Trabuco Elementary School

31052 Trabuco Canyon Rd.

School District

Saddleback Valley Unified
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:19
Type

public

School Map for Saddleback Valley Unified School District

GreatSchools Rating

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 12, 2024

We chose Trabuco Elementary as our school of choice in 2023. My son has been attending it for over a year, and he tells me daily that he absolutely loves the school. He loves all his classmates and knows the names of all farm animals. Watching my older son blossom in this cute little paradise of a canyon school has been an absolute pleasure. Trabuco Elementary is one of California's only five designated "Green" elementary schools. Students get to study surrounded by centuries-old trees and a regional park. The school organizes many events throughout the year. What lifts this slice of paradise above the others is that kids from all over the district come here on tours to learn more about nature and biology, and this school has welcoming staff who sincerely care for the students - the sense of community that this school offers is unmatched. Everyone knows each other's name and supports each other. As far as I know, Trabuco Elementary is not only one of the oldest schools in the county but also the only operating country school in Orange County. The staff has also been amazing. The principal is always there to welcome us—rain, shine, or ashes from the AirportFire can't stop her from doing her job—she is always there for the kids. Every day, I leave my son at Trabuco Elementary with peace of mind, knowing he will be cared for. I plan on enrolling my younger son, who is only four years old, as a kindergartener in 2025.
Submitted by parent on December 06, 2024

Trabuco Elementary is such a hidden gem in Orange County! Nestled in the peaceful canyon, it offers the most amazing farm and garden program where kids get to learn by getting their hands dirty—my kids absolutely love it. It’s also a proud Green Ribbon school, which means they’re really dedicated to sustainability and teaching kids how to care for the environment. The small class sizes are a huge plus because the teachers know every child so well and give them so much attention. They also have an incredible focus on social-emotional learning, which has been a game-changer for my kids. The community is so welcoming and supportive—it really feels like a family. And let me tell you, the teachers here are amazing! If you’re looking for a school where your kids will grow academically and emotionally, this is the place to be!
Submitted by parent on May 31, 2023

A great school for kids to learn in an great environment with teachers that are passionate about teaching their students more than academics! Kids learn to be caring, compassionate, respectful, responsible and love nature. Can’t ask for anything more!
Submitted by parent on October 24, 2019

A high-performing school with a tight-knit community, farm animals, and a focus on the outdoors and nature. We are so pleased with Trabuco Elementary.
Submitted by parent on April 12, 2018

We school choiced our student here and they have absolutely blossomed. We were at a highly rated local school and our student's needs were being routinely ignored. The smaller community here has been life changing for them. Programs like the working farm (chickens, pigs, minature horses, and more!) and the best STEM lab in the district lead to kids who are creative and confident learners. Even the location itself is calming, ancient oaks shade the playground where kids gather acorns at recess to feed Hammy, the spoiled pig. We were a little worried about the combo classes but have seen it work great with our student, giving more flexibility to meet each student where they are at and engendering an independant work ethic. This school is a hidden gem and absolutely worth taking a look at for any parent in Orange County looking for a great holistic academic experience for thier child.
Submitted by parent on April 04, 2017

We made the decision to choice in to this school as it is not our home school and are pretty happy with our decision since it turned out to be a great fit for our child. We definitely had our concerns with the extremely unheard of small class sizes and combo classes, but our child continues to flourish under these conditions. Where else in So Cal can you say that your child can play in a garden or on a farm as part of their daily curriculum? Come and take a tour and see what this little country school has to offer. You'd be amazed. : )
Submitted by parent on October 27, 2014

Our own "Private Public School" I wouldn't send my girls anywhere else! My kids are bright, shy and creative - a perfect fit for the canyon school! The small class sizes allow them to be comfortable to be who they want and get the most attention possible, the 1 to 1 technology makes sure they aren't missing anything and they love playing with the farm animals at lunch. Everyone knows everyone else (and their family, and their grandma and the occasional cousin who picks up:) The canyon is an ideal place to mix learning and growing. A lot of families who attend CHOOSE to send their kids here and it shows. I have 5 more years to enjoy this place and I'm looking forward to it. Established in 1879 and now celebrating our 135th anniversary.
Submitted by parent on April 12, 2011

One of the highest performing schools in SVUSD, Trabuco is a great little school, full of potential. The staff is caring and wonderful. The sense of community at this school cannot be beat. If anyone is looking for a different type of education for their children, this small school, complete with farm animals, wonderful science education, and great natural surroundings and resources, this could be the school for you.