San Elijo Middle School in San Marcos

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	9/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) data from California Department of Education, and using 2025 California Science Test data from California Department of Education.
Student Growth	3/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from California Department of Education.

Posted: December 3, 2025

This school is overall really good; they have amazing teachers, an administration team, and other faculty members. Their music program is amazing; their highest ensemble plays high school-level music and is so good. They have Honor English and an Accelerated Program in math, where you do 3 years of math in 2, but they're only available in 7th and 8th grade. However, in 6th grade, the work is VERY easy, so you might get bored, but I honestly think that is a good thing because when you go into the harder classes in 7th and 8th, you'll receive a bit of a higher workload. In addition, the teachers are so good; I have so many good teachers. The principal, Tricia Storey, is really good, and the assistant principals are very proactive and are always trying to help other students and do NOT tolerate bullying. I assure you, if you go to this school, you'll make so many friends, and you will enjoy your time here for all 3 years.

Posted: August 28, 2025

Great school, but in my opinion too many kids to staff. Super cute location, but can get choked up and take a while to get into SEH. My son has done well there and I appreciate all the sports and clubs that the school offers.

Posted: May 28, 2025

All three of my kids experienced repeated bullying at this school, first under the horrible leadership of Gary DeBora. This district has a major bullying issue likely because staff does nothing to the aggressor. In fact telling makes it worse! The bullying carries in to high school. Stay away from San Marcos Unified. Many students are leaving to nearby districts or charters. I would now if I could do it all over again.

Posted: September 27, 2024

this school was so skibidi!!!! i loved it. i went there for 6th grade and it was soooo sigma! there was fights all the time and it was sooo cool! i dont like that there are furries there now tho. its weird. the school is pretty rizz because the students arent total snowflakes. the guys there are pretty hot. lowkey a 10/10 school. i did get suspended there once for prank calling my annoying teacher. that was kinda not sigma but its okay cause it was worth it! loved that school soooooooooo much! very much recommend putting your child into it! it was my favorite school ive gone to so far! honestly so fun! NOT FOR SNOWFLAKES OR SOFT KIDS!!!!

Posted: August 7, 2024

My two kids went to this school and both had good experiences. Had a few teachers go above and beyond the call of duty to help one of my kids be successful. It is a large school so kids need to look for their people, my kids both participated in the excellent band program -- which the loved and continued through tho High School / SMHS marching band.

Posted: March 25, 2024

Coming from another district in North County I can say that San Elijo has great dedicated teachers. My son is alot happier here and his grades have improved so much compared to his other school. He's excited to learn and is involved in some extra curricular activites.

Posted: August 1, 2022

I used to go to the school, and it left a completely different person. Bullying is an insanely huge issue in this school, with no staff doing anything about it. Punishment is absurd and victims get the same punishment as their bullies and complaints against students fall on deaf ears. I was harassed and left traumatized and when talking to any and every school staff, they acted like the cared but continued to push me away and let the situation go away as they sweep it under the rug. Most everyone I know was also bullied and/or harassed.

Not only are the students horrendous, but the school is a completely open campus in a pit, which especially concerned me after I got a personal threat of shooting. Lots of open places in the school with nothing preventing kids from keeping hidden items in their bags. Drug use is also a massive issue. Please keep this in mind you you plan to enroll your student.

Posted: December 19, 2021

PSA: Do not expect your child to be challenged at this school. San Elijo Middle School has taken away accelerated courses in English and Math for 6th graders. (They offer accelerated math for 7th and 8th graders). When registering in the spring the school would not tell us (after 3 inquiries) that they do not offer accelerated courses to meet the needs of advancing learners. When my child received their schedule in August and I requested a change into accelerated courses we were told, "All courses are honors courses. It's up to the teacher to accelerate." After my child read one book and wrote one paper in 6 months time I asked the teacher and and admin. for more opportunities to be challenged. I was told no, that the given coursework was plenty. It was then we knew that we had to find a school that would willingly meet our child's academic needs.

Honestly, if the school does not find value in challenging students who need it by offering accelerated courses, that is their decision. The school administration just need to be transparent about it upon REGISTRATION so families can make the best decision for their child. If that is the choice they've made, they need to OWN it and communicate it, so that families can find another school that will happily meet their child's academic needs. Middle school is hard enough to navigate, but to watch your child have to start middle school twice because the adults at the school would not communicate, is the worst part, and truly where our frustration lies.

Make no mistake. This is not a funding issue. This is about equity gone bad. We are, and always have been, for equity. If there are a disproportionate number of students missing from a subgroup in accelerated courses, by all means, figure out a way to equitably support students in these courses in our public school. But the solution is not to take away learning opportunities for all students. By taking away accelerated courses, the students who can't afford to move to a neighboring school district or send their child to a private school suffer the most. There is no opportunity for the advancing learner from an underrepresented subgroup to be in an academically challenging environment. Students in families who can leave in order to ensure that their child's educational needs are met, will leave. Over 1,000 students have left the school district in last 2 years.

That said, their music program is amazing and my child's science teacher was excellent.

Posted: January 23, 2021

There are great teachers at this school, however bullying is a problem. It's not the best learning environment.

Posted: October 14, 2020

Just a really bad school in general.. work overload, teachers are not good at explaining stuff, rude kids, vape/drug use..

Posted: June 14, 2019

This is an amazing school. As everywhere you get what you invest. The music program is above any school in the area.

Posted: March 12, 2019

Most of the teachers dont show passion to what they are doing, they dont put any effort in helping the students enjoy learning and accelerate. Its just a paid job for them. They are making students hate learning.

Posted: March 12, 2019

Id give it a zero starts if I could! We cant wait for the school year to end and get out of there! Will go to a school that really cares about students academics, help them accelerate not set them up for failure, and help them develop compassion, tolerance and integrity.

Posted: February 28, 2019

There's a lot of cussing. Also, these privileged kids taught my son racism against hispanic kids.

Posted: March 16, 2018

During the National, March 14 Walk Out, students who peacefully participated in the event were given a detention. DeBora justified his actions in a note sent to the parents. To my amazement, quite a few parents agreed and praised his leadership skills. Good for you! You are raising nice little sheeple.

Posted: March 16, 2018

They have a strict bullying policy but forget about DeBora enforcing it. God forbid we punish the bully and make them feel bad for their actions. We don't want to shame them.

Posted: March 16, 2018

My daughter was severely harassed at this school. After the administrators were ineffective at stopping the bullying I wound up pulling my daughter from this school and placing her in another one. Now the happy child I remember prior to enrolling her at San Elijo Middle is back and thriving. At some point you have to do what's best for your child.

Posted: March 16, 2018

If you're in honors expect to get additional busy work instead of more challenging material.

Posted: March 16, 2018

There are a few good teachers at this school like Mrs. Waugh. Although she is very strict I really appreciate her teaching style. Because of her my daughter became a better writer.

Posted: March 16, 2018

Again, there are a few good teachers at this school but it wasn't worth the emotional toll it took on my daughter.

Posted: November 18, 2017

I must take a moment to express my gratitude and give my highest praise for the incredible teaching team at SEMS!!!! I have always known that the school is excellent, but this past week I experienced first-hand the outstanding dedication and level of care of the teaching staff at SEMS. My son was off all week with bronchitis and was very worried about getting behind. So, he began emailing teachers and so did I. The response was incredible! Every teacher responded to every email so fast!!!! Yes, emails in the early morning, late evening and all throughout the day. I was beyond impressed! As the assignments came in, I was also incredibly impressed with how much work is accomplished every day at school. These are master teachers the highest in their field and what a top notch education!

Ms. Kossler gave the kindest words imaginable and put him at ease. When my son came in the last day of the week for work, she reached out with her warmth and again put him at ease. Mrs. Dwyer offered care and gave feedback upon feedback on his essay and emails galore to keep him up with the class. Mr. Masters was so clear with all the assignments (with grading rubrics etc.) and so encouraging that he had faith in him. Mrs. Phillips was also so genuinely kind and after emailing so many times, she invited him in at the end of the week to go over everything that had been done in class explaining everything so clearly. Mr. Pearlman was super clear with the assignments, and even thought ahead to the following week so he would be prepared for the following week and where the class was headed. Mr. Hein just put everything at ease when he said that he would work with my son to catch him up, and there was no rush just when he felt better. And, Mr. Pope was absolutely kind to keep emailing and then finally phone me with regards to the prizes for the Color Battle. He collected my son's prizes and put them at the front office for pick up. Talk about the cherry on top of the ice cream! I picked up the large drone on Friday and the whole week of coughing faded out!

Everyones gift of time to care about my son, both personally and for his studies, was outstanding! I could not be more impressed or grateful. What an amazing team at SEMS!!!!

Posted: November 10, 2017

Great school! Great teachers (Mr. Hainey is the best!)

Posted: October 3, 2017

The Administration and Staff at this school is excellent. I can attest to this having dealt with them over the last 5+ years as a member of the San Diego education community. Students are exposed to excellence in academics with high expectations for taking leadership roles in their school community. Special Education staff is awesome.

Posted: October 3, 2017

Posted: June 17, 2017

This school is absolutely horrible! Bullying, Harassment, cussing...... every corner everywhere!!
kids are very mean, beyond you can imagine, many of them are often using drugs and alcohol, if you want you child to stay healthy and happy , DO NOT go to this horrible school, we were very disappointed, it is a super lousy school in a nice area.

Posted: June 17, 2017

Posted: June 14, 2017

The teachers communicate well with my daughter and when I have had questions or concerns they have responded to my messages same day and been very helpful and always very pleasant.

Posted: June 14, 2017

This school believes in a no bullying policy, and takes it seriously, my daughter feels comfortable going to school, and although there's been times she's been aware of other's being bullied, she's brought it to a teacher's attention and it's been handled immediately, so she's always felt protected and felt secure, this truly helps teens in the middle school setting build strong character. When children/young adults feel they are being heard, and their words are taken into consideration and they are treated with respect- they begin to treat others with that same respect, and it doesn't just help them in their learning environment, it transfers back to their home life- I've seen my daughter's character change at home as well, and have SEMS to thank for that.

Posted: June 14, 2017

Not only are the children exposed to learning how to become stronger leaders through clubs and events, but parents are able to volunteer around the school and become a bigger leader in their child's learning environment.

Posted: June 14, 2017

As I mentioned prior, this school has an a no bullying policy, and it is taken very seriously. My daughter has felt very comfortable at SEMS, and I have felt at ease sending her to school each day knowing she will not be treated poorly.

Posted: June 14, 2017

My daughter did amazing at SEMS, and is on to San Marcos High coming up soon. I love how fast the teachers reply to my messages, and how the counselor is so very helpful when I have questions. I have read the posts from years past, and it seems that so much has changed from what I've read; and I am glad I could give a positive review at the end of this school year, and hope other parents will follow in my footsteps. If I had any other children I would send them to SEMS in a heartbeat!!! Love Kathy at the registrars office, she was a great help when we first started out at SEMS, and this year has gone by so fast for us, we'll be sad to leave, but the next 4 years of school will definitely show what hard work and dedication all of my daughter's teachers' have put in the past few years. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

Posted: January 11, 2016

The review written by a parent in April 2015 - true. My kid went through the same experience. This school has a higher ranking and higher student performance not because of the teaching but due to the parent involvement and additional help they get outside the school. Very average school and students who attend this school are from a middle to higher socioeconomic back ground. I know a lot of students have private tutoring outside the school. Some teachers are good, but very crowded and impossible to get help if the student needs extra attention.

Posted: April 14, 2015

My son was a curious kid who always got good grades and did his 6th grade here. Unfortunately, kids in honors class were given MORE homework (even during break) so guess what happens, they want to just be in regular class. The math teacher left everything to Khan Academy. The administrators are aware of this ineffective teacher but they "can't fire a tenured teacher" and "don't worry next year they only get the teacher for one period". How reassuring! I am not asking for them to fire the teacher. Just to make changes. They placed this teacher to teach both math and science, hard subjects. I do not think anyone can teach these 2 subjects everyday day in and day out effectively. An English teacher had the students write a paper and had them color the entire paper (until no white spaces can be seen). What are they learning by coloring the paper? They are not in kindergarten killing time. Why not have them write on colored paper and maybe let them write a longer essay? So many useless homework. Middle school is the time where kids either end up being engaged or disconnected. Mediocre teacher = mediocre kids. Set the bar higher for our youth. They deserve better.

Posted: September 4, 2014

In the realm of Academia, this school seems to have a good grasp on providing a rigorous, yet fair program for its students. It is technically advanced and has a beautiful campus. However, as far as student life and quality of the education experience...this school is missing the mark. The short time allotted for each period, the overwhelmingly large student body and the lack of personal attention affects the child's potential in getting a individualized support/planning and a guided path to higher education. I wish this school was able to downsize and provide my children with the education they deserve. It's beautiful on the outside, but it's the internal quality that counts

Posted: October 30, 2013

San Elijo Middle School is a rigorous school with high expectations for all students. The teachers are caring and dedicated.

Posted: September 25, 2013

San Elijo Middle School is an excellent middle school with strict rules that are followed through by the teachers and administration. Middle schoolers need these rules! 2 of my children have gone here and have only had great experiences. Almost every teacher we've had is amazing and willing to meet with kids before or after school for extra attention/help. Both of my kids are straight A students who never get in trouble so maybe that why we've had such a positive experience? Work hard and you are rewarded!

Posted: September 8, 2013

I went to San Elijo, and I have to say, this school is absolutely horrible! The asst. principal and supervisors are the rudest staff there. They care more about dress code and no gum. The asst. principal is strict, and just ridiculous. There were cops and sniffing dogs, the principles check the student's social media. There is yelling and cussing, inappropriate words and slang. Bullying is also a main problem, the "club" doesn't even help. If you go to Albertson's, you can see how fed up the people are. I wouldn't recommend this school as a student.

Posted: August 28, 2013

All I have to say is ignore all bad comments. My son went here and loved it. He had great teachers. Now my daughter is a 8th grader and really struggled with some classes but with the great staff she is now doing awesome. If lunch is unhealthy then pack a lunch, if there wasn't mean supervisors this school would be a mess. Good luck finding a perfect school, there not in elementary anymore. Always be involved with your kids school and after school

Posted: August 12, 2013

I don't get the negative comments. Both of my kids are happy with this school. I have personally met with all my kid's teachers and can only say good things about their dedication and work ethic. Both my kids are straight A's and I suspect that the negative comments are coming from parents whos kids tend to get into trouble or put being popular ahead of acadmeic achievement. As far bullying, this is an issue in all middle schools and this school has a zero tolerance policy. Just report it and it will be dealt with. Also when many schools have found the need to drop music and art, this school has managed to have a flourishing band program headed by a terrific teacher who has many volunteers helping the students. They have won many band competition awards and have an end of the school year concert at the Center for the performing arts in Escondido. The art program is also going full steam and one of my daughters looks foward to that Class daily. The other daughter is in the band and loves it. In summary SEMS is a really good school and your children will get a good education. They just need to put in the effort and parents need to stay involved.

Posted: July 17, 2013

Some of these negative reviews seem like they are written by a flunking 8th grader, or parents who are a little behind the times, such as not wanting to teach kids about conservation or evolution (BTW, the standards are set by the state, and not the school). SEMS is a very good school in an average school district. Several factors contribute to this - SEMS student demographics are better than San Marcos average, the school is relatively new, and the teachers do a good job of teaching. API scores prove how this school compares to other similar schools. Every place has some drawbacks. San Marcos is not La Jolla or Carmel Valley, and the demographics do have some impact - it's all relative. Class sizes have increased to 32-36 kids. Bullying is a sign of pre-teen kids, but is managed at SEMS as well as anywhere else. Finally, San Elijo Hills is a new neighborhood, and there is a fair amount of turnover. Rest assured that it is not because of SEMS. If anything, people want to move to the area due to the schools. Good Luck.

Posted: May 31, 2013

The teachers have no control over their students, at least they aren't trying to do anything about it. Kids in the classrooms use crude language, disturb the class, and are a real pain. I have gone to the school counceling office before about a disturbing video in science class that went against my religion in the realm of evolution, and they said they would 'look into it'. WHEN?! How long am I supposed to wait before something is done about the insanity of this school. It seems that instead of the faculty running the school, the kids are. They say that they have bully prevention programs that they are conducting. If that is true, then why do I hear kids telling other people to 'go die in a hole' or, 'no one likes you' and even 'why are you even alive? You should go hang yourself'. And even though they might think that it doesn't actually affect others, it hurts anyone who endures such horrid violent words. The only time the school will step in is when there is a physical problem. They won't do anything when someone is being verbally abused. I am a seventh grade student, and I KNOW that there are many things that need to change at my school, and this is just the start.

Posted: April 2, 2013

I do not understand why Mr. Hall is hiring the rudest parents as supervisors. I don't feel safe for my children.

Posted: March 22, 2013

Another good year at SEMS! Child number two is currently in 6th grade. Although not as strong academically as my oldest, I so appreciate the excellent communication with the teachers. They always respond so quickly to my inquiries. Recently my son had an issue with another student and I thought it was handled very well. The teachers work their tails off to provide these students with a rigorous education. I feel my oldest was SO prepared for high school. Thank you, SEMS!

Posted: December 23, 2012

I don't quite understand all these nasty critcisms here. As a former student, my experience was fulfilling and my academics soared. I moved mid-term at around 7th grade (for financial reasons), and started at a new school. This school has very kind, social, and smart kids and is not very different from SEMS. SEMS does, i admit, have a bit mroe of a bullying problem.... Honestly, bullying is something that everyone faces no matter which school you go to (private or public etc). I for one, have been a peer ambassador and helped many kids with their social life. You must learn to ignore and just rock on with your indivisualism and be proud of it. Take pride and don't care about what others think of you (it may be harder to do that said). But everything should work out fine. Point is, the bullying is pretty bad (just a tad but worse than the school I am now attending) but I think it can be worked out.

Posted: October 24, 2012

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.

Posted: September 13, 2012

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.

Posted: September 2, 2012

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!!!

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Rancho Carrillo	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Carlsbad	CA	2.6 mi
2	La Costa	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Carlsbad	CA	3.9 mi
3	Windsor at Aviara	Apartment Complex	Carlsbad	CA	4.9 mi
4	Shadowridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Vista	CA	5.8 mi
5	Palisades Pointe	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Carlsbad	CA	8 mi
6	Mira Costa Estates	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Oceanside	CA	9.1 mi
7	Torrey Highlands	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	9.2 mi
8	St. Cloud	Condominium/Townhouse	Oceanside	CA	10.2 mi
9	Montecito village apartments	Apartment Complex	Oceanside	CA	10.3 mi
10	Spectrum Center Blvd, Kearny Mesa	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	19.1 mi
11	Canyon View	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	20.4 mi
12	Santee Villas	Apartment Complex	Santee	CA	21.4 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Encinitas	Encinitas	CA	6.9 mi
2	Torrey Highlands	San Diego	CA	9.2 mi
3	Carlsbad	Carlsbad	CA	9.7 mi
4	Downtown Oceanside	Oceanside	CA	12.4 mi
5	Mira Mesa	San Diego	CA	12.9 mi
6	Wine Country area of Scripps Ranch	San Diego	CA	14.4 mi
7	Lake Rancho Viejo	Fallbrook	CA	16.1 mi
8	University City	San Diego	CA	16.6 mi
9	La Jolla	La Jolla	CA	17.9 mi
10	Serra Mesa	San Diego	CA	20.9 mi
11	Santee Trolley Square	Santee	CA	21.7 mi
12	Santee	Santee	CA	22.1 mi
13	Del Cerro	San Diego	CA	22.8 mi

Base	Distance
Miramar MCAS	16 mi.
Camp Pendleton	21.2 mi.
MCRD San Diego	24.8 mi.
San Diego Naval Medical Center	25.7 mi.
North Island NAS	27.6 mi.
Naval Base Point Loma	28.7 mi.
San Diego Naval Base	29.1 mi.
Coronado Naval Amphibious Base	29.3 mi.

San Elijo Middle School

San Marcos, CA 92078

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San Elijo Middle School

San Marcos, CA 92078

School Ratings

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