Barbara Benson Elementary School

12712 Elizabeth Way

School District

Tustin Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:19
Type

public

School Map for Tustin 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 May 10, 2023

Horrible school. Went there as a kid. Staff did nothing to support me and also got me in trouble when some kid harassed me. Terrible dress code AND that one rule that will get you kicked out if you defend yourself. Some of the teachers were nice, but most were inexperienced and one was particularly cruel. If your a "normal kid" you will probably be fine in this school. But if you have a condition like ADHD or autism its not gonna go well for you. Just enroll your kids in a better school than this one please.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2019

My daughter is thriving at Benson..the teachers, staff and principal are all so caring and so involved with all the students and concerns are quickly taken care of. Im so sad that Benson only goes up to 5th grade :(
Submitted by parent on January 02, 2018

I have a 4th Grader and a TK student currently attending Benson Elementary. I am a big fan of this Elementary School. I love the quality of Education my kids are receiving, and the teachers and faculty are to thank for that. The students are spending their days with passionate educators and being exposed to quality programs. Respect, compassion and kindness are attributes modeled well at Benson. While occasional student conflicts and/or misbehaviors are to be expected with any population of kids, I find that Benson students are exceptionally kind to each other, well spoken and balanced children.Whenever a conflict does arise the teachers are accessible, and it is easy to coordinate with them in order to problem solve. I find the current Great Schools rating misleading, which is why I’m writing my own review. The kids are being challenged in a balanced way, not too much and not too little. The homework is comprehensive and not excessive. The faculty also offers tons of parent resources for at-home use including afterschool coordinating meetings, (which are elective). I’ve attended a few of these meetings where they’ll outline curriculum standards, and offer helpful resources and games for use at home. In closing, whatever state testing results occurred last year, does not a ‘Great School’ make. I’m thrilled to have my kids enrolled in this great school.
Submitted by student on February 02, 2016

Benson has been such a blessing! We love the family feel. Everyone is always willing to help. The teachers and staff genuinely care about ALL the children. So proud to be a Benson Bear!! Best principal and teachers EVER!
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2016

My boys are in their third year at Benson and we love it! The teachers have all been wonderful - caring and challenging. I appreciate the high standards at this small school.
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2016

I have 2 children at Benson. I like the atmoshephere and teamwork i see here. Not only do the implement technology in the classrooms in a fun innovative way. Staff, teachers and administrators are committed to providing a fun and safe learning environment.This school still has art & music plus a fantastic librarian. Great PTO I encourage anyone interested in this school to take the time to visit.
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2015

My child attends on an Intra-district transfer. I actually selected Benson Elementary over our home school. They incorporate updated technology for a greater learning experience and provide outstanding extra curricular activities. The school has a great mix of students and the teaching staff is excellent. We were lucky enough to have Ms. Ezaki as my child's Kindergarten teacher. So the first experience at school was a very positive one. Ms. Mayer in the office is always helpful and kind. Additional plus, the Principal Ms. Vela has brought great programs to the school, such as the Brave program from the Joyful Child Foundation. We are looking forward to our youngest child attending next year.
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2015

I have had both of my kids at this school since kindergarten. One is in middle school now and my youngest is in his final year at Benson. I have had the opportunity to interact with ALL the teachers in one way or another. I feel that these teachers give their heart and soul and most importantly, their time to each and every one of the students at Benson. Both my children have thrived and come into their own, have been on honor roll, made beautiful work of art, been part of all the activities, and I contribute that to the Benson staff. I'm so very glad that my family has had such a wonderful experience at such a wonderful school. You would be wise to look into this great little hidden jewel of a school.
Submitted by teacher on February 02, 2015

Barbara Benson Elementary is a truly inclusive school for students of all ability levels. Here at Benson we encourage all students to reach their full potential and be proud of their work, school and community. I am so proud to be a part of Benson Elementary.
Submitted by teacher on January 27, 2015

Benson is such a close school community that focuses on what is best for students!
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2015

Benson is an amazing little school with a giant heart! I have two children at Benson. We tried Tustin Ranch after moving into the area, because besides TMA it is THE school most parents think is best. I knew by the second day I had made a huge mistake. Benson has an amazing staff. Mr. Ricky is popular with all the kids & parents alike. Mrs. Vela is approachable and concerned about each student. As former technology coordinator for the district, Mrs. Vela and the teaching staff have made advanced technology a part of daily learning. Due to its small size, 5th grade teachers know kindergarteners by name. All of the teaching staff above 3rd grade are GATE trained. Finally, Benson has several special day classes for special needs students. It is a diverse little school with a more realistic picture of what it means to live in a diverse society than many OC schools. One of my children has some learning challenges, and Benson teachers, Resource teacher and staff have been amazing in supporting and accommodating him in the general education environment. Benson is a hidden little gem, and is the "Cheers" of Tustin Unified. It is a family oriented, child centered school.
Submitted by other on January 27, 2015

Teachers and staff genuinely care about the well-being of the whole child at Benson Elementary. It's an academically rigorous, technology-forward, and supportive learning environment for all students. I highly recommend this hidden gem!
Submitted by other on June 10, 2014

What a great school! It is the best kept little secret! Excellent teachers, staff and community!
Submitted by parent on June 14, 2012

Benson is Tustin's hidden gem for an elementary school. The teachers, office staff and parents are wonderful. The parent who wrote the parents are questionable, gang affiliated, etc." must have reported the wrong school, because Benson is nothing of the comments written. Benson is very family oriented and all-around #1. Go check it out for yourselves.
Submitted by parent on April 23, 2012

My family and I have had a wonderful experience there @ Benson! I had my 2boys go there and the teachers are very caring and very helpful and all the staff too! especially Cindy, school's secretary! She is awesome, always so helpful! thank you Benson and Staff for giving my boys and I an awesome experience and education! Unfortunately, we had to move just recently but will my boys will always remember your school!
Submitted by parent on April 16, 2011

I used this site to find Benson when I was looking to transfer into the TUSD. It is a decision I have never regretted. My children have both attended Benson for the last 4 years and the school is like our extended family. Benson's Principal truly cares about her students, which is evident in her daily interaction with them and the teachers. I would even say she knows each one of those kids by name! Benson has an active PTO, always striving to keep the school fun by funding after school programs, musical classes and other interesting events. Benson is a welcoming gesture to transfers when other schools tend to "call you later IF we have room." This is our last year at Benson and my children and I have had an amazing experience in this little charm of a school. I would highly, highly recommend Benson to anyone!
Submitted by parent on March 31, 2011

Barbara Benson is a great school. We moved to Tustin 3 years ago and I had many elementary schools to choose from. I chose Benson because my nieces both went to the school and they both loved it. They felt loved, they learned, and they made some great friends. I loved that the Principal got to know each student and was always out and involoved in everything. The parent support at this school is AMAZING. Benson is our home and I am happy to be here.
Submitted by parent on March 30, 2011

Benson is the best kept secret in the Tustin Unified School District. This is a school where kids thrive. The school is charming, the staff is personable, parents are very involved, and the programs that are unique to this school are plenty. In these difficult fiscal times, this elementary still has programs that encourage creativity, art, problem solving, creative writing and so much more! The students and their families are part of something special. The teachers at this school pay close attention not only to their own students, but show kindness and care for all. My children have absolutely thrived academically and socially at this school.
Submitted by parent on March 30, 2011

My two kids go to Benson, 2nd and 4th grade and they love everything about benson. The all of teachers and principle are nice, friendly and approchable. Thank you TUSD for having a great small school for my kids.
Submitted by parent on May 05, 2010

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