matters which have wasted my time several times. I have reached my last nerve with his uncalled for attitude, hence I've taken the time to finally give this real review. He seems to have been offended or taken my child's removal from 'HIS' school too personally. Don't be fooled, he may seem nice and geeky but he definitely is annoying in a discrete manner. This school tries too hard with its image because underneath it all that's all it is, IMAGE. But I understand parents here have to pride themselves with the school their children are required to attend. Yes its RPV, I did expect quality w/humility but hopefully Soleado realizes its not just about IMAGE!
Submitted by parent on June 06, 2012

I have 6 children and moved around a bit due to my husbands military duty. So I have experience as a mom of a WIDE range of elementary schools over the last 25 years, including private schools. THIS school is by far my favorite. The teachers are all deeply passionate about what they do and love their job....you see it in every single thing that every single one of them do! The Principle, Kevin Allen, is by far the most involved, caring, passionate and motivated leader I have ever come across. They all work as a family and strive to make sure that every single child is getting exactly what they need--AND--in a safe, kind environment teaching, through integrated programs and principles, important life lessons, values, morals, compassion and kindness as well to their students every single day. The parents are deeply involved and excited to participate strengthening everything else that is going on as well. All of that makes an enormously beautiful school and experience for the children, parents and staff as well. I LOVE THIS SCHOOL. !!!!!!
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2012

We moved to Palos Verdes specifically for the schools and could not be happier with Soleado. We've been a Soleado family for five years and have two children here. The teachers and staff are caring and attentive. There are numerous levels of learning for all types of students. Whether a student needs further challenges, a little push or a lot more help to get up to grade level, this is a place that focuses on every child, not just the top or bottom learners. In addition, I have found the parent community very supportive and friendly, which is much appreciated for a two-worker family with no family/nanny support. Finally, as someone of multi-ethnic background who grew up in mid-LA, I get that Soleado is not some people's ideal of a "diverse" school. But be realistic; you're looking at RPV, not LA. According to 2010 census data, RPV is 62% Caucasian, 29% Asian, 8.5% Hispanic and 2.4% African-American. By comparison, Soleado is very diverse. Not to mention, "diverse" comes in many forms. Not all Asians, for example, are the same. To me, what matters more than the statistics is how Soleado teaches tolerance, kindness and acceptance.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2012

My daughter attended Rancho Vista last year, and although it is also a good school, Soleado is superior! For starters, the principal is fantastic! I like how he takes the time to get to know each child. The teachers are also wonderful. The classroom architecture creates a feeling of unity and the teachers work together as a team. I only wish that the Yard Duty staff was more helpful when it comes to conflict resolution during recess. This is one area in which Rancho Vista excelled.
Submitted by other on January 16, 2012

I went to this school from 3rd grade through 5th. I am now 21 and in my 4th year of college. I loved this school. The teachers and staff were always kind and welcoming-of course there was drama with the other girls, but that's a given. Whenever I had any drama with the other kids, I always asked a teacher or the principal for help and they ALWAYS made things better. I cannot emphasize how much I grew from attending Soleado, how much I learned, and more! Truth be told, I only remember the 50 states because of a song we were taught in "Big Room"! If I could, I would give Soleado 100 stars :)
Submitted by parent on October 03, 2011

I have a 3rd grader and kindergartener at Soleado - my 3rd grader has attended the school since D-K. My wife and I moved to the Palos Verdes area because of the schools and we couldn't be happier with Soleado.The principal, Mr. Allen, is highly involved and truly cares for the kids. I think he knows every child's name - how many schools can say that??? The diverse backgrounds of the students at the school has been a fantastic influence on our children. Additionally, the teachers are wonderful - positive, caring, motivating! it is evident from how much my kids love school and enjoy learning that they are doing lots of things right at Soleado and that we made the right choice in sending our kids there.
Submitted by teacher on August 24, 2011

I am a fifth grade teacher at Soleado Elementary School. I have taught there for four years and I love it. I was sad to see the review from a parent saying the school is terrible. To anyone who reads that, take your time to come in to our school and get to know the staff. We do believe in diversity and in making school a positive and engaging experience for all of our kids. I love my students and I know they love me!
Submitted by parent on August 24, 2011

I am shocked at the comment that cultural diversity is a lie at Soleado. While the plurality is comprised of Asians (45%), 35% are caucasians, Latinos are 5%, African Americans are 4%, Filipinos are 2% and multiple races about 9%. At least a dozen languages are spoken by the families and students in the school and there is a good mix of people from varying ethnicities. I have a 4th grader at Soleado and my son who is now in 8th grade completed his elementary education there. Both my children have received excellent education from teachers who are extremely competent and deeply care about their students, and the principal and his staff are absolutely wonderful!
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2011

too many negatives to list. 2nd and third grade teachers are the only positives here. Prides itself on cultural diversity, which is a lie. Don't let the smiles and the sales pitch fool you.