Normal Heights Elementary School

3750 Ward Road

School District

San Diego Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
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 March 01, 2024

Normal Heights Elementary definitely comes off as a viable option for your child. In the years that my child has attended this establishment, I've taken note of a few things. (1) LACK OF COMMUNICATION; Teachers are slow, if not, borderline negligent when notifying parents of planned class projects, or simply providing updates that deviates from a class' normal schedule. This isn't limited to the Teachers. Even with the aid of an app called "Class Dojo", I still have not received a response from the Principal regarding an inquiry.(2) THE RECRUITER ; Although, a very nice and polite individual, the Principal comes off as a recruiter, rather than a "Principal". Whether it is casual small talk, or in auditorium, if you have another child younger than 4 years of age, be prepared for conversation to deviate and expect to be asked about the child's age, attending TK4, and whether or not your toddler would possibly qualify for enrollment, even if you have no inquiries, or concerns about the topic. I understand that there's funding in numbers, however, sometimes an individuals demeanor breaks through a little too much, and bit uncomfortable at times. Yes, it has happened more than once.(3) IDEOLOGICAL FARCE; "Community", "Consideration", and "Child Well-Being", are a few things that all will agree with. Personal experience has given me the privilege of encountering Teacher(s) with a "power-trip" mentality. There are Teachers who will "shift blame" about "forcing to make a scene" when a Parent is attempting to console their crying child. Most logical, and sympathetic individuals would allow a Parent to help calm, and comfort their own child. However, I don't know if it was discrimation, bias stance or simply an unknow reason for retaliatialion by Teachers, nevertheless, Teachers or any other Staff Member that exhibit this sort of behavior are not about "Community", "Consideration" or a "Child's Well-Being", moreover, it unequivocally unacceptable. I've forgiven the Teacher's outburst, and dismissed incident as a "mismanaged situation", but it seems as though some Teachers like to hold grudges. Very sad situation.(4) TAKE AWAY; Pay close attention to the Staff and the conversations you have. New Parents shouldn't be discouraged. Schools are like businesses. If a particular company doesn't serve you and your child's best interest, look for another company. The key is School Tranparency, and respect for a Parents sacrifice, responsibilty, and obligation.
Submitted by parent on July 18, 2019

From the day I had a tour with the School Counselor till now, myself and my daughter have had a great experience. From being greeted once on campus everyday, my daughter on the daily, excited to tell me what she learned from her teacher and to walking around campus and seeing all the art around campus... it’s been a great experience.
Submitted by other on July 17, 2019

Very passionate teachers. They care about their students being the best than can be.
Submitted by parent on July 17, 2019

Love this school. Highly recommend. Wouldn't go elsewhere.
Submitted by parent on February 20, 2019

This school was a failure to our bright boy who went in loving learning, loving reading and math, loving to share information, loving to discover. They shot it all down with a series of negative critical harsh interactions, treating him as bad instead of needing supports, treating him as a problem instead of finding a solution. They don't respect the children at the school, so how are they supposed to learn and respect? They don't care or show compassion towards emotion at this school, so how should social emotional skills be built and supported? They aren't here. I am still very upset they did so much damage in only two months at this school, when they could've supported, differentiated, connected, and cared for our student. Our student deserved more, and they all deserve more at Normal Heights Elementary School. The school admin, school psych and TK/kindergarten teacher should be ashamed of themselves for treating their children and the families so negatively daily. I 100% do NOT recommend you sending your child to this school if you need kindness, compassion, quality instruction, differentiation, supports, strong leadership or thoughtful follow through. NHEM does NOT have any of those traits essential to an elementary school!
Submitted by parent on November 07, 2018

We love this school. The teachers all care for the students and work together to find ways to bring more experiences to the classroom.
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2012

My son is only in preschool here, but so far I have been very happy with the quality of education he is receiving. The teachers and the principal are all really trying to engage the parents--there are "Family Fridays" every last Friday of the month where parents come to visit their children's classrooms and read to them for 1/2 hour. There is also a meeting where the principal explains new developments in the school. The campus itself is bright and clean, and his preschool teacher and the aides are friendly and seem very invested in their students doing well. Sometimes they are a bit disorganized (we receive notifications about meetings sort of last minute), but what hard-working teacher isn't overworked and frazzled these days? Overall, so far I am very pleased with this school.