Albert Einstein Academy Charter Middle

3035 Ash Street

School District

San Diego Unified
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

charter

School Map for San Diego 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 teacher on October 08, 2024

The administration rollover backwards for the parents and students, and not in a positive way. While bullying should not be tolerated, it goes unchecked here. The bullied end up breaking down or fighting their bullies, while the bullies laugh and use it as ammunition to continue bullying. As a teacher, you can only stop it in your classroom, but if the students have little to no consequences from admin, they will and do walk the halls like they own the place. This place does not foster a safe learning environment. I will never enroll my children in this school district with this current administration in place.
Submitted by student on May 03, 2024

This school is a mid school, it has many flaws and bad students, the psychiatrist there is good but i feel the whole school (not just her) favors the bullies more than the victims and gives them excuses and lets their behavior side. The German program is okay, but the advanced teacher is not the best, the rest of the school is very good and fun, having many after school programs and clubs. Another thing i dislike about the school is the food, it doesnt tast or smell good and sometimes has made some students sick. Otherwise I think this school is great.
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2023

My girls are thriving here! They are finally happy, socializing and actually learning! They began discussing what they learn with me after school which is proof they are engaged and actually learning, unlike their last schools. They want to go to school now! This is a great school with a wonderful faculty of educators that are patient, understanding, kind and actually care for all the students, not just who is easiest to deal with or whom they choose. Bullying is not tolerated here by students or teachers! The students are even kinder. Thank you for existing Albert Einstein Academy! Educational gem for socially sensitive, shy and neurodivergent children.
Submitted by parent on June 30, 2023

I read some of the reviews and decided to write one myself - from the point of view of a (1) former AEA parent, a (2) teaching aide at AEA (German support & Learning Center) and (3) a long-time German tutor to many students of AEA. I find it important to provide people interested with a most objective and factual content. A little history as to why AEA offers German: This school was founded by German speakers/natives/enthusiasts and supporters to provide German language instruction next to English; a 50/50 situation. The school's charter was put together accordingly. This also means that the school needs a certain number of German speaking students/families to create a beneficial - to all - environment. If a student/family decides for German in their educational life, this school is a fantastic school and opportunity here in San Diego but, naturally, when a language is not spoken at home, extra work must be put in to learn it. Parents, this is on you and it may not be easily accomplished. You have to make up your mind if you can and want to put in some time and effort into helping your student this way. Most important is to ask the administration before you enroll your child (!) about what they need from you to give your student the best possible start and support throughout. Do not just enroll and go and see. That is true for Kindergarten and that is true for 6th grade or any grade. There is a responsibility we all have towards our children and also to a (school) community we think we want to be a part of because we co-create campus life and also influence others within this community. Of course, I am now speaking from experience and l am looking back at everything. I have not always thought this way or realized the importance of what 'I as an individual should give' to a school community. It helps having been a mother, a teacher and a tutor. I hope this helps you before you decide for or against AEA e.g.
Submitted by parent on March 22, 2023

Let me start off by saying this school seems to be racially biased. They have german exchange students and i was told by another parent that those students are their top priority. I am starting to believe that as well. My daughter was being hit by a boy, even after she gained the courage to tell staff about the bullying and hitting he continued to hit her. He called her racial slurs and still not much was being done. Another things this school does not have a school nurse. You are told to leave your childs medication at the front desk with instruction for the front desk staff to use. My daughter has rare allergic reaction and I have sent letters, talked to the counselor and even had a doctors note. Yet, this school doesnt seem to take my daughters condition serious. Last but not least, this should does not provide the students their lunch even though it is free. My daughter was coming home with headaches and complaining that they were not giving them lunch. She would get told by lunch staff that they had ran out of lunch! I brought this to the staff attention, wrote the prinicpal an email and spoke to the counselor. I was given the excuse that they may have ordered less lunches than what were needed. 2 weeks later my daughter is again complaining that there is no lunches left. Cafeteria staff told her that they were out of lunches and only offered her yogurt or fruit with cheez its. Ive complained to staff over and over. Staff always says "we have fruit and snacks, if the kids are ever hungry". Lol unacceptable. Fruit or crackers? Where is the free lunch that your school collects and why isnt my child and others not being provide a lunch fairly as the other students do. My nephew goes to this school as well. Hes in the 8th grade. He also mentioned there is days when the cafeteria does not open up for them and hes left to just eat the snacks in his backpack or not eat at all. The staff continue to try and make excuses and lie to me about their lunch issue. So I have taken the steps to escalate this issue higher and above them. My daughter will not be attending another year. The learning might be great but overall my childs experience here is becoming more of a headache. I am constantly having to leave work to go to her school and complain. My biggest question is Where is the funds for the students to have lunch provided to them at school? I can only imagine the students who may really depend on the meal they receive at school. Horrible, dont recommend.
Submitted by student on November 29, 2022

Great community, understanding and great teachers , very focused sped program, overall amazing school. They have free lunches and lots of activities including a growing after school program list. Also FREE sports programs for students including soccer, volleyball, basketball +.
Submitted by parent on July 21, 2021

My sons attended Albert Einstein elementary and middle school K through 8 ( middle school Class of 2013 and 2017). They received the highest standard of education called the International Baccolariette Program. It teaches in a way that brings several subjects into one. For example, a combined history/English class my might include writing essays about the time period, geography, environment, and technology of the time. All rolled into 2 class periods. Teachers And parents are very dedicated To this very unique school.This is also a German language Immersion school, they became fluent In the German language. The teachers are rigorous. Perhaps the test scores reflect the rigorous nature of the classes, Rather than only Teaching for the Standardized tests. The school offers a Eclectic after school programs and the culture of the school is inviting. In order to serve the Neighborhood students, in addition to those who attend for the charter school's focus, They started to Offer a second curriculum. Get in touch with a school to see About Recent additions.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2018

Very positive and motivating teachers and staff. They really support students and encourage them to help others in return. My daughter is happy here and looks forward to going to school every day.
Submitted by parent on December 10, 2017

This school year the students returned to find out their beloved principal Ms. Robinson was gone and the school just posted a note to parents that in usual fashion this will not be discussed. Well... things do seem to be different. Our student tells me that there are many who miss her and I find that the organization is changing. All newsletters are sent in English/Spanish but the school is partnering with a German program and has at least last year focused on that language as well. We are happy with the teachers that our student has and we appreciate all of their work. This year we are overwhelmed however with donation requests for teacher appreciation luncheons, contributions for many adult things that are not involving our students and for the first time we were "pushed" to all complete the free lunch application. We never did that because we don't want a free lunch, it felt as if the school wanted to collect information on parents income. At least it seems to me that way because we are bombarded all of the time with donation requests and there is no information on how this money is being spent. Maybe I am too sensitive but it is a big turn off, I give the teachers something because I appreciate them but weekly emails will not make me give. The last one even told me that they were pleased to announce that we are invited to contribute to the teachers potluck for Christmas party and were invited to serve and clean up. Nothing for the children included. We love the school but believe Ms. Robinson had a better approach to managing. Hopefully they'll get a good new principal.
Submitted by parent on June 20, 2017

Great IB program with motivated teachers and students. My son is very happy here.
Submitted by parent on May 11, 2017

This school is phenomenal. The teachers are dedicated, highly educated and passionate about what they do. They address the whole child and hold every student to high standards. The culture of the school is one of compassion, dedication and rigor. Students are encouraged to develop a growth mindset and to push themselves to achieve greatness. Overall and amazing school.
Submitted by parent on June 20, 2016

I have a son who started this year in the sixth grade. I was actually shock to see the posting of 4/16/2016. My experience with both the staff and the teachers is that they go over and beyond what you find at most schools. I have also witnessed the students using the stairs on a regular basis and have found the process to be extremely organized. My son comes home excited each day to talk about what has taken place during the school day. I can name several schools in the San Diego District where there is an overall attitude of non-caring and Albert Einstein Middle School is not one of them.
Submitted by parent on April 16, 2016

They do not help kids at all the teacher's a mean and the school dose not care about the kid's at all it's just a act don't trust anyone at this school.they have a lot of stairs that kids trip on a push a lot.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2015

My daughter has been at this school for the last 2 years. She transferred in as a 6th grader. I cannot disagree more with some of the complaints in the prior reviews. The school is a great community. Like any community, it has a predominant group (one reviewer calls it the "female/German" crowd) but I have never felt excluded from that group (which is ironic since I am male and non-German). Likewise, I will concur that my daughter often completes her homework at school, but philosophically I am non-believer in homework (especially if the kids are leveraging their time wisely at school and taking care of business when the opportunity presents itself). Finally, and most pointedly, I would have to disagree with the comments degrading the performance of any teacher at this school. My experience (and more importantly, the experience my daughter conveys to me) is that every teacher she has (or had) has challenged her and gifted her with something moving forward. Because I would be remiss if I left one off the list I will opt out of naming them. Regardless, I am clear that if/when my daughter chooses to be a scientist/doctor/lawyer/artist/teacher etc. she will be significantly better equipped to handle that choice because her middle school teachers have imparted to her the gift of learning across all her subjects.
Submitted by parent on April 11, 2014

We could not be happier with this school. The sports, arts and all round education of the student is second to none. They are an IB school so they prepare students to enter the world as a better citizens enriching families and communities and hopefully changing the world we all share. Love love love the faculty and campus as well as all the year round fundraising events. They could sure put five thousand dollars to good use.
Submitted by parent on October 23, 2013

My daughter just started 6th grade. I have to say compared to regular public schools I give this school a A+. I love how the teachers and the principal encourage kids to do well. Positive enforcement is always the way to go. I never heard my child tell me that she "loved school" until she came to this one. I am so happy that I choose this school for my daughter. Great job to the whole staff....
Submitted by parent on June 23, 2013

My child just graduated and as the years went by it seemed like the education went downhill. I kept hoping it would get better. The last year he had the worst math teacher ever. The principal is a politician--always seems to be looking ahead and ignoring the present. A definite double standard exists. If you are female and German you are on top of the pile. Forget it if you don't fit in that mold.
Submitted by parent on May 15, 2013

I have 2 children in this middle school. It's my opinion and the opinion of a few other parents I've spoken to that they do not give enough homework. If they have time to do it in class IT IS NOT HOMEWORK!! They need more practice!!! And to address another comment posted here, my children have been at Einstein since kindergarten and it is a very ethnically diverse school. I just wish the IB program would allow for middle schoolers to study German or Spanish and allow the other language to be added as an elective.
Submitted by other on April 03, 2013

i go to aea and i have been going there since kindergarten. the reason why your children are behind is because you are not a german speaking parent. and they are behind because the work at that school is very advanced. for example, i went there for kindergarten and i was ahead then i went to riverview and i was very smart because i knew all of that stuff but when i wewnt back to aea in fourth grade , well it turns out that they had learned division in third grade and riverview hasent learned division yet.
Submitted by parent on September 27, 2012

ok, First off let me start by saying I am not bad mouthing this scholl as I do have children that go here. However, I have noticed academically they are behind, I do not know if its because they do not do much classroom, structured work or if its because of the learning another language. My boys are smart and at the last school were top of the class, now being here he is failing, I pay for tutor, german homework club any and everything I can afford, because yes its cost. Well now my other child is behind as well. I dont know what to think at this point, are they helping them or are they just teaching and the ones that are struggling with the language are being left behind, are they doing enought structured teaching..???. I want to like this scholl but I often feel at times that I am left out to. These people are hard to get them to like you or they just dont want to. Well overall great with other programs like art, PE, and music.