Tomas Rivera Elementary School

20440 Red Poppy Lane

School District

Riverside Unified
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:23
Type

public

School Map for Riverside 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 December 23, 2023

The principal, Ashley Fulmer, is awful as the principal. I am praying she is moved to a different school for the 2024-2025 school year. She is dismissive, rude and lies. It’s really sad, this was such a great school before she came. My child doesn’t want to be anywhere near this woman. I would move my child to a different school but I just love the teachers. Again, I really hope she is not at this school next year…. We are all waiting for her to leave.
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2018

This is our 4th year. Wonderful teachers and staff. They are very encouraging to parent volunteers. The new principal, Mrs. Flores-Bertrand is amazing. She is doing great things for the staff, students and school itself. She is extremely caring and easy to talk to. I could not be more proud to be at this school for the next 9 years with my kids.
Submitted by parent on July 27, 2018

Ms. Slagle is awesome, our daughter learned so much from her class and enjoyed it thoroughly.
Submitted by parent on May 01, 2017

He is responsive. He does a good job.
Submitted by parent on April 19, 2017

I love this school. My daughter came from another school and her experience is so different I see a whole new child. She's excelling and being pushed and happy to go to school.
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2016

My daughter has enjoyed her first year of school and they did a lot of different events that were extremely fun and family oriented. My issue with this school is with the office staff. I happen to know other parents at Rivera and one in question had her daughter bullied on a daily basis by a group of children, the child's mother went in weekly to complain because her child did not want to attend school anymore. All year long the school has done nothing except say "take your child to self-esteem counceling" I thought there was an anti-bullying campaign! Come to find out that the child who bullies everyone is the child of one of the teachers therefore the school won't do anything at all and kids had to put up with a group of kids being mean and rude to them all year long instead of taking action and stopping the problem.
Submitted by parent on November 17, 2014

I love Rivera! My son started here in Kindergarten two years ago and I couldn't be more pleased. I've always been welcome on campus, even after the new safety measures were put into place. I have no problem signing in to go on campus to help insure the safety of my son and all the other children. Anyone I've ever spoken to about having problems getting on campus was because THEY were not following the very simple rules. Every teacher I've come into contact with has been friendly and seems to really be doing their best for the kids. I've not had to deal with the new principal at all but my son has only had nice things to say. The office staff is great and the other parents are very involved. My daughter will be starting here in 2 years and I'm so happy we are a part of this school's community.
Submitted by parent on September 04, 2014

I dropped my daughter on for kindergarden. She said she was cold and wanted her blanket so I ran back to the car and when I tried to enter the campus the "new" principle told me that they do not allow parents on campus if not needed and that he would take the blanket to my daughter instead. I said ok, but when I picked my daughter up she asked why I didn't bring her the blanket back cause she was freezing all day. I told her the principle said he was going to. I guess he DID not and decided to throw her blanket in the LOST AND FOUND instead. My first impression of this "principle" and I'm not liking what I'm seeing. He's lucky he was "busy" or I would have gave him a piece of my mind right then and there. Totally uncalled for. Not a good way to impress the parents.
Submitted by parent on February 23, 2014

They finally got rid of her, but they should have taken the secretary with her too.. The problem I have with this school starts with the principle secretary (who thinks ) she runs the school...she should go to schools and be a principle if she wants... But until then she is just a poser..,
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2014

This school is awesome. My daughter transferred here mid-way through 1st grade last year (from a MoVal school) and the quality of teaching was so obviously better and the curriculum so much more advanced and challenging. She went from being a basic student in MoVal to being top of her class this year (helps tremendously that Mr. Hein is an awesome teacher!). My son started here in Kindergarten and I LOVE the fact that they have full-day kinder, not half day. I volunteer once a week in the K class (so parents CAN volunteer, unlike a previous review) and it's awesome to see how Ms. Caudill is patient and effective with her students. Great school, great staff, awesome school!
Submitted by parent on November 14, 2013

Mrs. Coe is grrrreat! The changes in my child is night and day. The projects, are fun and we all enjoy them. Finally a school that challenges the students. I've never seen my child so excited to learn. And is nothing like the other school was trying to portray. I say actions speak louder then words.
Submitted by teacher on September 03, 2013

This is a horrible school since the new principle arrived a few years ago, test scores are down and parents can't volunteer anymore.
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2013

I think that since I don't have a lot of time invested yet, I can provide a fairly unbiased review. However, my son is a GATE student, so his experience may not translate well to other families that do not have GATE students. He also, and has always, loved school. He began attending Rivera last year after Spring Break. He was excited every day. His teacher was also very enthusiastic. And even though he was new, his teacher recognized him for all of his achievements as if he were there all year. Administrative staff was better than average and always positive and responsive. This year, with only a few days in, I think that I'll need to be present as much as possible to assure his current teacher does not abuse the power of emotional motivators, but it seems that his academic progress is noted and being tended to. Teachers are human. If you hear or notice something you do not understand or like, you must engage immediately. That demonstrates your investment in your child and lays a foundation early on. Whether a teacher is likeable or not, my son loves it when I am involved and it shows in his actions. If the parent doesn't show up, sometimes the child doesn't either.
Submitted by parent on June 11, 2013

If it was possible to give a negative rating, I would. Your civil rights will be violated at this school. The principal is a disgrace to the education system. She should be ashamed of herself.
Submitted by parent on February 03, 2013

I really like this school. I have 3 children that attend. 2 of my children transfered from other schools, and I see a big difference in the issue on being bullied. They don't tolerate it, and they keep a close eye on any potential problems. I feel like the teachers are most definitely willing to have good communication with parents. My son struggles with math, and the last 2 school years, the teachers allow students to come in during lunch for additional help. Some will even let them come before class in the morning for additional help. I have a kindergartener at this school who is in special education for autism. Again, the special education staff is ready, willing and able to put in their very best. They are very compassionate, patient and understanding, not to mention qualified to handle a wide range of special education needs. They have made miracles happen with my daughter. The principal is amazing. A great communicater and leader. Great school all around. I highly recommend this school.