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Del Obispo Elementary School

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Phone: (949) 234-5905
Fax: (949) 488-3062
District: Capistrano Unified School District

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GreatSchools Rating

public • Grades KG,1,2,3,4,5 • 310 students

Del Obispo Elementary School, a public school located in San Juan Capistrano, CA, serves grades K-5 in the Capistrano Unified School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 7 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.

Del Obispo Elementary School is a public school located in San Juan Capistrano, CA. 310 students attend Del Obispo Elementary School.

School Ratings

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	7/10	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	6/10	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.

Worrisome patterns of chronic student absenteeism have been identified.

Posted: April 3, 2025

My son is in TK and has an IEP. Coming to Del Obispo has changed our lives in such a positive way. My son struggled at preschool but he is THRIVING in his TK class. The principal, his teacher, all the staff, PTA, and YMCA are all wonderful. They are all so welcoming and friendly and have created so much community around the school. I recommend the school to all my friends and neighbors and would choose it again in a heartbeat.

Posted: March 11, 2023

Overall the staff and teachers are wonderful, and led by a very involved and pro-active principal. My kids have had IEPs and the school was very helpful in initiating the process and the teachers always were responsive.

Posted: March 9, 2021

We feel we won the lotto with this public school. They are a K-5th grade school. I have spoken hundreds of times with the school Principal who is very active with the students in all areas. The principal has always gotten back to me on questions about the health curriculum, and further educational options. We are so pleased that our child's innocence is retained and the curriculum is wholesome. The teachers are Outstanding and great with redirecting children's focus. There are a few teachers who believe in homework every day of the week but there are also teachers who do not, which is a healthy balance for our child's needs.

Posted: March 9, 2021

Posted: August 27, 2020

We have had a great experience at Del O with all three of our children.

Posted: August 27, 2020

All of the teachers at Del O are amazing with the students and families. They are hard working, passionate and put students needs first.

Posted: August 27, 2020

Del O works hard to build students emotional and personal strengths. Teachers and the families have created a wonderful sense of community.

Posted: August 27, 2020

Posted: March 13, 2020

Muy mala no ofrecen ayuda necesaria siempre le dan vueltas al problema

Posted: March 13, 2020

Posted: March 14, 2018

Very positive experience. Great school with strong leadership, teachers and cutting edge program. Strong sense of community. We love it and are grateful that we get to provide this experience to our student.

Posted: March 14, 2018

I have a kinder in the K1 combo class and the teacher is fabulous. Her approach is caring and creative which instills a curiosity for learning. She also demonstrates effective communication which is extremely valuable in my opinion. We are grateful to provide our kinder with such a great learning experience.

Posted: March 14, 2018

Ms. Heck is an amazing leader. She is passionate about providing the students with an excellent learning environment and strives for nothing less than the best. She is inclusive and approachable and is effective at driving change and implementing new programs that positively impact the kids. We are extremely lucky to have her and I look forward to what's to come as she is only just getting started!

Posted: March 13, 2018

You don't have neighborhood schools like this anymore. The teachers and administration live in and around the community, creating a vested interest and love for the school. You can see this every day. My kids are challenged in class and have exceeded any expectations I have ever had. I love the new Pathway labs and the fact that they do computer coding. This school is totally tied into S.T.E.A.M. Which is perfect for oldest who wants to be an Engineer some day.

Posted: March 13, 2018

We moved into a neighborhood near by, not one neighbor sends their kids to our neighborhood school. Its their childs loss! As the Next Generation Learning Academy grows and the word gets out, parents will be lining up to sign up their children! 5 different lab (robotics, science, maker, outdoor and culinary). My kindergartener has a coding class each week. They say by the time he finishes 5th grade he will have the same knowledge as a freshman computer science major! Amazing!

Posted: March 13, 2018

DES kindergarten homework is fun, follows the common core standards and my son looks forward to it.

Posted: March 13, 2018

The kindergarten teacher is the best of the best. I cannot day enough about her.

Posted: March 13, 2018

Leadership makes this a huge focus. Bullying is just not allowed at Del O

Posted: March 13, 2018

Mrs. Heck is the best principal. Parents, kids and teachers love her. She is an amazing leader for this STEAM Immersion School.

Posted: March 12, 2018

Great neighborhood school with huge recent improvements... Awesome new principal who is all in, STEAM centered, coding classes for all, 5 new science labs... The list goes on!

Posted: March 12, 2018

I have been a parent at Del Obispo for 14 years. All of my children received not only an amazing education but they learned valuable life skills as well such as leadership, kindness, and empathy. I love the small school vibe and feel safe that it is in a safe neighborhood where everyone knows everyone else!

Posted: March 11, 2018

I have students in 3 different grades... across the spectrum there are clear packets and/or information on homework expectations weekly, which also follow up with items being worked on in the classroom.

Posted: March 11, 2018

Communication is vital, and teachers are available to discuss concerns, achievements, etc. via email, text and Class Dojo in most cases.

Posted: March 11, 2018

Students have quarterly assemblies with the principal on reinforcing good behaviors at school, character development, etc. This is in addition to in-class lessons held with school counselors periodically to discuss various character traits students should look to strengthen at the school.

Posted: March 11, 2018

Students are encouraged to take leadership roles, and principal/teachers actively communicate and get involved with school activities.

Posted: March 11, 2018

There is a bully box, and student concerns are taken very seriously. Principal and counselors actively work with students to prevent bullying and deal with instances of bullying in a positive manner.

Posted: March 11, 2018

10!! I love this school. It is more like a family than simply a place for my students to go to learn. The new, expanding labs are great--students love the outdoor learning lab (garden), robotics lab, culinary lab, making things in the maker space, etc. There are new places to learn and relax, like the outdoor literacy center, and music is at every grade level. The teachers care and are well-trained. Del Obispo is a gem!!

Posted: March 9, 2018

This year is round 2 for me, as I have an older child as well. My kindergartener is excelling beyond what I could have imagined. The programs they have implemented and the support of the Principal is everything I could hope for. So excited to have my 4 year old join in another year. The school is such a tight community and I love seeing all the parent volunteers on a regular basis. Go Dragons!

Posted: March 9, 2018

My child is in 5th grade and while there is a lot of "school of choice" amongst friends to go to other schools, I have not regretted going to our community school at all. Love the small school feel - getting to know all the teachers and other parents. A new principal this year has brought GREAT energy and enthusiasm and is really charging ahead - with science labs, culinary labs, a maker space, coding (added to a fabulous garden, music and much more). Teachers, office staff & support staff really care and support the kids and the families. And with a smaller school your child doesn't get lost in the shuffle and isn't just another number. Not a single regret going to Del Obispo.

Posted: March 9, 2018

Posted: March 6, 2017

Del Obispo is a hidden gem of a school. With its small enrollment, the school's culture is intimate, friendly, and values EACH child. I've had 2 children attend Del O, kindergarten through 5th grade, and they had wonderful experiences and continue to excel in their academics and leadership in middle school and high school. Next year, my last child will enter Del O as a kindergartner and I am excited to watch her grow in such a nurturing environment that will lead her to seek out her own challenges and love of learning. With a fully operational school garden, outdoor and indoor science labs, and a real stove and oven that allows kids to bake and cook... this school has all the opportunites to learn and grow!

Posted: October 12, 2016

As previously stated, there are assemblies and special classes with the school counselor to deal effectively with bullying. Children are encouraged to also anonymously put information in a bully box in the office if they are not comfortable talking about a bullying incident, etc.

Posted: October 12, 2016

Teachers and aides assist English language learners, and help struggling students on a daily basis. We also have a high percentage of special needs children, with excellent teachers and staff that work with them to do their very best.

Posted: October 12, 2016

Our new principal is positive and encourages involvement. She instituted a new spotlight on children showing good character during the week in classes, to encourage all students to be responsible and caring.

Posted: October 12, 2016

They have assemblies on bullying, so that students can be aware of and know how to deal with these types of situations. Our school counselor meets with classrooms to teach effective character developing skills inside and outside of the classroom.

Posted: October 12, 2016

Teachers encourage volunteers in their classroom so that students can work in smaller groups. They use class time efficiently and use a wide variety of methods to make learning not only effective, but fun.

Posted: October 12, 2016

The upper grades are piloting AVID, which promotes better organizational skills. Students bring home homework in green folders, and most grades also have planners to assure that students know what they are working on at home each day. There is enough, and not too much.

Posted: October 12, 2016

I currently have three children attending this school. It is smaller, so everyone is like a big, extended family. There is a strong sense of community. The teachers care for the students and work with parents to promote success. I love this school! My children love it, too.

Posted: August 20, 2016

I have a 2nd grader and a kindergartener at Del Obispo Elementary. We have had a great experience there! The teachers my kids have had so far are fantastic! The current principal, Kathy Parker, is new for this school year. She has been great so far. She seems to genuinely care about the kids and their education, she is warm and responsive to parents, and the teachers have good things to say about her as well. Happy teachers are who we want teaching our kids, so I'm glad they work well with the new principal. I admit that I was hesitant sending my kids to a school not ranked a "10," but I feel that my kids are thriving and I have been pleased with Del Obispo thus far.

Posted: August 20, 2016

Posted: February 13, 2011

BEST SCHOOL EVER !!!!! IT ROCKS !!! I love this school because you have a lot of fun ..... and i get to see my friends ... and we dont have to wear uniforms !!!!! :)

Posted: January 18, 2011

Del Obispo is a GREAT school with Great teachers. My daughter was was struggling in the 3rd grade. She was encouraged by her 4th grade teacher, but her 5th grade teacher was the best. She gave her the confidence and encouraged her to do her best. She is in the 6th grade at Marco and getting all A's and B's. We thought we were going to do 3rd grade over again. Mrs Groves, you are the best. I can't say thank you enough. Ms Wilson, you rock too because you helped her through the 3rd grade. Thank you to Mr G, Mrs Groves and Ms Wilson for working with both my husband and I to help get our daughter on the right path. Del Obispo Teachers do care and ROCK!

Posted: May 30, 2007

Reviews provided by GreatSchools^™

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5	Montecito village apartments	Apartment Complex	Oceanside	CA	28.6 mi
6	St. Cloud	Condominium/Townhouse	Oceanside	CA	28.8 mi
7	Mira Costa Estates	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Oceanside	CA	29.6 mi
8	Palisades Pointe	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Carlsbad	CA	31.1 mi
9	Shadowridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Vista	CA	33.4 mi
10	Redhawk	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Temecula	CA	33.7 mi
11	Windsor at Aviara	Apartment Complex	Carlsbad	CA	34.8 mi
12	La Costa	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Carlsbad	CA	35.9 mi
13	Rancho Carrillo	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Carlsbad	CA	36.2 mi
14	Torrey Highlands	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	46.8 mi
15	Hollyglen	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Hawthorne	CA	49 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Downtown	San Clemente	CA	5.7 mi
2	Downtown Oceanside	Oceanside	CA	26.7 mi
3	West Side	murrieta	CA	26.8 mi
4	Carlsbad	Carlsbad	CA	29.8 mi
5	Murrieta	Murrieta	CA	30.5 mi
6	Lake Rancho Viejo	Fallbrook	CA	32.4 mi
7	Murrieta, California	Murrieta	CA	32.8 mi
8	Temecula, California	Temecula	CA	33.1 mi
9	Encinitas	Encinitas	CA	38.4 mi
10	Torrey Highlands	San Diego	CA	46.8 mi

Base	Distance
Camp Pendleton	18.7 mi.
Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station	29.6 mi.
Los Alamitos JFTB	34.2 mi.
March Air Reserve Base	37.2 mi.
Los Angeles AFB	49.8 mi.

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Del Obispo Elementary School

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

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