George White Elementary School
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Phone: (949) 249-3875
Fax: (949) 249-5316
District: Capistrano Unified School District
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades KG,1,2,3,4,5 • 378 students
George White 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 10 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
George White Elementary School is a public school located in Laguna Niguel, CA. 378 students attend George White 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 | 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: September 24, 2024
I really don't understand the negative reviews. We have had nothing but a positive experience here. My kids have made no mention of bullying issues nor have I ever heard a parent mention any issues in this area. I've actually heard that GW is better with bullying than certain other nearby schools. My son has an IEP and the teachers and staff are excellent. We could not be happier with our kids being at this school. The parents are very involved and a majority volunteer in the classrooms or with other programs. The principal also changed in 2022 and Mrs. Snedeker is very engaged with the students and parents. We've been here since the 2019-2020 school year (preschool).
Posted: September 24, 2024
Posted: September 24, 2024
Posted: September 24, 2024
Posted: September 24, 2024
Posted: September 24, 2024
Posted: September 24, 2024
Posted: September 24, 2024
Posted: November 25, 2021
My child has been at GW since kindergarten and I would say the school is average, nothing outstanding. Most of the teachers weve had are great. However, the principal Mr Andrew Klinkenberg is a total robot with absolutely zero sense of any humanity, personality or compassion in him. He still has no clue who my child is and does things as if hes running a communist company. Bully is definitely a problem and Ive witness it. Teachers and the staffs are unaware of it, shove it under the rug and itll go away. Not sure if there are any better choices in the area though.
Posted: November 25, 2021
Posted: November 25, 2021
Posted: November 25, 2021
Posted: November 25, 2021
Posted: November 25, 2021
Posted: November 25, 2021
Posted: November 25, 2021
Posted: September 20, 2020
My oldest attended 1-5 with mostly positive experiences and excellent teachers. He is now in all honors and excels academically. My youngest is currently enrolled and we are pleased with her progress, her teachers and her attitude towards school. GW has a diverse population of kids and we value this aspect for our kids. Mr. K is enthusiastic and engaging with all the kids and parents. Any problems or concerns weve had have been addressed by either the teacher or principal.
Posted: September 20, 2020
Posted: September 20, 2020
Posted: September 20, 2020
Posted: September 20, 2020
Posted: September 20, 2020
Posted: September 20, 2020
Posted: April 29, 2019
Posted: April 29, 2019
Principal lacks basic knowledge of the public school system and his responsibilities. His office staff is rude and Donna is condescending.
Posted: April 29, 2019
Posted: April 29, 2019
Bullying is a huge problem at this school! The principal and teachers promote a culture of intolerance and fear of reporting.
Posted: April 29, 2019
Worst school if you want your child to learn!
Posted: April 29, 2019
Posted: April 29, 2019
Teachers are unprofessional and act like they hate their jobs. Many of them leave the classroom unsupervised to gossip with other teachers in their classrooms. Teachers turn a blind eye to bullying and play favorites.
Posted: October 20, 2015
Posted: October 20, 2015
Posted: October 20, 2015
Posted: October 20, 2015
We love the school, teachers and staff!!! We have had a great 3 years so far!!!
Posted: August 24, 2015
Parents would be doing a great disservice to their children by taking them to this school. The turnover rate for Principals is quite high. There is a serious bullying problem at the school that needs to be addressed. Funding for this school and parental involvement compared to neighboring schools is seriously lacking, which means there is less opportunities for the students.
There is a race issue that is very clear during lunchtime. Your child will not learn to be tolerant and get along well with others here.
Due to lack of funding from the District and from parents, there is No PE, No Art, No Music. On top of this, it is the children who mop the cafeteria floors and wipe down the tables, which can be dangerous if there are children with allergies, because proper cleaning in the cafeteria is not being done.
There are far too many issues and not enough space to write in this review.
I wouldn't take my child to George White Elementary again if it were the only school in California. Fortunately, there are better options out there.
Do your due diligence before choosing this school for your child.
Posted: August 24, 2015
Posted: August 24, 2015
Posted: August 24, 2015
Posted: June 21, 2015
Great teachers and great staff. My child learned more at this school than Monetesory school.
Posted: June 21, 2015
Posted: August 7, 2013
We have been at George White for a total of ten years now and have nothing but positive things to say about our experience there. Both my children had excellent teachers K-5th grade. The teachers are caring and supportive and don't send home hours of meaningless homework like some of my friends have complained about at other schools. They are always available before and after school to discuss any questions or concerns (something I miss now that I have a middle schooler!). I feel like my children have had a great foundation for their educational careers because of George White Elementary!
Posted: April 16, 2013
This is a great school that may not be the wealthiest in Laguna Niguel but all the teachers, students and parents make it a very special place to learn and that is what counts.
Posted: April 2, 2013
This is our third year at George White. The teachers are fabulous. They're experienced, they communicate and genuinely care about your child. The new principal is amazing!! Totally and completely involved in what is happening at the school. From directing traffic in the mornings (drop-off has GREATLY improved), weekly parent meetings, and recognizing students for their character and being kind. Yes, the class sizes are on the larger side, but it doesn't seem to effect my kids. The PTA works overtime to ensure the kids have field trips, art education, music, science lab. All around, a great school.
Posted: September 29, 2012
As a long time employee of GW School, I continue to be amazed at the dedication and untold hours of work that the teachers give to the school and students. All of the teachers not only contribute their time, but they contribute on a personal and financial level in order to give students the best possible education. Students are cared for, held accountable, and praised for making good choices. Under the leadership and guidance of the new principal this year, this school will continue to be one of the top performing schools in Orange County. We have challenging programs, excellent leadership, and caring staff!
Posted: September 24, 2012
Second year in this school, ratio is high 34 kids in my 1 grade, way too high for 6-7 y old. If we do not have enough money in Orange co to support our schools...who does then??? Work more at home with kids,all I can say for now. On a positive note a new Principal is a God's messenger, great guy, smart and know to LISTEN to the parents, parents let support him and our public education to the max!!!
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whispering Winds Apartments | Apartment Complex | San Clemente | CA | 7.1 mi | |
| 2 | Copper Canyon | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Murrieta | CA | 25.7 mi | |
| 3 | The Ranchos | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Murrieta | CA | 26.4 mi | |
| 4 | Amberwalk Townhomes | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Murrieta | CA | 27.5 mi | |
| 5 | Montecito village apartments | Apartment Complex | Oceanside | CA | 30.1 mi | |
| 6 | St. Cloud | Condominium/Townhouse | Oceanside | CA | 30.3 mi | |
| 7 | Mira Costa Estates | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Oceanside | CA | 31.1 mi | |
| 8 | Palisades Pointe | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Carlsbad | CA | 32.7 mi | |
| 9 | Redhawk | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Temecula | CA | 34.1 mi | |
| 10 | Shadowridge | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Vista | CA | 34.8 mi | |
| 11 | Windsor at Aviara | Apartment Complex | Carlsbad | CA | 36.4 mi | |
| 12 | La Costa | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Carlsbad | CA | 37.5 mi | |
| 13 | Rancho Carrillo | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Carlsbad | CA | 37.7 mi | |
| 14 | Hollyglen | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Hawthorne | CA | 47.7 mi | |
| 15 | Torrey Highlands | Neighborhood/Subdivision | San Diego | CA | 48.4 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Downtown | San Clemente | CA | 7.4 mi | |
| 2 | West Side | murrieta | CA | 26.8 mi | |
| 3 | Downtown Oceanside | Oceanside | CA | 28.3 mi | |
| 4 | Murrieta | Murrieta | CA | 30.5 mi | |
| 5 | Carlsbad | Carlsbad | CA | 31.4 mi | |
| 6 | Murrieta, California | Murrieta | CA | 32.9 mi | |
| 7 | Lake Rancho Viejo | Fallbrook | CA | 33.4 mi | |
| 8 | Temecula, California | Temecula | CA | 33.4 mi | |
| 9 | Encinitas | Encinitas | CA | 40.1 mi | |
| 10 | Torrey Highlands | San Diego | CA | 48.5 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Camp Pendleton | 19.9 mi. |
| Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station | 28.2 mi. |
| Los Alamitos JFTB | 32.7 mi. |
| March Air Reserve Base | 36 mi. |
| Los Angeles AFB | 48.5 mi. |
