Bonita Canyon Elementary School

We love Bonita Canyon! We only have experience with the lower grade levels so far but my kids have loved all their teachers and they are having a great school experience and making great friends. The homework has not been overwhelming (yet!) but I hear that will change in the upper grades. The new principal who came in last year is very friendly and upbeat and all the kids seem to love him. He seems to have a very effective leadership style while still being able to joke around and have fun. I love the the school is so small - it really feels like a neighborhood school. There are only two classes at each grade level in the lower grades so the kids really get to know each other well. It's been a great fit for us!

BC is a very special school. The principal, teachers, aides, and office staff care about the students deeply. They know each student by name and their families well. They know how each student is unique and how they learn best. For example, our son had a bumpy start in his combo class at the beginning of school. After we shared that with the principal, he went into his class to check on our son and gave us an update the same day. The students and teachers have a positive attitude about learning. They are not in denial of the challenges, but instead they are hopeful. They seek for improvements and growth daily. As for the appearance of the school, it is the most beautiful and intimate school that I have seen. Yes, there are no fences, but it is still very safe because of the community alertness . We have people and policemen visible throughout the day. University High School, a few blocks away, has a police staff on duty at the school site. We have police patrols keeping our students safe as they walk to and from school. There is no perfect school, because we live in an imperfect world. However, BC strives to be better each day which makes it a very special school.

we moved from other irvine school to BC, so far one of the best school. principle is friendly, staff are nice, teacher is great, and parents are very friendly. I have heard a lot of good things about this school.

This school is really great! It is very small for a public school. About two classes per grade. It makes it easy to meet people. I feel like I know almost all the parents of the kids in my kids grades. Its great because we help each other out with carpooling and doing favors for each other. The teachers are great too. I do not feel like I need to supplement with alot of "mommy's homework." Many prudent parents do give their children extra lessons, but its not absolutely necessary. The academics are high but its not a competitive or stressful atmosphere. We all want our own kids to suceed but the parents are nice and dont gossip about other kids or act jealous of high achieving kids. We switched to this school from a neighboring school and Im so glad I did!