Hawthorne Elementary School

4750 Lehrer Drive

School District

San Diego Unified
Grade

K-6
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 August 22, 2024

Our experience at Hawthorne has been exceptional. Principal Robinson leads the charge and creates an environment the students, parents and teachers want to be part of. There is a real feel of community at this school. My child is learning and motivated each day.
Submitted by parent on November 04, 2023

My two kids go to Hawthorne and they both love this school. Students are diverses in race, culture and abilities. There are many parents involved acitivities. Teachers and staff are very caring and principal Robinson is the best. I have no complain about this school so far.
Submitted by parent on December 09, 2020

We have been part of the Hathorne family since 2012. This has been a wonderful environment for learning for both of my children. My older daughter started as a 2nd grader and is now in High School and my younger started in K and is now a 5th grader. all of the teachers are fantastic, the seminar program is great as are all of the programs offered. Great leadership with the newer Principal Robinson. We were there through a lot of coming and going Principals and through it all, the teachers were fantastic and really lead the school. Having her join made things even better. Great option for neighborhood school or to choice into.
Submitted by parent on March 05, 2020

My family has been attending Hawthorne since 1967. My sister, her daughter and son and now my grandniece. I have seen the difference in how the children have been taught over the years. I am amazed at the high quality of education my grandniece is receiving in kindergarten. She is working at 1st grade level with daily homework assignments. She loves this school and her teacher.
Submitted by parent on February 18, 2020

My children started school at Hawthorne in 2015 this is our neighborhood school and we decided to give it a chance. As a parent we all want the best for our children and one of my biggest concerns for me is safety. Second, I wanted them to be around well behaved kids (no bullies). As far as their education goes, I decided from the very beginning that I would take an active role in my children’s learning. Teachers and staff are faced with a difficult job daily and really don’t get enough support.Almost 5 years at that school and I am very proud of what they have accomplished. They made it to the 2020 list of California’s Distinguished schools!! The campus is always secure, they believe in building character and this foundation is important in preparing our kids for their future. It’s a small community which encourages a it’s members to have fun and to get involved. I am most proud of our Principal Miss Lauren Robinson. Her passion and dedication truly is heartwarming. She is extremely hands on and is easy to talk to. She’s often in front of the school before and after to ensure all is going well for drop off and pick ups. You’ll even meet her parents mom and dad Robinson; they are so supportive and helpful and it’s always a pleasure to see them on campus.Remember I was concerned about safety? Every morning a staff member is at the drop off zone and the front gate is secured as soon as school begins. After school the staff stays out front until each student has left campus. If any student is left waiting, that staff member walks them to the office.
Submitted by parent on November 08, 2019

I cant emphasize the importance of the seminar program for gifted students. These students are special needs students who have been taught to harness their intelligence and taught to succeed. I give all credits to these two teachers in my childrens' academic success!
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2019

Fantastic school, great leadership with Principal Robinson and wonderful teachers. Awesome neighborhood school. Do not overlook this just because you assume the other 10 out of 10 school is that much better. Open your eyes, take a tour, and ask questions!
Submitted by parent on August 21, 2018

Extremely positive. Great staff. Excellent communication throughout the year.
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2018

Excellent! We really loved the school. Ms Marsi is the best!
Submitted by parent on February 23, 2018

We'd had experience with both another public school (that has received a 10) as well as a couple of private schools. The seminar program at Hawthorne is unmatched. The 2nd/3rd grade teacher has high expectations and keeps the kids challenged. So very happy we found this gem!
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2018

I can speak of our family's experience in H's special education preschool--fantastic! and also the seminar program--outstanding! The principal is great--she knows when your child is having an off day, and she'll call home. We find the seminar program challenging--my kids' vocabulary is increasing exponentially and math is rewarding--tough and fun. The preschool staff is really great---they work as a great team with wonderful lead teacher direction. Extremely pleased with the school. PTA sponsored-science program for the whole school has been great for my kids. One brought home a crane made from straws and toothpicks; my other child's crane broke but he knew what he would change next time (and was smiling about it).
Submitted by parent on May 22, 2017

Coming from a well know private school. I would say this school did a better job at teaching my two children.
Submitted by other on February 08, 2017

Just great, so excited to have Mrs. Robinson leading this school and the community should be excited to have this great neighborhood school. They have TWO preschools on site and great extended day program with caring and dedicated volunteers.
Submitted by parent on January 13, 2017

Hawthorne has a very energetic, enthusiastic Principal, and incredibly dedicated teachers who have served at the school for many years.There is a pre-school onsite, the YMCA Prime Time Extended Day Program, and many after-school activities are available. The GATE Seminar program for gifted students is extremely successful under the tutorage of two remarkable teachers, Ms. Smith and Ms. Sherman.Hawthorne is fortunate to have a very active PTA which raises funds for various field trips to San Diego Symphony and Classics 4 Kids each year, it also funds science classes, music appreciation classes, ballet, the YMCA P.E. program; and organizes annual jogathons, book fairs, and community events such as the Halloween Carnivals and Movie Nights.
Submitted by other on November 29, 2016

Hawthorne is a friendly neighborhood school with an exceptional program for gifted students. Their GATE Seminar program was well worth choicing into. It provided separate classes composed of GATE students that were taught by highly experienced teachers familiar with the special needs of the gifted population. My child was academically and artistically challenged, but also received the social-emotional support that is necessary for gifted children to thrive. An active parent-led foundation forms an engaging and supportive community for families with gifted students.
Submitted by other on October 03, 2016

Has a grandparent my grandson's have attended Hawthorne Elementary for the past 6 years since they are military children they have returned off and on since 2011! All 3 of the boys have experienced success with all the teachers they have come in contact with. The teachers are dedicated, enthusiastic with many years of experience throughout all grades. The community and family involvement at Hawthorne is outstanding. Hawthorne is under a new Principle and Mrs. Robinson is awesome she is very much involved and is dedicated in serving the students and parents! She is striving to make every child a learner!!!! The students receive many educational enrichments both in the classrooms and on the many field trips the students receive throughout the year.
Submitted by parent on September 12, 2016

We've been very happy with this school for both of our children. The teachers are dedicated, enthusiastic, and experienced. Most have been there more than ten years. We love the community and family involvement at such a small neighborhood school. There has been a lot of turnover of principals in the past, but since 2015 the principal has been FANTASTIC! My children have received a very rich education here - great teachers supplemented by wonderful educational enrichments both in the classrooms (e.g., experts that come to the school to give presentations) and on field trips (Natural History Museum, San Diego Symphony, college campuses, nature tours through San Diego Audubon and Tijuana River Nature Reserve, etc.). We couldn't be happier!
Submitted by teacher on March 26, 2015

Hawthorne is a small school with a dedicated teaching staff who are supportive not only of one another but the students and parents as well.
Submitted by teacher on February 13, 2015

As a newer teacher, I could not have received a better placement than at Hawthorne Elementary. The staff has embraced me with open arms and works efficiently together to provide our students with the best learning experience possible. Hawthorne has a smaller learning community with teachers that are committed to furthering each child's education. There are many great things coming in Hawthorne's future!
Submitted by parent on January 22, 2015

My third child is attending the seminar program in 3rd Grade at Hawthorne this year transferring from a neighborhood school. At the old school he was a failure and we kept getting notices of his misbehaving and failing in class. Now at Hawthorne, he is prospering into a promising student. Mrs. Sherman is paying attention to each student individually instead just as a number. I would recommend to parents of any GATE Certified students to send their kids to this school.