San Elijo Elementary School

1615 Schoolhouse Way

San Marcos, CA 92078

School District

San Marcos Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:21
Type

public

School Map for San Marcos 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 December 16, 2023

SEES is a special gem! The leadership at this school is phenomenal and the entire team of teachers/staff put so much love into what they do. Students are challenged academically and they are given the support they need to succeed. As others have mentioned it’s a large school, but a great one. Part of what makes SEES so special is the sense of community that helps students confidently prepare for the real world.
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2019

It’s a big school, but we love it!
Submitted by parent on February 24, 2015

I feel so blessed to have my three daughters attend SEH elementary school. I have a third grader and two first graders who have all been enrolled since kinder. The teachers are wonderful! Every teacher my girls have had has been involved, available, and nurturing. My children have thrived at SEES, academically and emotionally. Academics are emphasized alongside with respect and kindness to others. To top it off, even the principal is amazing! She's down to earth, easy to approach, and willing to take the time to talk to me if I ever have any concerns. When I decided to opt my third grade daughter out of taking the upcoming standardized tests, I was concerned that my rights would not be respected or that I would be judged or pressured. On the contrary, my decision was treated with nothing but respect. San Elijo Elementary truly is a GREAT SCHOOL!
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2014

We ended up pulling our child out of SEES after Kindergarten. The school is WAY too big. Staff is stretched to the limit, doesn't have time to discuss things with parents. It is hard to know who to talk to if you need help. Your child will not get an individualized education as promised. I was in my child's class room every week and I didn't see much individualized education. The teachers/staff act burdened if you ask questions. My child's teacher s standard response was I just don t have time . We got one 15-minute parent conference the whole year; received a mass letter 2nd semester saying you won't get a second conference if your child is at or above grade level. When I raised concerns to the teacher asking specific questions, I received a cookie cutter response (I actually found copy and paste portions on the SEES website). You have no input in how your child is placed in a class (your told to write a letter re: placement but you cannot request a specific teacher). I don't think they actually take these letters into account, placement seems luck of the draw. School only tries to get children to the minimum state required level.If your child is above the 60% they will be board.
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2014

We are moving from NJ to San Marcos area. Our top priority is our fourth grader! After speaking to many people and visiting many areas over the past 4 years, we were encouraged to hear SEES provides the BEST academic experience for our daughter as well as SEH is the only town with that "hometown" feel. We are beyond excited to move in 3 weeks and have high hopes for SEES to be a "5 STAR" experience for our daughter. WE spoke to CA lifelong residents as well at transplants, and they all recommended SEH and SEES!
Submitted by parent on January 14, 2014

We pulled our kid from a christian private school due to bullying and cliques. Our kid was welcomed to SEES and we cannot believe we did not start him here from the beginning. It is a rather large school, once we got passed that we quickly realized that the quality of kids here is great. Teachers are very seasoned. We are very happy here!
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2012

My oldest has been there since Kindergarten, and now he just started 5th. I have another in 4th and my baby just started 1st grade. I love this school. We moved up to San Elijo for this educational experience for my children. I wish the planners had figured out how popular the school is and I wish the class sizes were smaller, but the quality of staff and the quality of the teaching is beyond all expectations. The teachers are accessible and know their kids. This is the most encouraging school for reading and academic excellence. We are so happy at this beautiful school
Submitted by parent on June 18, 2012

My son has been here since Kindergarten and just finished 4th grade with 3 straight semesters on the honor roll. I can't say how proud we are of him this year and how happy we are with the teachers. He has excelled and has been challenged with additional work when the regular material wasn't enough. There is a lot of focus on math and language arts as well as physical education, science, and art, in spite of the budget situation. I was really impressed with everything he learned and look forward to our final year next year. It's too bad the community rating is marked down by posters venting about San Elijo being a so-called "green" school. We should teach our children to be informed citizens to help make a difference in society.
Submitted by parent on January 05, 2012

Didn't know how good we had it! Our child now goes to San Diego school district and we miss the quality of education at San Elijo. While some of the drop off polices are annoying and could be improved, the import things are all in place. The biggest attribute of this school is it's accountability. It expects a lot of it's student, teachers and parents. While closing the entrance gate precisely at the bell time and making students check in late is a bit too strict in my opinion, the opposite is far worse. A school that's leadership doesn't value accountability effects your child's education from all angles in a negative way. The other positive attribute is the "college track" agenda. While the children are little, the classroom mentality and environment are a positive environment that promotes success in life. The opposite of that is the "fast food worker track" where the teacher spends most of the day yelling and being a disciplinary. A classroom where the staff says "they're just little kids, it's not a big deal they do their homework or show up on time. If your child has the opportunity to be at a 10 out of 10 school be grateful.
Submitted by parent on August 28, 2011

We are very happy here! We considered private school, but most ( the ones we can afford) did not measure up. Our daughter has excelled here and is very happy with the teachers. The teachers give her the attention she needs and the direction to move forward. I would give it 5 stars, but it is getting crowded, So far so good though, still 26/per class in 2nd grade. That made me happy!