San Elijo Elementary School

It’s a big school, but we love it!

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!

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.

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!