Marblehead Elementary School

2410 Via Turqueza

School District

Capistrano Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:22
Type

public

School Map for Capistrano 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 November 11, 2023

Great school, the teachers are amazing. The staff is wonderful and the principal is always in communication with the parents.
Submitted by parent on October 13, 2023

I have 2 kids at Marblehead and we love our school so much. They encourage a kind, bully-free, inclusive and environmentally friendly atmosphere. The small class sizes are great. The PTA is absolutely amazing, holding so many fun events for the kids and families. We have so many fun weekly/bi-weekly clubs like science club, Spanish club, lego engineers club, jump rope club (at recess), art club and a few more. They really make the kids excited to go to school. All of the teachers we have had are so nice and my kids love them. Overall, we love this school.
Submitted by parent on March 07, 2023

We've had an excellent 1st year experience at Marblehead. Our daughter started Kinder at a nearby Spanish immersion school and after one year had learned little to nothing (one word of Spanish: "Yo" and she didn't even know what it meant!)... (Consequently, I've changed my views of Spanish immersion). We moved her to Marblehead for 1st grade and now she's learning English by leaps and bounds!!!Don't let the outdated numbers on this site fool you - Marblehead is doing a great job - and they're testing out higher than what you see here. I have never heard anyone who had their wits about them complain. It's got a few things going for it; it's size (small so the kids are getting a lot more personal attention - it's not like a massive heard of cattle AND it's got a very nice environmental slant with the kids growing gardens (fresh basil!) among other activities. They've also got a nicely organized on-site Marblehead YMCA (that our daughter attends) before and after school program as well.The Marblehead PTA (though I'm not into that kind of thing - but have been to a few meetings) seems to be 'on it' and is constantly active and doing things for the whole school. We've attended most of the Marblehead events, parent conferences, etc. and found everyone to be top-notch. I have had the opportunity to visit about 50-60 California schools PER YEAR for the past 15 years. I recognize a good school when I see one. Marblehead is way up there!
Submitted by parent on January 31, 2023

I have been impressed by Marblehead so far. Last year, we were looking to transfer our daughter to a better fitting school. Marblehead was our last choice based on stats. Unfortunately, as parents we can judge harshly when we are just looking at stats. So don’t be fooled by the stats! It’s really only a small part of the equation when thinking about sending your kid to a new school. We love that Marblehead is a small school. It really is a hidden gem! The PTA is highly involved (and so are the teachers, staff and principal)! The school is always looking to better the student overall. Plus the environmental studies is a huge plus. The principle herself does a book club once a month that kids can do by choice which is really awesome! My daughter loves it! We’re glad that our child is at Marblehead and will have her siblings following soon after. If you are looking for a new school, don’t count this school out! That would be a mistake!
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2023

We are lucky enough to be a Marblehead Elementary School Family. Marblehead is not just a school, it's a safe haven for the kiddos that go there. The school is not only an Environmental Studies School, it is also a family. Our Principal just shared with us this morning how amazing our scholars are doing, and the test scores are up up up. The faculty is going above and beyond, and it is reflected in the scores. The multitude of studies/activities going on will knock your socks off:)If you are thinking about where to send your kiddos next year, please take a minute and look at Marblehead."Ohana means Family, and Family means Nobody Gets Left Behind or Forgotten. Signed,A Proud Parent of an AWESOME scholar at Marblehead
Submitted by parent on January 23, 2023

Marblehead is an excellent school. The teachers are amazing. They are all very experienced, and my son has made huge strides academically and developmentally. We moved from out of state, and the community has been so welcoming from Day 1. The PTA is very active and energetic and puts on amazing events for families. There is a weekly student-led assembly on Friday mornings for students and parents. The kids love it, and it's great to see their school spirit on display. Don't be deterred by the test scores. There are some demographic factors at play with ESL which can skew the scores. I have seen first hand that all students get very individualized learning from all teachers and administration and are excelling academically. The PTA parents are always happy to talk to incoming families. You can call the office and leave your number and someone will call you to answer any questions! I am looking forward to starting my youngest at Marblehead next year!
Submitted by parent on January 19, 2023

This school is a hidden gem. There seems to have been an era where this school had some issues, but I’m happy to say you can’t tell now. The only carryover would be that this school has low enrollment—which is amazing if your kid goes there! Everyone knows each other, and supports each other. The staff seem happy to be there, and care about our kids. There’s an environmental initiative that is a wonderful theme that threads its way through everything. My kid raised money to save a sea lion, saw a sea lion release, and did a beach clean up all last year. This year they are learning about planting food in the school garden, and have seen so many cool assemblies sponsored by PTA. Parent involvement is high, and school spirit is promoted.
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2023

I love the small school vibe- we have such a great community. The teachers and staff know all the kids and it really helps everyone feel welcome!
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2023

Like many, during Covid we decided to keep our kids in the private school system out of concerns about schools being open, but last year we decided to transfer our son (who was going into first grade) into our local public elementary school. After doing some online research, I immediately thought that we would just have to put in a petition to go to Truman Benedict because I was not happy with the "rankings" of Marblehead. I recall calling Truman Benedict to find out how I could start the transfer process. The woman who took my call informed me that the school was full and would not be taking transfers, but then went a step further. She asked me why I wanted to transfer, and I told her that based on everything I could find online (which I now encourage you to take with a grain of salt), TB was the superior school. The woman (still not sure who it was) informed me that she had actually worked at both schools during her career, and that TB was not a better school than Marblehead. She informed me that Marblehead was a great school and that I should give it a fair shot. Well, it looked like I had no choice so there we were. After spending just a few months at Marblehead, I am very glad it worked out the way it did. Marblehead is a very small school and small community, so it doesn't feel like this overcrowded experience that you see at so many public schools. The faculty are friendly, the teachers are strong, and best of all, the kids are happy. They support each other and feel like a true community. I am also impressed with the curriculum. Coming from a private school, I had concerns about the quality of the education, but my son has made huge strides at Marblehead. If I had one negative comment, it would be that the school is not as social as the private school we left, but that is to be expected. I am taking it upon myself to plan mom's nights out and and host birthday parties and play dates to get to know families. You get what you give. If you live in the area and are grappling with what school to choose, I strongly encourage you to consider Marblehead.
Submitted by parent on October 19, 2017

I love our school! Teachers are awesome, staff is awesome, parents are awesome and most importantly my kids love it. We came from a small school on the East Coast, so this felt just like home for us.
Submitted by parent on February 02, 2017

This school has improved a great deal over the years and I am glad I kept my children in to witness and benefit from those imrpovements! Highly recommend any student to attend here for a clean and safe environment and all the fun and memorable times they experience with every event! The education they will receive from the great teachers here is adjusted to the level of your student without holding anyone behind. Communication is always key with parent and school staff in order to remain involved in the education process. This school follows up with your needs very well! PTA and Foundation are great ways to get involved and allow you to volunteer how you wish. Each have been a blessing to Marblehead!
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2016

I'm not sure what the last parent is talking about. I find the front office staff to be extremely pleasant and helpful! I've noticed they know every child's name and always have a smile and friendly hello. I also find Dr. Morris to be very approachable and she seems to always have her door open and is accessible. I've been very happy with the teachers my children have had - I have two students attending and one is graduating this year. It's been a fantastic school for my kids and I love that it's smaller and everyone seems to know everyone. Southern California is huge but this school feels like you're in a small town. They have an Art Masters program & studio, Music for ALL grades & a music classroom, Science Labs with monthly Discovering Science experiments, a computer lab and lots of programs run through their PTA. LOVE IT!
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2014

The Best way to describe Marblehead is an Elementary School with teachers who nurture yet challenge, a principal who's resourceful, approachable and fair, and parents who are helpful, fun and dedicated. Our school has the latest technology appropriate for each grade level. We also excel in math and science through our science lab and ST Math. We encourage the arts with music programs for the whole school that are age appropriate and have an art lab as well as an Art Masters program. Marblehead has it ALL plus more!
Submitted by parent on June 24, 2014

We've been at Marblehead since the first Kindergarten class or day one of its opening. Now our 4 children have completed their elementary educations there and we cherish the time they've had, the good friends they've made and all they've learned and experienced. The kids are good and respectful, the families are awesome, the teachers are dedicated, front office staff is personable and helpful in every way. The PTA and parent foundation are excellent and well supported. We love Marblehead - our local, neighborhood school!
Submitted by parent on June 22, 2014

We have the most AMAZING school! Parents, teachers, and our principal... AMAZING! Our PTA president Allison is the kindest, most organized person I know. She truly cares about the children and has facilitated so many wonderful programs, like an art studio, science lab, and so much more! We LOVE Dr. Morris too! She has been there when my son was crying about being nervous because he was late to school and comforted and took him into her office and stayed with him until he felt better. The front office staff are so kind and friendly. All around great teachers and the best community school we could have hoped for.
Submitted by parent on February 18, 2014

For the person that complained about communication - this is a teacher issue - not a school issue. It is incumbent upon the teachers to communicate when they have special performances. And regarding the fundraisers - glad to know that PTA and Foundation ARE doing a good job getting the word out. Without our fundraisers your children would not enjoy: music, scholastic news, Art Masters, new library books, recess equipment, iPads, iTouches for the classroom as well as a new Science Lab and Art Studio! Thank goodness our school has fundraisers! I am happy at Marblehead. The Principal, Dr. Morris, is innovative (and new to our school this year) & experienced. The teachers are qualified. Students are very happy as well. Parental involvement could improve (that's my only complaint - quite a small group do a lot of the work). I am proud to be Marblehead and my two children are flourishing because of their neighborhood school. PS: Test scores may be low for the ESL students but they are quite high and impressive for the 'rest of the population.' The ESL students are sweet, well behaved children and I'm very happy they are a part of our school population.
Submitted by parent on December 18, 2013

this school is horrible at communication, sure it is adament about school book sales and other fundraisers etc, but when it comes to things that really matter such as childrens holiday concerts etc the are horrible at notifying parents of place and or time. i missed the christmas concert because they told me incorrect time and my child was upset i didnt go.
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2011

I have had children at this school for four years. I have LOVED every teacher we have had. The teachers at Marblehead go above and beyond not only in my children s academics, but in all facets of my children s lives. This school is unique to the area as it offers a very small student body, which gives the students and parents a tight family feel. The principal, teachers and staff sincerely care about my children. And the parents are eager to volunteer and help in the classroom and at extracurricular events. I cannot say enough good things about this school!
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2011

I have a slightly different perspective than most parents as I have a special needs child. We transferred to this school after being at a different one for the last few years, always in a special ed program. This is our first year here. First, I think our teacher is amazing-- probably the best we have had to date. My child has made remarkable academic progress in the program. I have found the support staff (speech therapist, occupational therapist, etc) to be of the highest caliber. I feel the entire team really cares about my child. I have found the principal to be exceptional and am quite impressed by her involvement. She has been present at every IEP, and has been extremely prompt at following up with any action items discussed. I cannot say the same thing about the principal at the last school we attended. I have been able to compare 2 schools in the district directly (from a parent's perspective), and I believe Marblehead far exceeds the other school we attended.