La Mesa Dale Elementary School in La Mesa

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	6/10	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	6/10	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 13, 2025

My son is just finishing his first year here (1st Grade) and we couldnt speak highly enough about our experience! Kindergarten in the SDUSD was the biggest let down (my child regressed) but thanks to Mr DeVos and the team at La Mesa Dale my son has fallen in love with school again. Not only has his academics improved (168% growth based on iReady testing) but hes also getting the emotional and social support that all young children need for shaping into great little humans.

Posted: June 13, 2025

Posted: June 8, 2025

Principal does not work with parents when they have concerns but rather passes it off to a teacher or gives very diplomatic answers that dont make you feel like you were heard. They also have zero field trips that arent a walk away. As a fifth grader, my daughters last year of elementary, it was such a let down. I dont know if these things are across the board with all elementary schools but if I had younger kids I wouldnt put them at Dale. Our other two went to Lemon Avenue and it was sooo much better with more to offer than Dale. We had a few great teachers but overall it wasnt a great experience for my daughter.

Posted: June 8, 2025

Posted: December 3, 2024

We love this school. Both of our children have been going since 2019, and we have had wonderful experiences with each class. The teachers are great, and the school works hard to connect with families.

Posted: December 3, 2024

We moved to La Mesa Dale from another elementary school within the same district and there was a noticeable difference right away in the welcoming atmosphere on campus. The principal and front office staff are kind and approachable. The teachers help their students learn and grow beyond just academics. The special education staff and other support personnel all contribute to a positive environment that lets each child know they belong.

Posted: December 3, 2024

Very involved and caring staff. Great experience.

Posted: December 3, 2024

We could not ask for a better school.

The experience that we have had at La Mesa Dale is unmatched to our greatest expectations. The staff, students, families are incredible. Both of my children have thrived in the is community and will have the academic and cultural experiences that will prepare them for the rest of their lives. Our entire family feels included, seen, and appreciated here.

Posted: December 3, 2024

Posted: December 14, 2023

Ignore the Great Schools ratings and read the recent reviews! Test scores are not what makes a school great. We chose La Mesa Dale over our assigned school because of the beautiful diversity of the student body. There are over 100 countries represented here! We are so thankful that our children are building relationships with kids of all different backgrounds. Their lives are being enriched by learning from so many various perspectives. They are truly being prepared to participate in a multiracial democracy, which in my opinion is one of the most significant purposes of public school.

Posted: December 14, 2023

Posted: September 26, 2023

This is an incredible school. Unfortunately, we underestimated it by it's external appearance. The staff at this school have been so welcoming, kind and genuine. We transferred from another La Mesa District school that had a very toxic culture, which has increased our appreciation of this school.
La Mesa Dale has been an outstanding example of how an elementary school should be. The diversity of the children are reflected in the staff here and it truly has felt inclusive of all that attend. We feel so lucky to be here.

Posted: September 26, 2023

Posted: August 30, 2023

This school is amazing. GreatSchools.org rating sucks. I would rate this school very high - teachers are amazing. Families are from a diverse background. My daughter has been in this school since grade 2 and she loves the school. I would highly recommend families if they are moving to La Mesa and are worried about this school rating - please do not be. The teachers at the school are highly motivated and the PTA is great.

Ignore the greatschools rating.

Posted: August 30, 2023

Posted: February 13, 2023

Both of my children attend, we have been very happy with the quality of teachers, the support of staff, and the overall education they are receiving

Posted: February 13, 2023

The school is great. The teacher are amazing. Our two kids attend the school and their experience has been wonderful.

Posted: February 13, 2023

Posted: March 9, 2021

I think La Mesa Dale is so great, for so many reasons! First, all my kids love it. The teachers are really fantastic. Ive been asked in the past my opinion on their greatschools rating, from parents whose kids have never attended, and never took a tour. The school has kids from so many backgrounds, which I could not be happier about. With all the different first languages other than English spoken at home, I dont think the testing takes that into consideration when comparing to other schools where English is common in most households. It certainly is not a reflection of their quality of education. Theyve got a Reading specialist on campus whose wonderful and sweet as pie. All of my kids feel challenged and me, as a parent, am very happy with the diversity of instruction, projects, and assignments.
Theyve got fun after-school activities like basketball, dance, and Spanish acquisition. Plus, for parents that need before or after school care, La Mesa Dale is the only school that has both the choice of ESS offered on campus, plus they are VERY close to the brand new Boys and Girls Club that is just beautiful and partners with the school to offer after school options for parents.
Like I said, we love the school and couldnt be happier.

Posted: March 9, 2021

Posted: March 4, 2021

As a community member and a teacher myself, I closely watched the school that one day my children might go to. I saw it have good years with positive student events and community involvement and other years when outsiders would warn me. I felt like so many neighbors would leave to look for something else, unable to tell me why they decided to choose elsewhere.
We started attending LMD in 2019 and even during the roughest times for education, I couldnt have had a more supportive encouraging and creative staff to get my young family to enjoy school love learning and crave exploration. Ms. Connie is one of the first faces youll meet. She is helpful dependable and has dedicated many years to this school with ALL students best interest in mind. Ms. Babbitt was made to be a principal, she hears all voices, celebrates even the smallest of achievements and reassures children that they belong. She walks into a room and kids just know she cares and strive to have a relationship with her. The support staff is a tight community who know the needs of teachers and students.

I cant give enough praise for the teachers. They work in grade teams and collaborate on lessons and activities supporting each other. At our PTA we get to hear about the updated methods and resources they are using and hoping to incorporate with parent support. Most have been a part of my little community for years. Its worth noting that Ive met many older neighbors who have nothing but praise as they reminisce the relationships they themselves had with my childrens teachers.

Theres a lot of communication, but too much. Ive heard many parents say they wished there was one hub that provided all the information instead of being spread out on email, website, ClassDojo, Instagram, Facebook etc. Having said that, I have GREAT communication with my childrens teachers and get a response in less than 24 hours, always!

If youre in our neighborhood I encourage you to try our neighborhood school, to be the change in our world that we so desperately need, to build community. We are a mixed group of people from all walks of life and I couldnt be more proud to have my children attend school at La Mesa Dale Elementary.

Posted: March 4, 2021

Posted: May 14, 2019

Homework is not just "busy work" but it is there for our kids to be challenged and grow. It is not too hard, and not too easy, but just right.

Posted: May 14, 2019

The staff is really focused on their goals. They communicate with students and parents about the important stuff. I also notice that they seem to really care about each child in their classes.

Posted: May 14, 2019

From the minute you set foot on the campus, the message is communicated clearly: character, compassion, integrity and respect for people, property and purpose.

Posted: May 14, 2019

The new principal and the PTA are doing some over the top activities and initiatives. They are working on a ball field for the community, and have some great parent engagement activities like science night.

Posted: May 14, 2019

The programs here are much better than in most public schools.

Posted: May 14, 2019

There is zero tolerance for bullying at La Mesa Dale. They make respect for others a priority.

Posted: May 14, 2019

Excellent. Two thumbs up! I wish there were more than five stars. Great education, great teachers, great learning community.

Posted: February 27, 2019

Principal has a very good holistic view of everything in the school, a clear plan to advance, while being open to listen to parents and staff.

Posted: February 27, 2019

My son has been a La Mesa Dale Lion for one and a half years at the time of writing and I couldn't be happier with his - and my - experience so far.

For both grades, he has had fantastic teachers that make learning fun and engaging; they also allow the kids to move forward at their own pace, so that they are appropriately challenged. As a parent, I feel very informed about what is happening (and not just during teacher-parent conferences) and am connected to my child's learning.

The school gets Title 1 funding which means it is unmatched in the area in terms of resources and technology. You notice this difference as soon as you come on campus. Outside the classroom, there is a growing sense of community via the PTA, and great community events focused on reading or math.

Incidentally, my son also participates in ESS (extended school services) so that he can stay on after school while we work. That has also been a great experience - the staff got to know my wife and I very quickly and it's just a great program.

Posted: February 27, 2019

Homework is consistent - spelling, word lists and math. Helps to keep me connected to my son's learning.

Posted: February 27, 2019

Teachers are fantastic - they care so much about what they do, they make learning fun.

Posted: February 27, 2019

It's key to everything at the school - how to be a peace builder and contribute to the school and community.

Posted: February 15, 2019

School is on the smaller side capacity wise so there is a "small town" feel. Positive learning is highlighted daily. I am very happy with my son's educational progress. Many parents are heavily involved in school activities which also shows a strong community support.

Posted: February 15, 2019

teachers show care and concern for each student even outside of their own classrooms. They try to create connections with each students which I think is key in keeping students motivated to learn and keep positive in their studies

Posted: February 15, 2019

Each day in the morning the recite the Peace Builder pledge. Students are taught on a daily to respect themselves, the teachers/staff, and their peers

Posted: February 15, 2019

Posted: February 14, 2019

We love La Mesa Dale. We have transferred from another district to continue at La Mesa Dale. Miss Connie in the office is amazing. She is super helpful and kind. Miss Dana the school health tech is very caring. She makes sure to call if your student ever has to come to see her, whether it is due to a spill on the play ground of a fever.

Posted: February 14, 2019

My oldest started at La Mesa Dale in TK and is now in 2nd grade. All of his teachers have been amazing. Each year he says I hope they can be my teacher next year and then he enjoys his new teacher. My youngest has been accompanying his brother to school drop off in the morning since he started and could not wait to become a La Mesa Dale Lion. He is in TK this year. All of the teachers are easy to reach and communicate quickly. We love La Mesa Dale so much that when we moved we got an out of district transfer to stay here.

Posted: February 14, 2019

Every morning after the pledge of allegiance, the students recite the school pledge which enforces being a strong character.

Posted: February 14, 2019

We loved Mrs Rabasco the former Principal. We were sad to see her go. Mrs. Babbitt the new principal has been great as well.

Posted: February 14, 2019

Bullying is not tolerated at La Mesa Dale.

Posted: February 14, 2019

I think the homework load is appropriate.

Posted: February 14, 2019

They care, and it shows. They are good at getting the students to listen, they are patient, and they are experienced. Staff is always available to help with individual students who require more time and personal attention.

Posted: February 14, 2019

These tenets are hammered into the kids (in a good way) each morning at Peace Square. The students and staff start each day off with positive affirmations, praise for good work, the Pledge of allegiance, the peacebuilders pledge, and positive affirmation for stand-out students/peace builders each day. Students are polite. They love to share on Thankful Thursday. This school builds good citizens.

Posted: February 14, 2019

It starts at the top. The principal is there early, high giving students at running club. Teachers and parents are there. Volunteers are there. The entire staff cares and is focused on leading by example.

Posted: February 14, 2019

There are students with special needs and learning differences here, and they all have helpers and supporters.

Posted: February 14, 2019

Five stars. This isnt supposed to be our school. Were closer to Lemon Avenue. Im so thankful Fate led us here.

Posted: January 23, 2019

teachers are too busy with disable students, to know what else does down

Posted: January 23, 2019

horrible. Im doing my best to get my kindergartener out of there. Because he's a very good boy, he most of the time gets overlooked, he isn't challenge or stimulated and he has learn little to nothing new this year

Posted: January 23, 2019

a lot of trouble kids go to this school, you get more attention if you're a bad student than a good one. The school isn't firm about rules and usually let slide "too many tormented kids"

Posted: January 23, 2019

the teachers are too busy with all the special need kids, to focus on teaching

Posted: June 9, 2017

Such a great school. The principal Mrs Rabasco is amazing. She is completely involved and hands on. She knows most parents by name and is never too busy to speak with you about anything. The teachers we have had the past 3 years are dedicated and go above and beyond. Our daughter has excelled tremendously academically and socially. Such a great school.

Posted: June 9, 2017

Posted: August 17, 2015

I have nothing but great things to say about this school. My oldest just started TK and from the moment I entered I was treated with a respectful, helpful, very nice Mrs. Connie. Who also took the time to explain to me how to enroll our daughter and what to expect. She answered all my questions and was so polite. The principal, I won't try to type her last name because I might butcher it, seemed very warm and welcoming. Answerig questions and greeting me as I walked by. On my second time ever meeting her she remembered me and my name. There has to be a minimum of thousand parents of students and yet I was remembered. That touched me. I always see her patrolling the halls stopping to talk with parents and answer questions and she always does so with a smile. I've read some reviews that said their children have too much play and not enough education: My daughter tells me something new everyday and on that note I hate to burst anyones bubble but children learn lessons that stay with them through life by playing. Whoever said learning shouldn't be fun? I can't speak for other teachers but my daughter loves hers, Mrs. Saltzman. I feel like a lot of these reviews are quick to point out problems but are short on ways to solve any issues. I honestly feel like the people in this school generally care for my daughter and all of the students. I personally want to be apart of that and help improve HER experience as much as possible. The staff seems very open to suggestions. I pray that if you read this review you will give this school a chance, or a second chance if your child is already here and you have an adverse opinion. Overall, I am very satisfied with with the staff and education my daughter is receiving.

Posted: August 17, 2015

Posted: August 14, 2015

I have a 5th grader and a 1st grader. I have to say they have received a fantastic education, and their teachers really seem to care about the kids. I've been really impressed coming from san diego unified as far as the quality of teachers and the culture at the school. I'm looking forward to my youngest starting kindergarten this year.

Posted: August 7, 2014

This school is horrible! The principal and some of the other staff talk about the students, parents and each other. They focus more on feeding the poor kids there than education. The school was a lot better before this principal got there. They're a few good teachers at this school.

Posted: April 11, 2014

The curriculum at this school has taught me almost everything that I know today, from my letters and shapes in kindergarten, to algebra and pronouns in 6th grade. I strongly recommend sending your child to this school.

Posted: January 9, 2014

We have been here for over 2 years. If you get a good teacher that cares about education then your ok. However I feel that a lot of the teacher have the mentality that they are kids and they should spend the day playing. I've been told that most teacher plan the curriculum for the day while the kids are on the playground, or at lunch. I have a second grader and they sometimes go all day without writing a sentence. How is that possible? They are on the playground or doing artwork more then they are in the classroom doing work. I'm very concerned that my kids will behind when we move from here.

Posted: December 18, 2013

This school had a reputation of a good elementary school and as I made the decision to have my child get in a good safe and healthy environment to be educated, I ve become more convinced that the school has one of the worst administrative scholar staff I have ever seen. Been rude is the least I could say about how the leaders of the school do communicate and that sadly that includes the principal which does never remember a basic conversation skill "greeting" which is just one of many lacks of social interaction qualities. I now do understand why the grading of this school has degraded from 9 to 5 in a matter of three years. Shame on you! A concerned parent

Posted: August 2, 2013

La Mesa Dale Elementary is great school with good teachers, an awesome principal and the most wonderful hard working kids! The goal at La Mesa Dale is not only SUCCESS but just as importantly RESPECT and the SAFETY for our children. Our schools are the one place that we should feel is a safe place for our children and that is not the case in these times as so many of you know from watching the news. La Mesa Dale works very hard to make sure our kids are safe from harm and bullying as well as having a great education! I believe that these are some of the wonderful reasons why La Mesa Dale Elementary deserves this awesome privilege!! Thank you (:

Posted: June 9, 2013

My 2 nieces go to this school. They seem to always love thier teachers. I personally am not impressed with the school. The teachers are rude & some of their rules to pick up your kids are on the rediculous side of things. As for what they are learning; a whole lot of nothing. The girls come home without complete instruction on how to do their assignments. I'm often the one who helps them & it's hard to help when you don't have instructions to read.

Posted: June 9, 2013

My daughter attended K-3rd at this school. I feel the only year she was pushed to excel was her 2nd grade year thanks to a hard working, caring, "strict" teacher. Her 3rd grade year was horrible, in my opinion. I had to not just help but explain her homework every.day! My daughter knew more about the teacher's personal life than I was comfortable with from overhearing adult conversations in the classroom. I decided to homeschool and have seen great improvements in her academics and behavior with siblings. The snobby "attitude" was very mild but it's gone. My daughter has a much brighter future ahead of her now that she's a homeschool student. We don't dumb anything down and she has more time for sports.

Posted: April 25, 2013

My grandaughter goes to LaMesa Dale. I live almost 300 miles away, but I am impressed withthe knowledge she is gaining from the school. I attended one open house and the teacher was very caring and interested in the way her students learned.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Del Cerro	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	2.7 mi
2	Lakeview Village Apartments	Apartment Complex	Spring Valley	CA	3.9 mi
3	Jackson Pointe Townhomes	Condominium/Townhouse	Spring Valley	CA	4.5 mi
4	Jackson Pointe Townhomes	Condominium/Townhouse	Spring Valley	CA	4.5 mi
5	City Heights	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	4.5 mi
6	Legacy Walk	Condominium/Townhouse	San Diego	CA	5.8 mi
7	Canyon View	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	5.8 mi
8	Canyon Run Apartments	Apartment Complex	El Cajon	CA	6.6 mi
9	Riverfront Condominium Rentals	Apartment Complex	San Diego	CA	7.3 mi
10	Santee Villas	Apartment Complex	Santee	CA	7.7 mi
11	The Heritage	Apartment Complex	San Diego	CA	7.7 mi
12	Spectrum Center Blvd, Kearny Mesa	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	7.7 mi
13	Mission Hills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	7.9 mi
14	Heritage at Otay Ranch	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Chula Vista	CA	8.4 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	East County of San Diego	La Mesa	CA	0.9 mi
2	Del Cerro	San Diego	CA	2.8 mi
3	Kensington	San Diego	CA	4.3 mi
4	El Cajon	El Cajon	CA	4.9 mi
5	North Park	San Diego	CA	5.6 mi
6	Rancho San Diego	El Cajon	CA	5.7 mi
7	Santee Trolley Square	Santee	CA	6.4 mi
8	Santee	Santee	CA	6.6 mi
9	Serra Mesa	San Diego	CA	6.6 mi
10	Bonita	Chula Vista	CA	7.2 mi
11	Gaslamp Quarter	San Diego	CA	8 mi

Base	Distance
San Diego Naval Medical Center	6.8 mi.
San Diego Naval Base	7.4 mi.
Coronado Naval Amphibious Base	9.4 mi.
MCRD San Diego	9.7 mi.
Miramar MCAS	9.9 mi.
North Island NAS	10.8 mi.
Naval Base Point Loma	13.1 mi.
Camp Pendleton	46.4 mi.

La Mesa Dale Elementary School

La Mesa, CA 91941

School Ratings

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La Mesa Dale Elementary School

La Mesa, CA 91941

School Ratings

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