Highland Ranch Elementary School in San Diego

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	9/10	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	8/10	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: August 3, 2024

I really love the preschool class taught by Ms Mai. She really care about the kids and teaching the foundations. I cant say for other classes but preschool is definitely A+ grade.

Posted: August 3, 2024

Posted: May 31, 2024

Ok, first of all.. the teaching is good. Its ok. Pretty decent. The school campus is nice. But theres some things about the school. 1. Bullying. There are so many bullies at this school and so much drama. Kids are constantly getting into trouble and doing bad things. 2. Some teachers are REALLY mean.. like, really mean. Im not gonna say who, but some teacher ive had were a bit.. off
3. Kids at this school act really inappropriate.

Posted: May 31, 2024

Posted: March 31, 2023

We have 3 children at this scool, and have attended for several years now. We absolutely love it, and have had consistently positive experiences with each teacher. I love how they have implemented a Second Step program for social-emotional engagement/instruction. Any time we have had a concern, the principal has been highly engaged and responsive. PTA and Foundation work so hard to help make this school an awesome community. My only wish is that parents would be more careful and slow down driving around the school.

Posted: March 31, 2023

Posted: March 27, 2023

I'm surprised to see all of the negative feedback on here. My daughter attended Highland Ranch from Kindergarten through 5th grade, and her little sister will start at TK this Fall. We have always had excellent experiences in this school. Mrs. Venolia (the principle) is out in the yard every morning, ushering cars through the drop-off line, which can get very chaotic in this little neighborhood, to ensure our kids are crossing safely. Each teacher we have had was engaging and encouraged our daughter to learn about nature and wildlife, not just through books, but with 'nature walks' around the neighborhood, viewing local birds and bugs. We have had emails home concerning behavior, but nothing discouraging - only feedback for things we can help reinforce at home. There was an anti-bullying task force created by teachers and students, "No Place for Hate" which was a wonderful experience for my daughter, who opted in to participate. After the pandemic, my daughter was really struggling in math. Her 5th and 6th grade teacher allowed her to catch up at her own pace, while still meeting school standards, and managed not to scare her away from the subject. All in all, this school has been wonderful to us, and I would definitely recommend it to other families.

Posted: March 27, 2023

Posted: June 6, 2022

Do not recommend. My child got bullied got spit on and were told boys will be boys and little boys play like that sometimes. When speaking to the principal about my concerns she was too concern with how her decisions were perceived that she blamed my child for being bullied. Didnt say it straight out but it was along those lines. We were fortunate enough to transfer out and I hope my son has a better experience than he did here. I really do not recommend.

Posted: June 6, 2022

Posted: March 17, 2022

Hello, Highland Ranch Elementary is a very bad school. most of the teachers are very rude and unorganized. my son has never gone to the principles office for 6 years. but now he is in fifth grade and and he has gone more than twice. why? you may ask. The first time was when his friends were in class disrupting my son got dragged into it. The next time was when so many kids were running upstairs and through the common room, my son got in trouble too. the final time was when he and his friends were playing tag on the play structure and they got sent to the principles AGAIN!!! They could have given him a warning but instead they got written up and sent to the principles office. there is so much more i am unhappy about like the yard dutie, but that would be more characters thank your aloud to write. do not go to this school.

Posted: March 17, 2022

this school has terrible lunches and if you kick a ball you get in trouble and lose your playtime. the teachers sent notes home for talking to your friends in class. and running on the play structure. have no homework and no social activity in class with your friends.

Posted: March 17, 2022

Posted: August 19, 2021

Great school with an incredible principal and teaching staff

Posted: August 19, 2021

Posted: June 1, 2021

I had 2 children go through the school, and would say it was great environment for both the child and the family. The principal changed after the first year, and was such an improvement; as Mrs V was such an awesome ray of sunshine. The kids get to experience the bumpy transition of common core learning, which unfortunately was a big step backwards in learning math. luckily there were some teachers that taught with the "traditional method". The science and English classes taught were amazing. And after school programs and clubs were great, as well. Friday Flag assembly was great, as well as Science Fair, Halloween Festival, Choir, Band, Book Fairs, the Fundraiser, and even morning drop-off. 3rd Grade Mrs Ras, is the best teacher in the county - her caring heart and amazing grasp on children's science was simply awesome! The one strike was against the 4th / 5th Combo class, otherwise we would be at all 5 stars. The concept is poor, if you get stuck in the class... you need to work with the student independently a lot more; as they only get their teacher for 50% of the normal time. I have not talked to one parent that has had a good experience with this. If you ever get in this situation, I would recommend a transfer from the school.

Posted: April 4, 2021

Our neighborhood school was full and we were placed in Highland Ranch. The school, principal and staff have been so incredibly kind and go above and beyond to assist my daughter. I could choose to go to a school .5 miles from my home next year, and I honestly want to stay at Highland. We have not experienced anything but kindness and acceptance and utmost professionalism,

Posted: April 4, 2021

Posted: May 28, 2020

Didn't see much bullying at the school .

Posted: May 28, 2020

Not the best experience, uncoordinated response to the education process. Ineffective approaches to almost everything.

Posted: May 28, 2020

Unable to give kids individualized attention where needed, all support falls to the parents alone.

Posted: May 28, 2020

Posted: June 6, 2019

pleased overall in 4 years with two kids enrolled. Reading others' comments, my kids have been the fortunate ones, there are definitely some good teachers.

Posted: June 6, 2019

homework is not much, but working with the teacher allows one to customize

Posted: June 6, 2019

caring, encouraging, among many others as a role model

Posted: June 6, 2019

character development is constantly being promoted in various events and activities.

Posted: June 6, 2019

while solid, there seems to be room for improvement as a truly passionate educator.

Posted: June 6, 2019

my daughter went from not able to read at all in a non-English speaking family to excel in reading, all within 2 years, because of the two great teachers she had.

Posted: June 6, 2019

so far within the expectation, in term of level of incident and the handling, with no surprise

Posted: November 30, 2018

Overall, very unmotivated teachers and ineffective leadership.

Posted: November 30, 2018

Posted: August 2, 2018

I don't want to get into detail but I completely agree with the previous review. Very accurate description of the principal and how she does not respect parents. She seems stressed and it's evident that she does not like kids. Not sure why she is in this profession. The school seem negative and the mind body advice that they give to parents should be for the principal and her administrative staff.

Posted: August 2, 2018

Posted: February 27, 2018

This is our third year at this school and all of the teacher's our son has had have been wonderful. He struggled with reading at first and the school got him into a tutoring program and now he's reading at grade level. We had one instance of bullying and the principal called us to explain what happened and effectively dealt with the other child. We've been very happy with Highland Ranch Elementary.

Posted: February 27, 2018

Posted: September 25, 2017

When my daughter and her friend saw another student being bullying they had the courage to go to the principle and tell her about the threats they witnessed another student making towards another student only to be completely dismissed by the principle.

Posted: September 25, 2017

I'm looking to move my child as soon as possible. This school has been a complete nightmare for my child.

Posted: September 25, 2017

Integrity, compassion and respect are taught first and foremost by modelling these traits to our youth. The principal of this school lacks integrity and blatantly lied to me regarding an issue that is on record for saying something completely opposite. Her lies taught my child that people in her position cannot be trusted. It is impossible to teach these traits when not exhibiting them yourself. I have found the teachers of this school to be excellent, however, the poor leadership at this school overshadows the good. Poway openly does interdistrict transfers. I would strongly recommend anyone considering this school to first look at the other neighborhood schools and make Higland Ranch the last choice on your list. All the schools in this district achieve high academically but this school fails in every other aspect.

Posted: January 22, 2017

Both of my children attended HRES. We moved and were slated to attend a different PUSD elementary but kept our kids at HRES because we love the teachers and administrative staff. They received a quality education in a caring environment.

Posted: January 22, 2017

Posted: January 19, 2017

I have had excellent experiences with every teacher I have been connected with. The administration is excellent and the character building programs are fabulous and effective.

Posted: January 19, 2017

Posted: January 15, 2017

Great school. My two kids attend this school and we had no problems. Teachers do their jobs, school does their best to get additional resources that district does not provide(e.g. PE teacher, Science teacher, art programs, after school choirs). This school has awesome principal who does an amazing job. We're happy to be part of Highland Ranch Elementary!

Posted: January 15, 2017

Posted: January 12, 2017

The school has ASD classes and assistance with students with learning disabilities.

Posted: January 12, 2017

The community (the parents, the teachers and students) won't tolerate it. If it ever gets escalated to the principal, it WILL be handled! Our teachers are very open to listening to both the students and their parents. Because of this openness, those who wish to bully are going to get called out on it.

Posted: January 12, 2017

My son has been at this school for 6 years (K-5). Its been a great experience academically and socially. The school's PTA and Foundation have done a get deal to supplement the activities and academic learning. Through these organizations the school enjoys an Arts Attack program, a PE teacher and a science teacher (which are not provided by the district.) We also have great parents who volunteer their time to assist with many other activities.

Posted: January 12, 2017

The school promotes the district's 'Character Counts' program. Each day the principal reads a short thought for the day that promotes one of the 6 pillars of character. During the Friday flag ceremonies, there is a focus on one of characteristic traits. The 'character counts' message can be found in all classrooms. Teachers promote it and give example of it. There are also student assemblies on character trails such as bucket filling.

Posted: January 12, 2017

The school is blessed with a principal who really knows how to be a principal. Since she arrived during the 2012-2013 school year, she engages the kids on the playground and in the classrooms, she knows how to turn a discipline issue into a learning opportunity, she is very accessible to parents and to her teachers. Most of all, she is always looking to her colleagues at the other elementary school to see what programs and activities and ideas are she can back to Highland Ranch. For this principal, 'good' is not 'good enough'.

Posted: January 10, 2017

We live right in the Highland Ranch Community and love living so close to the school. Our kids enjoy walking to school and being surrounded by all the familiar neighborhood and school faces! They love Highland Ranch and our family enjoys participating in the wonderful events and programs provided by this school! Mrs. Venolia is a wonderful Principal and leader! She brings energy and enthusiasm to the school. She makes an effort to get to know the students and she greets them by name making them feel special and valued! Our children have had top notch teachers at Highland Ranch and have learned so much.

Posted: May 6, 2014

My son has attended this school since he was in first grade! He is now finishing up 4th and unfortunately, we are moving to another state. We have had issues with bullying, but the staff (principal included) was very proactive on a solution. I could do without some of the parents; however, the school has been one of the best! My son has excelled intellectually because of the amazing teachers and if you are contemplating this school you won't be disappointed! We are really sad we have to leave!

Posted: March 14, 2014

I joined my daughter without researching or reading reviews here. The school staff is rude and my daughters teacher is silently bullying her. My daughter was telling me that she never looks at my work, she never appreciates her work. Whether she likes it or not, its the least common sense to appreciate with one word to that small child to say "Good Job". Teachers here should understand they are mistreating small kids who don't know how to defend themselves or fight back. Shame on these teachers to have blunt hearts like this. If you don't do something about it, no one will join your school. Make it a habit to listen to parents. Keep your ears open.

Posted: October 11, 2013

Excellent school! My son loves his teacher, has made great friends, and is learning excellent character traits.

Posted: August 7, 2013

We have been in this school for 2 years, going into our 3rd year this Fall 2013. So far the teachers have been wonderful. Mrs. McGurrell has to be one of best teachers there. She makes learning fun for the kids, but she definitely adjusts the curriculum based on the child's learning level and capacity. So if your child is advanced, she/he has the opportunity to grow. Her frequent email updates are a great way of keeping in close touch with the classroom events. Heard 'rumors' about the ex-principal but this Fall there is a new one so here is hoping to better results with her. The parent involvement is super, and the foundation is so enthusiastic!

Posted: June 14, 2013

The parking situation is terrible. The Principal is unprofessional, very cold, and not very warm and inviting. She "labels" families, and ours has been branded for 2 years. You can just tell by the way you are treated. Some of the teachers are good but I see a need for change. We are taking our son out of this school and moving him to another Poway School even though Ms. Watson is leaving. I don't think he will ever get a fair shot at learning. The playground is horrible and the school looks rundown. The class rooms are over crowded and if it wasn't for the parent helpers most children except the smartest and brightest would get any attention. I am not usually one to comment publically about anyone or anything but I felt compelled to write about HRES.

Posted: April 14, 2013

My two children are here. My husband is a teacher in another district so we have some perspective from both sides. The fact is, Ms. Watson has been amazing to my special Ed classified daughter. And she has been so supportive, yet firm with both my kids. So I find it ironic that those who complain about "bullying" at the school have been the ones to "bully" her out of this same school. I have my own hypothesis about their motivations, but I will keep my theories to myself. Don't hesitate to send your kids here. Smart people (I'm referring teachers, not the "entitled and self important parents") and nice ethnic diversity. Oh, wait, that's maybe what some of you DIDN'T like.

Posted: September 14, 2012

I ADORE every single teacher my children have had. The foundation and PTA are trying to get thing going. The parking situation is horrendous, and they are trying something new this year, it is a bit better, but the school was not designed for this many parents to be driving in. The Principal is just very cold, and not very warm and inviting. She "labels" families, and we've been branded. You can just tell by the way you are treated. Not soo cool. If there were not great teachers, we'd be out in a hot second.

Posted: September 13, 2012

Highland Ranch is a good school with horrible principle Ms.Anita Watson. She lacks leadership skills and is rude. My daughter is in 5th grade now and is in Highland Ranch since KG. All the teachers are wonderful and communicate really well. PTA and Foundation are doing lot of good things for the kids. But this school needs good principle.

Posted: July 4, 2012

I can sum it up quite simple. The principal is horrible. Ms. Watson is very rude, not professional at all and a big bully! It is obvious why so many leave this school not to mention that EVERY Complaint has the principal listed in it. She has even had court issued restraining orders by parents due to her bullying!

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Torrey Highlands	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	5.2 mi
2	Santee Villas	Apartment Complex	Santee	CA	10.7 mi
3	Spectrum Center Blvd, Kearny Mesa	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	11.5 mi
4	Canyon View	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	12 mi
5	Rancho Carrillo	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Carlsbad	CA	13.3 mi
6	La Costa	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Carlsbad	CA	13.8 mi
7	Del Cerro	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	14 mi
8	Canyon Run Apartments	Apartment Complex	El Cajon	CA	14.5 mi
9	Windsor at Aviara	Apartment Complex	Carlsbad	CA	14.9 mi
10	Riverfront Condominium Rentals	Apartment Complex	San Diego	CA	15.7 mi
11	Shadowridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Vista	CA	16.4 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Wine Country area of Scripps Ranch	San Diego	CA	4.4 mi
2	Torrey Highlands	San Diego	CA	5.1 mi
3	Mira Mesa	San Diego	CA	5.4 mi
4	Santee Trolley Square	Santee	CA	11.1 mi
5	Santee	Santee	CA	11.5 mi
6	University City	San Diego	CA	11.6 mi
7	Serra Mesa	San Diego	CA	13.2 mi
8	Encinitas	Encinitas	CA	13.3 mi
9	Del Cerro	San Diego	CA	13.5 mi
10	El Cajon	El Cajon	CA	14.5 mi
11	La Jolla	La Jolla	CA	15 mi
12	Kensington	San Diego	CA	15.1 mi
13	East County of San Diego	La Mesa	CA	15.1 mi
14	North Park	San Diego	CA	17 mi

Base	Distance
Miramar MCAS	8.4 mi.
San Diego Naval Medical Center	18.1 mi.
MCRD San Diego	18.4 mi.
San Diego Naval Base	21.1 mi.
North Island NAS	21.2 mi.
Coronado Naval Amphibious Base	22 mi.
Naval Base Point Loma	22.9 mi.
Camp Pendleton	31.8 mi.

Highland Ranch Elementary School

San Diego, CA 92128

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Highland Ranch Elementary School

San Diego, CA 92128

School Ratings

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