Wagon Wheel Elementary School
Coto de Caza, CA 92679
Phone: (949) 589-1953
Fax: (949) 589-2813
District: Capistrano Unified School District
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades KG,1,2,3,4,5 • 441 students
Wagon Wheel Elementary School, a public school located in Coto de Caza, CA, serves grades K-5 in the Capistrano Unified School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 10 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Wagon Wheel Elementary School is a public school located in Coto de Caza, CA. 441 students attend Wagon Wheel Elementary School.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 10/10 | 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: January 21, 2026
When my daughters teacher told me that she was struggling to pay attention and seemed to drift off in class thinking about other things, I asked her what she recommended. She shrugged and said, I dont know. This school is terrible with students who struggle and caters to the super active families who basically run the school. If they want a certain teacher for their child, they get it. The teachers will break policy if the parents pressure them enough, and all but one of my kids teachers seemed to dislike children in general. The principal is totally unapproachable and doesnt mesh well with children. She is a politician looking to move up in her career and the job is a stepping stone for her. Out of all the schools my kids attended, this was the worst. I wish we stayed at our former school.
Posted: January 21, 2026
Posted: January 21, 2026
Posted: January 21, 2026
Posted: January 21, 2026
Posted: January 21, 2026
Posted: January 21, 2026
Posted: January 21, 2026
Posted: December 15, 2021
Posted: December 15, 2021
Posted: December 15, 2021
Posted: December 15, 2021
Posted: December 15, 2021
The school has been very disappointing. There are lots of opportunities to support below grade level work. My at grade level students are rarely challenged. I feel they are not being taught much new information from last year (we moved from another district). Learning is not fun. Even kindergarten is spending a great deal of time on the computer. Teachers are not providing small group instruction for reading. My kids rarely come home excited about school. We will be making a change next year. I do feel the school has good teachers. The structures decided upon by admin and at the district level arent supporting the success of high achieving kids.
Posted: December 15, 2021
Posted: December 15, 2021
Posted: December 15, 2021
Posted: September 7, 2021
Caring teachers, students are held to reasonable but fair expectations for their behavior and academics. Homework load is reasonable. We have only had one teacher we didn't love, but she has (thankfully) left.
Posted: September 7, 2021
Posted: September 7, 2021
Posted: September 7, 2021
Posted: September 7, 2021
Posted: September 7, 2021
Posted: September 7, 2021
Posted: September 7, 2021
Posted: November 6, 2020
We were new to this school this year, in the middle of the pandemic, and I can say this school has handled it all with such grace, common sense and care. The principal, staff and teachers are absolutely top notch. My children felt welcome and embraced by their peers and teachers since distance learning, and it has extended into in-person learning. There is a wonderful culture at this school...you see it in the everyday interactions of the parents, kids and staff. We feel so blessed to be Mustangs. So much pride at this school. Goooooo Mustangs!
Posted: November 6, 2020
Posted: November 6, 2020
Posted: November 6, 2020
Posted: November 6, 2020
Posted: November 6, 2020
Posted: November 6, 2020
Posted: January 23, 2020
I feel that average students who are independent don't receive the same attention as the lower achieving students and don't have the same opportunities as the highest achieving students (mainly in upper grades).
Posted: January 23, 2020
I think they try and those that already have good character are recognized...but I'm not sure how character is being changed in kids that may have problems in this area.
Posted: January 23, 2020
Posted: January 23, 2020
Reading intervention program sponsored by PTA. Working on developing math help.
Posted: January 23, 2020
I can only speak of my experience. Unless an adult witness sees the incident, nothing is done. Supervisors on the playground have been ineffective at "catching" the incidences and some don't bother to take action when things occur. Children being bullied don't trust administration to do anything about it. Teacher didnt believe our complaints bc she hadn't witnessed it.
Posted: January 23, 2020
8/10 good school, but there are some areas that need improvement
Posted: January 23, 2020
Varies by grade, but our experience has been good. 30 min of homework typically, plus 30 min of reading daily with opportunities during the school day to work on homework (i.e. if they finish schoolwork early, library time). Appropriate rewards and consequences for doing daily homework on time.
Posted: August 21, 2018
Posted: August 21, 2018
First day of the new 2018-2019 school year. My children are in good hands! WWE have over 70% students proficient in language, arts and math. The environment WWE provides students is exceptional. Positive Behavior is interwoven in the daily experiences inside and outside the classroom. I am excited to see the 2018 CA Distinguished School Award placed on the exterior of the school - it's an accomplishment as a result of the dedicated leadership and heart of our faculty. I am comforted to know the the program here support academic, social-emotional and behavioral learning across the board. I made the right choice by selecting Wagon Wheel Elementary as "school of choice," for my family.
Posted: August 21, 2018
Posted: August 21, 2018
Posted: August 21, 2018
Posted: August 21, 2018
Posted: August 21, 2018
Posted: July 23, 2018
Excellent so far. Kindergarten completed, on to first grade.
Posted: July 23, 2018
Recognizes that more homework is not usually the right answer, especially in the younger years.
Posted: July 23, 2018
Willing to challenge students that are excelling while not leaving behind those that struggle.
Posted: July 23, 2018
Posted: July 23, 2018
Regular communication and plenty of enthusiasm from the Principal.
Posted: July 23, 2018
Teachers meet the students where they are in their learning and help them to grow from there.
Posted: July 23, 2018
A sense of community and teamwork is fostered. Incidents of bullying are lower than many schools.
Posted: January 29, 2018
Compassion and respect greatly lacking amongst the students at the school.
School could benefit from programs and events during the school day to bring the students together to promote a sense of community.
Staff and administration deny bullying, but it's common at this school site.
Posted: January 29, 2018
Posted: January 29, 2018
Posted: January 29, 2018
Posted: January 29, 2018
Posted: January 29, 2018
Posted: January 29, 2018
Posted: September 19, 2017
Posted: September 19, 2017
Posted: September 19, 2017
Posted: September 19, 2017
Posted: September 19, 2017
Posted: September 19, 2017
Posted: September 19, 2017
Great elementary school. Solid teaching and dealing with all kinds of different kids and ages.
Posted: November 8, 2016
This area has not effected my family or any of my close friends. Therefore, I cannot assess this question
Posted: November 8, 2016
Posted: November 8, 2016
Posted: November 8, 2016
Wagon Wheel offers a Kindness and Caring Club to the upper grades. They also have implemented a Rachel's Challenge program throughout the school that encourages compassion, friendships, and respect.
Posted: November 8, 2016
Posted: November 8, 2016
Most nights we only have 20 minutes of homework and 20 minutes of reading assigned.
Posted: November 8, 2016
My family and I have toured and considered the public and private schools in the area. After all the tours we decided Wagon Wheel was the school for our family.
We have now been at the school for three years and we love the teachers and the small school feel. This past year the school received a new principle and she is doing great things for our school. Her energy is infectious and her desire to listen to what the teachers, students and parents want for the school is exciting. I am so excited to see what the future holds for our school.
We are very happy with Wagon Wheel and would absolutely recommend it!!
Posted: November 8, 2016
AMAZING teachers. They are communicative, understanding & approachable. Parents are involved & community is supportive. Office staff is professional & helpful.
Posted: November 8, 2016
Posted: November 8, 2016
Posted: November 8, 2016
Posted: November 8, 2016
Posted: November 8, 2016
Posted: November 8, 2016
Posted: April 16, 2014
A great school. Teachers and office staff go above and beyond. Have a child with special needs and they are taking care of special needs . I feel this is a safe and capable school.
Posted: September 10, 2012
I just moved to the area and my children just started a few days ago. Very good so far, just don't have much to share yet.
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whispering Winds Apartments | Apartment Complex | San Clemente | CA | 9.2 mi | |
| 2 | Copper Canyon | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Murrieta | CA | 19.9 mi | |
| 3 | The Ranchos | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Murrieta | CA | 20.7 mi | |
| 4 | Amberwalk Townhomes | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Murrieta | CA | 22 mi | |
| 5 | Redhawk | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Temecula | CA | 29.6 mi | |
| 6 | Montecito village apartments | Apartment Complex | Oceanside | CA | 30 mi | |
| 7 | St. Cloud | Condominium/Townhouse | Oceanside | CA | 30.1 mi | |
| 8 | Mira Costa Estates | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Oceanside | CA | 31.3 mi | |
| 9 | Palisades Pointe | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Carlsbad | CA | 33.3 mi | |
| 10 | Shadowridge | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Vista | CA | 34.6 mi | |
| 11 | Windsor at Aviara | Apartment Complex | Carlsbad | CA | 37.1 mi | |
| 12 | Rancho Carrillo | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Carlsbad | CA | 37.9 mi | |
| 13 | La Costa | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Carlsbad | CA | 38.1 mi | |
| 14 | Torrey Highlands | Neighborhood/Subdivision | San Diego | CA | 49 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Downtown | San Clemente | CA | 10.9 mi | |
| 2 | West Side | murrieta | CA | 21.3 mi | |
| 3 | Murrieta | Murrieta | CA | 24.7 mi | |
| 4 | Murrieta, California | Murrieta | CA | 27.4 mi | |
| 5 | Temecula, California | Temecula | CA | 28.6 mi | |
| 6 | Downtown Oceanside | Oceanside | CA | 29.2 mi | |
| 7 | Lake Rancho Viejo | Fallbrook | CA | 30.7 mi | |
| 8 | Carlsbad | Carlsbad | CA | 32.4 mi | |
| 9 | Encinitas | Encinitas | CA | 41.3 mi | |
| 10 | Torrey Highlands | San Diego | CA | 49.1 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Camp Pendleton | 19.1 mi. |
| March Air Reserve Base | 29 mi. |
| Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station | 30.8 mi. |
| Los Alamitos JFTB | 34.7 mi. |
Refine Search
National Ad
