Cadman Elementary School

Posted: May 29, 2026

I am on my third child attending this school. We have been a part of this community since 2013 and have seen many changes for the better! The teachers have all been a part of the school for all the years we have been which shows longevity and commitment. The school is small which is great. The teachers, support staff and principles know everyone by name. There is a great counselor that is super engaging and energetic. The new principal is also encouraging, energetic and engaged in all the day to day workings at the school. They have a gardening and cooking program, ballet and amazing music program. It also sits on the grounds of the Hilltoppers baseball program and they get to use the fields for multiple activities like kickball, jogathons, soccer and more’. My older kids who attended this school went on to advanced courses in both middle and high school. Cannot say enough good things about this small school that does big things for our kids! Please if you live in our Cadman neighborhood give out little school a chance!

Posted: May 29, 2026

Posted: May 29, 2026

Posted: May 29, 2026

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Posted: May 22, 2026

Cadman Elementary has been an incredible school for our family and truly feels like a hidden gem in the Bay Ho/Clairemont area of San Diego. Our older daughter attended from Kindergarten through 5th grade and was very well prepared for middle school academically and socially. She was placed in advanced English and math classes in middle school, which we believe reflects the strong academic foundation she received at Cadman. Our younger daughter is currently finishing 3rd grade, and we continue to be so grateful for our experience there.

The teachers, principal, and staff are exceptionally caring, engaged, and genuinely invested in students. The campus has always felt kind, welcoming, and supportive, with a strong community where differences are celebrated and children feel accepted and encouraged to be themselves. Communication from the school is excellent, and the principal’s “Cadman Scoop” keeps families informed and connected.

One of the things we love most about Cadman is its STEAM focus and enrichment opportunities. The hands-on science learning through the Sage Garden Project is especially impressive, with students participating in gardening and cooking experiences using produce they have grown. Cadman is also a STAR Arts school, and both of our daughters have developed visual and performing arts skills well beyond what we have seen from peers at other schools. The emphasis on public speaking in 3rd grade is another standout and has helped build invaluable confidence and communication skills.

Cadman also provides meaningful leadership opportunities for students from an early age. Both of our daughters participated in ASB beginning in 3rd grade, and our older daughter served twice, helping build leadership, confidence, and sportsmanship skills. She also served on Safety Patrol in 5th grade, which fostered community awareness, responsibility, and collaboration with San Diego police officers.

The PTA and after-school programs add so much to the school experience through community events, field trips, Girls on the Run, and PrimeTime.

Most importantly, our children genuinely love going to school each day and are excited to see their teachers and friends. We feel incredibly fortunate to be part of the Cadman community and highly recommend it to families looking for a supportive, engaging, and well-rounded elementary school experience.

Posted: May 22, 2026

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Posted: May 22, 2026

We are so grateful our son was able to attend this school for his last years of elementary school. The new principal is PHENOMENAL- great energy, youthful and fun but very on top of what is going on with each kid and each classroom. The school counselor is also great. Such a wonderful, small school in an amazing neighborhood.

Posted: May 22, 2026

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Posted: May 7, 2026

Cadman Elementary School is an okay school. However, the person representing the school at the front desk gives a very poor impression. The blonde lady is extremely rude. She refused to help my child and yelled at me in front of my child. She is always unfriendly and never smiles. I honestly do not understand how she represents the school at all.

One time I said “good morning” to her and she ignored me completely, so I repeated “good morning,” and she responded in a very irritated tone. I believe this woman should not be working at the front entrance of a school, especially not in a position that involves interacting with children.
Principal is fine.

Posted: May 7, 2026

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Posted: February 9, 2026

The principal and counselor are exactly what we have needed at Cadman. The principal is hands-on and a superb communicator. The counselor is simply fantastic—he knows every student by name and has built genuine relationships with them. The students love him, and he consistently goes out of his way to make them feel seen and important.

Those kinds of efforts truly go a long way. They build a strong sense of community and boost morale across the school. I cannot recommend this school enough.

Posted: February 9, 2026

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Posted: October 2, 2025

Wonderful small family school. New principal is engaged and making great changes to enhance communication and boost safety procedures. Seems to already know all the kids by name and is proactively engaging parents. Garden is fantastic. Kids get gardening and cooking classes through Sage plus ballet and dance every week. Made the switch here from private due to my daughter’s autism needs not being met and honestly wasn’t sure what to expect, but we are so glad that we made the switch!

Posted: October 2, 2025

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Posted: June 14, 2022

My son started kindergarten here, and is currently going into the third grade. The community and school spirit is great The staff is friendly, But unfortunately The teachers and faculty especially the principal seem especially lazy.. doing the bare minimum at all cost and take no responsibility for the kids education. Kedman only takes responsibility for the child in the seat or money contributed to fundraisers , Over the last three years no teachers have taken responsibility for any academics below standards of a student.

Posted: June 14, 2022

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Posted: August 26, 2019

I strongly believe in the following for work at home: Reading every night, maybe 1 fun (age appropriate) project to do at home with the family a month or every quarter. And/or possibly a weekly "practice page/review" but no more than that. I don't believe in homework, not in elementary at least. They need more physical activities outside after school.

Posted: August 26, 2019

Posted: August 26, 2019

Posted: August 26, 2019

Posted: August 26, 2019

Posted: August 26, 2019

Posted: August 26, 2019

I love that this school is small and intimate. My daughter loved her teacher last year. She has some learning challenges and they are working with me to help her navigate through them. I love that they have choir and dance, I'm excited to see what the new school year will bring.

Posted: February 25, 2017

Posted: February 25, 2017

Posted: February 25, 2017

Posted: February 25, 2017

Posted: February 25, 2017

Posted: February 25, 2017

Posted: February 25, 2017

Our daughter is in TK and doing very well. She loves her teacher and her fellow scholars. We couldn't be happier having her go there and look forward to the next 5 years!

Posted: February 17, 2017

Posted: February 17, 2017

Posted: February 17, 2017

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Posted: February 17, 2017

Posted: February 17, 2017

Posted: February 17, 2017

Great School. The Principle is great. She Is Always doing Anything she can to Make a Fun, Safe, & Overall Fair Environment. My Child Is Thriving at this School. Definitely a One of a Kind School.

Posted: June 20, 2016

This school is wonderful. They offer many incentives to their students for good behavior and reward them for doing the right thing. I feel that my daughter Addison has become an even better person overall due to the positive encouragement from her teacher, Mrs. Allen and the principal, Mrs. Ballard. Every teacher knows every student by name and it makes every child feel special. 5/5 stars all the way. Great work Mrs. Ballard!

Posted: June 20, 2016

The teachers at this school really care about their students. The school is small enough so that everyone knows everyone and I feel that my child is being nurtured as well as educated. The principal is so devoted that she always goes above and beyond all expectations. She has really made this an incredible and HAPPY place to be.

Posted: December 1, 2014

We moved away to buy a house, but we miss this little school! It is a one of a kind school that focuses on the arts. The kids sing in the morning before they go to their classrooms which is a beautiful way to start the day! I also love the principal at this school. She has helped make Cadman the wonderful school that it is!!

Posted: April 30, 2014

I recently pulled my kids from this school. I wouldn't recommend this school to anyone. The principal is very into herself and not the kids. My kids have been bullied since the beginning of the year and she never put a stop to it, she more like defends the bullies. I have noticed that at lunch time there is hardly any supervision. The teacher i would say are under the principal control. By far the worst school my kids have been too.

Posted: December 11, 2013

Mrs Elizabeth Ballard is a visionary, and basically came in and did amazing things for the school. She has a can do attitude and encourages parents to be Involved in everything. It's a hidden gem of a neighborhood school, beautiful campus and safe community. She calls the students scholars and gives them positive reinforcement and support. Every child as early as 1st grade can open a bank account and start saving money through a program set up with a credit union that comes every Friday during running club. Assemblies are every Friday morning and kids earn prizes for good behavior, test scores and running club. Parents are encourage to attend on Friday mornings for this. This is a small school with smaller classes. Kids' birthdays are actually listed on bulletin board (in glass case) . You will never feel like your kid is just a number. There's dance, Spanish, cheerleading, Girl Scouts. This is an arts focused school, but also taps into all programs available. iPads and computers awarded to school last year. I almost don't want to tell too many people about this school because it's truly a small, personal treasure.

Posted: September 29, 2013

The past three years have been an amazing uphill climb with Principle Ballard in charge. The school is art integrated with wonderful caring and compassionate teachers. The schools scores are climbing, teachers are dedicated, students are thrilled to get to class everyday and egar to learn! With lots or research and visits I can honestly say with my children as students at Cadman Elementary School, it truly is the BEST school in San Diego! Stop by an see for yourself you won't regret it!