La Costa Heights Elementary School

Posted: February 24, 2023

Like others, we were excited to move into this neighborhood and LCH was a big draw. Unfortunately, our experience is not one I would recommend and we are currently seeking options to change schools for our family. The Principal is not authentic nor transparent and seems to have ulterior motives at all times. The school has refused our child services despite them having a diagnosed disability and learning difference and being behind grade level.

They also teach from reading programs that have no scientific evidence that they can actually teach kids to read (they just teach kids to memorize). Don’t take it from me, there’s an entire piece of investigative research on this in Sold A Story.

On top of all of our ongoing challenges, they make a big deal at the beginning of the school year on how even a few absences a year can lead to kids missing critical parts of their education and yet we’ve had a sub like 20 days this school year and it’s only February…

Something needs to change at this school before I would ever consider sending a kid here.

Posted: February 24, 2023

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Posted: December 5, 2022

Our experience at LCH has been so abysmal that it has catalyzed our decision to sell what we thought was our forever home and move to find a better school. When we moved here, about five years ago, we specifically sought out this community and LCH was a huge draw.

Principal Kay seems to have a don’t ask don’t tell policy. Her statement that “we have a culture where kids are making up situations that aren’t true” when addressing bullying is very concerning from a Leader in Education.

I have encouraged other parents to come forward as I can not speak for them. But they are scared.

The list of issues I saw in my 2 years at LCH is too long to write here. And my original post about this school was somehow taken down. I fear other families will think they are moving into a community with a strong school and loving environment for their children. Sadly, our experience was the opposite.

Since our move to a different school I am amazed at the difference. The love, care, concern to not just the students. But the inclusive environment for the parents and consistent and thorough communication that does not exist for all families at LCH.

I would encourage parents to pay attention to those that aren't experiencing a positive learning environment and how they are treated. As we are a community. If some of our families are suffering it hurts all of us.

Posted: December 5, 2022

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Posted: October 13, 2020

The Leader in Me program and TRAC programs develop kids to be strong leaders and independent thinkers and good humans!!

Posted: October 13, 2020

The Principle is amazing and has gone above and beyond during the COVID times to inform, educate and support the teachers, staff, students and parents! Beyond impressed.

Posted: October 13, 2020

Posted: October 13, 2020

Posted: October 13, 2020

Amazing - could not be more impressed with LCH - the community, the parents, the students, the teachers the staff - all make it a great amazing place to learn and grow!

Posted: October 13, 2020

Posted: October 13, 2020

Teachers make all the difference and teachers at this school care so much - they go above and beyond!

Posted: July 17, 2020

Posted: July 17, 2020

Posted: July 17, 2020

Posted: July 17, 2020

Posted: July 17, 2020

Posted: July 17, 2020

The teachers are supportive, helpful, kind and really sets a great opportunity for all kids.

Posted: July 17, 2020

Posted: February 13, 2020

The teachers in each grade level work together to collectively meet the needs of the students.

Posted: February 13, 2020

My kids have experienced bullying (physical and social) and I have head similar stories from several dozen parents. The teachers do what they can to help deal with it and report it to the principal. The parents report it to the principal and try to meet with her to talk about it. The principal either does not respond at all (we had this happen several times) or she takes no action after hearing about the problem. I know several families that have moved their children to other schools in the district because of it. It is time for a new principal.

Posted: February 13, 2020

LCH is a good school with great teachers, staff, students, and families. Parents volunteer countless hours to help out in the classroom, with special programs, with the PTA, and raising funds to supports special programs and classes (e.g., science, garden, visual and performing arts, PE). New leadership could make this school great.

Posted: February 13, 2020

Homework assignments range from engaging to busywork. The engaging assignments, such as STEAM projects and reading are good, but the volume is too much. From 3rd grade on it is 30-60 minutes per day, after 6+ hours in school.

Posted: February 13, 2020

My children have had good to great teachers in all grades at LCH.

Posted: February 13, 2020

This is true for the vast majority of the students. The lack of attention to the deal with bullying is why I did not check "strongly agree."

Posted: February 13, 2020

I believe the current principal is in her 7th year and she has done very little about bullying. She keeps her eye on the positive things going on at the school and avoids the challenges. It is time for a new principal who focuses on the WHOLE school, not just the victories.

Posted: May 15, 2019

One of my children was bored to death in his primary grades. In 6th grade, he was challenged and had the most amazing teachers. He was well prepared for middle school. My other child is struggling to find his place and he is misunderstood quite a bit.

Posted: May 15, 2019

One of my children comes home sad quite a bit due to the cruel things kids say. Their parents are talked to, but nothing changes.

Posted: May 15, 2019

Overall, LCH is a good school. A lot of homework.

Posted: May 15, 2019

With everything on iPads, I don't believe that this prepares them for future grades. Especially in math.

Posted: May 15, 2019

A majority of the teachers are amazing! My son was tortured by his second grade teacher, and thankfully, she left.

Posted: May 15, 2019

The kids are held to a very high standard. I appreciate that as a mom.

Posted: May 15, 2019

Ms. Kay's style of responding to parents is dismissive and rude. She treats the children with little respect and isn't much better to the staff.

Posted: April 26, 2018

Teachers give excessive homework. Students are often confused about the skills needed to complete assignment, expectations and sometimes due date. Parents are expected to calm stressed out kids and figure out how to teach kids at home.

Posted: April 26, 2018

Teachers teach to the middle, letting the low end slip and the high end get unmotivated. They don't hold high standards/ expectations. Kids learn how to get by with minimal effort.

Posted: April 26, 2018

Students feel disempowered. Students are scared to speak up. Leadership in Me is a total failure -- it's basically a media stunt. If the students were leaders they would have a voice in school decisions.

Posted: April 26, 2018

Principal is defensive. Her practices do not reflect current research on positive discipline. She lacks the ability to create a consistent educational experience and standard throughout school. If you complain about a teacher, you are shut down.

Posted: April 26, 2018

Unmotivated students quietly slip through the cracks. Gifted students slowly become unmotivated. Average students soar at meeting low standards.

Posted: April 26, 2018

Posted: April 26, 2018

Trying to get my kids out asap. They have attended over 4 years. Each year their respect and motivation for learning has drastically reduced. Now they hate school. They are bored to death. They have no motivation to excel beyond average.

Posted: August 25, 2017

Posted: August 25, 2017

Posted: August 25, 2017

Posted: August 25, 2017

Our last 2 years at LCH have been amazing. Our children were welcomed with open arms by the staff and students, as were my husband and I by the staff and parents. The teachers at LCH are all phenomenal- most teachers will apply to the Encinitas School District because of their stellar test scores, programs, and administration. Only the crème de la crème are hired, which, means that your child will probably be placed with one of the best teachers in north county. LCH has won numerous awards, several being for their Leader In Me program, which was started by world-renowned author Franklin Covey. If you are looking to have your children gain life-long leadership skills, and establish the skills they need to become world-ready, then look no further.

Additionally, LCH (and all of Encinitas District) features a 1-1 digital curriculum, where all students receive iPad's. They play 'games' to make math and reading fun, and provide teachers instant feedback on where a student might need target help. They learn things like coding, which provides these youngsters skills needed for 21st Century world readiness.

The principal and front office staff are so sweet and genuinely care about each student and family. The PTA works hard to provide extras that most California students may not receive due to budget cuts- Weekly Visual & Preforming Arts/PE/Science/Spanish/Garden/Nutrition Lab/Art and Yoga, amongst may other great things. Their (already high) test scores have increased year after year under their current principal, Principal Kay, and are in the top 10% of the state. If you are considering this school, go take a tour. You will be blown away!

LCH's test scores have grown

Posted: August 25, 2017

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Posted: August 25, 2017

Posted: July 11, 2016

My son started 1st grade 6 weeks late, after we moved here. He has some developmental issues and behavior issues. His teacher and principle were nothing but amazing. They always gave us time and patience and treated him with total respect. We can honestly say they cared very deeply and his teacher will forever be in our hearts as life changing. We will never move, just to stay in this school zone. The school itself is stellar. I absolutely love the 7 Habits of Leadership and "The Leader in me program". Everything in the school is fun and positive. There are activities, clubs, dress up days. There is not one thing i can say that's negative about La Costa Heights!

Posted: July 11, 2016

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Posted: July 11, 2016

Posted: June 17, 2016

Posted: June 17, 2016

Posted: June 17, 2016

Posted: June 17, 2016

The teachers pretend to care about your child (ren). However, in reality, they couldn't care less!!! If your child is slow or needs extra help they look over or past them. Unless you are a parent with a ridiculous amount of money, are a stay at home mom, or have a nanny you and your child will be shunned!!!

Posted: March 7, 2016

The teachers are amazing, and the new principal has implemented "the leader in me" program- which is helping all of the students become leaders or be responsible for their own behavior. The program starts in kindergarten! There are so many opportunities for kids to be leaders at this school, and the kids love it!! We love the school.

Posted: March 7, 2016

Posted: March 7, 2016

Posted: March 7, 2016

Posted: April 17, 2015

La Costa Heights is one of the best schools around, with a highly recognized district, LCH has students thriving. The teachers are stellar, and the school has many academic programs such as Math 24, The Leader in Me, Math Olympiad, Composting and more. Each student participates in "wheel" once a week and is taught VAPA (Visual and Performing Arts), Yoga, Science and P.E. The school teaches behavioral and life skills. Facilities include, a media center with a wonderful librarian, a science lab, P.E. classroom, and a Multi-Purpose room for events such as plays, tournaments and even shows. Each student enrolled in La Costa Heights loves learning. Also, the school has outstanding test scores from the children. There is a wonderful before and after care program called, "Aspire" and has designated homework times, fun activities, snack and recess. Any parent would love to have their child enrolled at La Costa Heights.

Posted: April 29, 2014

We recently moved from another school within the district to this one. My son's teacher is extremely professional and provides a true place for learning. We have also found the staff to be supportive of their teachers, an integral part to a good education.

Posted: April 17, 2014

LCH is in a great neighborhood, has warm, smart, caring teachers and staff, and has many added programs as a result of a terrific PTA effort.

Posted: September 25, 2013

This school has a fantastic staff and terrific administration. The teachers care about the children and all of the parents appear to be active and involved in their childs leaning and quality of education. The new principal is wonderful... who could ask for more!!!

Posted: August 26, 2013

This is an amazing school, teachers are very dedicated and parents care about their children's education and are very active in the PTA and volunteering in the classroom and for fund driving. I could not be happier. We have a new principle this year and I'm hopeful she will continue my children's positive experience with this school.

Posted: June 12, 2013

I am really disappointed in this school. We started off very strong a few years ago and since then it's just been a fast race to the bottom. The school would not run without the parents and that puts us in a uniquely awkward position of knowing just how screwed up the system really is there. You wouldn't believe the kinds of violent behavior that happen at this school without punishment or even one day of suspension, and there is little supervision on the playground, which in my estimations has INCREASED bullying and child neglect at LCH. Also, the school is constantly begging for cash. I realize CA is in trouble, but honestly, for this mediocre learning environment, I'm not in the best mood with the high-frequency campaigning. I think the distinguished school flag is as old as I am. Very disappointed in LCH.

Posted: May 14, 2013

I have had the pleasure of guest teaching in a number of San Diego Schools, La Costa Heights Elementary is my favorite. The staff is friendly, welcoming and professional. The facility is uniquely designed for learning and child safety. The children are engaged, happy and motivated. There is evidence of a great partnership between the administration, PTA and parents. Clearly, the principal and her team know what they're doing. This is an extraordinary school!

Posted: May 9, 2013

This school is wonderful. The principal and my child's teacher are both extremely dedicated and caring professionals. I love the technology and all of the innovative projects my child is doing. Go LCH!

Posted: October 28, 2012

Principal is the least of the problems in that school as she is not the one who supervise the school anyway. I wish she was an over achiever instead of being an under achiever. They seem they might be doing excellent in 1970s but is unable to grasp the 21st century on many aspects of education. Most teachers are unprofessional and dominated by certain stay-at-home moms. Kids can terribly be bullied by some other kids, even by their parents and no one would even notice especially if the bullying is taking place among the girls. They lose papers at the front office or, papers are not properly placed in kids files or, simply documents from other institutions like District get disappear from the kids' files. There are very few professional 'educators' up there. You can tell who they are if your kid jumps from his/her bed and cannot wait to go to the school every morning. I could have only stood for 2 years of unfairness, had to remove my child at the end of second grade and now, I regret that I did not do it before as he just started 4th grade at another school in the same neighborhood.

Posted: September 1, 2012

I love lch, it will always be near and dear to my heart since I promoted from sixth grade in 2010. There are great things to expect from this school and I can promise you your child will have a WONDERFUL experience. GO OWLS! :)

Posted: August 13, 2012

Principal is horrible at this school. She does not care about what is best for the children, only her own political agenda! We left this school and are so happy we did. Four Families from one Kinder class all left this school! We did have a wonderful teacher here, I will say that. Just don;t expect anything good from the principal.

Posted: August 11, 2011

Outstanding principal, hit and miss teachers and as a public school much more funding is needed for arts, and extras. I think LCH does the best it is able in the current economy and the huge disparity between socio economic extremes to balance both worlds to meet the children's needs. Supervision and events on the playground during recess and lunch need more awareness but overall this is as good as the private school he had attended and at least I am not paying for the status quo. I also feel I have a lot more to say about what does or does not go on here and that was not the case in a private environment regardless of the money spent.

Posted: July 10, 2011

I have had a phenomenal experience at this school. The principal is warm and receptive, the technology is way beyond anything I have seen in previous private schools my son attended. My son came into his first public school ever with only 6 weeks to go for the 5th grade year. Against all advice and odds, he completed the year with a report card of only A's and B's, became a happy, sunny child and made new friends. his 5th grade teacher was Mrs Street. She was fantastic. I am absolutely delighted with the school. I take my hat off to them! Very impressed!