Tierra Bonita Elementary School

Poway, CA 92064

Phone: (858) 748-8540
Fax: (858) 748-8864
District: Poway Unified School District

9

GreatSchools Rating

public • Grades KG,1,2,3,4,5 • 377 students

Tierra Bonita Elementary School, a public school located in Poway, CA, serves grades K-5 in the Poway Unified School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 9 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.

Tierra Bonita Elementary School is a public school located in Poway, CA. 377 students attend Tierra Bonita Elementary School.

School Ratings

Category Rating Details
Test Scores 10/10 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: October 22, 2024

I have no complaints about the school's academics, sports, or anything else...however, the rampant racism and bullying overshadows anything good about this school.

Posted: October 22, 2024

Posted: October 22, 2024

Posted: October 22, 2024

Posted: October 22, 2024

Posted: October 22, 2024

Posted: October 22, 2024

Posted: October 22, 2024

Posted: March 11, 2021

we love this school! staff is very caring and does such a great job in going above and beyond in educating our students. our principal has a bright spirit and gets kids excited with her warm welcome every morning.

Posted: March 11, 2021

Posted: March 11, 2021

Posted: March 11, 2021

Posted: March 11, 2021

Posted: March 11, 2021

Posted: March 11, 2021

Posted: March 11, 2021

Posted: October 1, 2019

Our daughter’s teacher is way overqualified to teach her grade level but it’s clear that she has chosen this grade level because she enjoys it. I can’t imagine a better teacher for our daughter.

Posted: October 1, 2019

More “character counts” events and days then I can keep up with.

Posted: October 1, 2019

The new principal is active and engaged with students, parents and our community. It’s clear that she’s passionate and goes above and beyond to foster an environment where we all feel welcome and cared for.

Posted: October 1, 2019

Outstanding. We’re thrilled our daughter is at Tierra Bonita, it’s clear she’s thriving and we’re glad this is our local school.

Posted: October 1, 2019

Our child’s teacher provides homework that builds off daily lessons and provides us with insight into her progress at school. Talking with parents of students in her grade level at other schools and in other local districts it’s clear she’s working at a level significantly above her age group at other schools.

Posted: February 6, 2018

Posted: February 6, 2018

Posted: February 6, 2018

Posted: February 6, 2018

Posted: February 6, 2018

Posted: February 6, 2018

Posted: February 6, 2018

Tierra Bonita is known community-wide for its tenured, skilled, caring teachers who are constantly looking for new ways to incorporate new learning modalities into the curriculum. It’s a very tech progressive school with an Apple Distinguished honor for he last several years, novel iPad learning in every classroom and lots of arts and science enrichment subsidized by the parent funded educational foundation (TBEF). Parents are actively engaged in classroom and school activities and school administrators are hands-on when issues arise. The after school ESS program is also headed up by an amazing director who extends learning and allows the kids to have fun in the afternoons, great for working parents. The Character Counts program is actively managed throughout the year by parent volunteers, encouraging students to make smart choices and fostering compassion for others. We also participated in TK here and the teacher is phenomenal, lots of early reading specialists and focus here!

Posted: May 26, 2016

Posted: May 26, 2016

Posted: May 26, 2016

Posted: May 26, 2016

Teachers, school administrators and community of volunteers and parents are all passionate about education. Integration of tech in the curriculum is fantastic; the school has been recognized as an Apple Disntimguished school for several years. Teachers are experienced and caring, and set an impressive example for the children. Values are instilled regularly via a Character Counts program which teaches, encourages, models and rewards positive behavior.

Posted: July 27, 2014

My daughter attends TBES, and she/we couldn't be happier. The teachers are committed to the students' progress, keenly observe them throughout the school year if there's any problems and constantly communicate with us, the parents. I might also add that the entire school's spirit is a reflection of Joe Erpelding, whom loves and is committed to the children and is just a great person overall to be around!

Posted: April 30, 2014

Everyone cares...from the parents, to the teachers, and especially the principal....they all want what's best for the children and want them to succeeed! Love this school!

Posted: August 25, 2013

Tierra Bonita has some innovative ways of teaching. Technology is the focus at this school with 1:1 iPads for all students 3-5. Because technology is the principal's focus, other very important foundational skills are left behind. Reading is not a focus at this school!!! There is a need for quality reading material (real books) at this school. Some teachers are very good but others need to be do the minimum to get by. Technology is good but overshadows everything else.

Posted: August 23, 2013

The focus at Tierra Bonita is on 21st century learning with a large emphasis placed on personal responsibility and leadership skills. Our staff has worked hard to create engaging and meaningful lessons that will empower students and produce problem solvers who will be college or career ready when they finish high school. I love being a part of the learning at our school!

Posted: August 20, 2013

BEST in Poway Unified! Love how advanced students are really challenged, teachers are up wisth the latest technology learnings (teaching digital citizenship so effectively), parents are very involved, and the community is really friendly and close!

Posted: December 23, 2012

I am a student at Tierra Bonita and I love it. The teachers are great, the activities are awesome, and our principal is amazing.

Posted: February 14, 2012

The principal at this school is very involved and genuinely seems to care about the school and the students. There are some very good teachers, but also some poor teachers who have been at the school too long and should retire. Parental involvement is high, but almost to a fault - helicopter parenting runs rampant to the point that I think the students will grow up to be spoiled and entitled (for example, parents are asked to clean up after art lessons, rather than having students clean up after themselves), and I am weary of the constant solicitations for donations to the school. The school's test scores are above the district's average, but this is probably attributable to the demographics - there are more educated and affluent parents, and few English as a second language students, which will naturally bring up the average.

Posted: May 2, 2010

Tierra Bonita has wonderful teachers, a caring, results oriented Principal and great families who want the school to be the best it can be!

Posted: April 28, 2010

We have a fantastic motivated principal that truly cares about our kids and our teachers are outstanding too.

Posted: April 27, 2010

Principal and teachers are fantastic! My child is new to the school this year and her transition was made easier because of the exellent support of the staff at Tierra Bonita. Communication at Tierra Bonita is never overlooked and I can't believe the amount of parent involvement that goes on. It just goes to show how happy parents are with this school.

Posted: April 26, 2010

The staff goes above and beyond to make the school a wonderful learning environment for the kids and parents.

Posted: April 26, 2010

We have been at Tierra Bonita for the past 5 months and absolutely love it. The principal is amazing, the staff is wonderful, and the curriculum is challenging. This is the best place for our children to be.

Posted: April 25, 2010

I have been a parent at TBES for almost 15 years and have watched this school evolve into a remarkable learning instritution. I am proud to have watched my children thrive in a safe, nurturing and thriving educational environment. Thank you teachers!

Posted: April 25, 2010

So thankful for Mr. E-he is wonderful dealing with the parents and students!

Posted: April 25, 2010

Tierra Bonita has a wonderful staff. They are focused on making a positive environment. My kids love going there. The art & science labs that we've gotten this year have been wonderful additions to an already great school!!

Posted: April 25, 2010

We have an awesome principal and our parents are incredible volunteers!

Posted: April 25, 2010

TB has been a great school for our daughter. The staff is very friendly and communicate well with the parents.

Posted: April 25, 2010

The teachers and staff are very involved and engaging. We recently moved from a good Los Angeles area school but our kids really consider this school a tremendous upgrade. Also, the principal is as involved with the school as a principal can be.

Posted: April 25, 2010

We and our two girls love Tierra Bonita. The teachers, staff, and the principal (Mr E) have a great school. The parent community is active and supportive. We also love the ESS program (for before and after school care, for families with two working parents).

Posted: April 25, 2010

Great staff and lots of parent involvement and that really does make a big difference.

Posted: April 25, 2010

Teachers and Principal are dedicated to the students. Even in these times of cut backs and layoff's, it is evident that the kids are the most important issue.

Posted: April 25, 2010

Principal (Mr E) is amzing. The teachers are very caring.

Posted: April 24, 2010

The teachers are fabulous and the kids actually like going to school!

Posted: April 24, 2010

Teachers, staff, and families. Great small school feel, my child feels important at Tierra Bonita.

Posted: April 24, 2010

Teachers & Principal E are great. They are all very interested in making school a positive learning environment. Good Job!

Posted: April 24, 2010

The dedicated Principle, teachers, parents and volunteers. I like the new science and art lab as well as the different events that bring students and families together. I always feel very welcome at the school.

Posted: April 24, 2010

The teachers and staff are great! My E is so involved with the kids and the community. I am very happy all three of my children were able to attend this great school!

Posted: April 24, 2010

The principal is by far the most relatable person on earth to students, teachers and parents alike. He sets the tone and executes the leadership skills with pride. The school benefits from a giving and supportive Foundation and PTA. Parents are truly invested in the growth of not only their child but all children at TBES! Everyone is made to feel like their idea to improve the school can come to life with a team supporting it. Its a win-win school for everyone!

Posted: April 22, 2010

Tierra Bonita Elementary has the best leadership and teachers. They truly care about each and every student. Parents are encouraged and appreciated for their involvement. We LOVE Tierra Bonita!

Posted: April 21, 2010

Tierra Bonita has GREAT teachers and parents to keep the school running!

Posted: June 4, 2009

Posted: March 1, 2009

Reviews provided by GreatSchools

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