Dailard Elementary School in San Diego

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	9/10	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: September 25, 2025

My daughter spent 7 years at Dailard from TK to 5th grade. We absolutely LOVED everything about the school! Wonderful teachers, extra classes that not all elementary schools have (art, music). Yes they push fundraising HARD and it gets annoying but that's what allows the school to have all these extra programs for children. Lots and lots of fun events and parent involvement. My daughter had a great experience at Dailard and loved going to school every day.

Posted: September 24, 2024

Honestly. This school is one of the best around. Especially in the San Carlos area. These teachers and staff TRULY care about the students. My daughter loves this school. We been around since kindergarten and have 0 desire to leave. They hopped immediately on her iep needs and take the steps to ensure she gets the help she needs.
Parent involvement is out of this world! We have a D.A.D program where the dads are extremely involved in almost all activities and raising money for the kids. Moms can participate too and other family members. The new principal is outstanding and friendly just like the old one. They truly are for the kids and how to make everyone feel safe and welcomed.

Posted: August 12, 2024

This school teaches mostly for standardized tests and results. Hence, the high ratings in this and other websites. Dont get me wrong, your child will definitely learn how to read, write, add and subtract, but that is about it. The curriculum of this school is clearly from the 1980s if not from before. They have never integrated the DEI standards of California schools. In fact, they only celebrate white students, they dont even make an effort to celebrate MLK, and they dont even know who Cesar Chavez is. I have clearly witnessed racism and sexism inside and outside the classroom (San Diego Unified should investigate). Minority students have only one way to survive in this school: to accept the values of the anglo white leadership of the school.

The school is run by a clique of white parents that are in cahoots with the principal. I never heard the principal speak about pedagogy, learning, education or anything like that. All the messaging is about fund raising. At times I felt, we were in a TV contest: donate here, go have dinner there for 2 dollars, buy books in the fair for the schoolDont get me wrong, I appreciate the funds they raised for the school, but if the focus is only in raising money, what kind of values are they teaching our kids?

All the previous comments about bullying ring true to me. In sum, this is a parochial school, they are literarily buried in a canyon. They dont instill curiosity, imagination, and critical thinking in our kids. We moved our child to a new school after two years.

Posted: August 12, 2024

If you are a guardian or parent who is interested in an education that focuses on standardized tests, this is your school. On the other hand, for those who seek a holistic, diverse education that is consistent with the contemporary pedagogical debate, please look elsewhere for your child. This school does not have an educational project that transcends testing. Furthermore, and most seriously, the school has grave problems of racism and bullying in its classrooms. Its teachers are not trained to address issues of racial diversity, gender, and sexuality. For example, in an activity to commemorate October 12, called the living museum, a child impersonated Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo and, in his speech, he boasted about having killed many Aztecs before coming to San Diego (sic). Or, in that same activity, a girl dressed up as Pocahontas. These types of situations are recurrent in this school. If this is happening in an event that is consciously planned to be performed in front of the entire school community, imagine what daily life is like in the classrooms at Dailard.
As you have probably seen in other reviews, this school does not know how to deal with bullying; they always try to cover it up.
I was shocked for two years by the type of education my child was receiving until I finally decided to move her to a new school.

Posted: June 14, 2024

I coached Soccer at Dailard after school and felt so supported by all of the staff. The teachers and families are wonderful, and the children seem excited about what they are learning. Dailard is one of my favorite schools Ive coached at!

Posted: June 10, 2024

We started our journey at Dailard Elementary in the fall of 2023 with the UTK grade. Dailard Elementary School is a wonderful place for young students to thrive. The school boasts a dedicated and caring faculty who go above and beyond to ensure each child receives a quality education. With a well-rounded curriculum that emphasizes both academic excellence and creative development, students are encouraged to explore their interests and reach their full potential. The inclusive community and supportive environment make Dailard Elementary a standout choice for families seeking a nurturing and enriching educational experience for their children. We have felt welcomed, included, and encouraged by all of the staff and families here!

Posted: May 24, 2024

If your child has an IEP or a 504, this is the LAST place you want to send them. They will punish your child instead of helping them. They only want advanced students who have parents that can volunteer 4 days a week. Bullying is out of control and it's from students and teachers.

Posted: December 12, 2023

I was pleasantly surprised at how much the staff and teachers were engaged with the children, I excited to watch all the kids develop here.

Posted: September 12, 2023

We love Dailard. Our daughter is a 4th grader now and our experience has been blessed with fabulous teachers since her first day of kinder. I volunteer regularly (at least 3 times a week), been a Room Parent, an active member of the Dailard School Foundation, and part of the SSC (school site council.) My child has faced bullying and the entire staff from Principal, Counselors, and Teacher was very quick to resolve the problem using open communication between the families and supportive counseling. Not only will your child have a great experience, but you will as well. The school site is very welcoming. They encourage and support parent engagement. Volunteer in your student's class (give them a hug before they take off for lunch and recess), attend and volunteer for school events. Your child will love it. I highly recommend getting involved and you will make some great friends among staff and parents, but you will ensure that your child is having the best experience.

Posted: June 2, 2022

Horrible school, the administration is unprofessional, the principal needs to retire she is a poor excuse of a principal. Some teachers are great others are unprofessional and have poor leadership. Under staff like one teacher is taking care of 80 students during lunch time and they dont care or listen to their students. The principal is a bully to students and to parents that have any concerns for their kids. Definitely NOT RECOMMEND the school.

Posted: February 5, 2022

Maaaaan we love this school! They treat my daughter with so much love and respect! They treat us with upmost respect and have a good job in all communications.

Posted: February 5, 2022

Posted: December 4, 2021

Terrible administration, basic learning, outdated facilities and materials.

Posted: December 4, 2021

Posted: June 7, 2020

The principal bullies her staff. This lack of leadership is destructive. Bullies allowed and ignored.

Posted: June 7, 2020

The wonderful teachers are outweighed with poor leadership. This school is unsafe and uncaring.

Posted: June 7, 2020

Any try at character development is outweighed with lack of discipline and follow through from the principal.

Posted: June 7, 2020

The special Ed dept has changed5 times in 6 years.

Posted: May 9, 2020

Excellent experience
I highly recommend this school
All the teachers really care about the students. Great activities and good family involvement

Posted: May 9, 2020

Posted: February 27, 2020

Great teachers that care about the students. Strong focus on kindness and character. Happy to have my children in Dailard.

Posted: February 27, 2020

Posted: May 9, 2019

Horrendous. Many, many families over the last few years have chosen to pull their kids and send them elsewhere due to poor leadership.

Posted: May 9, 2019

Posted: March 11, 2019

Great teachers, events and community involvement. Fosters learning, friendship, and character development.

Posted: March 11, 2019

We have had nothing but wonderful teachers. Couldn't be happier.

Posted: March 11, 2019

Posted: February 18, 2019

Excellent in all areas with teachers and scholastics.

Posted: February 18, 2019

Posted: January 23, 2019

Wretched. The principal at this school has no business in her job.

Posted: January 23, 2019

Principal is a bully, both to students and to parents who try to raise concerns.

Posted: January 23, 2019

Posted: November 23, 2018

Great. My kids have developed strong friend groups. They feel safe and happy about going to school.

Posted: November 23, 2018

Students have choice in homework and can pick from a menu of work items. Reading every night.

Posted: November 23, 2018

Kids love teachers. Feel happy to go to school. Academically challenged.

Posted: November 23, 2018

Character program with monthly assemblies as well as morning Dailard pledge.

Posted: November 23, 2018

Strong parent presence and principal responds effectively

Posted: November 23, 2018

Students who need more support get pull out through power 45.

Posted: November 23, 2018

Posted: October 8, 2018

Some are good, some are not. Most are afraid of the principal and teacher morale is very low because of the principal.

Posted: October 8, 2018

They talk about developing character but the leadership of the school does not "walk the walk".

Posted: October 8, 2018

Principal is not effective at all. Teachers, parents, and students are all afraid to approach her and all problems are swept under the rug.

Posted: October 8, 2018

Terrible. I read all the glowing reviews of the school but notice that all of them are from 2011 or earlier, when the school had an effective, likeable administrator who made the school a positive environment. That is no longer the case.

Posted: August 27, 2017

Teachers are great, but they are not supported by the principal. Principal appears friendly to parents, but she yells and she's mean to students, when adults are not present.

Posted: April 1, 2014

Having been associated with Dailard for the last six years as a grandmother I have found this school to be an outstanding example of a public school. The teachers have been consistently good, encouraging learning, caring for the students as individuals, offering their own creativity while working within the core requirements. The administrators, secretaries, custodians and staff have been supportive. The parents have been willing to help whenever needed. Everyone is working together for the education and welfare of our children. Keep up the good work.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Del Cerro	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	1.9 mi
2	Canyon View	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	3.3 mi
3	Spectrum Center Blvd, Kearny Mesa	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	5.1 mi
4	City Heights	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	5.7 mi
5	Santee Villas	Apartment Complex	Santee	CA	5.9 mi
6	Riverfront Condominium Rentals	Apartment Complex	San Diego	CA	6.6 mi
7	Canyon Run Apartments	Apartment Complex	El Cajon	CA	6.8 mi
8	Lakeview Village Apartments	Apartment Complex	Spring Valley	CA	6.8 mi
9	Jackson Pointe Townhomes	Condominium/Townhouse	Spring Valley	CA	7.6 mi
10	Jackson Pointe Townhomes	Condominium/Townhouse	Spring Valley	CA	7.6 mi
11	Mission Hills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	7.7 mi
12	Legacy Walk	Condominium/Townhouse	San Diego	CA	8 mi
13	The Heritage	Apartment Complex	San Diego	CA	8.4 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Del Cerro	San Diego	CA	1.4 mi
2	East County of San Diego	La Mesa	CA	3.1 mi
3	Kensington	San Diego	CA	4 mi
4	Serra Mesa	San Diego	CA	4.7 mi
5	Santee Trolley Square	Santee	CA	4.7 mi
6	Santee	Santee	CA	5.1 mi
7	El Cajon	El Cajon	CA	5.3 mi
8	North Park	San Diego	CA	6.1 mi
9	Rancho San Diego	El Cajon	CA	7.9 mi
10	Wine Country area of Scripps Ranch	San Diego	CA	7.9 mi
11	Mission Hills	San Diego	CA	8.4 mi
12	Gaslamp Quarter	San Diego	CA	8.9 mi

Base	Distance
Miramar MCAS	6.6 mi.
San Diego Naval Medical Center	7.5 mi.
San Diego Naval Base	9.4 mi.
MCRD San Diego	9.5 mi.
Coronado Naval Amphibious Base	11 mi.
North Island NAS	11.5 mi.
Naval Base Point Loma	13.7 mi.
Camp Pendleton	42.9 mi.

Dailard Elementary School

San Diego, CA 92120

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Dailard Elementary School

San Diego, CA 92120

School Ratings

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