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Reviews
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2023
We switched to this school and absolutely love it. A positive / experienced teacher, supportive / inclusive admin, wonderful school programs, beautiful campus / classrooms, involved / welcoming parents have made this an environment my child looks forward to every morning.My child is now absolutely thriving in an better environment after they had a terrible experience at another Tierrasanta school. Highly, highly recommend this school! Can’t say enough positive things!
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2022
Love this school. Super involved PTF. Art, music and science classes. Great selection of after school clubs. Fantastic neighborhood school with great financial support from the community to provide our kids a well rounded, nurturing and rigorous elementary school experience.
Submitted by parent on April 18, 2022
Our student attended Kumeyaay for several years. On a positive note, a couple of the teachers were outstanding: dedicated, compassionate, and kind. Unfortunately, this did not make up for the significant lack of understanding shown by the principal and several of special education staff regarding the needs of kids who depart from the norm, i.e. have any kind of learning difference. The leadership of this school opts for "discipline" over understanding why a child might be struggling in the classroom setting. The overall plan seems to be to make life so uncomfortable for these students and their parents that they will either choose to leave, or be forced out through the disciplinary process. According to the National Council on Learning Disabilities (NCLD), 1 in 5 kids has a learning disability, including dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, dysgraphia, and/or problems with executive function. With almost 400 students at Kumeyaay, one can estimate there are 80+ kids in need of screening for special education services at the school. Parents: if your student is struggling academically or socially, you will have to be the one to advocate for your student in the face of an administration that will do go to great lengths to deny your child access to the services they are legally entitled to. This is not an exaggeration. Educate yourself, know your child's rights, talk to other parents, and hire an advocate if you can. Your child will need you!
Submitted by parent on October 03, 2021
Coming back in person after Covid Distance Learning has been an adjustment. The teachers have been a wonderful support to the students, and we are thrilled with the high expectations in the classroom to make up for lost time. The issue at this school is the leadership. As with many principals, they start strong, but then bow to the pressure of bully parents. A leader should be a leader and lead by example. I’ve watched this administrator lead the school in a positive direction, and then move toward the “easy route” by letting parents have their way by throwing temper tantrums and threats. I believe principals should be moved at regular intervals to keep the ideas fresh. It’s time for this one to move on.
Submitted by parent on October 03, 2019
We feel grateful that our child has had the opportunity to attend Kumeyaay Elementary. We've recommended it to many of our friends outside the area, as our experience has been really wonderful. The teachers, principal are friendly, enthusiastic eductors and really good role models for our child.
Submitted by parent on February 03, 2019
I would rate it with one word: horrid. My supporting evidence? The day we pulled our kid from this school, on our way out, the principal gave a hug to my son and told me: “I’m sorry that you had to go through such a terrible (or bad-I can’t remember her exact word) experience here.”Kindergarten teaching is a completely different thing than elementary school teaching. It’s during these years (TK&K) that kids either start loving school or hating it. As a parent who saw the transformation on my kids attitude towards a much more positive and calmer one after moving out of this school, I can safely say that even if you ace your pedagogical formation classes at school, unless you have a high enough EQ to empatize with the little ones, have a willingness to go to their level to understand their emotional needs, know a thing or two about positive reinforcement (which is tens of times harder than just sending 5 y.o.s to the principal’s office constantly), have nerves of steel, simply do something else with your life.
Submitted by parent on November 05, 2018
This school is wonderful! The staff, admin, teachers and principal are so kind and supportive and professional. My kids have thrived at this school.
Submitted by parent on November 02, 2018
Excellent. The level of Professionalism and Education that the teachers and Principal have is fenomenal!. This new principal really cares for their Teachers and Students.
Submitted by parent on October 26, 2018
I have been a Kumeyaay parent for 5 years now and my 3 children are happy at Kumeyaay. They are happy with their teachers, enjoy the programs, and growing both academically and non-academically. The children have built some long-lasting relationships with many of their peers. The school staff are positive and supportive. There are many parent involved volunteers but of course, we always need more.Generally speaking, most public schools are underfunded which limit select activities for the students. The Foundation at Kumeyaay is a non-profit fundraising organization which was created to raise money for needed educational programs at Kumeyaay that are not funded by the school district. The Foundation consist of parent volunteers who work with the school, parents, the local community, and small and large businesses to support Kumeyaay Elementary.With the contributions received, Kumeyaay has been able to provide Science, Music and Art classes and much more for all of the students.
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2018
Kumeyaay has been a wonderful environment for my two children to attend elementary school. They have loved their teachers and have really enjoyed the "extras" offered at the school (science lab, art lessons, music, spanish, running club, garden club, etc.). The teachers are truly dedicated to their students, and the entire staff is friendly and approachable.
Submitted by other on October 13, 2018
This school is exceptional. The focus is on the whole child. Parents and staff work as a partnership for the benefit of all children.
Submitted by other on October 13, 2018
This is a school with a amazing teachers and students. Right when I walk in the office, I am greeted with smiles and warmth. There are fundraisers for Science, music / performance, and fine art classes for all students, which is invaluable! This school is defiantly above and beyond anything I even imagined!!
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2018
Our children have attended 3 elementary schools and this is by far our favorite. There’s a great balance between academic experience and educating the whole child, a strong sense of community, and every teacher we’ve had has been great. I am grateful that our children are learning and growing in such a great school!
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2018
I have had 2 children go through Kumeyaay and they have been well prepared for middle school.
Submitted by parent on October 05, 2018
Overall Kumeyaay has been an amazing place for our child. The teachers effectively communicate with the children and the parents. The community and parent involvement are what really push the experience over the top! So much effort is put in by volunteers to create a thriving learning environment.
Submitted by parent on October 02, 2018
My children have had a great experience at Kumeyaay. The staff, students, and families all work together and form a special community. The science, music and art programs are a fantastic addition that are unique to our school. The school also offers a garden club, yearbook club, spirit club, kinder buddies, and more. So lucky to have this as our neighborhood school!
Submitted by parent on October 01, 2018
We have nothing but praise for our school. Our child is thriving and wakes up each day excited to get to school. The community feel that is felt throughout we are also thankful for. The push to continue top notch science and music programs is such a bonus. The hands on experience by “bigger than life” teachers with these programs is wonderful. Our grade level teachers have also been wonderful. Great communication for parents and open to/thankful for parent volunteers. Highly recommend Kumeyaay for your child!
Submitted by other on March 19, 2018
Awful school. Program isn’t very good. Biased, Common Core, always underfunded and begging parents for supplies and constant in-your-face fundraising while the teachers earn 93K per year. Very unhappy with this school.
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2016
We choiced into Kumeyaay Elementary for it's reputation of being a wonderful school. Kumeyaay has exceeded my expectations. The front office staff is friendly and always willing to help. Nurse Chris is amazingly caring and great with the kids on the days she is there. Michele in the office is marvelous, hard working and caring. Mrs. Aguilera is remarkable. She is incredibly patient, organized and inclusive. Teaching is a true calling for her. Mrs. Montgomery is very involved, kind and almost always available. Kumeyaay has wonderful parent involvement, a fantastic Foundation that funds the Art, Science and Music programs. Kumeyaay has a garden club that has produced some vegetables for use in the cafeteria. Kumeyaay has some wonderful traditions and as well. I am very glad my child is able to be a part of such a terrific school.
Submitted by teacher on April 08, 2014
Our school is a terrific school to work and learn at. There is a lot of collaboration between staff and students to ensure learning is a priority. Our students take on responsibility with a sense of pride and ownership. Our military families are welcomed into our Kumeyaay family knowing they have a lot of support and are never alone. Our staff is caring and we work as a team. Even though our budget is pretty much next to none, and our resources are slim, we still make it work in each of our classrooms.