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Dorothy McElhinney Middle School

Murrieta, CA 92563

Phone: (951) 304-1885
Fax: (951) 304-1889
District: Murrieta Valley Unified

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GreatSchools Rating

public • Grades 6,7,8 • 1451 students

Dorothy McElhinney Middle School, a public school located in Murrieta, CA, serves grades 6-8 in the Murrieta Valley Unified School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 9 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.

Dorothy McElhinney Middle School is a public school located in Murrieta, CA. 1451 students attend Dorothy McElhinney Middle School.

School Ratings

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	9/10	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 26, 2025

We were zoned for a different middle school in the MVUSD but chose to send our son to DMMS because of the science and technology offerings and due to recommendations from teachers and neighbors who were familiar with the school. My son had a great experience his first year, so we enrolled our daughter the next year when she was entering middle school. We couldnt be happier with the teachers, administrators, academic and social environment, condition of the school, and overall safety. This is a fantastic middle school.

Posted: December 26, 2025

Posted: March 27, 2025

I have nothing but great things to say about DMMS. My child is a current student and has been attending DMMS for the last 2 years. Our experience has been exceptional. The staff is always pleasant and helpful, and the teachers care about their student's success. If your child is in an IEP program, the special education teachers are wonderful. The study skills program has taught my child to be organized, self-independent and more confident in the classroom. My child has thrived and will no longer need their services in their final year at DMMS. I believe the school is setting up their students to be successful in high school and beyond. They are a strict school and hold each student to high standards. I like the no phones during school hours, it keeps the students from being easily distracted. A special shoutout to Mrs. Ramer and Mr. Steward for being supportive and positive role models to their students.

Posted: April 21, 2024

Fantastic school with great teachers and Ana amazing Principal! Had two kids go through this school and the support they received was fantastic.

Posted: April 21, 2024

Posted: April 15, 2024

Great school, good music program, good teachers.

Posted: April 9, 2024

I am considering registering my school to Dorothy McElhinney but there are no current reviews.
Will appreciate an honest review.
Thank you

Posted: April 4, 2023

This school is great but they dont allow phones that that makes kids who are introverts have a worse day and they keep on saying how we are the best school and that we are the best and we are better the. The other schools we really are not having a UNFAIR DRESS CODE AND A NO PHONES Except FOR THE ASB AND THATS UNFAIR THE TEACHERS USE THEIR PHONES MORE THEN THE KIDS THATS VERY UNFAIR. THE TEACHERS HAS FAVORITE LIKE THIS GIRL NAME TATUM WHO DOES BOT EVEN HAVE TO DO PE AND MADE THIS ONE GIRL FAINT BC SHE SHOUTED HURRY UP RUN

Posted: April 4, 2023

Posted: May 5, 2021

Im obsessed with Mrs. Ramer!! She was key to my sons positive growth during COVID. We leaned on her to guide us and support us around the dynamics of stay at home learning. This was not fun, but Mrs Ramer made it possible. A million thank yous for her heart and leadership.

Posted: May 5, 2021

Posted: May 3, 2021

Im here go let everyone know
A) what an amazing school this is!
B) A BIG BIG shout out to Mr Trejo (counselor) without his compassion and understanding and willingness to do anything to help my daughter, I dont think shed be in the place she is now. Shes happier and I can feel and tell she needed that extra love from everyone there at DMMS (especially Mr Trejo) and that it was not in their vocabulary to let her fall through the cracks.
C) there is no C its just an amazing school.

Thank you Mr Trejo...I owe you!!

Posted: May 3, 2021

Wonderful school! Mrs Dauenhauer has been my daughters favorite all time teacher and has inspired a love for science! Excellent communication and friendly office staff, great extracurricular activities.

Posted: May 3, 2021

My girls love this school. The teachers truly take the time to make each day amazing. They have so many excellent programs to offer especially in the areas of visual and performing arts.

Posted: May 3, 2021

Posted: May 2, 2021

This school is amazing! We are so glad to have gotten our daughter into here and look forward to many years of wonderful development.

Posted: May 2, 2021

Posted: June 23, 2017

DMMS is the best middle school! They have a lot of extra curricular activities that get the students involved. We have an award winning drumline and dancefinity who are just amazing in everything they do. The teachers are kind and understanding, but are strict when they need to be. We have advanced classes, accelerated classes, and classes to help you get ahead of the game if you're falling behind. There are students who help the 6th graders get to know the school and get involved called W.E.B. leaders. They are basically the big brothers and sisters of the school. We also have trail guides who help new students find their way around the school. In my experience at DMMS, everybody has been nice to everybody. Sure, there is always a small dose of drama, but I have never heard of a place where there isn't. The popular people are probably the nicest people on campus, which is very rare in my experience. Overall Dorothy McElhinney is the best middle school ever! I don't know anyone who would want to go anywhere else!

Posted: June 23, 2017

Posted: March 21, 2015

I love this school!! My son went there and now my daughter goes there!! Teachers have been amazing and my kids have flourished there!! Lots of support through teachers and students!! This school has a ton of great music programs!! Very pleased with this school

Posted: March 10, 2015

We have a strong sense of family and community at Dorothy. McElhinney middle school. Our campus is interactive and promotes student involvement. The school has the visual performing arts piece throughout the grade levels which makes this school very attractive to kinesthetic learners (especially boys) having this type if learning going in has taught my boys that learning can be fun. I have seen this school grow and I am proud to be a DMMS parent

Posted: February 16, 2015

This school is wonderful. My daughter had to transition from private school to public school since we moved out from another state. Being her 1st public school, she has been part of school JV volleyball team and #1 again this year. Dorothy McElhinney has been positive and exciting environment for her. She enjoys going to school everyday and very pro-active with her academic, sports and art. She is now doing class for her second semester and loves it. I have little contact with the teachers and staff because my daughter is doing excellent at school and informative when new events comes up. Great School!

Posted: May 8, 2014

The school lacks student envolvment and could use a little work, the teachers aren't really friendly, I moved to another school because of teacher issues and my grades sky rocketed I don't really suggest this school.

Posted: March 8, 2014

Best school...hands down!! Our daughter was falling behind last year and was even threatened to be held back by a teacher that was lazy and immature. We moved just so our daughter attend McElhinney for 6th grade. She has a 3.8 and we couldn't be happier with the school staff, the great kids and wonderful teachers!! This school offers her a variety of classes and teachers that are truly inspirational :) We are excited to see the changes and proud of all her efforts!! Keep up the good work DMMS I still have 2 more kids that are coming soon.

Posted: August 8, 2013

I went to this school in 6th and 7th grade, and I am currently in 8th grade here. The band program is the best and the other schools don't have a band teacher like ours. She is very nice and you can learn so much. The only problem I have with this school is that there is a horrible issue with bees and wasps. We live close to farms so it smells weird sometimes, but the bees will never leave you alone. I got stung twice when I didn't even do anything to bother them. Overall, this is an exceptionally well school.

Posted: August 4, 2013

Our children will be attending Dorothy McEhiiney this fall. The staff at DMMS has made the transition and transfer to middle school a smooth transition. Professional and very knowledgable as well as helpful in every way. We are looking forward to a great school year!

Posted: August 3, 2013

This school is a wonderful school great staff, teachers, and students. This school has wonderful extra curiculum such as band, choir, dance, art, ect. They have lots of clubs. I would suggest this school to anyone.

Posted: September 6, 2012

Thought it was better here than Warm Springs. Came back to Warm Springs...much better or at least as happy. Both schools are great, I should say....but Warm Springs has some new great things going on for my younger child to experience that DMMS doesn't have. WSMS is doing some innovative programs and scheduling! Commute makes alot more sense too!

Posted: August 12, 2012

Love the school. Love the staff. My kids have loved their middle school experience. How many parents get to hear that!! As far as the parking, difficult but staff is always trying to improve it. All it takes is patient parents. Looking forward to another great school year at DMMS!

Posted: August 11, 2012

This is an amazing school the students are very close knit. I am currently a student here and I would suggest this school over Warm Springs by far.

Posted: August 15, 2011

I'm very happy with this school and would highly recommend it compared to other middle schools in the area. I enjoy having both the elementary and middle school at the same "location", although different campuses. I have enjoyed the teachers my kids have had, and parent involvement is good. I feel as if the middle school stays a bit more innocent because of that.

Posted: August 7, 2011

I am familiar with the various middle schools in the valley, and am pleased to have a school like McElhinney in Murrieta. It is a fairly new school, with lots of opportunities for a good education and extra-curricular activities. Our son has settled into middle school nicely, and has found the whole experience encouraging. This is noteworthy due to his sensitive nature. As one who observes the parents and students during pick up and drop off, it is apparent that these students come from good families. The curriculum has an art focus, offering a well rounded education. The teachers communicate well via email and the grades are readily available through the Aeries system. All of my interactions with the staff, teachers and the principal, were professional and cordial. Beginning in 6th grade, homework was very time consuming. After my son was accustomed to the teachers and the expectations, the time involved diminished, and he became more efficient. School parking lots can be very challenging. I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary compared to other schools in the district. Many times we were early and had no wait at all. The new schedule will eliminate some challenges.

Posted: August 2, 2011

My son has attended McElhinney for all 3 years of his middle school education. I can't say enough about the staff and the students that work at and attend this amazingly higher AP score school. This is not your ordinary public facility, this is a higher learning institution that is arts focused. The staff are among the elite in all surrounding counties, the students are of the same magnitude. If you want to truly change your son or daughters education and take it up a notch, enroll them in this Avid, Honors core curriculum offered at this public school which acts like a private school. From a proud parent with a son headed to college, his way has been paved with a good attitude set by the staff and teachers at LJM & McElhinney! GO COLTS!

Posted: June 7, 2011

The school is new, Teachers are good as well as the staff....but kids are kids. I sent my daughter to this school because I heard there aren't the fights, bullying, inappropriate language that you hear goes on at other middle schools. Wishful Thinking. Kids are kids......

Reviews provided by GreatSchools^™

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Amberwalk Townhomes	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Murrieta	CA	5.8 mi
2	The Ranchos	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Murrieta	CA	6.3 mi
3	Copper Canyon	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Murrieta	CA	6.9 mi
4	Redhawk	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Temecula	CA	10.1 mi
5	Montecito village apartments	Apartment Complex	Oceanside	CA	28.6 mi
6	St. Cloud	Condominium/Townhouse	Oceanside	CA	28.7 mi
7	Whispering Winds Apartments	Apartment Complex	San Clemente	CA	28.7 mi
8	Mira Costa Estates	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Oceanside	CA	30.4 mi
9	Shadowridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Vista	CA	30.8 mi
10	Palisades Pointe	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Carlsbad	CA	33.2 mi
11	Rancho Carrillo	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Carlsbad	CA	34.4 mi
12	Windsor at Aviara	Apartment Complex	Carlsbad	CA	35.6 mi
13	La Costa	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Carlsbad	CA	36 mi
14	Torrey Highlands	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	44.3 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Murrieta	Murrieta	CA	2.8 mi
2	Murrieta, California	Murrieta	CA	4 mi
3	West Side	murrieta	CA	6.1 mi
4	Temecula, California	Temecula	CA	8.1 mi
5	Lake Rancho Viejo	Fallbrook	CA	19.5 mi
6	Downtown	San Clemente	CA	30.6 mi
7	Downtown Oceanside	Oceanside	CA	31.9 mi
8	Carlsbad	Carlsbad	CA	33.7 mi
9	Encinitas	Encinitas	CA	40.6 mi
10	Torrey Highlands	San Diego	CA	44.4 mi
11	Mira Mesa	San Diego	CA	47.6 mi

Base	Distance
March Air Reserve Base	20.4 mi.
Camp Pendleton	23.2 mi.

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Dorothy McElhinney Middle School

Murrieta, CA 92563

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