Murdock Elementary School

Posted: August 26, 2025

This school, and it's staff are awesome. They go over and beyond. My daughter loves it here.

Posted: August 26, 2025

Posted: June 16, 2021

When my 6 year old was a kindergartener, he had a sensitivity to cheering and clapping (he is on the spectrum). During one of the school assemblies, the students were going to perform so the parents were invited to watch. To my surprise they had announced to the room of 100+ people that instead of clapping, we would be quietly snapping instead. I started tearing up and my parents who were with me were so impressed and touched by the thoughtfulness of the staff, students and families of this school. That small gesture really told me the leadership and staff of Murdock truly care about their students.

Posted: June 16, 2021

Posted: June 16, 2021

Posted: June 16, 2021

Posted: June 16, 2021

Posted: June 16, 2021

Posted: June 16, 2021

Posted: June 16, 2021

Posted: August 6, 2019

We wished that Murdock was a K-8 so we could stay there until high school, but unfortunately no. Our boys have learned so much by attending Murdock and are definitely ready for their new adventure at their new schools. If you have the opportunity to place your child(ren) here, do!

Posted: August 6, 2019

Having been at Murdock for 7 years each year's homework builds off the year before. The homework is nothing outrageous, but definitely keeps the student on top of what is being taught in the classroom.

Posted: August 6, 2019

Our boys had wonderful teachers each and every year. With the help of the principal the teachers are fully prepared for what the needs are for each and every student!

Posted: August 6, 2019

Posted: August 6, 2019

Mrs. Luibel is the best principal ever. We were fortunate enough to have her come to Murdock while our boys were still young. She is fair, kind and makes it her personal mission to know each and every student by name. She has an open door policy and is available to discuss the needs of your student when (if) needed.

Posted: August 6, 2019

Posted: August 6, 2019

Posted: August 6, 2019

These are the best teachers! I really like that there is 6th grade in a safe elementary school setting. The staff care about each student and strive to meet the needs of every one. We are so lucky to be at Murdock!

Posted: August 6, 2019

Posted: August 6, 2019

Mrs. Lubiel is the best principal. She knows all the kids names and is always on the playground and around campus.

Posted: August 6, 2019

Posted: August 6, 2019

They have a great anti bullying program and classes for parents. The teachers try to get to the problem and have kids solve problems peacefully.

Posted: August 6, 2019

We love it! If you are looking for a positive, healthy, and loving environment Murdock is the place. We love the K-6 option and all the staff.

Posted: May 31, 2019

This school should look closely at their teacher role models in regards to bullying. Insufficient staff to actually oversee open areas during recess leads to reactive measures. I think the school has done a solid job, but as it is an elementary school, the staff and teachers seem to lack knowledge, ability, and sensitivity to deal with preteen issues in the 5th and 6th grade issues.

Posted: May 31, 2019

We have been pleased for the most part with K-4th grade experience. However, would advise leaving before 5th grade.

Posted: May 31, 2019

Homework is minimal with a fair portion being busywork.

Posted: May 31, 2019

This varies greatly by grade. The K-4 teachers are for the most part professional, involved, motivating, and encouraging. In 5th and 6th grades there are teachers who are out-dated. They do not use best practices, are not skilled in ways to motivate students positively, and seem to no longer enjoy teaching.

Posted: May 31, 2019

Yes. Although ironically a few of the teachers are lacking in the areas of compassion and respect.

Posted: May 31, 2019

The leadership is strong, however the principal seems to have some blind spots in relation to the teaching staff who need professional development and sensitivity training.

Posted: February 23, 2018

Posted: February 23, 2018

Posted: February 23, 2018

Posted: February 23, 2018

Posted: February 23, 2018

Posted: February 23, 2018

Posted: February 23, 2018

Wonderful, we are very happy with our entire experience at Murdock, great school, great staff, lots of parent involvement is key.

Posted: May 28, 2014

I love this school for so many reasons. First and most importantly, my son LOVES school! The Teachers he has had have given him the gift of LOVE for learning. What amazingly dedicated teachers! They go above and beyond for their students and school family. We also love Murdock for the incredibly strong parent involvement. You really can't find this type of support and involvement in any other school these days. The PTA at our school rocks! There is always something fun happening on campus that includes the whole family (movie & popcorn nights, Halloween Happenings, Science Night, Art Night, etc.). Daily, I see Moms, Dads, and Grandparents, on campus... helping with art, PE, reading with students, grading papers, volunteering their time for the students. It's a wonderful school family! You sense that family-feeling when you walk on campus. We also love this school because it has a Music Program. We feel very grateful that the PTA sees the importance of music in kids lives- and faithfully raises the funds to provide a great music teacher. What's not to love about Murdock?

Posted: May 27, 2014

We left a private school during the past recession to place our son in this school. We heard lots of wonderful things about this school, and since we live in the boundaries, we thought we would give it a try. I agree that the office staff are extremely rude. They NEVER smile and act like you are bothering them when you have to speak with them. The principal also lacks great leadership skills. What makes this school stand out is its excellent teachers that care about teaching their students. The other is the parent involvement; however, it makes some of us full-time employed parents feel guilty about not being able to readily pitch in. This school works for the average or exceptionally intelligent child. It was a terrible fit for our son who needs a little more attention and support. We have since returned to the private school, which is a better fit for our son. I was under the impression that Murdock has no problem dismissing the students that are not gifted so they can keep their test scores high. They focus a lot on maintaining high test scores.

Posted: August 13, 2012

I wrote my 1st review in '07 when we began here and I thought I'd write a new review now that this is our last year. First, we LOVE that there is a 6th grade on this campus. If we could stay longer, we would. Despite economic cut-backs district-wide, Murdock has kept its policy of providing the BEST education via it's caring teachers, support staff, and principal. The PTA is fabulous. What continues to make the difference and fill in the gaps is the amount of support from the parents. On any given day, you will see parents volunteering their time making copies, stuffing folders, laminating, doing errands, walking the halls, supervising the fields at recess...it truly all adds up and makes a difference. Thanks to all at Murdock for a wonderful 7 years; we have made great friends, learned lots and will truly miss you & wish you well!

Posted: June 24, 2012

Our daughter was in EAK (Early Admission Kindergarten) at Murdock. I was a teacher at a local private school, and my husband and I hadn't considered public school as an option. We thought we'd try it for EAK and LOVED it. To say it is an outstanding school is truly not enough, and we have decided to send both of our children to Murdock. Mrs. Tavolazzi was patient, knowledgeable, kind, organized, and truly provided the best educational introduction these little students could have hoped for (as well as us parents!) We have heard wonderful things about the kindergarten teachers as well as many other teachers throughout the school. They are very strong in their field, & due to the strong interest in teaching at Murdock, must have many years of experience in order to teach at this particular school. They are accessible to families, and the number of volunteers here is astounding. I always felt welcome to come and help in the classroom and in the school. It is considered the strongest in La Mesa-Spring Valley School District, and I have no doubt after our time here that it is a very special place for any child during their educational journey.

Posted: May 27, 2012

Murdock is top quality. Lots of parent involvement, rigorous curriculum, great PTA, and a wonderful before and after school daycare program. I'm glad it now has sixth grade on campus.