Montecito Union School

385 San Ysidro Rd.

School District

Montecito Union Elementary
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:10
Type

public

School Map for Montecito Union Elementary 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 October 14, 2021

A wonderful school - we have had two boys attend from K-6th. Nurturing teachers dedicated to giving children an interesting and enriching learning experience. Excellent leadership too - superintendent, principal and vice-principal. A couple reviewers have complained about status issues. Sure, there are some very wealthy people - it is a wealthy community but my wife and I have never, ever noticed any pressure on us or our boys. A 10 out of 10.
Submitted by parent on April 11, 2020

We had 3 kids in this school and our experience was very negative. They have lovely passionate teachers but inept, incompetent principal and on top of him - the useless School District bureaucrats. There are a few too many of them doing nothing - why do they even need a School District management for a school district with only one school? The principal of the school seems to constantly strive to make your life as parent more complicated. In general the atmosphere at this school is very unhealthy. They try very hard to be good “by the book” but wind up confrontational and condescending towards parents. The management of the school are very spoiled: only 400 kids, super safe area - not comparable with workload of most US teachers. They are not into solving problems, more into creating them. They also like to tell parents what to do and make the parenting decisions for them. However when they encounter someone with good parenting skills, mothers who know their kids, who are proactive and passionate about raising them right, you can be sure, you’ll constantly find them in your way and in your face. I am very happy we don’t go to MUS anymore. The world is big and for those who have an independent opinion about parenting and at least a bit of self-respect this school is not an option.
Submitted by other on August 21, 2016

I went to MUS in the 70's and now my daughters attend MUS. The education is the absolute best and all the wonderful classes other schools have cut Montecito Union has. Violin, chorus, art, computers for every child, physical education and much more. The core values of this school is amazing and taught to the entire student body every day. There is no tolerance for bullying and the children and staff all know each other by name. They are taught to be the people they can be and love and care for all. I can't imaging having or giving a better education and experiences at MUS. Some people think MUS is snobby because of the wealth in the community but it's quite the opposite. Parents are constantly involved in school activities and are some of the most kind loving parents I know. It's unfortunate that gossip may tarnish such an amazing schools reputation. Unfortunately those who are judging just don't know the reality at MUS. MUS gets a 10/10 from me and I feel so lucky I am part of the MUS family from the past and present.
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2014

Teachers are very dedicated and administration is devoted but the socioeconomic situation here is daunting. If you don't drive a black luxury car or take fancy vacations continents away and your child does not dress impeccably you and/or your child is bound to feel left out. There is very little diversity here, but the academics are commendable.
Submitted by parent on February 03, 2014

The below reviewer must have failed Irony 101. Clearly elitism comes in many forms. However, I whole heartedly agree with the below reviewer about the new admin, the Dean of Students' welcome page on the web site says it all (it's blank as of this writing, 6 months into the school year). And I'm sure her attitude comes from the top (Superintendent). Won't post details in order to avoid retribution. However, the Dean of Academics (Dr. Bruski) has been the one shining light of the school's top leadership. The office staff are exceptionally helpful and patient, a class act. The teachers truly care for your students and know how to effectively lead them to grow into the best person that they can be - this is priceless. Instruction is as good (although more traditional) as the private school we transferred from and we felt that our private school was one of the best in the county. If I had a special needs student, I would do everything possible to relocate into this school district. Would love to see a little less clutter in the classrooms to encourage focus among the children. Embarassing to bring weekend visitors with all the left over lunch boxes/clothes sitting outside.