Creative, Performing, and Media Arts School

Posted: April 18, 2026

Over the past 5 years of working at CPMA I can confidently say this is absolutely a school I would send my own children to. Each year this school gets better and better.

Posted: April 18, 2026

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Posted: November 1, 2019

Posted: November 1, 2019

Posted: November 1, 2019

Posted: November 1, 2019

Posted: November 1, 2019

Posted: November 1, 2019

Both the Principle and the Vice Principle never returned our phone call AFTER expressing our concerns IN PERSON at the office. They never came out to speak with us, either. They hide away and turn the other cheek.

Posted: November 1, 2019

Terrible. The Principle and vice Principle hide from parents instead of dealing with concerns head on. We went to them about bullying, got nothing. Then we went in to get a copy of either a birth certificate or proof of enrollment, they didn't have the staff to help us. They responded with, "it'll take 5 business days because the person who does this isn't here." We waited 20 minutes just to get that ridiculous answer. I don't want to leave out the fact that the volunteers at the front desk were absolutely rude and incompetent. This school is a joke and so is their (limited) staff! They even told us that they are understaffed. Well, guess what, there are a TON of people at Welfare to work programs that are searching for work!

Posted: July 22, 2018

Overall, CPMA does a great job in the arts education of students. Academics are more difficult but are continuing to progress. Students will get out of this school what they put into it. While this school isn't the most amazing school in SDUSD, it does a lot of good.

Posted: July 22, 2018

Posted: July 22, 2018

The majority of teachers care about students and helping them succeed.

Posted: July 22, 2018

Posted: July 22, 2018

Leadership needs to be more present and involved. They care about the school and the students, but lack of presence on campus makes it difficult.

Posted: July 22, 2018

Students with learning disabilities are encouraged to participate in arts electives are the very least and are in a range of gen ed classes, depending on abilities.

Posted: July 22, 2018

Posted: April 12, 2018

Kids are required to keep a planner. Teachers should but do not encourage students to write their homework in the planner so that parents can be on top of ensuring kids get their homework done on time.

Posted: April 12, 2018

I mark this as neutral because some are great but some others, you can tell they really don’t want to be there and couldn’t care less about anything happening around them.

Posted: April 12, 2018

Not at all. This school does nothing to assist students in being compassionate and respectful.

Posted: April 12, 2018

90% if the leadership don’t care. They don’t care what’s going on around them nor do they care to even help with issues such as bullying.

Posted: April 12, 2018

I will agree that they do help students who are disadvantaged in areas such as medical concerns or learning disabilities.

Posted: April 12, 2018

They don’t do a thing about bullying. It all happens right under their noses and not a thing is done about it.

Posted: April 12, 2018

We will not be returning for the 2018-19 school year. My child plateaued in dance and she gets zero help with ongoing issues.

Posted: March 16, 2018

Two stars for having good Dance and also Band instructors. Home room is a waste of students time. Technology teachers (ie. Video production, 3D printing are under-qualified). Magnet Students with IEPs delegated to self-contained “functional classes” isolated from grade-level instruction.

Posted: March 16, 2018

Posted: March 16, 2018

Posted: March 16, 2018

Kids are encouraged to develop narcissistic and competitive tendencies with heavy emphasis on looking good on stage in order to sell more tickets and online.

Posted: March 16, 2018

The administration here practices scapegoat discipline. Some students are singled-out for heavy-handed discipline tactics like suspension/bus suspensions. The majority of discipline issues however (ie. Frequent fighters, bullies, etc) are ignored and/or rounded up to be dumped on administrations least favored teacher of the hour.

Posted: March 16, 2018

Kids in special programs (ie. STARS, DHH, etc) are treated favorably well. Special programs located on campus also have a different cost center and different admin than CPMA does. Students with IEPs attending as magnet or neighborhood students are isolated in tiny classrooms, disallowed to enroll in the schools famous electives often until the second month of school.

Posted: March 16, 2018

It overwhelmingly happens in PE, where supervision is lacking.

Posted: August 10, 2017

Posted: August 10, 2017

Posted: August 10, 2017

Posted: August 10, 2017

IT WAS A BAD EXPERIENCE FROM A STUDENTS PERSPECTIVE

Posted: August 10, 2017

Posted: August 10, 2017

Posted: August 10, 2017

Posted: July 18, 2017

Posted: July 18, 2017

Posted: July 18, 2017

Posted: July 18, 2017

Posted: July 18, 2017

Posted: July 18, 2017

This school is amazing. Our daughter was an incoming sixth grader this year and was assigned to some great teachers. My husband and I kept close contact with them all year via email or one on one visits after school. It was very clear from day one these teachers want to see thier students succeed.

My daughter has always struggled in math and we literally spent hundreds of dollars on Math tutors in the past. Ms. Vu worked very close with my daughter all year to help her understand Common Core Math. Ms. Vu offers FREE tutoring after school in her classroom just for her students, which was a serious BLESSING. She would always tell my daughter that she was so smart and those words went a long way (coming from a teacher). My daughter maintain an "A" all year.

Ms. Lamp is another teacher I wanted write my review about. She is so sweet and really helped make English easy to learn this year. My daughter's literature has greatly improved and she enjoys writing now. On her free time she writes in a daily journal.

CPMA offers FREE tutoring for ALL students twice a week. Thier elective wheel is full of really fun classes. Low income families get a chance to expose thier students to fun extracurricular activities like 3D Printing, Dance as P.E., Photography and many other Art related electives. Camps and classes out in town cost hundreds of dollars and schools like this give our children an opportunity to grow and find themselves outside of the academic part of school. I am San Diego Unified Schools Alumni from the back the 90's and electives where nothing close to what CPMA offers. This is truly a gem school.

Also, one more thing I wanted to add. My daughter has never had any problems at the school. I was told by all of her teachers that she is a good kid and hangs out with a good group of kids. Middle school can be awkward for anybody. It's all about the choices you make and the guidance and support from your parents.

Posted: July 18, 2017

Posted: May 18, 2017

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Posted: May 18, 2017

Posted: May 18, 2017

Posted: May 18, 2017

Posted: May 18, 2017

I think that this school is very overrated and doesn't know how to handle most situations involving student problems

Posted: November 24, 2015

CPMA has been an amazing school for me. It is nice seeing that are schools that focus in performing arts which I love. When I have children, I would want tem to go to this school.

Posted: November 24, 2015

Posted: November 24, 2015

Posted: November 24, 2015

Posted: July 20, 2015

Posted: July 20, 2015

Posted: July 20, 2015

Posted: July 20, 2015

I had the opportunity to experience many aspects of the school over a few days. If I had a child there, I'd pull him/her out immediately. Where to begin? Lots of bullying going on and not one adult reprimanded any of the kids for the myriad physicality I witnessed at the playing-around stage or the next level of bullying. Top-heavy with minority students, there are plenty of signs with platitudes of reminders to be good students, but are the adults afraid to hold kids accountable here? If I were in-charge, I'd close the school and start all over again. I'd keep one current administrator who is a favorite of the kids as well as many adults. The office is chaotic from the time you walk in and throughout the day. It was said that one long-time teacher recently just packed up and said "I've had it." But that's hearsay. (although I can see why this would happen) Classrooms are hot, with no ventilation, as is true of many of the SDUSD older schools. Additionally, this is next to huge electrical towers and you can hear the electricity zapping sound as you walk nearby, so I'll bet that has adverse implications for an environment that is already unhealthily hot in classrooms. In a couple of classes, no extra pencils or paper were to be had and students were told that they'd have to bring their own. Teachers Lounge unfolded the usual comments that are easily addressed; how difficult is it to show appreciation to those who work hard? To bring donuts to meetings? To not schedule meetings so early as to make it difficult to attend? I suspect that, like every school, it has its good and not-so-good teachers. Not going to judge those I'd met, but wasn't particularly impressed. The overall tone of the campus is not a happy, positive one. It is like a school that has changed its name in order to try for a newer, brighter image. Unfortunately, it hasn't worked.

Posted: March 25, 2015

Such a disappointment! Parents, beware!! This is not the school that they make it out to be. The students for the most part are out of control. The others get bullied. :(

Posted: February 14, 2015

My 6th grader loves the dance and music programs. He is looking forward to more electives, like theatre , next year. It's great that they audition the kids for electives so they are challenged. The new theatre is incredible and very professional. Best school theatre in the area, better than private schools. The teachers are energetic, positive and fun. Advanced placement classes are necessary if your kid is as academic as he or she is talented. It's a big school with a very diverse campus which is a great environment for artists.

Posted: June 15, 2014

I sent my daughter here for 8th grade and it was the best decision we've ever made. The teachers truly understand kids who are creative and unique, and the school promotes and encourages students to excel in the arts as well as academically. The students that go to this school are pretty great too, and we did not have a problem with any bullying. My daughter loved this school so much and was very sad to leave. This school has got some SOUL, which I just didn't see at any of the other regular schools.

Posted: May 23, 2014

Amazing school,My daughter is in sixth grade and she LOVES this school.She has made so many friends,and the teachers are so engaged in teaching she has had a ton of fun and im looking forward for next year.Dont listen to the bad reviews this is an AMAZING school.

Posted: May 23, 2014

im a mom and my child goes to CPMA she is very happy she has learned a lot she wants to become a Actress im very Proud of her :) I LUV CPMA

Posted: May 19, 2014

This school is horrible. The staff does absolutely nothing about the bullying. Don't ever send your child to this school- an alumni student

Posted: September 29, 2013

I'm and eighth grader at CPMA and this is my first year here. I have to say its way better than my other school. We barely get any homework, and I got into advanced choir and it's only my first year! Everyone is more nice and loving and I love that, and this school is very enthusiastic and my other school wasn't like that. In choir we performed at the padres game on the 24th of September. It was awesome. Well that's all, this school really is a great school.

Posted: August 26, 2013

I am currently going into 8th grade and I have to say, CPMA is an amaaaaaazing school in my opinion. All the teachers I've had we're really nice. Especially my choir teacher. She is the most wonderful teacher ever. Ever since 6th grade, she has become one of my bestfriends and you could trust her in anything. She doesn't just treat you as a student, she treats you like you are her friend. I've never ever had a teacher like that until I got to CPMA. Also in 7th grade, I was in ASB. ASB changed my life. Our teacher was hilaaaaarious but can be really serious and strict when she needed to be. ASB became my second family.. There was a lot of fights when i was in 7th grade (last school year) but I never saw any of them which is weird because apparently one happened right in front of me but I guess I was just distracted by something else. But honestly, I've never been in any drama at all and I hope it stays that way during my last year at CPMA. I've met a lot of great people especially my bestfriends. And I hope my new WEB family will just be like ASB :) Be The Change You Wish To See In The World!

Posted: August 21, 2013

My daughter went to CPMA for 6th, 7th and 8th grade. When I needed help, the office was always there for me. My daughter did so well there because I was on top of her grades and participated in her education. Best thing you can do as a parent is go to the parent orientation night. It will give you an idea of what our kids day is really like and who is teaching your children. My daughter went into CPMA without any knowledge of playing an instrument and has gone on to audition and move onto a high school that sees her skill and potential. She learned discipline and hard work pay off and I believe CPMA gave her the avenue to shine. I would let my child go there again!

Posted: May 15, 2013

I love the fact that my son is engaged in artistic endeavors, as well as academic ones. CPMA offered the first Creative Writing Class for a middle school, which my son has taken this year as an elective. He has learned so much, while enjoying the creative process. He is also having a great time in his Media Arts class, and has learned a great deal in English, science and mathematics. My husband and I are very happy with the education our son is receiving from CPMA and it's teachers.

Posted: January 28, 2013

My daughter started 7th grade this year and we were very excited! Unfortunately our excitement is over and replaced with disappointment and my daughter now has fear to attend school because of severe bullying, taunting and being beaten up 2 times in the last month. I've addressed the fights and the teasing with the principal who in my opinion has failed to punish/suspend the other girl s) which has made an escalation of taunting, and another fight! Schools should take all bullying seriously and protect their students as this is their responsibility. The last fight...which happened the day after daughters birthday, the school did not even call me to notify me! We are going to transfer....this school has turned into an emotional down spiral for my daughter who is highly creative. Sorry CPMA you are just a thumbs down!

Posted: November 6, 2012

hello! my name is jennifer, this is my 2nd year here; so i'm in 7th grade. i'm average here, i'm not one of those popular girls that people wish they could be, or those loners that hang out by themselves. i hang out as what people call "the asian tree(s)". there's basically the 2 trees we're at. the first half of the first tree next to the bus-drop off; and half of the tree 2nd last next to the bus-drop off. so yeaaah, i'm friendly, if you're thinking about coming, you should come by and say hi! umumumum. so now lets get to the school. *GREAT place for the arts. we have many choice for electives. such as theatre; choir; band/orchestra; videoproductions; multi-media; art; e.t.c. many more. *you have 2 options for physical class P.E or dance. dance is fun, you get an option to wear a leotard or P.E clothes in beginning dance. but for intermediate and advanced; you needa wear your leotard(girls). *school grades here are average. not so bad, or good. *FOOD. food's great, but it gets old after a while, but we have food we could buy in the foodcarts. *fights... for some reason we had quite a few. but usually we don't. only 1, 2, 3 a year. TOTAL RATE FROM MY EXPERIENCE: 8/10

Posted: October 27, 2012

Of all the schools I have ever attended CPMA is by far the best. The student and teacher bodies are diverse and creative, offering an open and accepting school experience. The workload is reasonable and classes are well taught by a staff that is no less than gifted. I highly recommend the school to anyone, interest in the school's STELLAR arts programs or no.

Posted: August 7, 2012

hi i am going into cpma for 7th grade as a noob and dont know what to expect plz help btw i went to marston :D

Posted: July 10, 2012

I am going into my 8th grade in cpma and i LOVE IT !it has great teachers, for every grade. great guidance counslers . and great students. Yes their is drama and occasional fight , but what school doesnt right? if your looking for a school who has no drama && no fights. GOOD LUCK! lol but the students are very nice. they dont like group up in race like some schools theyr'e all mixed. and it's great. sometimes people get bullied but ussualy if i see it i always either call a teacher or staff or break it up myself. this school also has a great extra curriculum courses. for some reason the school board is making the new coming 6th graders take all of the extra curricular activites. i kind of wish that was for me . because i was put in something i HATE (trumpet -____-) but then in seventh grade i tried out choir <3 and i fell in love. now im in advaced choir :) i can't wait so hopefully if your looking at this school for your child i highly reccomend it <3

Posted: June 6, 2012

My son has thrived at CPMA. The majority of the teachers are very enthusiastic and committed to the schools emphasis on the arts, as well as to teaching. CPMA offers more electives during the regular school day than most middle schools in SDUSD. The quality of the electives is very high. This year my son, a 7th grader, participated in the Jazz Band and percussion classes. He has made great friends and looks forward to going to school. My son is labeled seminar by the school district, and I am very happy that we selected CPMA for him for middle school. He has done well academically and the arts have kept him engaged. I am a frequent volunteer on campus, and I haven't seen any evidence of bullying that has been mentioned in other posts. The school has an aggressive anti-bullying program with the theme of "Be the Change". I get the impression that if bullying were to occur, the staff would be quick to intervene if they were made aware of the situation. This school is for all students, those who want to have an opportunity to more fully develop a talent that they have or those who would like exposure to various classes in the arts.

Posted: November 11, 2011

I am a student at CPMA and I love it. Ive met a lot of really nice people, my teachers are wonderful, and they have a lot of good opportunities for aspiring musicians. I am in the advanced orchestra, we've gone to Disneyland twice and we've been to many festivals too. Just last year the advanced orchestra, band, and jazz band performed at copley symphony hall. Another really great thing about cpma is the amazing programs for handicapped and deaf kids. CPMA integrates deaf kids into classes for hearing students and hanicapped. I feel as a student that it is great to interact with the kids who've spent their whole lives in schools especially for kids with "disabilities" when they could spend time being treated like a normal person. Yes, bullying is a problem, but isnt that a problem at every middle school? MIddle school is the hardest times for many people in their life because its the transition from being treated like children to being treated like normal adult citizens. With hormones going crazy and all that jazz how could there not be bullying? Also as CPMA lets in anyone who attends many kids are "the wrong crowd" but you just have to find your way to avoid them.

Posted: November 3, 2011

this is the best school ever!!!!! i don't know why people would say it has bullying because it does. my daughtr goes there and she loves it. she never want to go to her house. she loves this school. the teachers are super nice to her. they make learning super fun for her.

Posted: September 24, 2011

THIS IS THE WORST SCHOOL I HAVE EVER ATTENDED IN MY LIFE. I attended this school grades 6-8 and I am now a sophomore in High School, while I was here at CPMA I suffered through the worst depression I haver ever had in my life. I was contantly bulied and teased, the teachers did NOTHING to help me even while knowing I was going through this. The majority of the students here and downright mean, vulgar, and ghetto to say the least. DRUGS are a big problem in this school, and not much is being done to stop it. The teachers I had at this school were also terrible. They were mean, unhelpful, and down right rude to me as I attended this dreadful school. Everyday, arriving to this school was like torture, and the only thing I looked forward to was going back home to my parents, where I could get some support. Unfortunately I often didn't tell my parents about the bullying because I was scared. But now that I'm out of this terrible place and in a school I very much love now, I'd just like to warn future parents, THIS SCHOOL IS BAD NEWS. Any current students reading this, I FEEL YOUR PAIN, IF YOU ARE BEING BULLIED, TELL SOMEONE!

Posted: July 19, 2011

I attended CPMA and I have to say that it was a great experience. Yes, we had many problems these past three years but I can honestly say that the school is doing better. Yeah, during last school year there were problems with drugs but that happens at ANY school not just ours, the drama as well. There are also NO kids on probation as some people claim. Besides those flaws that any school has, CPMA is a great school. We also got a new principal last school year and we're doing better. The school campus now looks better and we even got new teachers because previous ones didn't do well. The teachers that we have now are all great and people you can get along with. The parents are also very involved and have helped out a lot with fundraisers in our school. As an arts school, CPMA is doing really well. Our music, choir, and drama department are doing well as is our art department. As our school is very diverse we also have students that are hard of hearing that attend that school. They also have an ASL club so we can all communicate with each other better. Overall CPMA is a great school and I highly recommend CPMA as a middle school for your child.