Calavera Hills Middle School

Posted: March 30, 2026

Posted: March 30, 2026

Posted: March 30, 2026

Posted: March 30, 2026

Posted: March 30, 2026

Posted: March 30, 2026

Posted: March 30, 2026

One would assume that a school located in a pleasant area of Carlsbad would provide quality learning and safe environment. However, Calavera fails to achieve any of this. Our child faced persistent bullying, harassment, and even assault. The staff took no action whatsoever in response to these incidents. It reached a point where she was so fearful that she preferred to stay in the classroom during lunch rather than eat with her peers. The administration appears to prioritize political activism and protests over the education and safety of the students, which is quite unreasonable for children at such a formative age. Additionally, there is a significant issue with drug use and vaping on campus, and once again, the staff seems indifferent. The principal appeared particularly nonchalant about the concerns we brought to her attention.

Posted: March 30, 2026

Posted: February 8, 2023

We moved from out of state and I'm blown away at how amazing this school is! Our son has an IEP and they truly go above and beyond for learning differences. The staff is so professional, I can't say enough good things about this school.

Posted: February 8, 2023

Posted: February 8, 2023

Posted: February 8, 2023

Posted: February 8, 2023

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Posted: February 8, 2023

Posted: July 3, 2022

Both of my kids went here and had an excellent experience. The teachers were very good and the arts and theatre programs were second to none in North County.

Posted: July 3, 2022

Posted: July 3, 2022

Posted: July 3, 2022

Posted: July 3, 2022

Posted: July 3, 2022

Posted: July 3, 2022

Posted: July 3, 2022

Posted: June 22, 2021

I don’t know how this school can get so many positive reviews? The teachers are the worst, most if not all of them act as if they are the students back in high school. Think Revenge if The Nerds gone bad. They preach students should reach out for help from the guidance counselor but she’s the absolute worst! You go for help and then at the end of meeting with her she will then tell your child all the other things wrong ie dress coding. My child was constantly bullied and exposed to alcohol and drug use ON CAMPUS! Then the principal calls the apologize. If I could turn back the hands of time I would have chosen another middle school. This school is a JOKE!

Posted: June 22, 2021

Posted: June 22, 2021

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Posted: June 22, 2021

Posted: November 14, 2020

Not only are the teachers involved in the school including giving their time after hours but the parents are very involved in the school. The parents being involved make a huge difference here. As anyone knows, the greater the parent involvement the greater the school experience. If you are complaining without getting involved, then maybe you should try involving yourself in the school.

Posted: November 14, 2020

Homework for my student was used to reinforce lessons given during class, not as a replacement for the instruction.

Posted: November 14, 2020

I found the teachers here to be very engaged in the students learning and were excited to be there with our children.

Posted: November 14, 2020

Posted: November 14, 2020

Posted: November 14, 2020

Posted: November 14, 2020

Posted: April 19, 2019

they give so so so much homework and very rude teachers.

Posted: April 19, 2019

Posted: April 19, 2019

Posted: April 19, 2019

Posted: April 19, 2019

they promote bullying and it is really bad

Posted: April 19, 2019

horrible worst experience of my life time

Posted: October 17, 2018

The teachers are more progressive and thoughtful about what type of homework to give and how much. It is manageable and still allows for free time.

Posted: October 17, 2018

These are possibly the best trained set of teachers in the district - at least in the top 3. They are motivated to make learning engaging and applicable to the future. For example they have projects that bring together all the subjects that pertain to a world need and something the student is interested in - kind of like a passion project. Its just more interesting!

Posted: October 17, 2018

They have a lot of expectations that the students will be respectful to each other and to the teachers. And a lot of lunch clubs that spend time doing kind acts - ASB, Kids for Peace, GSA, Girls Krew...

Posted: October 17, 2018

Mr. Ecker is the nicest, and most progressive education oriented principal in in the district. He and his staff address issues head on and with kindness.

Posted: October 17, 2018

There is just a kinder approach at this school than the other middle schools. And the teachers are much more approachable with specific concerns for students.

Posted: October 17, 2018

There is such a positive emphasis on open communication that it would be hard to imagine that bullying isn't dealt with well.

Posted: October 17, 2018

Overall, this school is fantastic. I honestly can't think of a criticism. Not every teacher is perfect but this has to be one of the best, most engaged and excited staffs in Carlsbad.

(The poster below with the negative review is a community member and oddly there is a similar post that is negative a little further down and the language sounds the same. Their complaints are bizzarre and illogical - I think the reviews should be reviewed and removed. I don't think they have any idea what they are talking about - it doesn't make sense in the context of this school.)

Posted: April 13, 2018

Posted: April 13, 2018

The ones who genuinely care about all students' education are effective.

Posted: April 13, 2018

Hard to assess the degree any school impacts the development of character traits beyond rhetoric.

Posted: April 13, 2018

Students of varied hues with learning differences are funneled through here as CHMS is closest to border.

Posted: April 13, 2018

Experts. Staff effectively refuse to intervene to avoid need for incident report which is not required if bullying is just between minor students. So, yes, sometimes staff may be well aware your child is danger but not worth the paperwork required to stop it. Perhaps the pay is too low and risks to high. Just guessing not assessing.

Posted: April 13, 2018

A true learning experience. Quickly noted communication is neither transparent nor forthright. Would be ideal if teachers had more influence on educating students than administrators. Scripted. Perhaps refer to Patterson's "Middle School Worst...", Bloor's "Tangerine" and Peele's "Get Out".

Posted: October 12, 2017

Mr. Ecker has really stepped up to the job since taking over as principal. He cares so much about each and every student. even as a parent I'm aware that he may have to make the calls we all as parents don't want to hear that our children have done something or acted up some way in school, yet he does it with such ease and objectiveness that you just really feel like he care's about your kids. We are lucky to have him at our school.

Posted: October 12, 2017

This school offers alter native options for students with learning disabilities and with emotional issues (example coping with the loss of a parent). what's great is that if they can handle it (not enough staff) then they Outsource through the city and a funding program to bring in specialized individuals to take care of those children.

Posted: October 12, 2017

Again I've seen a noticeable change since Mr. Ecker has taken over. There is a zero tolerance for bullying and putting your hands on another student. This keeps students feeling safe in their environment. Free to learn without fear of peer judgement

Posted: October 12, 2017

Calavera Hills Middle School has offered the children a variety of ways to independently study at home and to take tests that help them get engaged and encourage them to get excited about the lessons they're learning in school. In addition to that Mr. Ecker the principal is always ever present and very involved with the students and parents.

Posted: October 12, 2017

My children are more excited then ever before in the subject's I would have least expected. This is the direct result of the teachers hard work.

Posted: October 12, 2017

The school has taken a no-nonsense approach to bullying. They encourage the children to find a middle ground a common denominator between each other. the school has always felt safe to me for my children to be going too. Again that has everything to do with the leadership of Mr. Ecker and the amazing teachers that continue to educate are children everyday.

Posted: October 12, 2017

I would recommend this school to any parent that asked me. Especially knowing that this staff is so amazing and really cares about the students.

Posted: June 21, 2017

Posted: June 21, 2017

Posted: June 21, 2017

Posted: June 21, 2017

Posted: June 21, 2017

Posted: June 21, 2017

Deplorable. Very tight knit like-minded community which may be great for kids who have the opportunity to make friends there. However, if a family or child does not meet desired criteria and "know their place", coercion methods to drive away ensue. Some divides are cultural and driven by PR. If a complaint arises, doing what looks good rather than actual goodness prevails. This is entrenched. Token representatives are rewarded and elevated just long enough for photo ops to chronical information contrasting the complaint. Given new full opportunities to police themselves, truth and compliance are mere options not requirements. There should be a posted warning: homogeneity strictly enforced. This truth will likely never be seen.

Posted: January 18, 2017

As a military family, we've had many moves and been at many schools. I cannot say enough how happy we have been with our experience at CHMS. We have a child in sixth grade and a child in eighth grade. They love their teachers, classes, student body and extra curricular activities. The staff are engaged and have been responsive to any needs that we have had. This is the best school that we have been to. We're so happy that it has turned out so well. Go Coyotes!

Posted: January 18, 2017

School Loop really helps to keep track of homework assignments

Posted: January 18, 2017

Posted: January 18, 2017

Posted: January 18, 2017

Posted: January 18, 2017

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Posted: January 17, 2017

Posted: January 17, 2017

Posted: January 17, 2017

Posted: January 17, 2017

Posted: January 17, 2017

Posted: January 17, 2017

My kids have been through both Calavera Elementary & Calavera Middle School, and so we've seen the full spectrum of all types of teachers through the years. But I have to say that CHMS, for the most part, has motivated staff who are great resources for the kids and parents. The teachers and principal, Mr. Ecker, are very responsive and have the kids' best interests in mind. I love that it's a small school where you really have the opportunity to get to know everyone and be heard.

Additionally, CHMS is innovative and is looking at ways via STEAM to inspire kids to think differently and consider new interests.

One recommendation: I wish the school had more "team spirit" in the area of sports.

Posted: January 17, 2017

Posted: January 13, 2017

We have been at Calavera hills Middle School for three years and love every aspect of it! We love that CHMS is a STEM school and part of Project Lead the Way (PLW) and is also on the national "School to Watch" list for being innovative and successful. Our two boys feel engaged, challenged, supported, and connected by a wonderful team of staff, teachers, students, and families. There is a great sense of community. The PTSA is incredible and does a lot of fantastic things for the school. The grounds are set overlooking the tranquil Calavera Nature Perserve. There is a beautiful large mosaic of the school logo set in the courtyard that some of the students and their families helped make with a local artist. It's a very nice touch. The new Makers Space is awesome! It was created to mimic the Thinkabit Lab at Qualcomm and is very cool. The kids get to help make the world a better place by using empathy and creativity to solve problems. Students also get to go on cool field trips to places like the Thinkabit Lab, Safari Park, Disneyland, and Knotts. I really enjoy volunteering for these trips, on campus, and wtih the PTSA. My kids especially love the STEM and music classes. They also take zero period PE (before school) so they can take two electives. It's great option. The principal, Mr. Ecker, and the assistant principal, Mrs. Stapleton, are wonderful. They work so hard and always have smiles on their faces. As parents themsleves, they really understand and appreciate our children. All of the teachers and staff are really very kind and work hard to make the school a nice place to be. Back in fifth grade we consideed sending our kids to Valley Middle and are SO HAPPY we chose CHMS instead!

Posted: January 13, 2017

The teachers are very fair and the amount of homework that is given is not too dauting.

Posted: January 13, 2017

The teachers are wonderful and very easy to approach, if needed. They are engaged and hard working. The Project Lead the Way (PLW) is great for our kids. We love this way of thinking and teaching. The kids get more out of classes.

Posted: January 13, 2017

Oh my gosh, the school does so much for the kids to instill integrity, compassion, and respect. The "Breaking Down the Walls" assemblies were amazing. The Coyote Community on Thursdays are fun and engaging. Character trait awards are given out each month. The advisory classes in the mornings with teachers instill discussion on these topics as well as relavent class material and instruction.

Posted: January 13, 2017

The leadership at CHMS is very engaged and approachable. Mr. Ecker is so nice and always working so hard withthe students and staff. He has an amazing amount of energy. Mrs. Stapleton also very involved and a wonderful lady. I love that they both have a good sense of humor and are somewhat laid back in their leadership approach. The counselor, Ms. Espeleta is fantastic, too!

Posted: January 13, 2017

My son is on a 504 plan and the school has been absolutely wonderful in helping us set this in place. They really want him, and all of the students, to be happy and successful.

Posted: January 13, 2017

Bullying is dicussed and not tolerated at the school!

Posted: November 21, 2016

Posted: November 21, 2016

Posted: November 21, 2016

Posted: November 21, 2016

Posted: November 21, 2016

Posted: November 21, 2016

Too much homework for some 6th graders

Posted: November 21, 2016

My daughter went here a few years ago and had an OK experience. Didn't quite measure up to her elementary school where there was a fantastic sense of community and various events like Science Day made possible by parental involvement, which was not sought or encouraged at the middle school level (but perhaps that's as it should be for that age). She had some great teachers and some lousy ones. She was a kid who could shrug at the lousy ones and make the most of opportunities like being a leader/mentor to younger students. My son later went there and had a terrible time with anxiety, partly did not have the maturity to cope with the workload and stringent requirements like taking notes in different colors, gluing things in notebook with proper numbering and headings etc. It became a serious problem with refusing to attend school; teachers and administrators tried to help us but appeared to have no more experience with this sort of situation than we parents did, and we sometimes felt an undercurrent of judgment. We ended up homeschooling through a charter school that has much more experience with kids who don't fit in a standard box.

Posted: October 30, 2016

Very ineffective learning with no success inimprovement or guaranty for help

Posted: October 28, 2016

Staff is horrible.....teachers stop caring....principal acts like he cares but does not, very fake....they need to work at INDIVIDUAL HELP FOR Students there is no guaranty for success their. Very spoiled and entitled staff.

Posted: June 8, 2016

Posted: June 8, 2016

Posted: June 8, 2016

Love Calavera Hills Middle School. Administration, Principal Ecker, and Asst. Principal Stapleton are great to work with. Extremely progressive with hands on experiences for the kids, with amazing field trips - including a trip to Qualcomm's ThinkABit Lab. Huge sense of community at Calavera Hills.

Posted: December 12, 2015

My child loves going to school. Teachers care about his academics and about him as a person.

Posted: December 12, 2015

Posted: December 12, 2015

Posted: December 12, 2015

We love the teachers and office staff! Their passion for learning is inspirational to our students. Focus on the arts and sciences allows students to develop skills that they will need for their future. We are lucky to be a part of this community.

Posted: November 20, 2015

CHMS is a smaller school and has a much different vibe than the other middle schools in the district - and that's a blessing! The new principal, Mr. Ecker, is caring, energetic and dedicated to improving the school at all times. The eighth grade team of teachers are outstanding. I was blown away by the amazing school musical last year. As far as academic preparation, last's years CHS valedictorian went to CHMS, and many graduates are at UCLA, Berkeley, Harvard, MIT, etc. Sure, send your kid to one of the other middle schools if you want them to be exposed earlier to the "cool" social/chemical issues that will arise for your child as they progress through high school. If you want your child to be prepared for a successful academic career in high school and beyond, send them to Calavera.

Posted: August 2, 2015

Posted: August 2, 2015

It is an elementary school feeling with older kids... you do not feel you are in a middle school. I am glad i transferred my kid to a real middle school.