Florence Elementary School

3914 First Avenue

School District

San Diego Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

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 parent on June 13, 2022

What a hidden gem of a school. You have seasoned principal, teachers and staff that work so well as a team. You can tell they all really like each other. We were extremely lucky to snag a UTK spot here for my 4 year old a year before UTK gets rolled out to the rest of the District. With a 24 to 2 class ratio and sometimes has even a third teacher with science class once a week. By the end of the year my 4 year old was reading Beginning Bob Books, writing her name and other small words and starting basic math. She truly got a leg up on her academics and social skills going to this school. But most importantly she developed a love of learning and a love for school.
Submitted by parent on February 23, 2022

I am grateful that I can trust the teachers and staff as they truly care about the development of their students. Principal Conerty is wonderful, knows each students name, and greets people at the gates before school often. Mrs. Johnson-Walls is an incredible educator and my son has had a wonderful time in her class.
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2021

I only have experience with the UTK program and I have to say it is better than I could have imagined. The 2/20 ratio with a third helper is amazing. The dedicated space is huge and protected from the rest of the school and community. The daily picture grams we get is more than we could ever ask for. And most importantly, my kid LOVES going to school. I couldn't ask for anything more. Keep up the amazing work. I thank you for all you do for my learner.
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2020

For the last four years, I've enjoyed being a part of a thriving learning community which focused on the whole person in context to developmental goals of K-5 students. My daughter and her classmates received a high quality education and will be better equipped with taken responsibility for their learning, advocating for themselves and demonstrating forbearance and empathy for others.
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2019

Our experience here has been fantastic -- this is a small school with caring staff. My child has been going here for several years, since kindergarten, and has really thrived at this school. There is a very diverse student population, which is also a wonderful aspect of the school.
Submitted by parent on April 04, 2018

Our experience at Florence has been incredible. Both of my kids will go here until middle school.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2017

I love this school! It is a smaller school with a friendly and safe atmosphere. My child's teachers have all been wonderful and have had lots of communication with me to share positive things as well as quickly address issues that arise. Mrs. Conerty is an effective principle who cares about the school and the children. I also really enjoy the Prime Time program at this school under Mr. Jaime's leadership.
Submitted by parent on June 17, 2016

I have 2 kids at Florence, finishing Kinder and 4th grade this year. So happy to have Ms. Conerty as new principal this year, she is so involved and has made fantastic changes. There is so much more communication now. The teachers are dedicated and caring; I have loved every single one so far. This is a small school, about 250-300 kids, and many are low-income. Behavior problems are statistically more of a problem in this demographic so the teachers definitely have their work cut out for them. I would not blame the teachers for not being able to handle problem students; I would blame a government who forces them to have up to 36 students per teacher. They are absolutely doing the best they can. It's true, the front office staff is not very customer-service friendly, but they aren't rude. The Prime Time Staff is great too. I don't understand the low ratings on here at all. Also, there is much less homework now that we have the new principal.
Submitted by parent on June 17, 2016

Florence is a wonderful, little school that gets better each year. My daughter has been there for 5 years and will be moving to middle school this Fall. There are amazing teachers at Florence who care about learning and work hard to provide a good education to a diverse student body. The new principal, Mrs. Conerty, is an enthusiastic, engaging professional who strives to improve the educational experience for all students. Communication with parents is much better this year. The newly formed PTA is gaining traction and has served students well. That's why numerous families from others parts of San Diego county send their kids to Florence. Their special ed teachers are spectacular; you'll have a hard time finding better teachers elsewhere. So if you like your children to have a fine education with passionate, caring teachers and a school that values substance over optics, then send them to Florence.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2015

This is a very bad school. Teachers without motivation. Kids preoccupied with enormous amount of homework daily. Communication between parents and school is poorly established. School doesn't take any action in the case of bulling. Overall, pretty bad experience.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2014

Excellent teaching staff. Most of the teachers at Florence have been there 10+ years and truly care and are dedicated tot heir students. It is not just a job for them.
Submitted by other on April 11, 2014

Florence is an amazing elementary school with a community feel. Students feel as if they are part of a big family and are motivated to learn. My grandson is excited to go to school every day! He is in Transitional Kindergarten and is reading, writing, adding and subtracting! I am so impressed with the quality of teaching at this school.
Submitted by other on August 21, 2013

I will immediately give this school 5 stars. I grew up in that school. The teachers love you and treat you like their own. Ms.Mackenzie was like my family. She was my 1-2nd grade teacher. I am now in 8th grade and we mail each other, go to the zoo together, I know her husband and cats like they are my family. I hated leaving that school it's like a home, every kid loves learning here. Ms. Fox, Ms. Murphy, Ms. Miller, and Ms. Mackenzie are astonishing teachers. I love them so much I always love visiting that school over and over. -A proud former student I had an amazing time there
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2013

The Majority of the school staff are very RUDE in the front office. The do not make you feel welcomed and treat you with little respect. I have not seen a lot of parent involvement with this School as they make comments about keeping the attendance numbers up to get better funding etc. The principal is LAZY and very unprofessional. The teacher my child has right now has poor communication skills with returning calls or emails when I have inquired updates regarding my child. The Prime Time Staff is great and are very professional and approachable and treat you with respect. The school staff should treat all of the parents good as our children attending their school pays their bills and keeps lots of food on the table for them. I only gave them 1 STAR as their was not a button for Negative Star! Oh and to boot the location is terrible located in the middle of a industrial area. Their is a Smog shop across the street and all Commercial Properties surrounding this school. I'm not sure how they even have lasted this long with the lack of service and bad attitude. Yes I'm a very disgruntled parent and look forward to move my child to a different school that is a better fit!
Submitted by parent on May 09, 2013

What stand out for this school is the prime time. Ms. Trei is wonderful, and her yourng team works very hard. The kids never get board because there are so many activities after school (in prime time). Teachers are great too. I am not sure why this school rated so low.
Submitted by parent on February 13, 2013

Teachers are wonderful here. Ms. Mckenzie, Mrs Holcomb and Mrs.Miller are fantastic and really love the kids and school. Makes a big difference
Submitted by parent on August 24, 2012

I am a single father and when it came time to enroll my preschooler I was scared, nervous and very naive. The ladies at Florence,( especially Mrs. Estill the principle) were so educational and supportive. My son is now going to the 6th grade and has graduated out of Florence. I am grateful to have had my son surrounded by the dedicated educators for 7 years.