Jefferson Elementary School

3770 Utah Street

School District

San Diego Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:18
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 January 31, 2025

Jefferson Elementary School in North Park, San Diego, is a shining example of educational excellence. The students are enthusiastic and engaged, contributing to a vibrant learning environment. The dedicated faculty and staff are committed to fostering both academic and social-emotional growth, ensuring each child thrives. The school’s International Baccalaureate (IB) and STEAM curricula enrich learning, promoting critical thinking and creativity. Parents praise the warm and welcoming community, noting the exceptional programs and unique opportunities available to students. Jefferson Elementary truly stands out as a cornerstone of quality education in San Diego.
Submitted by parent on September 15, 2024

I am a proud Jefferson Elementary parent. My child has had a fantastic experience at Jefferson. The teachers, community, and equitable programs are exceptional. Students are offered so many unique free enrichment opportunities on a weekly basis. This includes art, sports, garden club, dance, performing arts, music, Spanish, and even free after school clubs. In addition, Jefferson is a STEAM and IB magnet school. I highly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on May 31, 2024

Jefferson Elementary is a wonderfully diverse and culturally accepting school, it's the schools views on students with disabilities and neurodiversity that is severely lacking. Their idea of placement for these kids is outdated and many of the younger kids with an IEP end up getting sent away to another school, on "parent request." The Education Specialist will make strong "suggestions" to parents, using phrases like, "your only options are..." Many students with challenges get sent away, the rest of the staff isn't trained or knowledgeable on the best practices for these kids. For special education there is an equity and belonging issue. There are several children, this year, that they tried to send away, certain "difficult" students with an IEP are not being given a chance. If your child is on an IEP I would be wary. But also come here, show them our children do belong at their school of residence.
Submitted by parent on February 24, 2024

Jefferson is a wonderful neighborhood school. Truly a special place and amazing community to be a part of.
Submitted by parent on February 08, 2024

I am a mom of a kindergarten student at Jefferson Elementary and I am very happy with my experience since deciding on this program. We moved to San Diego over the summer and was trying to specifically find an IB program for my son (If you don't know about IB schools, I would encourage you to look into them as it is a really amazing program.) By far, from all the message boards I scoured, moms and parents I reached out to and school programs I reached out to Jefferson families, and staff were the most responsive and helpful while I was trying to find a school for my kids from another state. They have welcomed me into the community circle with warmth and kindness. My son is thriving in this school. I love that he exposed to diversity with his classmates & teachers, different cultural elements are weaved into so much of what they do daily. They spend a lot of time outside which is important to me. There are many club opportunities for after school like soccer, art, lego club, and garden club through Good Neighbor Gardens. But the every day curriculum includes dance, spanish, arts, music, and what I feel like is a great balance of learning, play and creative outlets. They really focus on kindness, critical thinking skills, and your childs place in the world. If you are on the fence, I encourage you to reach out to the Friends Of Jefferson groups on facebook, or online, (This is the PTA for the school who is very involved and active in the school and community.) Check out a neighborhood school, I think you'll be so surprised on the quality of education and sense of community.
Submitted by principal on February 08, 2024

I am a proud parent at Jefferosn Elementary. I also work as a leader in education in San Diego county. My child had grown academically as well has emotionally at this site. The STEAM and IB program has allowed children to soar and be inspired to change the world. The staff and community are exceptional! Highly recommend Jefferosn!
Submitted by parent on February 08, 2024

My daughter is in kindergarten here at Jefferson and I have to say this is a fantastic school! Her kindergarten teacher Mrs. Pallieto-Lima is amazing! My daughter loves going to school and has learned so much. I love how family oriented this school is, they invite families to the school once a month for “family Fridays” to be part of your child’s class. Also, they make it very easy for families to participate in school activities and for families to be involved as much as they can! Jefferson also has great after school programs that are free! Dance, Art, Lego, Harry Potter club and chess to name a few. If you live in North Park and are looking at your neighborhood school and Jefferson is in your location you won’t be disappointed I promise!
Submitted by parent on November 07, 2023

While I can wholeheartedly recommend this school for a neurotypical kid, I would think twice before sending a kid with Special Education needs. Note that the suspension rate for kids with disabilities is 7%, which is significantly higher than any of the neighboring schools. Our family experienced this personally and are still deeply unhappy with the way our child was treated at Jefferson.
Submitted by parent on June 11, 2019

We were blown away by the personal tour given by principal Morga. They focus on bringing STEAM skills to bear on international problems. Happy to have both our boys there next year.
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2018

Our three boys attend Jefferson and we're happy with their academic progress. We love that they attend a wonderful neighborhood school within walking distance. The teachers and staff are nurturing; they really care about the students and families. Our kids had the same teachers as they advanced and it has given us the opportunity to really get to know them. It's a wonderful little community with a great principal and office staff. Take a tour and see what the school has to offer in its IB and STEAM curriculum as well as the environment your child will be learning in. We don't think you will be disappointed.
Submitted by parent on April 15, 2018

Our daughter is in her second year at Jefferson and our son will start Kindergarten there in the fall. We couldn't be happier with the education our daughter has received, both in and out of the classroom. We're impressed with the IB and STEAM curriculum and the way it is incorporated into the classroom from Kindergarten on up - and in the "extras" they receive like the gardening, art and Spanish classes. Not only is our child learning important concepts about reading, math, science and social studies; she is also learning how to form a community with kids from different backgrounds and how to respect and learn from one another. The teachers and parents we've met are kind and excited for the kids and the school. The North Park community support has also been outstanding, including fundraisers at local NP businesses. Sending our children to Jefferson has been a great way to meet and get to know other families in North Park. Jefferson is a great school. We're glad we decided to take a tour and see what it's all about before looking outside our neighborhood.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2017

We have two children who began at Jefferson and are currently in 2nd and 3rd grade. All of the teachers here are very engaged with the kids. The STEAM and IB Programs are two programs that have been implemented extremely well and all of the teachers are dedicated to providing a diverse and well rounded education. We couldn't be happier with the hard work from the staff and the leadership and dedication from Mr. Morga, the principal. Additionally, we are part of the parents group Friends of Jefferson and we love all of the community support from our local business and the engagement and dedication of many of the parents to help make this school one of the best in San Diego. Send your kids local and don't read too deeply into test scores showing up here. Go to the school, meet the staff, meet other parents and get involved. I assure you that this will be a great place for your children.
Submitted by parent on October 11, 2017

We have lived down the street from Jefferson for 16 years. We have watched it transform into one of the most progressive and forward thinking schools in the area. When we found out we were having our first child we knew she would attend Jefferson. She started this year and loves it! And I love that she and I can walk to and from school.
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2016

We looked at a lot of options but wanted to go to our neighborhood school. North Park is such an interesting and thriving community, and we found out that Jefferson Elementary is a hidden gem. When we toured the school, we were truly impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication of the principal and teachers, most of whom have been teaching there for over 10 years. All of the teachers have been very receptive to talking about different approaches to learning and we've seen it in action - from group collaborations and problem-based learning to the evolving role of homework in grade school, especially for younger children. We like the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and the fact that it is a STEAM magnet school. The IB component focuses on teaching the children to be citizens of the world, with an emphasis on building character and fostering tolerance. The STEAM component comprises such activities as the gardening program, Lego club, coding club, and art and dance classes. There is a wealth of activities and the children's days seem varied and fun. Our kids love going to school and it's been amazing to watch them blossom into avid learners. They've never complained of being bored or under stimulated. When the teacher from last year noticed that our daughter was reading above her grade level, she arranged for her to read to the preschool children, which cemented and advanced her reading skills further. This is but one example of how the school has individualized our children's education and nurtured their specific talents. We have been thrilled with our children's school experience so far and we look forward to watching them continue to grow on this rich and comprehensive educational journey.
Submitted by parent on November 24, 2014

My twin girls are in kindergarten at Jefferson and they love everything about it! So do my wife and I. Their teacher is so fantastic that my kids spend much of their free time drawing pictures of her and writing her notes. Mr. Morga, the principal, is accessible, open-minded, energetic, and beloved by kids, parents, and faculty alike. More parents in the Jefferson zone are wising up and sending their kids here--this year saw the highest kindergarten enrollment and the highest percentage of local families enrolled in decades. This is due in part to the promotional efforts of a group of dedicated parents and community members; but it seemed inevitable that Jefferson would get swept up in the North Park renaissance. We enrolled our kids here instead of choicing into other schools as many of our neighbors had, hoping Jefferson would provide not only a fine education for our kids (it's an IB school and a STEAM magnet), but also a greater connection between our family and our community. I could go on for days about the enrichment opportunities, library, afterschool programs, etc., but suffice it to say that so far the Jefferson experience has exceeded our hopes and expectations!
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2014

Jefferson school is such a great school my daughter is in TK right now and she is so happy and so I'm I . The Principal Mr. Morgan is such a great and professional guy I really like that he is always taking care of the kids and teachers too. They are so organized my daughter she went to preschool at this school too and she was in miss rosiles class and we love her a lot she is the best . I love that school and the plan they have . Thumbs up for Jefferson Steam Magnet IB world school.
Submitted by parent on May 15, 2014

This school has been wonderful. My daughter is in Transitional Kindergarten right now and was also here at Jefferson for preschool last year. The Principal, Mr Morga is a very genuine and good spirited man. The staff is all pretty great. We have been so lucky to have Mrs. Rosiles for preschool last year and Mrs. Dow for TK this year. There are always fun field trips and activities going on for the kids. My daughter loves it here. Unfortunately we are moving to the North County this summer and I will have to change her school for next year. But if we ever move back, I will put my daughter right back in Jefferson. Their after-school care program on campus (Primetime) has also been awesome.
Submitted by parent on April 09, 2014

Jefferson Elementary School in San Diego, deserves to be recognized for the amazing way it has transformed over the past few years. When you first arrive at the school site, people are welcoming and they smile making you feel comfortable right away. The school has gone from old and drab to new and bright with all the physical changes that have been made on the outside. On the inside, the students are all engaged in their activities. The leadership has been exemplary with Principal Morga, who is the force behind all these amazing changes. He is a kind, caring, approachable human being that is truly dedicated to his job. There's always some type of activity or event going on that includes the neighboring community. I had worked as a school secretary in a nearby school that closed, those students then transferred to Jefferson Elementary, which pleased me greatly to know they would be attending a quality school very similar to the previous one they attended in our neighborhood.
Submitted by parent on February 13, 2013

My son is now in 5th grade, and I am extremely thankful that he was able to attend Jefferson since kindergarten. Together we've raised a wonderful kid. He's above grade-level academically, he's challenged, he's stimulated, he's taught to think and, most importantly, he LOVES being at school. School feels like home and family- the staff and parents make this school feel like a community. Extra curricular activities are plentiful and help kids feel connected to school. There is a sense of playfulness and fun on campus. PTA is active, and the principal is dynamic. His teachers have been excellent.
Submitted by parent on December 23, 2012

Jefferson Elementary School is an excellent school. The Principal, Teachers and Staff genuinely care about each individual student. The curriculum is designed to teach children reading, writing, and math as well as how to be good citizens of the world. Students are taught with the use of computers and up-to-date teaching techniques. Children are encouraged to be proud of themselves for their culture and ethnicity and to have respect for all cultures. Children are given positive, special attention when they have trouble with certain lessons until they master concepts confidently. I have met Jefferson graduates who have successfully gone on to higher education and now are accomplished adults with families of their own and good jobs. I recommend Jefferson Elementary to parents who want to see their children excel in school.