Hardy 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	10/10	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: March 15, 2026

I have one student in 2nd grade and one will be in Kindergarten next year. We just attended the TK/K info night and I am continuously amazed by Hardy. Every experience I have had since transferring there this year, from a school down the street, has been positive. Completely different than a previous experience. You can feel the culture, everything is warm, organized, and student centered.

Principal Aragon is one of the highlights for us. She is visible, clear, and deeply committed to kids. She spoke with both heart and strategy, and it was obvious she knows her students, supports her staff, and leads with high expectations and compassion. It is rare to see leadership that feels both strong and human, and it was the cherry on top of a wonderful year so far with our older student. We are so excited that we now get to call Hardy our home for both children.

Posted: March 15, 2026

Posted: March 4, 2026

We chose Hardy because we wanted a school that balances strong academics with a real sense of belonging, and it has delivered. In the last couple of years, the school has made noticeable gains in climate, communication, and consistency. The admin team is present and solutions-oriented, teachers collaborate and keep learning, and theres a clear focus on helping every student succeed. Our child feels known here, and that matters. Were grateful to be part of this community.

Posted: March 4, 2026

Posted: February 27, 2026

Weve had kids at Hardy for 4 years and we love it.

The families are chill, down-to-earth, hardworking, and involved. Just parents who genuinely care about their kids and the school community.

A few shout-outs to some of the staff: Mr. Lerma has such a calm, steady presence that really builds confidence in the kids. Mrs. Braga is warm, holds kids to high standards, and makes you feel welcome and heard. Principal Aragon is visible, involved, and clearly cares about the school culture. And even Mr. Jerry the building site supervisor brings such a friendly, reassuring energy. The kids light up when they see him.

My kids feel safe, supported, and happy walking through the gates.

Posted: February 27, 2026

As a parent, I'm so grateful for our experience at Hardy Elementary. We started under one principal, and when the current principal came in during our second year, the difference was truly night and day. The positive energy, communication, and overall school culture improved tremendously!
The Hardy team has created a supportive, inclusive environment where families feel welcome and students feel empowered.

Teachers are caring, communicative, and committed to helping each child grow academically and personally while maintaining high expectations. I especially appreciate how students are given meaningful leadership roles and opportunities to lead events, helping them grow in confidence and responsibility.

Even though the school is currently under construction, the temporary setup actually provides a higher-quality learning environment than before. Most importantly, our kids are happy, thriving, and excited to go to school every day, and we are so grateful to be part of the Hardy community.

Posted: February 27, 2026

Weve had a wonderful experience at Hardy. The principal is present, communicative, and genuinely cares about students and families. Her weekly emails are informative and transparent, which makes a big difference. Teachers have been responsive and thoughtful, and the school feels safe and welcoming. Were very happy here.

Posted: February 27, 2026

Posted: January 25, 2026

My child has been attending this school since tk until recently the new principal is very dismissive and one sided my child was discriminated and singled out by his teacher who would nick pick and complain about everything if you are a person of color be careful sending your kid here teacher went as far as to try to diagnose my child with a condition horrible year at this school luckily my child no longer goes there

Posted: January 25, 2026

Posted: May 3, 2025

We love Hardy so much. Its a small school with a lot of parent involvement. Principal Aragon is so vibrant and warm and truly cares for all students and has breathed new life into the school. Mr Gray is the also the best teacher ever! We couldnt sing this school enough praises. We love Hardy !

Posted: May 3, 2025

Posted: April 28, 2025

We choiced into Hardy and don't regret it all! The new principal Mrs. Aragon is doing a great job, and truly cares about the school and the community. She has incredible transparency and takes constructive feedback from parents seriously. There are many very experienced and caring teachers at the school, and there are tremendous parental involvement opportunities. This is one of the few schools that has a Dad's Club, which is a very involved group of fathers who put on fun events like Movie Nights, and build a Haunted House for the annual Fall Carnival at the school.

Posted: April 27, 2025

Hardy has been such a wonderful and welcoming community for our family. Like many parents, we felt overwhelmed trying to find the right school and Hardy quickly put those fears to rest. From our very first tour, Principal Aragons warmth, vision, and communication made it clear that Hardy was a school on the rise.

Since joining the Hardy community, weve seen happy kids, passionate teachers, and so many opportunities for families to get involved whether through PTA, Dads Club, volunteering in classrooms, Coffee Chats with the Principal, Family Fridays, and various special events. Theres a real sense of partnership between staff and families, and its made such a difference in our familys experience.

Hardy is proudly diverse, deeply student-centered, and actively preparing for an exciting future, with a full-site modernization (renovation) underway. We couldnt be happier to have found a school that not only nurtures academic growth but builds true community. Were proud to be part of Hardys next chapter!

Posted: April 27, 2025

Posted: April 22, 2025

Were in our 5th year at Hardy and have had a great experience. After 5 years of feeling lucky to have great teachers every year, Ive realized its not luck, its the culture of the school. The current teachers and administrators genuinely care about every child and want to ensure their success. We started at Hardy on Zoom during COVID so we didnt know what the school was like prior to the pandemic, but its been amazing to see the growth of parent and community involvement over the last 5 years.

Posted: April 22, 2025

Posted: January 15, 2024

I like this school .
Mrs. Byers is a great teacher .

Posted: January 15, 2024

Posted: June 15, 2023

Hardy is a hidden gem! There is a very strong sense of community here and I really feel like we have joined a family. I love the principal and our UTK teacher was phenomenal. PTA and dad's club is very active. I also love the staff and program design at the aftercare program (Klassic Kids).

The biggest downside of this school is that the drop off/pick up is hectic because of the street design. It was crazy the first few weeks, then it seemed to normalize once everyone figured out the system.

Posted: June 15, 2023

Posted: April 3, 2023

My son did UTK at Hardy this year and it stole our hearts! The teachers, the principal, the community are all amazing. We moved to SD from another state and were so nervous about finding a good school. We hit the jackpot with Hardy and would recommend it to anyone looking for a safe, family friendly, fun, and overall wonderful school. It has truly been such a sweet start to our child's path in education. 10/10 school.

Posted: April 3, 2023

Posted: August 11, 2019

Weve only been here at Hardy for Kindergarten so far but were very impressed with the school and staff.

Posted: August 11, 2019

A decent amount of homework, but not too much

Posted: May 4, 2019

Laura Alluin does a great job encouraging the students. We appreciate her passion for enabling our child to succeed.

Posted: May 4, 2019

Great teachers at all levels we have had all of our kids attend this school and have found it to be a wonderful close knit group of parents, teachers and staff that care about the students.

Posted: October 10, 2017

I was bullied in second grade and the old principal accused me of bulling the other child, who was much older than me! I was also harassed by another kid in my grade, and she did NOTHING. The teachers, however, were amazing with bullying!!

Posted: October 10, 2017

When I used to attend this school, I had an amazing time. Teachers were the highlight of my time there. It was amazing!

Posted: October 10, 2017

The homework was helpful and was not assigned every single day.

Posted: October 10, 2017

All teachers but one that I have encountered are amazing, specifically G. Wilson, C. Bailey, L. Bear, C. Durrand, and C. Ely.

Posted: October 10, 2017

Posted: September 16, 2016

My children have all attended and are currently attending Hardy. Hardy was great staff, teachers, and PTA involvement. It also has great support from the SDSU community.

Posted: May 12, 2016

A great teaching staff overall, and wonderful parent involvement. The school has a family feeling to it.

Posted: April 21, 2016

I've been at this school off and on the past 13 years. I have seen the parents interpretation of the school change, not the teachers. This is a great school with dedicated teachers that want to make our future better. Unfortunately some parents are too weak to be parents and letting their kids decide what they need, therefore, no parenting. I see such good teachers in tears because of you parents. Your children have to be accountable for their own actions. Quit making excuses and be a freaking parent. It's the most important job you have.

Posted: February 29, 2016

There is a mixed bag. May are very effective and passionate about teaching, a couple are very ineffective.

Posted: February 29, 2016

My child was a student at Hardy Elementary from Kindergarten to 4th grade. Our early experience there was great, my child had some excellent teachers and developed some great friendships. A change in leadership has changed the general tone of the school, which has progressively gone downhill. Now there is too much emphasis on standardized testing. The administration does a poor job handing bullies and "behaviorally challenged" children. Not only have they allowed routine violence and unfettered bullying to go on, escalations to try to resolve the issues fall on deaf ears. Escalations to the district, garner the involvement of a QA parent liaison department who barely read your compliant and their only level of investigating is publishing the administrations excuses and inaccurate defense, never interviewing the victim, witnesses, etc (taxpayer dollars hard at work). If you don't mind being in a class where bullies are not only free to act aggressively, but if you complain they are given more access to your child, this is the place for you. If you understand that not all published policies such as bullying and zero tolerance policies are followed, and you don't mind the random application of these policies, you will be fine here. If your child is distracted by, or bothered by constant violent outbursts including regular use of profanity, disrespectful yelling, kicking of doors and furniture, and actual fights in the classroom and on campus this setting would NOT be a good choice for you. On the other hand, If your child happens to have behavior challenges and you have given up and just wish the school would quit calling you and scheduling meetings that interrupt your workday, this is an ideal placement for you! It's too bad that the excellent teachers and good community of involved parents are overshadowed by poor administration, who are more interested in ignoring bullying and protecting their bureaucratic status quo, than providing a safe learning environment for the majority of children that come to school eager to learn! Not to mention, the disservice they are doing to the bullies by not providing a more appropriate learning environment that might provide for some academic progression, something currently missing.

Posted: February 10, 2015

My oldest son who is now in Middle school went there and had a fine experience up until he was in 5th grade. Rather than teaching the class important lessons, or preparing the kids for Middle school each student had an iPad which they would play games on, watch videos, and listen to Pandora. Often times the students just did what they wanted. Shortly after the teacher started having "health" issues and one day decided to walk out on the class leaving the students unsupervised for the last few minutes of school. This happened in February of 2014 and I never found out about it up until mid April 2014, when I overheard my son and another student talking about it. Then I noticed that there were several substitute teachers changing throughout and then finally about 2 months before the school year ended there was a letter sent home from the principle, telling me that the teacher had been on medical leave and that they finally have a steady sub for the remainder of the school year. The PTA is great, Parent involvement is great, most of the teacher are great, the principle is unapproachable and not a good communicator.

Posted: September 10, 2014

My older son started Kindergarten at Hardy Elementary last year. He did the TK program at a scool in C.V. the year before and was so stressed that he had night terrors every night. The teachers there were always late and there was no supervision of the children before or after school. When we started at Hardy, I was immediately impressed by the parent and teacher involvement. My son's night terrors stopped completely. My youngers son is now in Kinder and I am now a board member on the PTA. For parents who feel their work schedule is not accommodated, I invite and encourage you to send a note in your child's folder addressed to the PTA because we listen. We're here to serve you. Our meetings are now at 7:50 or 8:15 in the morning. We don't exclude and we certainly are not here to judge. The teachers are caring and respond to any concerns a parent expresses. The staff knows all the children by name. Academically, our students are doing very well. We have a PrimeTime afterschool program that helps children with homework. If tutoring is necessary, I encourage parents to speak up at a PTA meeting to see if we can start a tutoring system. Let's work together for our kids!

Posted: August 27, 2014

I wanted to love it. My child attended his first few years of school here. I found this past year to be an improvement over prior; the new principal is much more approachable and brought fresh perspective. My child's teacher was GREAT, but understandably overwhelmed by the large class size,which makes it hard to give some students the extra help they need. I didn't think there was enough supervision on the playground, especially among the younger kids, some who still need guidance and help making friends. A few incidents occured that I found somewhat alarming and preventable. Sadly, my other issue was that the school does not accommodate the schedule of a working parent, should we wish to volunteer or join PTA. The weekly meetings were at 5 or 6 making it impossible to attend. I helped when I could but often felt judged by PTA moms and staff. More than once, a certain office staff member made hurtful, inappropriate remarks to me like "Oh I expected dad to pick up (my child). I NEVER see mom." I struggle with working moms guilt as it is and for some of us working is a necessity, not a choice. Bottom line: good school academically, but my child never really felt welcome nor did I.

Posted: August 25, 2014

We have had great experiences over the years at Hardy and are looking forward to another wonderful year. We have repeatedly seen Hardy parents get involved and work with our dedicated staff to make Hardy a warm, safe place for the children as well as a rigorous learning environment.

Posted: August 25, 2014

I have 2 children at Hardy- we have been there for 5 yrs now & have been very happy with our children's experiences there! They both love school & have loved their teachers and the school overall. It is a small, diverse school with a wonderful school community and fantastic caring teachers. I am impressed with the testing scores given the number of children with ESL students they are still very competitive. There are many after school activities available mileage club (a running/walking program) before school and a school garden program. They also have 2 different after school care programs. It is not perfect, but no school is and I think they work hard to create a safe, nurturing, environment that fosters learning for children.

Posted: August 24, 2014

I have 2 children in Hardy. We started 5 years ago and have been extremely happy ever since. The staff is caring and amazing with kids. It's nice to go to a school where most of thel adults know your child's name (it makes them feel accountable for their actions and a sense of community, knowing that they are noticed and looked after). I come from a small town and this is how it feels! This is a very kind, considerate and dedicated staff, intent on educating world citizens of many different cultures. Hardy is in the process of upgrading all of the school equipment so it might look a little dusty at the moment. But look beyond the dust and you will find a little gem of a school!

Posted: August 24, 2014

I LOVE this school. I moved my oldest son to Hardy from another local school where he was not doing well. The teachers and staff at Hardy did a wonderful job working with us and my son. My youngest son is still a Hardy student and we will miss the school, teachers and staff when he moves on after this year to middle school. I have especially enjoyed being apart of the Mileage Club program and am thrilled to be running it this coming school year. I had not seen a program like this before coming to Hardy.

Posted: February 15, 2012

I have read some of these reviews and they are quite scathing. There are a lot of buzz words such as "mean" and "bullying" etc. I didn't see anything specific that would cause me to be alarmed. One comment in particular that caught my attention was that the principal was "unethical." That is a huge accusation to say about someone. I don't know the principal very well but she seems very sincere and eager to hear what parents have to say. I wonder if any of these unhappy parents dealt directly with the "problem" teachers? My son got off on the wrong foot with a teacher in middle school. He got stomach aches and didn't want to go to school. We met with the teacher and i helped facilitate the breakdown in communication between them. He gained a better understanding of what was expected for this class. I gave my son the opportunity and skills to take charge of a situation. I didn't fight his battle for him. Now my son is doing great in his class and he has found they have a common interest in Aztec basketball. Many parents think this would make it worse for the child but what message are we sending our kids if we don't first start with the problem head-on?

Posted: January 19, 2012

I was a student at this school and was bullied by a TEACHER who screamed at kids, told our class to shut up, threw things across the room, and humiliated kids for not knowing things or forgetting their homework. Most of my teachers were great but this one was really, really, really bad. I can't believe that adults won't do something about it! I can't believe that the adults think nothing bad is going on.

Posted: January 16, 2012

First hand knowledge of the wonderful staff at this school has led me to write this review. The children in my family have all had a wonderful experiences here that are reflected in their success in later years. Last weeks editorial sums it all up. Good teachers help our children thrive. How lucky any child is to spend their elementary years at Hardy. Kudos to this wonderful little school.

Posted: January 14, 2012

Hardy is a very typical public school. There are some nice teachers, some awful. Nice staff will not protect children from the really mean teachers. The test scores are not truly that impressive. Like most public schools, parents are only allowed to do the bake sales and carnivals. If discerning parents who look more closely raise questions about test scores and chronically poor performing staff those parents will be on the "outs" with staff. This is a very, very "typical" public school. It is ok if you are looking for "babysitting"', but don't expect "stellar" .

Posted: January 6, 2012

Love this school. The people, diversity, and caring professionals all make this small community school a gem. The open door policy of teachers and staff give it a real sense of community. They are also trying to start a community garden which will benefit all in the neighborhood.

Posted: January 6, 2012

This is a wonderful school with many extra programs, including, music, art, and a running club before school. There are also gifted enrichment programs that run during recess and after school. The teachers are caring professionals that go above and beyond the call to help parents and students alike. I would highly recommend this school!

Posted: January 6, 2012

If you are "in" with the principal you might have an "ok" experience at Hardy, presuming you can keep your kids away from certain "problem" teachers. I've observed parents who raise legitimate concerns be seriously mistreated. If your kids are lucky and avoid bad teachers or are "favorites" they'll do fine. All these very glowing reviews are beginning to sound very similiar. I wonder if my review will mysteriosuly be removed like other concerned parent reviews

Posted: January 5, 2012

Hardy truly is a Great School. I have been a parent here for several years and I didn't think it was possible for this school to improve, but it has! The academic programs continue to challenge the students to learn and grow at an incredible rate. The teaching staff is professional and inspirational. The current administrator has implemented many special programs for students, including a school-wide American Postcard Project and supplemental activities for the GATE students during lunch time (my favorite being the book club). My children are happy, safe and thriving at Hardy Elemenary and I wouldn't send them anywhere else! I love this gem of a school!

Posted: October 11, 2011

I have taught at several high performing schools and prestigious areas in this city and our test scores at Hardy far exceed those other schools regardless of their communities and student populations. I have asked myself many times, what is it that makes Hardy so unique? We have such a beautiful blend of children from a variety of cultures that make our school a rich environment where children are encouraged to blossom and grow! Our children are thriving in a "real-world" situation each and every day. The students receive excellent instruction at school which is then reinforced at home with our supportive parent community. At Hardy, we are unique in the fact that we have very little transiency. The students that begin with us as kindergarteners remain at Hardy until that warm July day when they stand before us at fifth grade promotion more than ready for the challenges that await them in middle-school. Hardy uses a GATE cluster model which allows access to all students. Why should one test determine which children should and should not benefit from enriched instruction? There is not another school in this district where I would prefer to teach!!!

Posted: September 19, 2011

I wonder how this school can get such a high rating considering the following things: 1. although the teachers are 'GATE certified', there are no special seminar classes, and with the increased class sizes due to budget cuts, it is impossible to foresee the teachers who are already at their max with the work load, doing any special education or motivating GATE students in different ways. 2. For years now there have been serious complaints about a staff member, yet no effective action has taken place. The bottom line is the safety and well being of the children, and I guess it is really hard to keep that in mind when dealing with teacher's unions and district officials.

Posted: June 26, 2011

I have had 3 children attend Hardy Elementary over the last 10 years and have had many great experiences. Despite the budget issues facing San Diego City Schools, Hardy Elementary has made their school such a treasure. Every teacher my children have had has been wonderful. The principle and teachers are easy to access via e-mail or after school hours to keep in constant communication so that their students succeed. The staff truly cares about each child as if they are their own. They value each child as an individual and foster a positive learning environment. They teach for the children, not for tests. The classrooms are filled with fun, learning, and laughter. Hardy has managed to staff a full-time art teacher, has a PE program in partnership with SDSU, computer education, English Learner instruction, and a wonderful "power hour" to strengthen all of the students reading skills. Hardy has a wonderfully diverse student population and continues to achieve higher than average test scores. Hardy is a "hidden gem"!!

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Del Cerro	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	0.9 mi
2	City Heights	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	2.9 mi
3	Canyon View	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	3.3 mi
4	Riverfront Condominium Rentals	Apartment Complex	San Diego	CA	4.6 mi
5	Spectrum Center Blvd, Kearny Mesa	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	5 mi
6	Mission Hills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	5.3 mi
7	Legacy Walk	Condominium/Townhouse	San Diego	CA	5.4 mi
8	The Heritage	Apartment Complex	San Diego	CA	5.7 mi
9	Lakeview Village Apartments	Apartment Complex	Spring Valley	CA	6.8 mi
10	Jackson Pointe Townhomes	Condominium/Townhouse	Spring Valley	CA	7.3 mi
11	Jackson Pointe Townhomes	Condominium/Townhouse	Spring Valley	CA	7.3 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Del Cerro	San Diego	CA	1.4 mi
2	Kensington	San Diego	CA	1.6 mi
3	East County of San Diego	La Mesa	CA	3.3 mi
4	North Park	San Diego	CA	3.5 mi
5	Serra Mesa	San Diego	CA	3.7 mi
6	Mission Hills	San Diego	CA	6.2 mi
7	Gaslamp Quarter	San Diego	CA	6.3 mi
8	Broadway Pier	San Diego	CA	6.7 mi
9	Old Town San Diego	San Diego	CA	6.8 mi
10	Seaport Village	San Diego	CA	6.9 mi
11	Old Town	San Diego	CA	7 mi
12	El Cajon	El Cajon	CA	7 mi
13	Santee Trolley Square	Santee	CA	7.3 mi
14	Santee	Santee	CA	7.7 mi

Base	Distance
San Diego Naval Medical Center	4.8 mi.
San Diego Naval Base	6.7 mi.
MCRD San Diego	7.2 mi.
Miramar MCAS	7.7 mi.
Coronado Naval Amphibious Base	8.2 mi.
North Island NAS	8.9 mi.
Naval Base Point Loma	11.2 mi.
Camp Pendleton	44.3 mi.

Hardy Elementary School

San Diego, CA 92115

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Hardy Elementary School

San Diego, CA 92115

School Ratings

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