Gage Elementary School in San Diego | Military Town Advisor

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	8/10	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	7/10	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 5, 2025

Diverse, well managed school. Great teachers and staff, its truly a lovely school community,

Posted: September 5, 2025

The principal has good communication skills and greets parents in the morning. I feel the curricular activities are up to par above standards.

Posted: September 5, 2025

Posted: June 30, 2025

The teachers are great and the classmates are great with my kids.

Posted: June 30, 2025

Posted: September 7, 2022

This school is an incredible community/local school! Most of the kids who attend live in the neighborhood within walking distance. Both of my kids are in Spanish immersion, and we have had great experiences with all the teachers. The principal is very communicative, PTA is active, and a new Parent foundation began in 2022 with big plans for the future. We have lived in the neighborhood for 8 years... The school has been and continues to be "on the rise" with major improvements due to lots of new families moving into the area, choosing to send their kids to Gage, and being active participants in the community.

Posted: September 7, 2022

Posted: January 24, 2022

This school has been fantastic helping my son with his ADHD; his teacher understands, and his IEP meeting was terrific very different from our last school. They were more than willing to give him accommodations that meant they would have to bring in new equipment so that he could have a fantastic learning experience. Now that he talks to text, he is loving school and is really coming into his own. We do not have nearly as many outbursts due to frustration, and he loves going to his class, whereas at our other school, we would have meltdowns before school.

Posted: January 29, 2020

The principal is very visible and you can run into her every morning as she greets students/parents. My child is adjusting well to the school and gets excited about run club. She's getting involved in the after school activities and enjoys the monthly STEM projects.

Posted: January 29, 2020

Posted: January 26, 2020

Each year for my son became worse than the previous until we finally switched schools. Our new school has been AMAZING at assisting us through his learning difficulties. The teachers were not patient and did not communicate with me or my husband. My son gave up trying because they had a view of him that they would not change. After being at our new school I now see how a school should really be run and how teachers should behave.

Posted: January 26, 2020

The principal does not communicate with parents before making big decisions that teachers recommend.

Posted: January 26, 2020

Instead of trying to work with my son during his transition to being medicated for ADHD, his first grade teacher kicked him out of his class and had the principal place him in a new class directly after a vacation (without my permission).

Posted: January 26, 2020

Posted: August 29, 2019

I don't have a lot of experience in this area, but with the kids in classes that I did see, the teachers handled it effectively.

Posted: August 29, 2019

My son was being bullied by a number of his classmates, one in particular. When I contacted the school, the assistant I spoke with told me that the child that was bullying my kids "wouldn't do that because he comes from a good family." That is a poor excuse for not dealing with bullying.

Posted: August 29, 2019

There was bullying involving my son being bullied, I was appalled that the school defended the bully.

Also, my son tested into GATE and they never once addressed this in the few years he went there.

Posted: August 29, 2019

The majority of teachers we had at this school were fantastic. Namely Mrs. Ferris and Mrs. Sinkovich. We did come across a few teachers that weren't as great.

Posted: August 29, 2019

They do encourage students by giving monthly awards to students who exemplify certain traits.

Posted: August 29, 2019

The principal is not good at dealing with conflicts that arise.

Posted: June 27, 2019

My son attended Kinder at Gage and had a teacher who told me towards the end of the school year that she suspected he had a learning disability. While I appreciate the heads up, there were multiple opportunities for her to discuss this concern with me considering I volunteered in her class every Monday and nothing was mentioned at parent/teacher/student conferences. She actually whispered her concern to me at Open House. Not the ideal place to let a parent know this type of information. Needless to say, we were done with this school after that incident.

Posted: December 10, 2018

I would give them zero star if I could! All staffs exclude food service are not polite. Specifically, because my English is not very good. My daughters teacher ( she is in kindergarten) was absolutely not a professional. She didn't even know how to speak in front of 5-6 years old kids and which words can't she use. She turns off the light when she wants to ask children to be quiet! When I requested to talk with the principle, they didn't accept and said if you have problems with a teacher, principal won't see you! When I noticed them that I sent my daughter to another school they just asked about the book that she had borrowed from the library. They didn't ask why I decided to change her school after 2 months!?

Posted: April 14, 2018

Gage is a great school, many after school programs, family events, and many ways to get involved. My children are in the Spanish Immersion Program and the teachers are wonderful and the interns that support and teach the students are amazing.

Posted: April 14, 2018

Posted: March 16, 2018

In general, Gage is a quality school. However, the most positive experiences seem to be from those in the Spanish Immersion program. Having had children in both the English STEM and Spanish programs, I can say my experience is not quite as positive. The STEM program is severely lacking, having only very occasional STEM experiences rather than daily, unless you count daily computer use as STEM. Of course the children in the Spanish program are having their intellect challenged throughout the day. The English program is not going above and beyond the norm as the Spanish program is. Furthermore, many of the children in the Spanish program are coming from other districts, thereby having a greater ability to choose elsewhere. The English program kids likely have nowhere else to go. Yes, it is the Spanish immersion program that saved this school from possible closure, but it is the children from the surrounding neighborhoods that are in the English program that need the greatest level of support. This school seems to have it backwards. Don't send your kid here unless they really want to and show a strong ability to speak Spanish. If they can't cut it with Spanish, they would have to leave that program and go for English, thereby being left at a great disadvantage to their development.

Posted: March 16, 2018

Great school, great community of caring students, teachers, staff and parents. Our son is in 2nd grade and is loving the spanish immersion program.

Posted: March 16, 2018

Posted: March 9, 2018

Our son is in 1st grade and in his 2nd yr in the Spanish Immersion program.We are so happy we chose our neighborhood school.His Spanish is fast-approaching fluent status, we do not speak Spanish at home.The PTA is dedicated and committed. They are not big in size but sure are grand in their efforts. The principal, she is stealth. She is very fair, doesn't bend the rules and is extraordinarily humble (she has much to brag about in the way of accomplishments, but you never see her ego in the way). Our 2nd is heading to TK Spanish this fall and a few short years our 3rd will enter Spanish Kinder. The families - they are unassuming, not stuck up, welcoming, and are missing the false layer of pretentiousness. I am really pleased we have our son here...and for some silly reason, we struggled w/ our choice!

Posted: March 9, 2018

Posted: January 24, 2018

Our daughter is in 1st grade. We are in the immersion program and absolutely love Gage. The staff is amazing and caring. The students are a great group of kids. Lots of parent involvement as well. I highly recommend this school if your thinking of sending your student here.

Posted: January 24, 2018

Posted: October 10, 2017

Great communication with parents, many use Class Dojo and share what is being taught which allows for parent follow up.

Posted: October 10, 2017

The School as a Caught With Character program that recognizes good character traits when students do the right thing.

Posted: October 10, 2017

The Principal Kathy Burns meets regularly with parents and is a remarkable leader. She is approachable and responsive.

Posted: October 10, 2017

Gage was one of the Schools designated for mod/sever disables students. There is a district shortage on Special Education teachers which has impacted the school but the school offers services for students from mild to sever issues. The speech therapist is also very engaged and informative.

Posted: October 10, 2017

Last year I was aware of to incidents one impacting my child another impacting one of his friends. In the first we were advised of the incident and consulted regarding the level of separation between the student and our son. The teacher believed grouping them together might have positive impacts but requested our permission given the kid had hit our son. We agreed with the condition that if there was another incident the child would be separated from our son and it worked great. Our son became friends with the other child and it was a positive situation. In the other instance behavior acceptable at the child's home was inappropriate for school and the school meet with the family who described the behavior as cultural. I understand the principal explained within the culture of the school verbally threatening language was unacceptable. I understand that there were no other incidents.

Posted: October 10, 2017

Amazing, Gage offers a Spanish emersion program and has an active parent community. Gage Parents were featured in local news for efforts they were taking with school board members to improve communication and transparency within the district. Great place!

Posted: June 14, 2017

We have been at Gage for the past three years. Many great teachers and such great families. It really has a quaint community feel to it. As an educator myself I have felt that the kids do really have great instruction and have a safe, respectful and fun learning environment at Gage.

My only issue with the school is the after-school program - it is way below the standards that I would expect an after-school program to function. It has been an issue for other families to not join our Gage learning community, and that is a shame. I have spoken to many current program parents and have heard that many are unhappy with the after school program, but they have no other choice because they need the care.

Posted: June 14, 2017

Posted: April 11, 2017

My daughter is in the Spanish immersion program and we could not be happier. She is in kindergarten and reading and writing in both Spanish and English. The PTA at Gage is incredible. The parents are so involved and care deeply about making this school as great as it can be. The principal is easy to talk to and holds monthly meetings with the parents. I would not send my kids to any other school in the area.

Posted: April 8, 2017

The school community focuses on one character trait each month (such as compassion or perseverance). The school staff "catch" the kids using that trait and those students are then recognized at a school wide assembly. Often staff are so focused on the negative, this has a wonderful positive impact on school culture!

Posted: April 8, 2017

My son is finishing us 1st year here in the Spanish program. We love his teacher and how open her classroom is to parents. It's amazing how much progress the kids have made! The principal is present on campus and seems to support a positive school climate. The teachers are wonderful and collaborative. The PTA is active and friendly!

Posted: July 1, 2016

This community school is exactly that. There are amazing teachers, staff, parents, and students here. We have only had great experiences over the last four years.

Posted: September 7, 2015

Excellent teachers and parents. One community that shares and supports. I feel very fortunate to have my daughters attend this thriving school.

Posted: September 7, 2015

We have been at this school since 2007 & my last child will graduate in 2016. This school has continuously strived to be the best school it can be. Between family nights, volunteer days & the garden that is not only beautiful but educational. All food grown is either served for lunch or given to families to take home and enjoy. Plus all the extra programs Gage has that neighboring schools don't have. Gage will always be our home school.

Posted: September 7, 2015

When we first moved to California from Nevada two years ago I wasn't sure what to expect of the local neighborhood school to which we were assigned. I was and am still so pleasantly amazed by this gem of a school. Such caring and giving teachers and staff. The sense of community fostered in this school is second to none. My children feel welcomed and cared for. Beyond that they are receiving a well balanced education. The teachers are always willing to make themselves available for the students and parents. In addition to that my daugher is now fluent in Spanish do to the immersion program. This fact alone sets her life up for greater success in the future as a bilingual American. I recommend Gage to any family who wants a good solid education that comes with a family, a community.

Posted: September 5, 2015

THIS SCHOOL IS HORRIBLE
I sent my son Here for 3 years he always came home complaining about the food he told me that the food came from cans and he kept finding hairs in the food and this year a mean lunchlady kept bullying him about eating everything but he brings his own lunch from home! This school does not have a good budget in fact I found out that teachers only get 4 free ink cartridges FOR TGE WHOLE YEAR. THIS year my son had a teacher who bullied the class and kept the people who did their homework 40 minutes after school and let the ones who didn't go. I HAVE COMPLAINED to the principal multiple times she has done nothing about it. That teacher have also kept my son in at recess WHICH IS AGAINST THE CALIFORNIA STATE WDUCATION LAW. Do not send your kid to this school. Kids always get into fights in fact one day I saw two third graders hiring each pther on the floor they have also made this 3 strikes if you get 3 strikes you miss out on a field trip or art project BUT I FOUND OUT THAT IF YOU 3 STRIKES YOU MISS OUT ON GRADUATION! DO NOT SEND YOUR KID TO THIS SCHOOL

Posted: May 13, 2015

I am happy that we decided to attend our neighborhood school. The PTA is absolutely wonderful...from movie nights to campouts at the school! The teachers truly care for their students. I am amazed at all the parent involvement and the school pride at Gage. Our daughter is in the Spanish Emersion program and amazes me that in kindergarten she can understand Spanish when we are an English speaking family. I am confident we made the right decision.

Posted: April 27, 2015

My child started at Gage this year, and honestly we were a bit skeptical after looking at some of the reviews. That being said, I could not ask for a better school or environment for my child. The staff, teachers, principal, etc are all very caring and want nothing but the best for each child. We love the morning running program and Fitness Fridays - not to mention all the wonderful activities that Gage provides throughout the year. This school is a hidden gem. I would not want my child to go anywhere else.

Posted: April 26, 2015

I am a new Gage parent and have a TK student in the Spanish Immersion program (2014/2015). We will be going into Kindergarten next year. I do not live in the area but was told by a friend of the Spanish program. I could not be happier with the school, and particularly, the Spanish program. This is my first elementary school experience, so not sure what my expectation was, but I did know if I wasn't happy (and my daughter wasn't happy) I would look elsewhere for Kindergarten. Needless to say we will be back next year. Again, not sure on "the norm" but I see our Principal every single day (actually for the first 4 months my 3 yr old would call her "the gate unlocker" :). She is so accessible and I love that. And I only have experience with the Kindergarten spanish teachers, but they are fantastic. I am lucky enough to help in the classroom weekly and love being at the school. The gardening program is awesome, as is the running club and love having a full-time PE teacher. Bottom-line is my daughter loves being at school and that alone warrants 5 stars!

Posted: April 26, 2015

We love Gage! We came from Riverview, which was fine, but a very long drive for us. My daughter is in first grade in the Spanish immersion at Gage. I am so happy that we made the switch. We have found friendly children, engaged parents and amazing teachers, all held together by a really outstanding and invested principal. I would recommend Gage to anyone!

Posted: October 28, 2014

This is my neighborhood school, and I am so happy that we decided to attend Gage! Prior to enrolling my daughter in the new Spanish Immersion program last year and actually getting to know the parents, staff, and students, I was wary of Gage. I had heard negative things about it from people whose children do not/did not even attend the school. It seems worth noting as well that when a person has a perceived negative experience, he/she is MUCH more likely to head online and write about it than when one has a positive experience. Over the past year I have spent quite a bit of time in various classrooms and gotten to know many of the students and teachers, and I have only ever witnessed thoughtful instruction, thorough lesson plans, and engaging classroom environments. I also appreciate that Gage is more ethnically and socioeconomically diverse than some of the surrounding schools; it seems as well that the immersion program is bringing together students from around the district and neighboring districts who otherwise may not get to interact.

Posted: April 17, 2014

My son now in first grade has been attending since kindergarten. The staff is amazing... they really seem to care about their students. I am very proud to have my child attend Gage, it is a great place for him to begin his academic experience.

Posted: December 8, 2013

My son is now in 2nd grade and my daughter just started the new Spanish Immersion Kindergarten. I love it and my kids love it too. Running Club is great to teach kids healthy habits. Teachers have been good so far, available and enthusiastic. There are various after school programs (art, soccer, basketball, martial art, mad science) for those who can afford it. And the PTA is working on getting a free after-school Glee Club. Parent Involvement is getting better each year.

Posted: August 15, 2013

Scores are improving every year. Great principal, fantastic teachers and a fun productive PTA. We transferred from Benchley and glad we made the change.

Posted: August 12, 2013

We moved into this school from another when my son was in Kindergarten. Now he will be starting second grade. It was the best move we could have made for our son. Principal is present at the events. She is very interactive with the students and always makes time to talk to parents. We have been happy with the teachers he has had. He is learning a lot and doing very well in the run club the school provides every morning.

Posted: March 30, 2013

Our family has been in Gage for almost 10 years and every year gets better and better. Our two children have had excellent test-scores through the years, been in art, music, dance & gardening clubs at Gage and have been taught by some of the most caring, creative teachers San Diego can offer. We love the warmth and community feel of Gage's campus and together with the dynamic principal, tireless custodians, energetic PTA and patient teachers our family has completely flourished in our many years in Gage Elementary! We HIGHLY recommend this school!!!

Posted: March 24, 2013

I have been pleasantly surprised by Gage. I had heard some negatives from people, but haven't found any of them to hold true. My daughter has gone to Gage since kindergarden and each teacher she has had so far is excellent. They each have a lot of experience, seem to really enjoy their job and are easy to talk to. She has excelled so far and I am happy with the education she is receiving. My son is in the new transitional kindergarten and the teacher and principal have been very helpful working with me as it has been a big change for him. I'm very excited to enroll my now 2 year old in the new Spanish immersion program when he is old enough. I also really like how many programs are available during and after school. My kids both enjoy the running club every morning which has just become part of our morning routine and I think it will benefit them forever. There is a diverse group of students that attend which I like. I think it allows the kids to learn about and embrace each others' differences rather than end up becoming prejudiced because someone looks or talks differently.

Posted: March 24, 2013

Great School! The principal, teachers, parents and students all make up a wonderful educational community. We feel lucky to have this school in our community.

Posted: March 23, 2013

This is not just a school, it is a source of support, friendship and community. Every teacher we have encountered so far (4th year there) has been outstanding and the least senior teacher on campus has been there over 15 years! The principal is very engaged and knows every child on campus as well as many of the parents. The PTA is strong and open to new opinions, ideas and members....not the stuffed-up group you see at other schools. The campus is nice and clean with gardens that the kids can harvest fruits and veggies from to take home to their families. There are also always amazing PTA sponsored and teacher-lead events that I have never heard of at other schools...the 1st graders went whale watching!! Before you listen to the opinions of people who have never cared enough to see Gage for themselves, take the time to tour and meet some parents and faculty. You will NOT be disappointed. Also, if this is your neighborhood school, remember the benefits of living near your child's classmates. It is a priceless sense of belonging and safety to know that the people in your community are there if you need them.

Posted: January 30, 2013

I was very suspect about sending my son back because I was not impressed with the Kindergarden teacher my son had; however, after seeing to see how my son did in 1st grade, I will say I am impressed with how much he has improved and is doing a fantastic job. The negative reviews on her mostly seem to me like parents who aren't paying a lot of attention to their kids at school. My son loves going to Gage, and he is ahead of his cousins who go to private school at foothills.

Posted: December 1, 2012

Seems like the only focus at this school is their PTA. Well the PTA doesn't teach or improve scores. Proof is in the pudding so to say.

Posted: October 27, 2012

The other parents writing reviews are EXTREMELY involved in their children's education, that is why they left. You may not think you need to worry about test scores but when your children go off to middle school you'd wished you'd been more AWARE of the scores. As for me leaving was the BEST thing ever and the same prinicpal was there and unfortunately she did nothing, nor did the higher grade teachers. This will be something you need to figure out for yourself. I on the other hand found out that there is better out there. My childrens education is the most important thing to me. Now my children can know what real GATE educated teachers and structure in a Seminar instructed atmosphere is. The stories aren't questionable, they are fact .

Posted: October 14, 2012

My two children have attended Gage for the last four years and we love it. I had heard questionable stories about the school from others that had been here years ago with the prior principal but I wanted my children to attend our neighborhood school. If you are interested in test scores alone, then maybe you should take your kids elsewhere. If you want that great small neighborhood school feeling that is getting better every year, than Gage is for you! Parent participation is growing every year too! My child's test scores were wonderful. After all, your child's education is a team effort between you and the teachers...not just the teachers.

Posted: October 9, 2012

I cannot say enough great things about Gage! The staff and the teachers are an extension of my family. Or a at least it seems that way!! My daughter has had excellent teachers and done extremely well. The school has many free programs and a very well organized PTA. Its all about how you follow up with your childs education in the home. The people complaining on here are probably the parents that are not involved with the school.

Posted: October 9, 2012

Great community school with lots of caring teachers and staff!! Lots of enriching extra curricular activities and a WONDERFUL PTA!

Posted: March 18, 2012

Being a teacher, I know what it takes to make a great school. This school is wonderful. They have strong academics and numerous activities during and after school. I was concerned the first year as the staff seemed complacent and happy with status quo. However, since 2009, Kathy Burns has been the principal and she has made great improvements all around. In addition to after school dance and science classes, they have recently added art classes! In these struglling times for schools with cutbacks to numerous programs, Gage Elementary is a great choice.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Del Cerro	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	3.7 mi
2	Santee Villas	Apartment Complex	Santee	CA	4.2 mi
3	Canyon Run Apartments	Apartment Complex	El Cajon	CA	4.5 mi
4	Canyon View	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	5.5 mi
5	Lakeview Village Apartments	Apartment Complex	Spring Valley	CA	5.6 mi
6	Jackson Pointe Townhomes	Condominium/Townhouse	Spring Valley	CA	6.5 mi
7	Jackson Pointe Townhomes	Condominium/Townhouse	Spring Valley	CA	6.5 mi
8	City Heights	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	7.2 mi
9	Spectrum Center Blvd, Kearny Mesa	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	7.2 mi
10	Riverfront Condominium Rentals	Apartment Complex	San Diego	CA	8.8 mi
11	Legacy Walk	Condominium/Townhouse	San Diego	CA	9.2 mi
12	Mission Hills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	9.7 mi
13	The Heritage	Apartment Complex	San Diego	CA	10.2 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	East County of San Diego	La Mesa	CA	2.7 mi
2	Santee Trolley Square	Santee	CA	2.9 mi
3	El Cajon	El Cajon	CA	3.1 mi
4	Santee	Santee	CA	3.2 mi
5	Del Cerro	San Diego	CA	3.2 mi
6	Kensington	San Diego	CA	6 mi
7	Rancho San Diego	El Cajon	CA	6.1 mi
8	Serra Mesa	San Diego	CA	6.9 mi
9	North Park	San Diego	CA	8 mi
10	Wine Country area of Scripps Ranch	San Diego	CA	8.4 mi
11	Mira Mesa	San Diego	CA	10.3 mi
12	Bonita	Chula Vista	CA	10.5 mi

Base	Distance
Miramar MCAS	8.2 mi.
San Diego Naval Medical Center	9.3 mi.
San Diego Naval Base	10.7 mi.
MCRD San Diego	11.6 mi.
Coronado Naval Amphibious Base	12.5 mi.
North Island NAS	13.4 mi.
Naval Base Point Loma	15.7 mi.
Camp Pendleton	43.9 mi.

Gage Elementary School

San Diego, CA 92119

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Gage Elementary School

San Diego, CA 92119

School Ratings

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