Richard Henry Dana Elementary School

Posted: January 12, 2025

We couldn't be more proud and excited that our student attends RH Dana. The principal is an amazing, welcoming leader that is reflected in the caring, dedicated staff. I can't think of one teacher we don't like. Not only is our student excelling in English, math, and other usual studies, but they are learning Spanish and is supported when needed. Curriculum is obviously a focus at school, but the students also get to have a lot of fun - which I believe elementary aged kids should have. We love the incorporation of music, art, marine biology, abilities awareness, and general care for the ocean and environment at large. Many events during and after school have a wonderful cultural incorporation, and it is so nice to see all parents and staff working together to involve the diverse school community. The annual whale watching trip is also a hit. I would absolutely recommend RH Dana to anyone looking for an amazing public elementary school, but act fast because our wait list is growing!

Posted: January 12, 2025

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Posted: September 2, 2023

RH Dana is a really special school, and the old reviews and descriptions of the school are not representative of the school today. Principal Nelson and Vice Principal Smith (new the 2023-2024 school year) are very involved with the students and know them by name. My son sees them and speaks to them every day during recess, moving between classrooms, and when he arrives at school. Parents are very welcome at this school. Parents are able to park near the school and walk their children to their classrooms (if they choose to, drop off is also an option) which allows us to get to know the teachers and other staff at the school, their classmates, other parents. Every Friday there is a school-wide assembly, which is another opportunity for parents to participate in school activities and learn about what is going on at the school, and there are also many other school activities that parents are invited to attend beyond back to school nights. Parents are also welcomed to volunteer in the classrooms and on the playground. The school has a counselor on site who the students know and love and she is very available to the students. There are many other staff members at the school who assist the children during recess and in the classroom who provide the children with one on one attention when they need it. The staff members that work in the cafeteria even know the children by name.

Our child completed his Kindergarten year at RH Dana and is presently in 1st grade. Each of the Kindergarten teachers are phenomenal and the 1st grade teachers are excellent. Half the day is spent using English, the other half in Spanish, so the children move between two classes during the day. Our son entered Kindergarten not speaking any Spanish, and finished the year with surprising speaking and writing Spanish skills. He also met/exceeded grade level expectations in English. His teachers recognized some speech issues, and the school provided him with speech services on site during his Kindergarten year. The school is working hard to expand learning opportunities at the school with a new library, aquaponics lab, and improved marine science labs. This school celebrates the things that make children and people different, embraces different cultures and languages, and recently merged with the exceptional needs facility bringing all of the students together in the school. Our son is excited and happy to go to school every day.

Posted: September 2, 2023

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Posted: March 1, 2023

The data on this site is very old. RH Dana Elementary School is 50% Hispanic and 50% white or other. It has a 60% poverty percentage. The Dual Immersion program moves into fourth grade in the 2023-24 school year. We have a wait list every year for Kindergarten and our test scores are only going up. It is a great school!

Posted: March 25, 2022

This is our first year at R.H Dana and the experience couldn’t be better. The principal is very involved with everything that happens at school( new students, school recess, lunch time…) She is always caring about the kids and families. The teachers are very nice. All of them with an enthusiastic spirit that I didn’t find in my son’s previous school. I’m so glad we found this school that feels like a big family and most important offers a great program in a very safe and positive environment. The staff at the front office are always taking care of the families in a very close way. They help you with what you need and it shows that they really care about the children. it is very important that schools are not impersonal so that children can be calm, being themselves and without pressure. Thank you so much for the amazing job that you do.

Posted: March 25, 2022

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Posted: August 9, 2021

Since Kristin Nelson became the principal, this school has made a 180 degree turn to the right direction!
We absolutely love the school and staff, because she’s such a great principal she has attracted all the best teachers.
The school is small and intimate, we love that!
Highly recommended!

Posted: August 9, 2021

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Posted: February 23, 2021

Our experience at R.H. has been wonderful. The staff, teachers and principal are kind spirited, approachable and 100% there for the kids. The Spanish Immersion program is challenging but they make it a fun learning environment for the kids and its so fun to see my sons progress learning a second language. I would highly recommend RH Dana to any family who has an interest is a positively diverse learning environment

Posted: February 23, 2021

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Posted: February 15, 2021

This school and it’s staff are an absolute blessing. Our kiddo was in the first year pilot dual immersion Spanish program and flourished beyond our expectations. The amount of Spanish she has retained boggles the mind. The principal at the school is extremely experienced in dual immersion programs and that is very helpful and encouraging for new parents coming in. This is a small school with big heart and a beautiful sense of community. Highly recommend!

Posted: February 15, 2021

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Posted: February 15, 2021

We love RH Dana’s language and science academy! The school environment and staff are amazing and we love the small-community feel of the school. We also love the fact that it’s a true duel-immersion school where half the kids have a home la gauge of Spanish and half the kids have a home language of English so all kids have a sense of empowerment while learning.

Posted: February 15, 2021

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Posted: December 2, 2019

We’re happy with our science and language academy!

Posted: December 2, 2019

I love the focus on joyful repetition and not busywork for my kindergarten boy who I want to see love learning and play!

Posted: December 2, 2019

Proactive, highly communicative and fun!!! Where do they get their energy?!

Posted: December 2, 2019

Strong focus on character - acknowledged in assembly by all!

Posted: December 2, 2019

the leadership is present, engaged and solution focused.

Posted: December 2, 2019

Again, solutions focused and willing to customize for children individually!

Posted: December 2, 2019

My kindergartener is already defining for me what is a “kid sized problem” and what requires adult intervention. Well done!

Posted: December 2, 2019

It's optional, in accordance with all the research.

Posted: December 2, 2019

They are currently implementing a new dual immersion language program

Posted: December 2, 2019

Posted: December 2, 2019

Principal Nelson seems to be universally respected by all who have been apart of her schools

Posted: December 2, 2019

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Posted: December 2, 2019

Great, it's the beginning of new chapter for the school and we're proud to be apart of it.

Posted: February 19, 2019

I love the new principal at this school. She truly cares about the community and students . I am excited under her leadership to see the growth

Posted: February 19, 2019

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Posted: February 18, 2019

RH Dana Language & Science Academy has an incredible amount of potential! Under its new leadership with Kristen Nelson, it's already being transformed. If you want your child to become bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural - then this is the right choice!

Posted: January 17, 2019

This school is a disgrace. Old buildings and facilities, no diversity as the school is 90% hispanic. Low test scores. Check the dashboard ratings! The college awareness program is a joke, most of these kids won't graduate high school. The achievement gap isn't closing anytime soon.
If you are reading this as a concerned parent, please don't send your child here. Send them to private school like everyone else who can afford a million dollar home in Dana Point.

Posted: January 17, 2019

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Posted: January 15, 2019

RH Dana offers a wide range of support for students who learn differently. From special education services for those who need it to in-class intervention programs, we are here to meet the needs of all.

Posted: January 15, 2019

RH Dana has made huge changes and strides in this area. With the adoption of a school wide discipline program, students are now very aware of the zero policy we have on bully behavior!

Posted: January 15, 2019

RH Dana teachers assign homework when and where it makes sense for learning. Research shows homework is not hugely effective in helping students learn so we are thoughtful about what type of homework is assigned.

Posted: January 15, 2019

The RH Dana teachers are passionate and want to be here! They truly care about their students and give 100% each day. The students and families know they care and are invested!

Posted: January 15, 2019

With a newly created school wide positive behavior system, we now spend a lot of time each week talking about character education as well as rewarding students who display it each week in front of the school.

Posted: January 15, 2019

Leadership at this school is effective. As a 30 year veteran in education and having served in many leadership roles, becoming the new principal of this beautiful school has been a dream!

Posted: January 15, 2019

This is a gem of a school who's time has now come. RH Dana was recently approved to begin a Spanish dual immersion program starting in Kindergarten, 2019. Enrichment Spanish will be offered to students in grades 1-5 as well. Mandatory uniforms are required to help send a message of how important school and learning is and to help with school safety and behavior. A focus on environmental sustainability at each grade level through global perspectives will help us challenge even our brightest of scholars. 1:1 Chromebooks (K-5), full day kindergarten, after school care, art program, caring staff, and a beautiful facility makes this gem of a school an amazing value for any family.

Posted: January 14, 2019

Absolutely strongly agree! Staff and teachers do pay attention and are aware when situations happen. I am so grateful that they are out there listening and coaching behavior! It makes a difference! There is no tolerance!

Posted: January 14, 2019

Our experience has been that the teachers give a balanced amount of homework as needed. At our last school, our child was simply overwhelmed with homework sometimes taking us over 1 hour per night to complete with plenty of meltdowns and tears. Our experience at RH Dana this year has been wonderful! Students are encouraged to explore, read, play with friends and do additional activities that support growth and learning. This year, our daughter and family feel very balanced and ALOT less stressed.

Posted: January 14, 2019

Since our arrival at RH Dana this year, the teachers and new principal Kristen have embraced us with kindness, warmth and have identified a complete learning plan for our daughter. We couldn't be happier! Mrs. O'Connor and Mrs. Smart have made such a positive impact on our daughter's life through daily encouragement. Our daughter has made progress academically, socially, and emotionally. We are grateful!

Posted: January 14, 2019

Students are encouraged daily and are rewarded each week in front of the school. I am a strong proponent of rewarding positive behavior. It is so nice to see a positive behavior program!

Posted: January 14, 2019

Kristen Nelson is a rock star! She genuinely cares for the students and staff. She is an excellent role model, leader and seeing her experience in action has been an amazing. We came to RH Dana this year from a private school where the principal had little experience. Seeing how quickly a seasoned principal can make a positive impact has opened my eyes to the benefits of how much a principal with grace and leadership can really make a difference from day one!

Posted: January 14, 2019

This is why we chose to come to RH Dana! Our daughter was in private school and the school wasn't equipped to provide her with the assistance she needed based upon her learning differences. Our decision to change schools was extremely difficult. I evaluated schools both in and outside our immediate area. In the end, we decided to move our daughter to RN Dana. I am so glad we did! Mrs. O'Connor, Mrs. Smart, Mrs. Carrillo and Mrs. Nelson and other amazing teachers and staff have taken our daughter under their wing. As a result of their efforts, our daughter is thriving. The amount of time and effort that was placed into our daughter's testing and education plan far exceeded what I could have ever expected. Every teacher genuinely cares and is willing to do whatever it takes!

Posted: January 14, 2019

We are so grateful to have found RH Dana! We were in need of both experience and compassion to help us find the right learning situation for our daughter. We have found so many gifts at this school. Our daughter is doing so much better academically, socially, and emotionally.

Posted: January 14, 2019

The new principal (fall of 2018) is implementing changes to effectively bring this school back to academic success. I am a parent from Mrs Nelson’s last school, and homework was aligned with classroom learning. Not too much homework, but just enough.

Posted: January 14, 2019

The teachers now have the support of a seasoned leader, that both guides and inspires them.
I volunteered on campus during their Jog-a-thon and the teachers were excited and passionate about their students.

Posted: January 14, 2019

The Six Pillars of Character was a great learning tool for my children.

Posted: January 14, 2019

So this is really why I wanted to do a review: RH has a new principal (fall 2018), and she’s truly amazing!! My boys attended her last school so I will talk about that. First, Kristen was transferred so that she could build the same great language immersion program at RH that is currently at LP. And she is definitely up for the task!
She is both a caring and strong leader. She is accessible (her door is always open) and she communicates well with parents and kids alike. She is supportive of her staff and is open to new ideas from them. I was the PTA president so I had communication with all staff members and they all had such great respect for Kristen. She visits classrooms, connects with the kids on the playground, and has great repore with non-teaching staff and parent volunteers.
She is also a tough cookie with discipline. Gentle, but firm. It’s not all negative discipline, much of it is incentives and positive follow-up.
She really is a special principal, we were all sad to see her go, but excited for the new program at RH. Such an exciting opportunity to have another language immersion program in south OC! After 10 years of building and strengthening LP, she is definitely going to take RH to a new level.

Posted: January 14, 2019

This school is EXACTLY that! RH has kids from all ethnic and economic backgrounds. Learning styles are different too. The dual immersion program is specifically designed to support kids coming from different backgrounds and learning styles. My boys are now fully fluent in both English and Spanish (my husband and I don’t speak Spanish). The program uses several teaching methods which helps all different types of learners. They also have programs where they will pull kids out who need extra help (my son had speech), or staff/volunteers will come into the class to help.

Posted: January 14, 2019

New principal Nelson implemented a school-wide discipline program. All the kids are informed of it and it gets reviewed frequently. It’s not all negative. Much of it is positive reinforcement. But bullying is not tolerated at all.

Posted: January 14, 2019

Kristen Nelson is a rockstar at CUSD. Her knowledge and experience coupled with her passion for education will certainly take RH to new heights.
It’s a bummer that we can’t change the ratings on this site, since they all reflect the old principal (who sounds terrible!). But if Kristen's last success at LP is any indication, you are in the right hands at this school now!

Posted: May 25, 2017

There are many wonderful teachers here, but the principal is mediocre at best – the experience for an English only speaker at this school is frustrating most days. Aids often only speak spanish to the kids on the playground, alienating the few students who are English speakers – and the administration allows this to occur. I agree with the other parent who said there is discrimination against the English speakers which makes the environment difficult – especially when trying to attract a more diverse population. My son did well academically –and there is a lot I liked about the smaller local community school, but if I had to do it over again, I probably would choose to send him elsewhere.

Posted: October 27, 2016

I would like to say that all the teachers at R.H. Dana are very special and have high expectations for all the students. The students work on their own Chromebooks daily to explore project-based learning. Scholars have an on-site Art Studio, Native learning gardens to grow their own vegetables and Science Labs for both primary and upper grades for hands-on experiments. But most importantly, the teachers at R.H. Dana have a special relationship with all the families and their students. It is a wonderful community to work in everyday.

Posted: October 13, 2016

Teachers care about students and their academic progress. Differentiation ensures advancement for all learners, including gifted.

Posted: March 23, 2016

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Posted: March 23, 2016

I wish I could say better things about this school but I can't. We really tried to hope for the best but after 4 years at the school I've thrown in the towel. The education is mediocre and minimal, they have no resources for technology and extra programs like and the the teachers are over crowded with too many students and not enough aides. They do have many great teachers that could accomplish so much more if they were provided with the extra resources to handle the high ESL ratios. they have many parents volunteering for functions but since the majority only speak Spanish it outcasts the English speaking parents and isolates the English speaking kids. There's a lot of discrimination towards the English speaking children by the Spanish speaking children and provides a thriving environment for bullying. My son had a really tough time making friends because of this, and he was there from preschool through the 3rd grade. I also don't understand why the principal allows the Spanish speaking parents to come and sit with their kids during lunch like they have to babysit their children, something I've never seen at any other school. It really prevents the opportunity for kids to have a normal social setting where they can just be themselves and interact with each other.

Posted: February 2, 2012

Unsatisfactory on most levels. The office staff is sub-par, the principal is a joke. The very first PTA meeting was entirely in Spanish which would have been fine, except that there was no translation to English at all. The lack of enthusiasm in the principal's voice alone should have been a red flag to me that the passion necessary to run an exceptional school was lacking entirely. If she is not excited about her school, how can others be???