| Date | Who | Comments |
| 10/25/2012 | parent | Very impressed with staff and teachers.I have two kids attending, each child on the opposite spectrum regarding needs. My honors child is fully supported and challenged by the curriculum. My struggling student is getting the extra support that didn't exist in our previous hometown. Not only are the teachers doing a great job, but the staff is perceptive and looked out for adjustment issues when we relocated to the area mid 2011 school year. Normal Jr. High bologna aside, it's a well diversified school fully supporting it's students. Just wish there were sports teams. |
| 9/14/2012 | parent | I don't get all the negative comments here. This school is awesome. My son has not seen or been the victim of any bullying. He knows of no one who does drugs. And, he is not one of the "cool" kids, I guarantee. I think if you are looking for problems, you will find them. My son is in band and all honors classes and loves school there. Every time I have had a question, it has been answered immediately. |
| 9/3/2012 | other | This school is HORRIBLE, as a student that attended 2 years ago i can honestly say this school provided the worst experience of my life. The bullying issue is HUGE if you are just a tiny bit different, expect to be bullied by the "popular kids". The supervisors and the vp's are the worst, my friend held up a sign that said "clap if you support japan" shortly after the earthquake, everyone started clapping but they pulled my friend aside and threatened to have her arrested for causing a riot. If i were you i would go to a private middle school, because san marcos high is great. I experienced the tyranny of this school first hand and i can honestly say i hope it ROTS!!! |
| 8/17/2012 | parent | My son just finished his eighth grade year. He was on the honor roll every semester as were many other students. Academics are stressed here and it is rigorous. If you want someone to baby your child and let him or her get away with breaking the rules, go elsewhere. I am sure there is bullying. I teach middle school in another district and guess what? We have bullying too! I am always shocked by parents who complain when their child gets in trouble for breaking a rule. Parents, you are NOT helping your child. When you tell your child the administration or teachers are wrong for enforcing rules, you are teaching them to be disrespectful. PLEASE step up to the plate and do your job! My son had AMAZING teachers in every grade. The principal was FANTASTIC and responded immediately to any email I sent. The counselor was wonderful, as well. |
| 7/21/2012 | parent | 5 families that carpool with us and 3 other friends who have kids attending this school all very satisfied with this school. Do not go to a school that never expel any students. |
| 7/17/2012 | teacher | There's a reason behind why their's so many for sale signs all over town. People know sems is bad and are leaving by the boatload |
| 7/13/2012 | teacher | I hate to admit it, but the negative comments posted are true for this school. We live in the SE and have expressed to our children to stay away from the crazy principals, teachers, and bullying surrounding them every school day. We dont know what to do with our upside down house, but would leave immediately if we could solve this problem. |
| 6/25/2012 | other | I am a student at SEMS and this is an amazing school! I have no complaints and I am very surprised at all the horrible comments about it. Last year I had 2 amazing teachers one that I will remember for life. I have not had and problems with bullying and I think the staff is amazing. They do have rules but they need rules! Some teachers are hard but they all do it for the greater good and try to prepare us for the future! This is an excellent school |
| 6/7/2012 | parent | This school sucks. Top to bottom, the staff is incompetent. Take a stroll into the Albertsons after school and ask any student what they think of the school. Our home prices are dropping because people who do just a little bit of research will find bullying is a huge problem at this school. In fact you might be lucky enough to witness the asst principal confiscating private, student property. There are less and less people wanting to move here because of the rumors which are TRUE. Thanks SEMS. |
| 6/6/2012 | other | It is interesting to read people post things that have very little to do with the school (home prices), and then when they state their facts, they are incorrect. People not paying their mortgages and the overall state of the economy is why your home prices are the way they are. Rumors about a school drive the housing market over job loss and overextended, irresponsible buyers? Interesting theory. The Principal is not leaving until he retires, and the Assistant Principal is retiring (she is over 60). It is interesting how you use leaving instead of retiring. That's the measurement you use to rate schools? Due to enrollment increases, the school hired more teachers, and the only teacher retiring is also over 60 years old. I do not know what you mean by admin staff, but no classified staff is leaving. I am sure that if your child made a mistake, you would be ok with the district going outside State law and expelling him to court school forever, but this district has more compassion than that. You should really call the school if you want the correct information. |
| 5/31/2012 | parent | Here is a good way to validate the rating of this school...the turnover of staff. Just this year 2011 the principal, vice principal, speech therapist, assistant speech therapist, 6 teachers and a few admin staff will be leaving. Three students were expelled last year and brought back this year with one of them re-expelled and 4 more students expelled. Wait for STAR test results to come out in August and form your own opinion. Ask kids who attended this school this year about how they felt about the classes, teachers and other students. That is how you should rate your opinion of this school. |
| 5/8/2012 | parent | San Elijo Middle School is a great school, I can't believe all these rude comments about this school. I guess everyone has their own opinion. I have always taught my kids to respect others and be polite and to stay away from drama. My opinion, I think parents NEED to be more involved in their school and out. And because of that I have NO issues with my children at this school (= |
| 4/4/2012 | parent | well my child was served an inschool suspension for hugging her friend when she saw her at the beginning of the school year. it was the "no-touching" policy and the assistant principal screamed at her. i dont think that was right |
| 4/2/2012 | parent | We are extremely happy with San Elijo Middle School. The staff, the teachers and the whole school is wonderful!!! |
| 4/2/2012 | parent | A trashy school with trashy parents and a dangerous adminstration and staff. What a waste of time. Yuck |
| 4/2/2012 | parent | As you can see where the bullying is coming from, the parents! I posted a comment on here last night and now it's gone! Funny how the ther negative remarks are still there but mine. I only speak the truth here. I have seen and experienced this first hand at this school. Drugs, bullying, terrible teaching tactics, and administration is unprofessional. |
| 4/2/2012 | parent | First, I would like to say that I have had nieces and nephews going to this school since it opened and all of them recommended the school. This is the first year I have had a child at San Elijo Middle school. We have not had any issues. In fact, the only thing that I see that is lacking is enough parent volunteers. My wife and I currently both volunteer in the schools and what we have found is if you want to effect positive change then get off your butts and help out. |
| 3/26/2012 | parent | Agree with all statements below....principals are the bullies at this school. My son is the subject of their harrassment. Potential lawsuit here. |
| 3/5/2012 | parent | BIG bullying problem at this school. Adminstration not suitable and knowledgeable enough to handle this modern day school epidemic and choose to look the other way, despite its "programs" to reduce the bullying at this school. Bullying is also part of the staff routine in kicking undesirable kids out of the school. We are stuck with a house here, so we have to deal with it. For those of you not stuck here, best you leave. |
| 2/28/2012 | other | I was an Eagle and i have to say there were great teachers in my experience. Mr Piro Mr Love and Mr Cole were the best teachers i've ever had even going into highschool. |
| 2/24/2012 | parent | This has got to be one of the worst schools in San Diego. On the outside, the neighborhood is nice, but the inside is rotten to the core. Kids are all about the sex here, and teachers dont care. My son and daughter cannot stand this school. If you are not part of the "group", you children will be ostracized and bullied. On top of that, they just taxed our community $280 million for prop K fees and are still crying budget cuts! We are going to cut our losses, leave, and start over somewhere else. |
| 2/22/2012 | parent | There is nothing at this school that warrants anybody's attention. There are no buses for our children, a weak after-school program, few alternatives in way of alternatives. Staff cares about only the STAR test since that is what the school is held accoutable to. Administration is apathetic and cares only about their image. If you want to get the real scoop on the school, ask parents who live in the area who have chosen private schools, and decide for yourself. As for our family, we will be leaving this area and not returning in the fall. |
| 1/28/2012 | other | "I'm thankful for my teacher because everyone has an inspiration in their life. My language arts teacher not only made the improbable task of making school exciting, come to life, but he opened my eyes to visualize the art of writing. Before his class, I was an impatient writer. I was just getting work done and not seeing more to it. I'm thankful, I see it now." - Mission Federal 2011 "I'm Thankful For My Teacher" Contest Submission |
| 12/5/2011 | parent | San Elijo Middle School is the my #1 priority for my 5th grader at San Elijo Elementary!:) |
| 12/3/2011 | parent | Not happy with this school at all. Drug busts and drug sniffing dogs, teachers who yell at the students, yes yell and cuss, and inapporpriate dress styles by both males and females. There is constant bullying by both the teachers and students and talk of sex and drugs amongst the students during class and at lunch. My child is miserable as well as many of my child's friends. |
| 10/20/2011 | parent | We recently moved from San Diego and my daughter absolutely hates this school. She is not the pretty type or the athletic type and is socially punished because she LOVES music. There is no chorus or orchestra. There is no Home EC class. So many classes are missing here for a brand new school! Kids are making out in the shopping center and plaza because parents here are ghetto. We made a mistake moving here and thinking this school would be better. |
| 9/27/2011 | parent | If anyone finds the PERFECT middle school, please let me know. This is a very diffcult age group to parent and to teach. All education begins at home. As for the administration, I have not had a problem with it as of yet and hope not to after reading these reviews. |
| 9/26/2011 | principal | San Elijo Middle School appreciates communication from students, parents, and the community. However, please note that reading reviews which are third-person accounts does not reflect the positive culture of our school, or the specific facts of any one incident. We are aware of blogs, postings, forums, etc. and are concerned with our community s perception of what occurs on campus. In our attempt to provide as detailed information as possible, should you have any questions about any incident, policy, or other area of our school s mission to provide a safe environment where all students feel comfortable to learn, please contact us directly. |
| 9/26/2011 | parent | As the SMUSD PE Lead and SEMS PE Department Chair, I would like to respond to the inaccurate posting of another parent. My children (including my daughter) have attended and are currently enrolled in SMUSD schools. They have had positive experiences at all of their schools. As an employee and a parent, I feel that San Elijo Middle School puts the child s needs first and addresses issues in a proactive fashion. Academically, SEMS is one of the top Middle Schools in the county with an API of 903. Middle School is such a transitional time for children. SEMS addresses the whole child and the social issues kids face. One example is our new Anti-Bullying Program. I encourage parents that have concerns or who want to gather facts about SEMS to contact our administration and set up an appointment to take a tour of our beautiful campus. We really do have amazing administration, staff & STUDENTS! |
| 9/16/2011 | parent | My daughter went to this school last year and it was horrible. There is a lot of bullying at this school that goes unnoticed. In reposnse to this, the admin has become a police state on steroids. PTA children get preferential treatment, and never get in trouble. The PE director, whose daughter happens to be friends with my daughter, sends her kid to Cathedral. If this is not a negative endorsement for this school district, I dont what else is. |
| 7/9/2011 | parent | My child could not stand San elijo middle school for 6th grade and either did we (parents) There are way too many kids and problems here. This is a negative place with a lot of trouble makers. The administration is very impersonal and can be rude. Dont let the test scores fool you. The social piece makes all the difference for your student. Kids are mean. We liked all but one teacher who retired thankfully. The band program was good . But the overall school is terrible in our opinion . We are looking to go elsewhere and I would not recommend this school at all! |
| 5/12/2010 | parent | I am a parent at this school with 2 children attending. I have been very lucky with the teachers my children have received. However; the administration is completely out of control. There have been many incidents that the administration has handled inappropriately, I do not feel my children are in the best hands if there was a serious incident. |
| 5/11/2010 | parent | In the begining of my son atttending this school, things seemed to be fine. But as the school year progressed we started seeing problems. Some of the teachers diffitnely should not be teaching there. We feel the level of academtics is strresed. And yes !there is a constant drug problem at this school. Not enough adult eyes on what is truely happening there. I feel the communication between students and adminstrators is lacking a great deal. I sure hope they can solve this schools flaws, because I feel it has many. My son will not be attending next year!!!!!!!! |
| 3/5/2010 | student | i go to school at san elijo middle it is a great school!!!! we have tons of sports here great teachers LOV THIS SCHOOL!!! |
| 8/20/2009 | parent | I am also a parent of a child attending San Elijo and agree with the statement above - the foul language is very bad and the teachers do nothing about it- my child came home very upset at the way some of her peers were acting although nervous that if she said anything that she would be casted out-- The level of class in this school really needs to change - I have been in schools in LA in what people said were bad areas and they had tougher rules So Teachers grow up!!! and Teach and be good role models shame on you!!!! |
| 12/10/2008 | student | I'm a student at San Elijo Middle School. So far, it has been a great school year. They should have lockers though. Anyways, it's a great school, and the trachers are awesome. |
| 6/30/2008 | parent | While i felt my child was safe at san elijo middle, & impressed w/ the principal running a tight ship as far as no gangs, drugs, or bullying, i heard alot of cussing & saw very inappropriate behavior right in front of the staff who did nothing! it was disturbing. My son doesn't like the way his own peers 'speak'. He told me he didn't want to listen to that kind of language and that nobody does anything about it, & we're not that uptight. He's a great kid & some of his teachers were unbelievably mean, blatent about who their favorites were, & shamed several kids in front of the whole class. This is such an important time in these kids' lives. Their bodies are changing, they're forced to see much more than necessary as it is, they still need warmth. This is not a warm & fuzzy school. |
| 5/21/2007 | parent | Great parent involvement and fun enviornment for kids. But I'd really like to see more quality academic programs. Compared with our neighbor school Carillo school, we need to be more motivated. |
| 5/13/2007 | parent | My son is about to complete his 1st grade year. His teacher Mrs. Anderson has been outstanding. The other teachers I have met and the principal are all very involved and of the highest caliber. |
| 8/1/2006 | parent | Absolutely a great start for a new school!There is so much pride that shows on so many levels! Great quality of teachers,(Mrs Goodman, Miss Rockwell and Mrs Vonschlieder are all great!) great arts program, plenty of extra curricular, KOC could be improved, Parent involvement is amazing and it's what makes this school special! The principals have been so accomodating on every level and it shows how badly they want to succeed in providing the best education for every child that sets foot on the campus! I feel so blessed to have my daughters in this school! I would like to see more from the GATE program. |
| 3/31/2006 | parent | What can I say besides wow! This has been an incredible year and a half. There are extra-curric activities, fabulous award winning music program, avid for college prep, honors/CJSF, model technology program and so much more. The sports include girls Volleyball, boys and girls basketball, Cross Country and Track. The most parental involvement of any school I have ever seen. Awesome and active PTO. I feel so lucky to live in this fabulous community and be a part of this awesome school with amazing administration and teaching staff. |
| 11/27/2005 | parent | This school has an amazing parent volunteer base that resinates through the community. You feel good and wish to help out to follow the base. |
