Avocado Elementary School
La Mesa, CA 91941
Phone: (619) 588-3100
Fax: (619) 579-4872
District: Cajon Valley Union School District
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades KG,1,2,3,4,5 • 573 students
Avocado Elementary School, a public school located in La Mesa, CA, serves grades K-5 in the Cajon Valley Union School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 5 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Avocado Elementary School is a public school located in La Mesa, CA. 573 students attend Avocado Elementary School.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 5/10 | 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 | 5/10 | 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: June 12, 2026
Posted: June 12, 2026
Posted: June 12, 2026
Posted: June 12, 2026
Posted: June 12, 2026
Posted: June 12, 2026
Posted: June 12, 2026
Posted: June 12, 2026
I called this morning to the school office to ask if my son toy there because it's been taking by his teacher and dropped on the office. And the teacher sent us email saying that I repeat myself to the lady 3 times that the teacher told us to check with the office and the lady keep saying email the teacher. She's clearly doesn't want to help me. I offered my son to buy him another one. But you know how kids attached to their toys. He's heart broken and they don't care. This is school used to be better back when my older son was there but now it's getting worse. And last thing, if your kid got in incident with another kid. He will be always blamed. They don't investigate. I can't tell you how many times my son came back home crying because they blame him on something he didn't do. I don't recommend this school to anybody
Posted: April 2, 2023
Posted: April 2, 2023
Posted: April 2, 2023
Posted: April 2, 2023
Posted: April 2, 2023
Posted: April 2, 2023
Posted: April 2, 2023
Overall, one of the better schools in the area. Unfortunately, children are allowed to get away with ANYTHING. The whole "gentle parenting" approach does not work in schools. When a student chokes another student and there aren't any consequences.... That's a concern. Admin wants to look good to the district so they don't enforce punishment. Kids are not held accountable for their actions.
PTA used to be great and plan engaging events for our school community but it's gone down hill. Hopefully something changes soon or more and more family will be leaving.
Posted: January 22, 2020
Posted: January 22, 2020
Posted: January 22, 2020
Posted: January 22, 2020
Posted: January 22, 2020
Posted: January 22, 2020
Posted: January 22, 2020
Avocado is a diverse school that values community. The open space concept allows the students and staff to build relationships that wouldn't necessarily be formed in a typical school. We love it!
Posted: June 9, 2018
Posted: June 9, 2018
Posted: June 9, 2018
Posted: June 9, 2018
Posted: June 9, 2018
Posted: June 9, 2018
Posted: June 9, 2018
We made a district transfer to this school because we heard our home school wasn't very good. I am beyond happy with Avocado. The staff and parents are very involved. The principal, Mr. Himaka clearly loves his job but takes it seriously as well. He has the students best interests at heart. It's not always about this test scores. It's about teaching children to be leaders and peace builders. Teaching them different ways to use their minds. Wonderful school.
Posted: July 17, 2017
Posted: July 17, 2017
Posted: July 17, 2017
Posted: July 17, 2017
Posted: July 17, 2017
Posted: July 17, 2017
Posted: July 17, 2017
Awesome first year. Mrs DeVos was the best teacher ever. Great students and staff. All around great experience.
Posted: June 12, 2017
Posted: June 12, 2017
Posted: June 12, 2017
Posted: June 12, 2017
Posted: June 12, 2017
Posted: June 12, 2017
Posted: June 12, 2017
Both of my daughters attend Avocado, and we have had wonderful experiences in each grade level over the last five years. The principal, Mr. Himaka, is a strong leader, and the teachers and staff are friendly and caring. The academics include a nice balance of traditional curriculum along with art and music. The open-space atmosphere fosters a culture of respect and collaboration, and the morning Run Club is a great way to encourage healthy habits. We transferred from a neighboring district specifically for this school and couldn't ask for a better experience!
Posted: March 7, 2017
Posted: March 7, 2017
Posted: March 7, 2017
Posted: March 7, 2017
Posted: March 7, 2017
Posted: March 7, 2017
Posted: March 7, 2017
My daughter is in TK at Avocado this year. With 2 older boys attending charter school, I can honestly say I am overly impressed by the experience both my daughter and I have had over the last 9 months. She has grown in ways I could never imagine. She has mastered sight words, knows some addition and subtraction and is even reading. The school incorporates the older kids to come in and work with the younger ones. My daughter loves this and looks forward to it. The extended day program is beyond amazing as well. They keep the kids busy with projects, games and outside play. My daughter has acquired friends of all ages in the short time she has been at this school. Overall this has been one of the best schools any of my children have attended!
Posted: October 27, 2012
Avocado Elementary school is outstanding. Four of my six grandchildren have or are now attending Avocado Elementary and they are excited to get up and go to school. The principal is new to the school this year and a delight to talk to. Mrs. Butler and Mrs. Tea are absolute Dears and have made learning both fun and challenging.Mrs. Dunkle, a new 4th grade teacher to Avocado Elementary, is very friendly and energetic and a wonderful addition to the teaching staff. I love this school and would recommend it as a top rate school to anyone inquiring about it. Thank you Avocado Elementary for providing the quality education that all children deserve.
Posted: August 24, 2011
Everything a parent would hope for in a school!The principal, teachers and staff really care about kids and it shows. Both of my children attended k through 5th grade at this wonderful school. both of my children have been very sucessful and are honors students. There are many active parents that add to the school where the budget is lacking. PTA parents work hard to raise funds to provide art, music, field trips, assemblys, a yearbook, school events, after school enrichment and much more. It is like a big family. Some of my best friends came from volunteering at the school, The teachers are all top quality and do above and beyond for the kids. The principal is outstanding. Love this school!
Posted: July 15, 2011
I went to Avocado for K-5th and I my friends and I wished it went up to twelfth grade so we wouldn't have to leave it.The teachers and Mr.Burke were all really caring to us.
Posted: January 12, 2011
My son goes to this school and is now in the 2nd grade. I've been very satisfied with all of the teachers and Mr. Burke. I look foward to my 3yr old also attending when the time comes. They have great teachers and t he PTA is very nice and does a lot for the school! Great job teachers, PTA and students!!! Keep up the good work.
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lakeview Village Apartments | Apartment Complex | Spring Valley | CA | 1.3 mi | |
| 2 | Jackson Pointe Townhomes | Condominium/Townhouse | Spring Valley | CA | 2 mi | |
| 3 | Jackson Pointe Townhomes | Condominium/Townhouse | Spring Valley | CA | 2 mi | |
| 4 | Canyon Run Apartments | Apartment Complex | El Cajon | CA | 4.2 mi | |
| 5 | Heritage at Otay Ranch | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chula Vista | CA | 6.1 mi | |
| 6 | Del Cerro | Neighborhood/Subdivision | San Diego | CA | 6.7 mi | |
| 7 | Santee Villas | Apartment Complex | Santee | CA | 7.2 mi | |
| 8 | Eastlake Greens | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chula Vista | CA | 7.2 mi | |
| 9 | Eastlake Vistas | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chula Vista | CA | 7.9 mi | |
| 10 | The Summit at Eastlake | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chula Vista | CA | 8.5 mi | |
| 11 | Otay Ranch | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chula Vista | CA | 8.5 mi | |
| 12 | City Heights | Neighborhood/Subdivision | San Diego | CA | 8.6 mi | |
| 13 | Eastlake Windingwalk | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chula Vista | CA | 8.6 mi | |
| 14 | Cottage Lane | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Chula Vista | CA | 8.6 mi | |
| 15 | Legacy Walk | Condominium/Townhouse | San Diego | CA | 9.1 mi | |
| 16 | Canyon View | Neighborhood/Subdivision | San Diego | CA | 9.7 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rancho San Diego | El Cajon | CA | 1.4 mi | |
| 2 | El Cajon | El Cajon | CA | 3.1 mi | |
| 3 | East County of San Diego | La Mesa | CA | 3.9 mi | |
| 4 | Santee | Santee | CA | 6.1 mi | |
| 5 | Santee Trolley Square | Santee | CA | 6.4 mi | |
| 6 | Del Cerro | San Diego | CA | 6.6 mi | |
| 7 | Bonita | Chula Vista | CA | 6.9 mi | |
| 8 | Otay Ranch | Chula Vista | CA | 8.2 mi | |
| 9 | Kensington | San Diego | CA | 8.6 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| San Diego Naval Base | 10.6 mi. |
| San Diego Naval Medical Center | 10.9 mi. |
| Coronado Naval Amphibious Base | 12.9 mi. |
| Miramar MCAS | 13.1 mi. |
| MCRD San Diego | 13.8 mi. |
| North Island NAS | 14.7 mi. |
| Naval Base Point Loma | 17 mi. |
| Camp Pendleton | 48.9 mi. |
