Moulton Elementary School
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Phone: (949) 234-5980
Fax: (949) 495-5233
District: Capistrano Unified School District
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades KG,1,2,3,4,5 • 538 students
Moulton Elementary School, a public school located in Laguna Niguel, CA, serves grades K-5 in the Capistrano Unified School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 9 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Moulton Elementary School is a public school located in Laguna Niguel, CA. 538 students attend Moulton Elementary 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: August 21, 2026
We have had a very positive experience at Moulton Elementary. Our children entered Moulton at different stagesone beginning in kindergarten and the other joining in fifth gradeand we have felt welcomed and supported throughout both experiences.
The principal has been wonderfulattentive, approachable, and genuinely responsive to the individual needs of both of my children. I especially appreciate the administrations willingness to listen to parents and work collaboratively with families. For each of my children, I chose to opt out of one portion of the standard curriculum and provide an alternative, and the school was very supportive in helping us navigate those decisions.
We have also found the administration to be kind and caring. The school nurse has been exceptionally kind and helpful, and the front office staff are always welcoming, responsive, and willing to assist.
Our experiences with our childrens teachers have also been very good. We have encountered teachers who care about their students, work hard, and want to see them succeed academically and personally.
What I appreciate most about Moulton is that it feels like a school where parents can be involved, communicate openly, and advocate for their children while still feeling that they are working in partnership with the school. We are grateful for the care and support our family has received at Moulton.
Posted: August 21, 2026
Posted: August 21, 2026
Posted: August 21, 2026
Posted: August 21, 2026
Posted: August 21, 2026
Posted: August 21, 2026
Posted: August 21, 2026
Posted: April 23, 2026
My child has thrived at this school over the last several years. Under the guidance of teachers and admin, my child has progressed academically and socially and truly loves coming to school each and every day. Furthermore, the parent community is extremely active and supports the students and families with enhanced programming and community events.
Posted: April 23, 2026
Posted: April 23, 2026
Posted: April 23, 2026
Posted: April 23, 2026
Posted: April 23, 2026
Posted: April 23, 2026
Posted: March 27, 2026
I would strongly advise parents to think twice before enrolling their children at this school. My experience has been extremely disappointing, primarily due to poor leadership and a lack of accountability from administration.
Communication is inconsistent, concerns are often ignored or dismissed, and there is little effort made to create a supportive environment for students and families. When issues arise, they are not handled with the urgency or care you would expect from a school responsible for young children.
A schools leadership should be proactive, responsive, and genuinely invested in student well-being. Unfortunately, that has not been my experience here. Based on what I have seen, I cannot recommend this school and would encourage parents to seriously consider other options.
Posted: March 27, 2026
Posted: March 27, 2026
Posted: March 27, 2026
Posted: March 27, 2026
Posted: March 27, 2026
Posted: March 27, 2026
Posted: March 27, 2026
Posted: June 6, 2023
This school has great teachers; very supportive and kind to kids and parents.
However, my daughter had a very bad experience with the management. She was emotionall and socially abused and they just tried to avoid describing it as a problem. When the harassment went further with on social media, I had to step in. The principle told me to trust her and sent me back home.
Finally, my daughter came back home and said she had to apologize because the management asked her to! It made no sense to her and to me?!
When the principle called me, I kindly told her that I did not understand why they wanted my kid to apologize, and she said that that was the way to go Really!
My daughter hated the school afterwards and we changed our school! Thanks to god, she is so happy now
Posted: June 6, 2023
Posted: June 6, 2023
Posted: June 6, 2023
Posted: June 6, 2023
Posted: June 6, 2023
Posted: June 6, 2023
Posted: June 6, 2023
Posted: February 17, 2023
Weve been attending Moulton for 4 years. One student in 3rd and one student in 1st. We LOVE the school. Every teacher weve had, our children have strived, and developed their skills.
Posted: February 17, 2023
Posted: June 6, 2022
We are so happy our kids are going to this school. All the teachers from kinder to 5th grade are amazing. Our principle and all the staff are so nice and take care of everything immediately.
Posted: June 6, 2022
Posted: June 6, 2022
Posted: June 6, 2022
Posted: June 6, 2022
Posted: June 6, 2022
Posted: June 6, 2022
Posted: June 6, 2022
Posted: September 13, 2018
Posted: September 13, 2018
Posted: September 13, 2018
Posted: September 13, 2018
Posted: September 13, 2018
Posted: September 13, 2018
Posted: September 13, 2018
We have had a great experience here. The teachers are encouraging and positive that provide strong structure. The principal works very hard to ensure the students have strong principles and are kind to one another.
Posted: August 31, 2018
The Principal is engaged and fosters a positive atmosphere.
Posted: August 31, 2018
Posted: August 31, 2018
Posted: August 31, 2018
We feel lucky to have such a wonderful school in our community. The teachers, parents and principal are wonderful. Our kids are so nice and we're happy to see the friendships that are developing. The teachers really care about the kids and their development. The PTA is fantastic and helps make this school great.
Posted: August 31, 2018
Posted: August 31, 2018
Each year we have had the best teachers! They care about the kids in their classes and are interested in their individual progress.
Posted: August 31, 2018
Posted: January 16, 2018
Posted: January 16, 2018
Posted: January 16, 2018
Posted: January 16, 2018
Posted: January 16, 2018
Posted: January 16, 2018
The PTA at Moulton is incredible and provides so many enhancements to the students there. They have a science lab, computer lab, vegetable garden, and music program all at no cost to the parents. Our teachers and staff have also been so impressive, patient and kind. Moulton also uses Character Counts to teach the children important life skills and I notice my kids really taking these character lessons to heart. The office staff, Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Stucky, are one of a kind - the way they know everyone and everything going on at school is pretty amazing.
Go Hawks!
Posted: January 16, 2018
Posted: January 21, 2017
Posted: January 21, 2017
Posted: January 21, 2017
Posted: January 21, 2017
Posted: January 21, 2017
Posted: January 21, 2017
Posted: January 21, 2017
Teachers are dedicated and are passionate about their craft.
Posted: November 5, 2015
Posted: November 5, 2015
Posted: November 5, 2015
Posted: November 5, 2015
My child was walking out of his transitional kindergarten class last year and was choked and strangled from behind by a child that was allowed to be in the TK class who was constantly hitting him and grabbing him around the neck to where he had bruises. The teacher who was also the Vice Principal was aware and did nothing. The bully who was harming him was too old for TK and had adult teeth. I think he was 7 or 8. My child was also sent to time out and seclusion areas because he was talking too much and asking too many questions the teacher said she would get parent complaints. He was in these other rooms such as the library, the office, or an outside table being forced to cut and color while other children were learning circle time and days of the week. I also was not allowed to be a parent volunteer. My child went into TK knowing how to read as well, being able to count to over 1,000, knowing all his sight words, and he even knew measurement. He was told by one of the teachers that he was not allowed to do addition, subtraction, measurement, and was starting multiplication. He was told he was not only not allowed to learn and ask these questions, also that he was not smart and was not allowed to work on it because no one else was. My child did not understand why this was only happening to him and why no one cared about his health and safety. My child was taken out of school last Jan. when he appeared to have a head injury with a swollen face on the right side. He now has suffered sudden vision problems, and emotional trauma and stress due to the horrible treatment. Many of the children were too old for the class being too tall considering my child was considered tall for 4. Also, they had been losing their teeth or had adult teeth. Many also had speech and other disorders. My child has a high IQ and he should have been accelerated but was instead punished for it because there were a lot of low functioning children being passed off by parents that came from other states, etc. whose children should have really been in a severe Autism classroom.
Posted: June 16, 2015
My son has been enrolled in Moulton this past year in their first Transitional Kindergarten class. It has been wonderful! Mrs. Dornan is a great and patient teacher who loves her job. My son was already well ahead of the game as an early reader when he started, but his skills have really improved since last September. I am amazed by the sentences he brings home, which the class practices during writing time each day. His comprehension has also gotten better. In the after school program at the Y, he has made great friends and enjoys all the activities and toys available. The teachers there have even started introducing multiplication and division. Simply amazing! We love Moulton!
Posted: June 16, 2015
Posted: June 16, 2015
Posted: June 16, 2015
Posted: August 17, 2014
Both my kids have attended Moulton. Between both kids, we have had 9 different teachers over the past 6 years. My kids have both learned so much and it has given them a strong foundation for middle school. I also feel that our Principal, Mrs. Cambell, goes out of her way to listen to the staff, get to know the kids, spend time in the classroom, and just has on "open door/open ear" policy. She really supports parents and kids. Great school.
Posted: August 19, 2013
I love Moulton Elementary school. My son is going into second grade and I have been volunteering in his classrooms and am very impressed. Everyone from the office staff, teachers, PTA and volunteers are so involved and dedicated. I just love it! RMIQ is a blessing to have too! Moulton Rocks!!!
Posted: May 26, 2011
I wrote the "Sept 17, 2010" post. Here is my update. a. The front office staff (Ms. Stucky and Ms. Baker) are quite impressive. Even though there are over 700 students in this school (and I'm not a regular volunteer), they know me and my daughter by name. They also know (without looking it up) what grade she's in, and who her teacher is. And if you need anything, they try to get things done right away. b. Due to the budget cuts (understandable), my daughter's class size is 32. Regardless, her teacher maintains a very informative website, and sends home a weekly communication sheet that tells parents what the kids have been learning and what they're about to learn. I appreciate her efforts very much. c. The parent volunteers, the PTA and the RMIQ Foundation have helped make this school a solid place to learn. Aside from Math, Reading and Writing, she also has Music, Science, Art Masters, PE, Running club, Computer class (once in a while) and a field trip.
Posted: April 29, 2010
The teachers are very committed and caring...and the school also has a very good PTA and very supportive parents.
Posted: April 29, 2010
The teachers really care about the kids and the administration is very organized.
Posted: April 28, 2010
Moulton is the kind of school a parent dreams of finding for their child. Just walk in the front door, and the friendliest, most helpful office staff ever greets you with warm smiles. The principal is always welcoming, loves the kids and is especially open to new, innovative ideas to improve the school. The teachers, well, as a teacher myself, I know how hard it is to find such professional, dedicated and caring individuals who sole goal is to educate each and every child to their utmost potential while making learning interesting! Finally, Moulton has an unparalled PTA with a roster of superstars. The PTA parents have written grants to bring in money, hired out special teachers to go above and beyond average instruction, created musical and artistic programs that showcase the children's talent and inspire goals in them that often get realized, and so so much more. There is a technology-based level of instruction at Moulton that only exists because of dedication, hard work and learning by parents, teachers, and administrators alike. Not many schools can offer so much to children based on the community's sheer desire to do what is best for the kids when so little funding is actually provided by the state. Finally, the students at Moulton are incredible. They want to learn. Many come before school either to tutor other children or to be tutored - all just for community service. Students light up when you tell them that there is an opportunity for them to represent their school and learn more. In fact, recently a group of Moulton students won 1st place in the state of California for a creativity competition which included logical puzzle solving, improvisation and team work. These kids shined and Moulton celebrated them with a great big assembly. The students are kind, responsible and motivated. We are proud of our school and hope that this reward can provide a means of thanking this terrific school!
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
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| 1 | Whispering Winds Apartments | Apartment Complex | San Clemente | CA | 9.4 mi | |
| 2 | Copper Canyon | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Murrieta | CA | 27.7 mi | |
| 3 | The Ranchos | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Murrieta | CA | 28.5 mi | |
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| 7 | Mira Costa Estates | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Oceanside | CA | 33.3 mi | |
| 8 | Palisades Pointe | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Carlsbad | CA | 34.8 mi | |
| 9 | Redhawk | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Temecula | CA | 36.4 mi | |
| 10 | Shadowridge | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Vista | CA | 37.1 mi | |
| 11 | Windsor at Aviara | Apartment Complex | Carlsbad | CA | 38.6 mi | |
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| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Downtown | San Clemente | CA | 9.5 mi | |
| 2 | West Side | murrieta | CA | 28.9 mi | |
| 3 | Downtown Oceanside | Oceanside | CA | 30.4 mi | |
| 4 | Murrieta | Murrieta | CA | 32.5 mi | |
| 5 | Carlsbad | Carlsbad | CA | 33.5 mi | |
| 6 | Murrieta, California | Murrieta | CA | 34.9 mi | |
| 7 | Temecula, California | Temecula | CA | 35.6 mi | |
| 8 | Lake Rancho Viejo | Fallbrook | CA | 35.7 mi | |
| 9 | Encinitas | Encinitas | CA | 42.1 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Camp Pendleton | 22.3 mi. |
| Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station | 25.9 mi. |
| Los Alamitos JFTB | 30.5 mi. |
| March Air Reserve Base | 36.9 mi. |
| Los Angeles AFB | 46.2 mi. |
