Maryland Avenue Elementary School

Posted: September 6, 2025

Fantastic, top notch school. I am an educator that has worked at 12-15 different schools and districts. From my background I can say Maryland Avenue is one of the best schools in La Mesa by far. Staff are well above average, as are the support staff (special ed team, psychologist, and SLP are amazing and such a support), and after school care (ESS). Family engagement is huge, the staff, teachers and PTA constantly are having fantastic events, meetings with parents, and ongoing communication.

On that note, a specific negative review (one dated 9/1/21) that is from a family we all know, that reports highly inaccurate information. This review is defunct and political based, regarding covid pandemic. Family was unhappy about school closures, something any school had no control over. Ignore those silly people and their reviews, there are always crazy folks mixed in with 99% of good people.

MAA is a great school

Posted: September 6, 2025

Posted: September 6, 2025

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Posted: September 1, 2021

Our daughter started preschool here in August 2020 and so far our experience has been terrific. As a former teacher and administrator, I see teachers that are caring, kind, experienced, and organized. The school received the California Distinguished School Award in 2020. The PTA is supported by more than 80 parents. Our daughter's teacher went to this school and the principal has her own children attending. Caring teachers/administrators and supportive/involved parents are critical to any great school and community. We're happy to have our daughter here (currently engaged in socio-emotional learning in preschool) and look forward to supporting and growing with this school and our PTA. Thank you, Maryland Ave.!

Posted: September 1, 2021

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Posted: August 31, 2021

The horrible preschool. The teacher looks always tired. Something horrible really happened to my child. He lost smiles and looked pale. He cried historically before he went to school. My husband and I talked to Ms. Tracy Olander. She was the person in charge of preschool in the school district. We were completely ignored. When we called her to find out about about the problems, she was very confrontational. The district never gave us help. He could not even go to bathroom at school out of fear. So, when I picked him up, he would have urinated in the car seat. It happened two or three times.
My child has been going to school since 18 months and did not have any problems. He could not wait to get in the school bus. So, it was not separation anxiety.

All in all, our son did not learn anything in Maryland Avenue Elementary. I have felt that we paid to make our son sick.

I do not recommend this preschool.

Posted: August 31, 2021

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Posted: August 31, 2021

Posted: May 18, 2020

We've had a great experience with the teachers and principle at Maryland Avenue. They've been thoughtful and good examples to the kids. My spouse volunteers from time to time and sees how the teachers treat kids in the classroom and feel they are very focused on teaching and kind to the kids. Both our kids love their teachers.

Posted: May 18, 2020

Posted: November 18, 2015

Posted: November 18, 2015

Posted: November 18, 2015

Posted: November 18, 2015

I like that my son's TK teacher cares. My son can be a handful and I need to stay on top of him. His teacher supports me by providing daily updates if needed if there is a behavior issue. I'm also a big fan of the before and after care program (ESS).

Posted: September 8, 2015

I can only speak for my own experience with Mrs. Goergens. My daughter was doing well all year.

Posted: September 8, 2015

Posted: September 8, 2015

Posted: September 8, 2015

My Daughter went to Kindergarten here and we had a great experience with Mrs. Goergens. She truly loves teaching and has a great program. Our Daughter really missed her at the end of the year. The school itself is apparently doing the best it can with its obviously limited underfunding. It's sad that CA schools are so neglected by the State. The teachers are what make it great.

Posted: August 7, 2014

We love this school! My daughter's first year was as a Kindergartner last year, her teachers Mrs. Dullea and Mrs. Reisenfeld were GREAT! I am happy and glad that she gets to come back to this school, she enjoyed and learned so much and very quick! This year she's coming as a 1st Grader and we can't wait, what this good school has for her! Thanks for being Awesome Maryland Ave Elementary! Thanks to all the staff, Principal and Teachers!!

Posted: May 5, 2014

I had the worst experience in these school. My son was mistreated in somany ways, specially when they decided to take control of his EIP hours without telling me. It wa so bad. I was so worry because they were hitting so many things from me, until I confronted them in a meeting. I'll I can think of, is that the State was giving them more money and that's the reason they took control without being upfront with us.

Posted: May 1, 2014

My child is in kindergarten at Maryland and she loves it! Her teacher is amazing and she always raves about the staff. I love it because I've met so many other parents who are dedicated to their child's education and it is so nice having a sense of community amongst the parents. Highly recommend Maryland!

Posted: April 1, 2014

I absolutely LOVE Maryland Avenue Elementary School. My kids love there teachers and the teachers show that they care for each and every student that comes through the door. The office staff is also very patient and some know each student by name. I wish more schools were like this.

Posted: August 12, 2013

lousy. no different than any other school in the La Mesa Spring Valley School District. The Superintendant is doing a poor job.

Posted: June 21, 2013

This is my school and it deserves a 10 it is such a great place if u are new to Vista and looking fo an elementry school pick Maryland

Posted: January 2, 2013

We are finding this school a delight! The atmosphere and the energy is positive, uplifting and very friendly. I have seen the principal and staff at every event and even bag groceries at Fresh n' Easy night. They are very accessible also. Each event put on by the PTA is very well attended!! The teachers are very dedicated. Our teacher has gone out of her way to help us. My child goes to school happy and comes home happy every day. That makes me happy!

Posted: December 17, 2012

My son attends preschool at Maryland Avenue and I could not be more pleased. He has never been in any type of daycare or preschool setting before, so naturally I was nervous about his first preschool experience. The preschool teachers, Mrs. Woods, Mrs. Knapp, and Ms. Kaitlin were all very warm, reassuring, and welcoming. They provide a fantastic learning environment with lots of arts, crafts, music, reading, and general learning that prepares the children for Kindergarten. The teachers work well together and create an environment of friendship and teamwork among the children. My son is excited about preschool each day and never clings to me or cries when I drop him off. When I ask him his feedback on his preschool he usually says that he had a great day and will talk excitedly about the events of his school day. Lastly, the quality of the school grounds, class room materials, and snacks are high as well. I am thrilled and grateful for the high quality educational foundation my son is getting at the Maryland Ave Elementary School.

Posted: September 4, 2011

this year is my child's first year at this school and it has been a great experience. As a parent I had many concerns, down to the end but one I met his teacher, Mrs. Gasper, she is wonderful and eager for parental assistance. My son is learning so much and is eager to wake up early just to get to school I feel confident having my child there and proud of the hard work of the teachers and staff who work very hard to care for the kids and their safety.