Ocean Beach Elementary School

4741 Santa Monica Avenue

School District

San Diego Unified
Grade

K-4
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:19
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 other on April 25, 2023

Great school- The staff truly cares about the students which I really loved! When I went there it was really fun and I felt like throughout the years of me going there, there was really a big message all the teachers really preach which is 'Be kind!' we even sang a song called Catch the Wave in the morning that talks about respect and stuff like that (which all the students love singing.) I went there in the past and it is an awesome elementary school :)))
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2018

My son has been with OB since TK and is incoming 4th that can write and spell at an incoming 2nd er! I demanded he be tested end of 1st. Couldn't spell, write or read past K. One teacher had him 2nd and then a 2-3 combo last yr. I demanded testing end of last yr (3rd). Huge deficit and an IEP. How does a 2nd grader now go into 4th grade?? They all knew it especially the principle. I am demanding he be changed to Silvergate or Loma Portal. There is a reason why those schools get choiced in until they are full by Jan. But OB is still asking to finds students even into the first few weeks of school. What does that tell you?
Submitted by parent on August 03, 2016

My son will be starting his 4th year at OB elementary at the end of August. We had high hopes when we moved to town, and the staff managed to exceed them. The biggest reason to love this school is because of the staff, I have yet to meet a staff that as a whole, perpetuates a culture of learning, and community with genuine caring and commitment to their jobs. Each teacher my son has had, has exhibited a love and aptitude for their job. pushing the students constructively to achieve their goals in a safe, nurturing environment. Theres always a special project, school event, extra curricular activity or field trip on the horizon. Through my sons IEP, we meet regularly with the principal, counselor, teachers, psychologist, occupational therapist, and aides.. They have patiently helped to guide us through the complicated waters of an IEP. Through which we genuinely felt they had his well being and best interest in mind. Its never a short cut or a brush off. Its sincere attention and time spent answering many many questions from concerned parents (me). The principal has adressed every concern and question with personnal attention while showing a trust and appreciation for his staff. In short, theyre making magic at OB elementary. From the student garden, to the dragon parade downtown and everything inbetween my son has blossomed academically and socially into a respectful, well spoken individual with goals, and confidence.. Ive read a few bad reviews on this site, from folks I genuinely believe have their expectations out of sync. We have truely seen other terrible schools and dealt with sub par principles and staffs. We struck gold here. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2015

Ocean Beach Elementary is an amazing school. It's a place where teachers want to work and where neighborhood parents want to send their kids. OB Elementary is a California distinguished school, and the fourth-graders over the 2014–15 school year came in 10th in the district in their English Language Arts scores on the new Smarter Balanced tests! The arts program is the best in our cluster, with visiting artists coming to us from Young Audiences, a nonprofit organization with over 60 years experience of working with kids and the arts in San Diego. Ocean Beach Elementary is a very environmentally conscious school with a Zero Waste lunch program, community garden and composting! It's all due in part to our parents, staff and students. The community of Ocean Beach is very involved, supporting our school through fundraisers and partnerships. We have a very active parent community, contributing their talents such as science, music, arts, and other experience. Ocean Beach Elementary is a safe school, where I felt comfortable sending my child for five years, with another set to move on to middle school in two more years. OB Elementary is a true neighborhood school, nestled in an eclectic and beautiful community.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2015

My Daughter has been attending OBE since Kindergarten, and we couldn't be happier with the school. All of the teachers really care about the students, and the art and music program is awesome.
Submitted by parent on July 29, 2015

My daughter completed Kindergarten and she had "the strictest teacher" in the school Mrs. Silva Flores. My daughter excelled at this school in so many ways from maturity to academics. She made a complete 180 from Sept-June, she went from a non reader to a child who could read level 3 books. My daughter loved her teacher, she loved her class and had lots of friends. We had small bully incident towards the middle of the year but after I contacted the office and had a meeting with the counselor and everything was resolved, the boy stopped messing with her. She took Spanish class and was sad when it was over. The gates except for 1 which is closest to the office are all locked from school start till the bell rings at the end. I loved how she had older classes "learning buddies" visit her class a different one each time. It made it that the younger kids had friends in older classes. All in all I loved this school and if we didn't have to move she would be starting 1st grade there. Thank you OBE!
Submitted by parent on December 29, 2014

The recent posts do not tell the full story. OB Elementary is an outstanding primary school. The teachers are exemplary, the quality of instruction is superior, and the community support is profound. The school is a CALIFORNIA DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL and ARTS ACHIEVEMENT SCHOOL for good cause. The has become the school of choice by those in the neighborhood (and there is school choice in this District) is its own testimony. The teachers are truly responsive and know your child. As for the security concerns, the school is now completely gated. Entrances and gates are locked at the close of the morning open air assembly where parents are encouraged to be present, not just drop their kids off. Each classroom door is now equipped with a "lockdown" easy lock. A new crosswalk was placed in and volunteer parent safety guards are there DAILY. The reality is that Ocean Beach Elementary is confronted by many urban realities and prevails with rich diversity, wonderful community spirit, and true dedication to excellence. As with the previous posts, please do your homework and you will find that OB Elementary reflects the best in public education.
Submitted by parent on July 26, 2013

I have to agree that the security issues are a real problem at this school. It is a known problem that because they are connected to a park and rec field those gates at the back of the school are never locked. It isn't the worst school in the world by any means but there are several other public schools in the area that by comparison are hands down better academically and a lot friendly. While it's true that OBE has an art curriculum it isn't as great as everyone says. One of the most disconcerting things was that at the end of the year several parents were notified that their students art would be on public display at a local bank and that they would like the students to come check it out. That sounded great but the entire thing was a ploy to try to get new accounts which has no place in my kids school. Totally not impressed.
Submitted by parent on July 21, 2013

OB has been an awesome school for my 3 children! I have been there to see OB grow stronger for the past 8 years and would recommend OB as one of the best schools anywhere. There is a joy of learning and a real feel of community. The arts program is fantastic! We will miss our retiring principal but will be right there to support the new one. We were very picky when we toured and researched schools and found OB to have the strongest staff anywhere around.The majority of the teachers are fantastic and if you really know them well, it has NOTHING to do with age. It's about passion and knowledge. Just like in most schools, there are a few teachers that could jazz it up. If there is a problem go see the principal or put it in writing so it can be addressed. Get very involved in the classroom and with events, and don't be afraid to speak up when you have a concern. It's Ocean Beach!
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2013

adly, with the Principal leaving, I think this school is going to go downhill fast. There are some fantastic parents who work very hard to keep that school up to par but with no library and burned-out teachers (who have taught there 20 plus years) who hate their jobs, I think this school will be back down to a 1 star in the very near future. I will say that there are some fantastic teachers who are younger and have taught there for maybe 5 years or less but their passion and love of teaching is always squelched by the big mama tenured teachers who have been there 20 plus years. There is a definite dichotomy of wonderful, newer teachers vs. the burned out older teachers and nothing really in between. The older, burned out teachers are more like dictators as they like to have the children be seen and not heard. I suggest if you go to this school and this is your experience that you do everything you can to get your child into a healthy classroom with a teacher who has a zest for teaching. It will make all the difference in your child's test scores and overall attitude and aptitude. Unhappy kids in an unhealthy classroom is not a good combination.
Submitted by parent on May 16, 2013

My daughter's school has been excellent for my daughter. The staff, teachers and children are amazing. The principal really gets involved.
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2013

It would be hard to imagine a more wonderful school that OBE. A diverse and accepting community, strong academics, one of the best (if not THE best) arts program in the district, and an awesome and supportive group of teachers. It's an incredible place with incredible people. My family just attended the annual fundraiser for the arts last weekend. It was so much fun! I volunteered, along with tons more people, and it was a great experience. Kids hip hop danced, there was an auction, along with the funniest performers we'd ever seen All this raised money to keep the arts going strong. So glad to have two more years at this amazing place!
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2013

Some good teachers, not a very friendly staff or PTA though. They really sell themselves short. Their fundraising goals are about a tenth of the other schools in the area. They turn down donations and community involvement and they don't tell you what the money will be used for. They could be a really great school they just don't expect much from the students, the staff or themselves.
Submitted by parent on February 25, 2013

What a great community beach school with a strong focus on creativity and art! Teachers and principal are enthusiastic, creative, and caring and are eager to help all students learn and become problem solvers. The staff has high expectations for student learning and teachers genuinely plan curriculum together. There is an emphasis on monthly character themes and children work and play together well. Many parents, volunteers, and university students are active in the classrooms. There's a wonderful positive vibe on this campus where everyone is made to feel an important part of their school.
Submitted by parent on November 09, 2012

We Love OB Elementary! The teachers are wonderful and they care about the children. Whenever I have a concern about my child's academics the teacher is always on top of things giving helpful suggestions to help my child excel and be the best student he can be.
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2011

Excellent school. The principal knows every child by name! She has a vision for the school which includes academics and arts. She goes above and beyond what is required of her. Most teachers are dedicated and care very much about their students. We have excellent relationships with teachers of both of our children. Parent involvement is strong. The school forms a close knit community, which is wonderful given the diversity of the community. Greatest compliments to all staff of OB Elementary.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2011

The teachers rush through curriculum, they give no atttention to any child who might need extra help. And once you ask for an explanation they get defensive and take it on the child, which make the child be afraid to tell what is going on in the classroom or to ask teacher questions. Principal does run the school with an iron fist, she listens to nobody and usually put the blame on the child, there is no opening for conversation. A couple of amazing teachers and also a couple who are there just for the paycheck.
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2010

My daughter can't wait to come to school each day! It's true kinder kids learn letters, sounds, words, and even write and do math. That's called the CA Standards and there are benchmarks each semester that our children work toward. This is a school where kids still paint, draw, sing, and dance while they are learning to read and write. Anyone who spends a good amount of time at the school can easily see kids are happy. I expect the teachers and our principal to hold high standards and be accountable for learning. Thank you OBE!
Submitted by parent on November 03, 2010

OB Elementary is so focused on maintaining themselves as a 10 school, they forgot that their job is to encourage, socialize and motivate children! My kinder HATES to go to school. She cries everday before school because, in her words, the teachers are mean to her. They drill the children, as they have decided ALL of the kinders have to know how to read and write and do math before Novemember 1. There is no individualism or creativity in teaching. I have attempted to address my concerns with the teaching staff as well as the principal and the district to no avail. I have offered to volunteer in the classroom and was told that it would be better if I didn't! Their focus is on ratings instead of our kids.
Submitted by parent on April 23, 2010

N/A