Albert Einstein Academy Charter Middle in San Diego

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	6/10	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	4/10	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: May 20, 2026

I don't see it on the list but this review applys to AEA Elementary:

Our daughter is entering 3rd grade, and weve been part of this school community since kindergarten. What we love most about the school is the strong sense of community, the second language exposure, and the German cultural aspect that makes the experience so unique.

Our daughter especially enjoys the creative opportunities offered through art, music, and performance. She recently participated in the talent show and is excited to be part of a German play this year. The project-based learning approach and IB curriculum have also been a great fit for her learning style, and she genuinely loves going to school.

While the recent leadership drama has been distracting, the heart of the school is still its community. Even through those challenges, our daughter continues to thrive and loves her teachers, classmates, and overall school experience.

Posted: May 20, 2026

Posted: February 6, 2026

My family went to great lengths to enroll my child at AEA ES. Since starting, this school's leadership has produced nothing but drama. First parents caught wind that the school hadn't been following the dual immersion part of their charter. Our kids were barely getting any German, let alone the 50/50 model they marketed.

Next, the superintendent fired a beloved principal potentially because the superintendent did not want a teacher's union for our vastly underpaid (compared to other teachers in SDUSD) though the firing was cited as a credentialing issues. The principal had been in the position for 10+ years. The school spends hundreds of thousands on marketing (see youtube board meetings), yet we don't have a full-time nurse and our special ed department's load is massive. The superintendent's priority is to grow this school at all costs. As of recent, approx 50% of elementary school students do not continue to the AEA middle school. Huge red flag. They are adding and building a new high school to this charter despite years of set construction setbacks (and money and now a massive decrease in elementary school enrollment due to my first 3 points (neglecting the German program, firing the principal, and underpaying teachers).

You could say the community's morale is low. Parents gathered over 500 signatures for a Petition of No Confidence (within less than 10 days). I would share links to the school board meeting to show you how families at the school feel (their public comments say it all), but it seems those live streams are no longer posted. Unfortunately, AEA's golden years are over.

Posted: February 6, 2026

Posted: June 20, 2025

As an educator who has middle school experience, I feel compelled to report that this school is ill-equipped to manage the well-documented behavioral, safety and social concerns that have been created, and have grown to an unmanageable level, due to an inadequate principal, vice-principal, superintendent and school board. My child was severely bullied, including pervasive verbal and physical harassment, as well as entrapment. Despite repeated communications, meetings and pleas to the administration to protect our child, it became clear that they are unable to implement their approved TitleIX Harassment, Intimidation, Discrimination and Bullying Policy. Instead, students who harm their own peers are protected without consequence, leading to significant mental health concerns for affected students. My child had attended AEA since kindergarten, and we believed that the middle school would provide a safe and welcoming environment where new connections were encouraged. As my child grew to fear for her safety, she asked to leave and attend a different school. This resulted in a loss of important friendships, school clubs, activities and German instruction. The classroom teachers care about child well-being and learning. The wonderful school counselor provided a safe and caring space for my child to open up to a trusted adult, which was comforting to her and appreciated during that difficult time. Despite these positive aspects, I do not recommend sending any child to Albert Einstein Academy Charter Middle School.

Posted: June 20, 2025

Posted: October 8, 2024

The administration rollover backwards for the parents and students, and not in a positive way. While bullying should not be tolerated, it goes unchecked here. The bullied end up breaking down or fighting their bullies, while the bullies laugh and use it as ammunition to continue bullying. As a teacher, you can only stop it in your classroom, but if the students have little to no consequences from admin, they will and do walk the halls like they own the place.

This place does not foster a safe learning environment. I will never enroll my children in this school district with this current administration in place.

Posted: October 8, 2024

Posted: May 3, 2024

This school is a mid school, it has many flaws and bad students, the psychiatrist there is good but i feel the whole school (not just her) favors the bullies more than the victims and gives them excuses and lets their behavior side. The German program is okay, but the advanced teacher is not the best, the rest of the school is very good and fun, having many after school programs and clubs. Another thing i dislike about the school is the food, it doesnt tast or smell good and sometimes has made some students sick. Otherwise I think this school is great.

Posted: September 7, 2023

My girls are thriving here! They are finally happy, socializing and actually learning! They began discussing what they learn with me after school which is proof they are engaged and actually learning, unlike their last schools. They want to go to school now! This is a great school with a wonderful faculty of educators that are patient, understanding, kind and actually care for all the students, not just who is easiest to deal with or whom they choose. Bullying is not tolerated here by students or teachers! The students are even kinder. Thank you for existing Albert Einstein Academy! Educational gem for socially sensitive, shy and neurodivergent children.

Posted: September 7, 2023

Posted: June 30, 2023

I read some of the reviews and decided to write one myself - from the point of view of a (1) former AEA parent, a (2) teaching aide at AEA (German support & Learning Center) and (3) a long-time German tutor to many students of AEA. I find it important to provide people interested with a most objective and factual content. A little history as to why AEA offers German: This school was founded by German speakers/natives/enthusiasts and supporters to provide German language instruction next to English; a 50/50 situation. The school's charter was put together accordingly. This also means that the school needs a certain number of German speaking students/families to create a beneficial - to all - environment. If a student/family decides for German in their educational life, this school is a fantastic school and opportunity here in San Diego but, naturally, when a language is not spoken at home, extra work must be put in to learn it. Parents, this is on you and it may not be easily accomplished. You have to make up your mind if you can and want to put in some time and effort into helping your student this way. Most important is to ask the administration before you enroll your child (!) about what they need from you to give your student the best possible start and support throughout. Do not just enroll and go and see. That is true for Kindergarten and that is true for 6th grade or any grade. There is a responsibility we all have towards our children and also to a (school) community we think we want to be a part of because we co-create campus life and also influence others within this community. Of course, I am now speaking from experience and l am looking back at everything. I have not always thought this way or realized the importance of what 'I as an individual should give' to a school community. It helps having been a mother, a teacher and a tutor. I hope this helps you before you decide for or against AEA e.g.

Posted: June 30, 2023

Posted: March 22, 2023

Let me start off by saying this school seems to be racially biased. They have german exchange students and i was told by another parent that those students are their top priority. I am starting to believe that as well. My daughter was being hit by a boy, even after she gained the courage to tell staff about the bullying and hitting he continued to hit her. He called her racial slurs and still not much was being done. Another things this school does not have a school nurse. You are told to leave your childs medication at the front desk with instruction for the front desk staff to use. My daughter has rare allergic reaction and I have sent letters, talked to the counselor and even had a doctors note. Yet, this school doesnt seem to take my daughters condition serious. Last but not least, this should does not provide the students their lunch even though it is free. My daughter was coming home with headaches and complaining that they were not giving them lunch. She would get told by lunch staff that they had ran out of lunch! I brought this to the staff attention, wrote the prinicpal an email and spoke to the counselor. I was given the excuse that they may have ordered less lunches than what were needed. 2 weeks later my daughter is again complaining that there is no lunches left. Cafeteria staff told her that they were out of lunches and only offered her yogurt or fruit with cheez its. Ive complained to staff over and over. Staff always says "we have fruit and snacks, if the kids are ever hungry". Lol unacceptable. Fruit or crackers? Where is the free lunch that your school collects and why isnt my child and others not being provide a lunch fairly as the other students do. My nephew goes to this school as well. Hes in the 8th grade. He also mentioned there is days when the cafeteria does not open up for them and hes left to just eat the snacks in his backpack or not eat at all. The staff continue to try and make excuses and lie to me about their lunch issue. So I have taken the steps to escalate this issue higher and above them. My daughter will not be attending another year. The learning might be great but overall my childs experience here is becoming more of a headache. I am constantly having to leave work to go to her school and complain. My biggest question is Where is the funds for the students to have lunch provided to them at school? I can only imagine the students who may really depend on the meal they receive at school. Horrible, dont recommend.

Posted: March 22, 2023

Posted: November 29, 2022

Great community, understanding and great teachers , very focused sped program, overall amazing school. They have free lunches and lots of activities including a growing after school program list. Also FREE sports programs for students including soccer, volleyball, basketball +.

Posted: November 29, 2022

Posted: July 21, 2021

My sons attended Albert Einstein elementary and middle school K through 8 ( middle school Class of 2013 and 2017). They received the highest standard of education called the International Baccolariette Program. It teaches in a way that brings several subjects into one. For example, a combined history/English class my might include writing essays about the time period, geography, environment, and technology of the time. All rolled into 2 class periods. Teachers And parents are very dedicated To this very unique school.

This is also a German language Immersion school, they became fluent In the German language. The teachers are rigorous. Perhaps the test scores reflect the rigorous nature of the classes, Rather than only Teaching for the Standardized tests.

The school offers a Eclectic after school programs and the culture of the school is inviting.

In order to serve the Neighborhood students, in addition to those who attend for the charter school's focus, They started to Offer a second curriculum. Get in touch with a school to see About Recent additions.

Posted: July 21, 2021

Posted: February 7, 2018

Very positive and motivating teachers and staff. They really support students and encourage them to help others in return. My daughter is happy here and looks forward to going to school every day.

Posted: December 9, 2017

This school year the students returned to find out their beloved principal Ms. Robinson was gone and the school just posted a note to parents that in usual fashion this will not be discussed. Well... things do seem to be different. Our student tells me that there are many who miss her and I find that the organization is changing. All newsletters are sent in English/Spanish but the school is partnering with a German program and has at least last year focused on that language as well. We are happy with the teachers that our student has and we appreciate all of their work. This year we are overwhelmed however with donation requests for teacher appreciation luncheons, contributions for many adult things that are not involving our students and for the first time we were "pushed" to all complete the free lunch application. We never did that because we don't want a free lunch, it felt as if the school wanted to collect information on parents income. At least it seems to me that way because we are bombarded all of the time with donation requests and there is no information on how this money is being spent. Maybe I am too sensitive but it is a big turn off, I give the teachers something because I appreciate them but weekly emails will not make me give. The last one even told me that they were pleased to announce that we are invited to contribute to the teachers potluck for Christmas party and were invited to serve and clean up. Nothing for the children included. We love the school but believe Ms. Robinson had a better approach to managing. Hopefully they'll get a good new principal.

Posted: December 9, 2017

Posted: June 20, 2017

Great IB program with motivated teachers and students. My son is very happy here.

Posted: May 11, 2017

This school is phenomenal. The teachers are dedicated, highly educated and passionate about what they do. They address the whole child and hold every student to high standards. The culture of the school is one of compassion, dedication and rigor. Students are encouraged to develop a growth mindset and to push themselves to achieve greatness. Overall and amazing school.

Posted: May 11, 2017

Posted: June 20, 2016

This school fosters responsibility and taking ownership of one's own actions. The use of honesty, integrity, and fairness is designed to build students and the school community to a level of greater accountability.

Posted: June 20, 2016

I have a son who started this year in the sixth grade. I was actually shock to see the posting of 4/16/2016. My experience with both the staff and the teachers is that they go over and beyond what you find at most schools. I have also witnessed the students using the stairs on a regular basis and have found the process to be extremely organized. My son comes home excited each day to talk about what has taken place during the school day. I can name several schools in the San Diego District where there is an overall attitude of non-caring and Albert Einstein Middle School is not one of them.

Posted: April 16, 2016

They do not help kids at all the teacher's a mean and the school dose not care about the kid's at all it's just a act don't trust anyone at this school.they have a lot of stairs that kids trip on a push a lot.

Posted: September 16, 2015

My daughter has been at this school for the last 2 years. She transferred in as a 6th grader. I cannot disagree more with some of the complaints in the prior reviews. The school is a great community. Like any community, it has a predominant group (one reviewer calls it the "female/German" crowd) but I have never felt excluded from that group (which is ironic since I am male and non-German). Likewise, I will concur that my daughter often completes her homework at school, but philosophically I am non-believer in homework (especially if the kids are leveraging their time wisely at school and taking care of business when the opportunity presents itself). Finally, and most pointedly, I would have to disagree with the comments degrading the performance of any teacher at this school. My experience (and more importantly, the experience my daughter conveys to me) is that every teacher she has (or had) has challenged her and gifted her with something moving forward. Because I would be remiss if I left one off the list I will opt out of naming them. Regardless, I am clear that if/when my daughter chooses to be a scientist/doctor/lawyer/artist/teacher etc. she will be significantly better equipped to handle that choice because her middle school teachers have imparted to her the gift of learning across all her subjects.

Posted: April 10, 2014

We could not be happier with this school. The sports, arts and all round education of the student is second to none. They are an IB school so they prepare students to enter the world as a better citizens enriching families and communities and hopefully changing the world we all share. Love love love the faculty and campus as well as all the year round fundraising events. They could sure put five thousand dollars to good use.

Posted: October 22, 2013

My daughter just started 6th grade. I have to say compared to regular public schools I give this school a A+. I love how the teachers and the principal encourage kids to do well. Positive enforcement is always the way to go. I never heard my child tell me that she "loved school" until she came to this one. I am so happy that I choose this school for my daughter. Great job to the whole staff....

Posted: June 22, 2013

My child just graduated and as the years went by it seemed like the education went downhill. I kept hoping it would get better. The last year he had the worst math teacher ever. The principal is a politician--always seems to be looking ahead and ignoring the present. A definite double standard exists. If you are female and German you are on top of the pile. Forget it if you don't fit in that mold.

Posted: May 14, 2013

I have 2 children in this middle school. It's my opinion and the opinion of a few other parents I've spoken to that they do not give enough homework. If they have time to do it in class IT IS NOT HOMEWORK!! They need more practice!!! And to address another comment posted here, my children have been at Einstein since kindergarten and it is a very ethnically diverse school. I just wish the IB program would allow for middle schoolers to study German or Spanish and allow the other language to be added as an elective.

Posted: April 2, 2013

i go to aea and i have been going there since kindergarten. the reason why your children are behind is because you are not a german speaking parent. and they are behind because the work at that school is very advanced. for example, i went there for kindergarten and i was ahead then i went to riverview and i was very smart because i knew all of that stuff but when i wewnt back to aea in fourth grade , well it turns out that they had learned division in third grade and riverview hasent learned division yet.

Posted: September 26, 2012

ok, First off let me start by saying I am not bad mouthing this scholl as I do have children that go here. However, I have noticed academically they are behind, I do not know if its because they do not do much classroom, structured work or if its because of the learning another language. My boys are smart and at the last school were top of the class, now being here he is failing, I pay for tutor, german homework club any and everything I can afford, because yes its cost. Well now my other child is behind as well. I dont know what to think at this point, are they helping them or are they just teaching and the ones that are struggling with the language are being left behind, are they doing enought structured teaching..???. I want to like this scholl but I often feel at times that I am left out to. These people are hard to get them to like you or they just dont want to. Well overall great with other programs like art, PE, and music.

Posted: March 28, 2012

Charter or private school??!! I am very disappointed and suspect of this "charter" school. First of all, look at where the school is located and compare this to the student population . . . not quite equitable. I think I know why the majority of the student population is white (and yes, I'm white myself), again not a representation of the school's neighborhood. The school gives preference to families with German background, then its employees and then try to navigate through the schools website for enrollment information and procedures, good luck with this one! Do they offer help to LOCAL families that don't use or have computer/ internet access? How about kids that are English Language Learners? This sounds like a typical private school filtering process if you ask me. Wow, you guys are pretty smart! You basically have a private school scheme going with public school funding!!!!! Smart but not very ethical. I don't really like my property taxes going to a school like this one!

Posted: August 30, 2011

As an educator and parent, I can not say enough about this school. The teachers are dedicated, well educated and supportive of students. They run a tight ship and it shows. Student bahavior is very impressive. The administration is very effective. Best middle school in the city!

Posted: January 29, 2011

I'm sorry to hear that the person below had a negative experience at Einstein. I, however, am going to contradict what that person said. Einstein is a huge hub of IB enthusiasts and German speakers, but it embraces all sorts of languages, races, and communities. The Spanish program is just as present on campus as the German program, and it opens up all people to new walks of life. The diversity is CRAZY. It's quite amazing, actually. There's Blacks, Whites, Asians, Hispanics and there's absolutely NO racial tension whatsoever, so I'm wondering if the person below actually spent that much time at Einstein. Any parent who doesn't recognize the greatness of this school is clearly out of touch and not present in their child s education. Einstein is, in my opinion, the greatest school in San Diego. I miss it dearly and am thrilled about the upcoming high school. The administration here is also very wonderful.

Posted: April 18, 2010

The teachers at this school are phenomenal and dedicated. The parent involvement is amazing.

Posted: April 13, 2010

Love that the teachers are young, they connect to the students and reflect on their needs!

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	The Heritage	Apartment Complex	San Diego	CA	1.6 mi
2	City Heights	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	1.8 mi
3	Legacy Walk	Condominium/Townhouse	San Diego	CA	2.3 mi
4	Mission Hills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	3 mi
5	Riverfront Condominium Rentals	Apartment Complex	San Diego	CA	3.7 mi
6	Apartment	Apartment Complex	Coronado	CA	4 mi
7	Del Cerro	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	5.5 mi
8	Canyon View	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	6.5 mi
9	Spectrum Center Blvd, Kearny Mesa	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	7.4 mi
10	Ocean Beach	Apartment Complex	San Diego	CA	7.4 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	North Park	San Diego	CA	1.6 mi
2	Gaslamp Quarter	San Diego	CA	1.8 mi
3	Seaport Village	San Diego	CA	2.5 mi
4	Broadway Pier	San Diego	CA	2.5 mi
5	Kensington	San Diego	CA	3.6 mi
6	Mission Hills	San Diego	CA	3.7 mi
7	Coronado	Coronado	CA	3.8 mi
8	Old Town San Diego	San Diego	CA	4.3 mi
9	Old Town	San Diego	CA	4.6 mi
10	Serra Mesa	San Diego	CA	5.6 mi
11	Loma Portal	San Diego	CA	5.7 mi
12	Del Cerro	San Diego	CA	6 mi
13	Eastlake of Chula Vista	Chula Vista	CA	6.1 mi
14	Point Loma	San Diego	CA	6.7 mi
15	East County of San Diego	La Mesa	CA	7.1 mi

Base	Distance
San Diego Naval Medical Center	1 mi.
San Diego Naval Base	2.6 mi.
Coronado Naval Amphibious Base	3.6 mi.
MCRD San Diego	4.1 mi.
North Island NAS	4.6 mi.
Naval Base Point Loma	6.9 mi.
Miramar MCAS	10.6 mi.
Camp Pendleton	46.6 mi.

Albert Einstein Academy Charter Middle

San Diego, CA 92102

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