Howard Gardner Community Charter in Chula Vista

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	2/10	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	10/10	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 12, 2026

The changes that this school have gone through are amazing. Every staff on campus cares about the students and their well being. The showcases are a highlight. The campus culture has been really good for my kids. They love their friends and want to go to school. I do wish that the students used better language towards each other but I know middle school is rough in general. Love the staff!

Posted: May 12, 2026

Posted: September 2, 2025

The school has all the staff cars parked inside the school where the kids supposed to play which is a hazard. Plus the pickups also happen in that area. Big traffic safety issue. Really disorganized campus and little activities for kids. No improvement academically for my son. Pulling my kid.

Posted: March 7, 2025

Being part of this school has been an extremely rewarding experience. The staff, students, and families are all amazing.

Posted: December 11, 2024

This campus is a Diamond in the Rough. I couldn't ask for a better school for my son, who is currently in the IEP Program. The amount of resources available to help our children strive is out of this world amazing. The staff is so supportive and welcoming of all students and their families. I know when I drop him off on campus, I know he is safe, and treated with love and respect. When it comes to academics the school offers free after school tutoring. Its a great school and I'm glad its there for my son to attend.

Posted: December 4, 2024

The warmest place where you feel safe because it's a small school

Posted: September 26, 2024

My grandchildren attend Howard Gardner and they are flourishing. Class sizes are small and they are receiving targeted support. Staff is always happy to see them and families. Its a joy to be in campus.

Posted: September 11, 2024

I believe that this school is soo good for my kid. He already speak English. He less shy, enjoy his class and he all day say that his Miss Addy, Miss Joy, Miss White, Mrs. Nandy, Miss Isella, Miss Patsy, The principal. All of them help him to understand and be safe. He believes in their teachers. And they are so helpful, patient. All teachers I al ready know, I can tell they are excellent for kids and for family. Thanks to all of they. I know we can push up our qualifications together.

Posted: August 31, 2023

No words just a bad school.
Don't send you're kid here if you want them to get bullied and hate life.

Posted: April 24, 2019

A fantastic school with an extra amazing Special Education department and Middle School Department. There's currently a waiting list for Middle School and I hope they expand soon so more kids can go through their doors to experience the individualized and customized kid-centric education program.

Posted: May 21, 2018

There are many avenues for a child to seek help with their homework. Teachers are available during recess, lunch and after school if the child takes advantage of these opportunities. There has also been a homework club & tutoring available for students to seek additional help.

Posted: May 21, 2018

With staff from differing backgrounds, the student's cultural needs and differences as well as family background are taken into consideration when developing strong character. This looks different for each student since no child is like another.

Posted: May 21, 2018

The SPED department does an amazing job, working behind the scenes to provide services to those students who need it. Not always are the students who are helped, have an IEP, but with the collaboration of teachers and SPED/ELD departments, students are given necessary tools to succeed.

Posted: May 21, 2018

Bullying is not tolerated on school campus. The school has addressed this issue multiple times with parents and students alike. The admin professionals keep and unbiased approach when dealing with such issues and do their best to find out what exactly is going on. There has even been an anti-bullying week in which the students pledged to be bully-free.

Posted: May 21, 2018

Howard Gardner Community School is a great school! The cohort of staff, family & parents at HGCS is a strong front for student success. Children attending HGCS receive an education that is up to par with CA common core standards, with accommodations to those who may need additional services. The SPED/ELA teams work diligently alongside teachers to ensure students understand the required standards and objectives of the lessons taught. Of course there are ups and downs that accompany each school and child, but the staff never gives up on their students. Communication is a great asset the HGCS team has incorporated into their development and that is what keeps this school running strong.

Posted: April 5, 2018

HGCS is amazing school! The school maintains a strong family atmosphere which is evident in the day-to-day interactions among the staff, students, families, and community members. The smaller class sizes and emphasis on Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences, provide students with a more personalized educational experience.

Posted: April 22, 2017

This school hasn't gotten any better. With more staff ($alarie$) and they can't keep children safe and inside the school. Yes, a student from the lower grades got out of the school and no one noticed. Why having all that people as campus monitors if they are not monitoring the campus?
Students gets punished for being kids, they take away balls and don't allow games that might send a ball on the street. So what are their options? !
They do a horrible job with kids that have needs. I don't know if it's lack of knowledge of communication but kids with IEPs would be better somewhere else.
Let's not even begin with English Learners. There is no clear program for ELs, there's one lady that is supposed to work with this group of students but she is not qualified.
According to the principal and teachers, the scores have improved but this is jo surprised when you have kids practicing for the test.
Multiple Intelligence philosophy? I've learned about it through the years because that is what they promote every year at the Day of the Child Fair. But that is it. There is no program, curriculum or whole school approach on Multiple intelligence.
This school will not get any better with comformist parents and mediocre staff (not all, but there are quite a few rotten apples).
I'm nt even going to go over the PAC. Pure drama, no work, no true leader, no open doors (especially when you point out a need or something to be corrected ).
I am tired of seeing people leave. But I'm happy to know they all found a better place.

Posted: April 22, 2017

Staff keeps being hired or have their title changed. The principal has no character and others overstep her authority.

Posted: April 22, 2017

The students get yell at by staff that clearly don't know how to work with kids. There is no consistency in protocols, if you're child makes a mistake, he or she could get yelled at, be seated by the principal's office, your child could en up in the principal'soffice or you might not ever know of the incident.

Posted: April 22, 2017

There's no consistency through out the grades.

Posted: June 23, 2016

I have two boys who attend this school. We have been at HGCS for 3 years. There have been some setbacks and adjustments to staff, but that has not affected the students academically. Ms. Batista the new director and her staff are excellent. They all strive to teach our children, utilizing the principles of child psychologist Howard Garden. Children have differing learning abilities...music, language, art, sports, technology, dance to name a few. California mandates the use of Common Core as the teaching method. HGCS teachers add much more. Students test scores have made huge jumps. We like The divesity of the students. The parents and teachers here are close knit. We all work together to ensure our children get the education, both socially and academically to prepare them for the future. My family has watched HGCS go through the growing pains of being a new school. In the end HGCS had persevered and succeeded. Both my son's love their school. As a mother, retired Navy Veteran and also currently a student pursuing my MBA I believe this school will only get better. We look forward to attending HGCS in 2017.

Posted: May 19, 2016

I think there's are a great teacher's....still has some ones don't want to cooperated with others..but this school it's going to the Exit...

Posted: May 19, 2016

I think the school have bad times..but everything looks better now the principal it's no more in the school...the teachers have more liberty and confidence...and that is a good thing for our kids...they have more effort and efficient in the classroom...and the kids love's...they still have a long way..but it's better now....

Posted: May 19, 2016

This school caters to the whole child, there are awesome teachers, parents, staff, and students that make this school now amazing. I am proud to be apart of this wonderful school!

Posted: February 17, 2016

I am so impressed at how well my children are doing here. The director is always so helpful and the teachers are great. It is nice to be heard as a parent. My children are very happy.

Posted: February 17, 2016

Both of my children attend HGCS and they are doing incredibly well. My 2nd grader is reading at a 6th grade level and my son, who entered Kindergarten not even knowing all his letters is now decoding multisyllable words and reading EVERYTHING! The teachers are all very hard working and invested in the success of ALL students and because it's a small school there is a family atmosphere with very few behavior issues, like bullying. The director works incredibly hard to make sure the technology and curriculum are cutting edge. I highly recommend this school!

Posted: January 12, 2016

I definitely agree with most parents, as I too have had issues with the director & have been discriminated by her & my daughter has been put on her "blacklist", not at all a great leader or example. Also, the 7th graders have not been able to adjust to a single teacher, they've had 3 teachers in less than 4 months. Teachers & staff are great, but they lack support & overall LEADERSHIP from director. Sorry to say, but I personally wouldnt recommend this school at all.

Posted: January 5, 2016

The idea of this school is a good one. However, the children are not taught using the multiple intelligence technique. There have been good teachers there, but they never stay. This is due to the director. She is not a good leader. She has no business leading this school, or being in the position she is in. Everything is fine, as long as you agree with her completely. Otherwise, you and your child will be blacklisted.

Posted: October 4, 2015

My family lives nearby and we see teachers' cars at the school almost every evening and during every weekend. The teachers are using their personal, family time to be effective teachers. What is the director doing for them?

Posted: October 4, 2015

The teachers try their best, but the director isn't working towards providing teachers with resources to help staff.

Posted: October 4, 2015

The school's vision sounds good (Howard Gardner's multiple intelligences). I was looking forward to my child's learning experience to include music, movement, and going beyond teaching to the test. But the way it's being run doesn't reflect that. Parents don't have a voice if it goes against the director's opinion. Teachers don't have a voice, either. I have seen firsthand a great teacher run to the ground because of poor management. The director is inexperienced and the status of the school has only gotten worse over the years.

Posted: September 30, 2015

When they hire a great teacher, they don't stay long and leave once a better opportunity opens up. Director does not listen to students, parents, or teachers. She bullies parents and refuses to work with them. She is inexperienced and it shows. The playground is the parking lot. No sports programs. Haven't seen the director invest money into student resources or into getting classroom aides to work with kids. Kinda makes you wonder where the money goes.

Posted: September 30, 2015

The school needs new leadership. They have had great teachers, but they all leave within a year or two. This instability is not healthy nor conducive for children to be successful in school. Parents are made to believe they have a voice, but if it contradicts the director's opinion, then they are quickly silenced. The students of HGCS are wonderful and they deserve better. There needs to be a change in leadership as soon as possible and we need to stop losing such great educators.

Posted: August 11, 2015

This school doesn't deliver what it promises. Yes it's a small school and with good teachers, some not so good. Every year great teachers leave. There is too much miscommunication for such a small school. Parents really don't have a voice. Students don't get the right support. Be careful to enroll your child if he or she needs any extra support. All the parents that are not happy with the school should write their review.

Posted: August 11, 2015

Posted: October 23, 2014

My daughter really enjoys Ms. Elizondo, her kindergarten teacher. As a parent I agree with her. I volunteer in her class and is great to see the children learn and the teacher at work.

Posted: October 22, 2014

My school is amazing, and I'm truly blessed to work there. First and foremost, everyone from the teachers, to admin, to the janitors to the cafeteria staff (literally!) care DEEPLY care about the welfare and education of the children. We incorporate and respect the diverse learning needs and styles of our children; offer electives to all class grades that explore art, dance, music, sport, drama, character development, etc., and further enhance core curriculum; and we are at the forefront regarding Common Core and new pedagogies, applying both tried and true principles and avant garde approaches that help EMPOWER your child and enhance their critical thinking and growth mindset. We are creating life-long learners!

Posted: August 24, 2014

This school has potential, but what it really lacks is resources. Do they really only have one copy machine for the whole school? It's impossible to foster the sports oriented students if the only place for P.E. is in the parking lot. The math they use is what my daughter's former school used 2 years ago. I had to pull my daughter out. The teachers are nice, but the school itself needs to be moved

Posted: July 19, 2014

My daughter thoroughly enjoyed her kindergarten class with Ms. Elizondo at Howard Gardner. Ms. Elizondo is a creative and compassionate teacher. My daughter was very shy when she started school, but Ms. Elizondo was always positive and encouraging. Not to mention, she's very organized and communicates well with parents by maintaining clear goals and objectives for the students. Among other traits, I saw lots of growth in my daughters confidence this year, and I contribute this to her teacher. I'm so thankful that our family had the opportunity to be a part of Ms. Elizondo's class!

Posted: July 2, 2014

I had to move my daughters from this school. It promised many challenging programs, and its building doesn't have space for PE. The teachers were the only people who were positive. I do not recomend this school for kids who want to have a better education.

Posted: October 8, 2013

Small Classes-Big Hearted Teachers! My son is in K, my daughters are in grades 7th and 8th. They love their teachers, I love the teaching technique! Rare school with small classes and individualized attention on each student. They focus on their strengths NOT their weeknesses. Im happy to hear they are opening up a high school to match their middle/elementary school services. Teachers stay after class to tutor. Director is always available with her open-door policy. My daughter had a child 'sexually taunting her' and the director took care of it IMMEDIATELY!

Posted: September 22, 2013

This school is one of a kind. The Teachers and Staff are all very helpful and really take the time to get to know each of the students that attend the school. The children that attend are not just another face in the crowd but individuals who are looked at as unique and their differences in learning, celebrated. I only wish my son had started his school career in such a wonderfully caring and rewarding environment. Thankfully, we found this school and my son enjoys learning again!

Posted: August 8, 2013

My school is my second home. It is where my children learn and get to experience a one of a kind learning experience, all based on Howard Gardner, Psychologist. It makes me happy and proud to be part of this school thanks to the theory it's based on and all the teachers and staff, specially the Director : Shannon Richardson.

Posted: August 2, 2013

HGCS is a wonderful school! The atmosphere is so welcoming and positive, the teachers are extremely dedicated to each and every student, and the director pours her heart and soul into the school. The office staff consists of some of the nicest people you would ever want to meet. I highly recommend HGCS!!

Posted: May 14, 2013

It has been a blessing for us as parents because of my two children with special needs, and we did find the help that we were looking for. I only regret that there will be no high school. Keep up the good work .

Posted: April 22, 2013

I rated this school with five stars because are great with the kids. My son has issues with his attention span and they have greatly helped with this situation.

Posted: April 21, 2013

My school is great. My twin daughters are in the 3rd grade and they have the same teacher. The girls love their teacher. The school has a set set enrollment number of 150 students. This enables the students to be able to have a vioce instead of judt being another face on school grounds. The staff are all nice and pleasant. If there are any special fundraising events at the school all the teachers, director and staff are there participating in helping school succeed. I love this school.

Posted: April 21, 2013

Our school is very unique. The director, teachers, and staff support students and their families in many ways. Teachers are extremely engaging and charismatic as well. Students are able to receive individualized attention and they therefore have more success academically. I have spoken to many students who report having greater self-esteem due to an increase in academic success. Furthermore, many students report having more positive social interactions here at Howard Gardner Community School than at their previous schools.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Legacy Walk	Condominium/Townhouse	San Diego	CA	3.8 mi
2	Otay Ranch	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Chula Vista	CA	6.3 mi
3	Apartment	Apartment Complex	Coronado	CA	6.6 mi
4	City Heights	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	6.6 mi
5	The Heritage	Apartment Complex	San Diego	CA	6.6 mi
6	Eastlake Greens	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Chula Vista	CA	7.7 mi
7	Cottage Lane	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Chula Vista	CA	8 mi
8	Eastlake Windingwalk	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Chula Vista	CA	8.2 mi
9	The Summit at Eastlake	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Chula Vista	CA	8.5 mi
10	Mission Hills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	8.6 mi
11	Eastlake Vistas	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Chula Vista	CA	8.9 mi
12	Heritage at Otay Ranch	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Chula Vista	CA	9.1 mi
13	Jackson Pointe Townhomes	Condominium/Townhouse	Spring Valley	CA	9.3 mi
14	Jackson Pointe Townhomes	Condominium/Townhouse	Spring Valley	CA	9.3 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Eastlake of Chula Vista	Chula Vista	CA	0.7 mi
2	West Chula Vista	Chula Vista	CA	2.3 mi
3	Bonita	Chula Vista	CA	5.7 mi
4	Coronado	Coronado	CA	6 mi
5	Gaslamp Quarter	San Diego	CA	6.2 mi
6	Seaport Village	San Diego	CA	6.4 mi
7	Otay Ranch	Chula Vista	CA	6.6 mi
8	Broadway Pier	San Diego	CA	6.8 mi
9	North Park	San Diego	CA	7.2 mi
10	Kensington	San Diego	CA	8.7 mi
11	Mission Hills	San Diego	CA	9 mi

Base	Distance
San Diego Naval Base	3.2 mi.
Coronado Naval Amphibious Base	4.5 mi.
San Diego Naval Medical Center	6.7 mi.
North Island NAS	7.5 mi.
Naval Base Point Loma	9 mi.
MCRD San Diego	9 mi.
Miramar MCAS	16.2 mi.

Howard Gardner Community Charter

Chula Vista, CA 91910

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Howard Gardner Community Charter

Chula Vista, CA 91910

School Ratings

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