Hawthorne Elementary School

Posted: May 30, 2025

Posted: May 30, 2025

My son transferred to Hawthorne from another local elementary school before 3rd grade when he enrolled in the Seminar program. He promoted yesterday to middle school, and I could not be more thrilled with our experience! The school community is amazing, with teachers and staff who truly care about the overall development of the kids. Principal Robinson (one of my personal heroes!) sets the tone, and it's in the details that this school really shines. For example, choosing positive language (e.g. providing the opportunity for students to 'make a better choice' if they may be struggling with behavior) when talking to and about the kids. My son has an IEP, and this experience has also been fantastic, with meaningful IEP and development meetings. We are thankful for our time at Hawthorne, and feel better prepared for middle school because of it!

Posted: May 30, 2025

Posted: May 30, 2025

Posted: May 30, 2025

Posted: May 30, 2025

Posted: May 30, 2025

Posted: May 30, 2025

Posted: August 22, 2024

Posted: August 22, 2024

Our experience at Hawthorne has been exceptional. Principal Robinson leads the charge and creates an environment the students, parents and teachers want to be part of. There is a real feel of community at this school. My child is learning and motivated each day.

Posted: August 22, 2024

Posted: August 22, 2024

Posted: August 22, 2024

Posted: August 22, 2024

Posted: November 4, 2023

My two kids go to Hawthorne and they both love this school. Students are diverses in race, culture and abilities. There are many parents involved acitivities. Teachers and staff are very caring and principal Robinson is the best. I have no complain about this school so far.

Posted: November 4, 2023

Posted: November 4, 2023

Posted: November 4, 2023

Posted: November 4, 2023

Posted: November 4, 2023

Posted: November 4, 2023

Posted: November 4, 2023

Posted: December 9, 2020

Posted: December 9, 2020

Posted: December 9, 2020

Posted: December 9, 2020

We have been part of the Hathorne family since 2012. This has been a wonderful environment for learning for both of my children. My older daughter started as a 2nd grader and is now in High School and my younger started in K and is now a 5th grader. all of the teachers are fantastic, the seminar program is great as are all of the programs offered. Great leadership with the newer Principal Robinson. We were there through a lot of coming and going Principals and through it all, the teachers were fantastic and really lead the school. Having her join made things even better. Great option for neighborhood school or to choice into.

Posted: December 9, 2020

Posted: December 9, 2020

Posted: December 9, 2020

Posted: December 9, 2020

Posted: March 5, 2020

My family has been attending Hawthorne since 1967. My sister, her daughter and son and now my grandniece. I have seen the difference in how the children have been taught over the years. I am amazed at the high quality of education my grandniece is receiving in kindergarten. She is working at 1st grade level with daily homework assignments. She loves this school and her teacher.

Posted: March 5, 2020

Posted: March 5, 2020

Posted: March 5, 2020

Posted: March 5, 2020

Posted: March 5, 2020

Posted: March 5, 2020

Posted: February 18, 2020

My children started school at Hawthorne in 2015 this is our neighborhood school and we decided to give it a chance. As a parent we all want the best for our children and one of my biggest concerns for me is safety. Second, I wanted them to be around well behaved kids (no bullies). As far as their education goes, I decided from the very beginning that I would take an active role in my children’s learning. Teachers and staff are faced with a difficult job daily and really don’t get enough support.
Almost 5 years at that school and I am very proud of what they have accomplished. They made it to the 2020 list of California’s Distinguished schools!!
The campus is always secure, they believe in building character and this foundation is important in preparing our kids for their future. It’s a small community which encourages a it’s members to have fun and to get involved. I am most proud of our Principal Miss Lauren Robinson. Her passion and dedication truly is heartwarming. She is extremely hands on and is easy to talk to. She’s often in front of the school before and after to ensure all is going well for drop off and pick ups. You’ll even meet her parents mom and dad Robinson; they are so supportive and helpful and it’s always a pleasure to see them on campus.

Remember I was concerned about safety? Every morning a staff member is at the drop off zone and the front gate is secured as soon as school begins. After school the staff stays out front until each student has left campus. If any student is left waiting, that staff member walks them to the office.

Posted: February 18, 2020

Posted: February 18, 2020

The Six Pillars of Character are: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship.

Posted: February 18, 2020

The principal and staff have clear expectations.

Posted: February 18, 2020

I don't have experience in this area

Posted: February 18, 2020

My child had one incident and I believe it is simply a troubled kid. When I spoke to the principal she handled it immediately. We haven't had any other problems.

Posted: November 8, 2019

I cant emphasize the importance of the seminar program for gifted students. These students are special needs students who have been taught to harness their intelligence and taught to succeed. I give all credits to these two teachers in my childrens' academic success!

Posted: November 8, 2019

Posted: November 8, 2019

Posted: November 8, 2019

Teachers don't need to be micromanaged. They can only succeed when they are left to their creative abilities.

Posted: November 8, 2019

I most amazing part of this school is the seminar program. It has been around for many many years and have been successful due to the most significant players, Mrs. Sherman and Mrs. Smith. I have seen my friends' children and my older one go through secondary schools and were taught to harness their intelligent. These young adults are thriving in college.

Posted: November 8, 2019

Posted: May 14, 2019

You will see the emphasis placed on all of these aspects of character building all around the school, as well as on the once monthly family Friday events.

Posted: May 14, 2019

Lauren Robinson is a fantastic Principal. She’s engaged, committed, and driven to create a solid school at Hawthorne. Small but mighty, Lauren knows the importance of creating a community of a school, not just a place for kids to be stuck in a sterile classroom 5 days a week. Take a tour of this school...you will be pleasantly surprised with the great things that are happening here. Things have changed for the better over the past 3 years under Lauren’s leadership. Highly recommend this school!!!

Posted: May 14, 2019

Posted: May 14, 2019

Posted: May 14, 2019

Fantastic school, great leadership with Principal Robinson and wonderful teachers. Awesome neighborhood school. Do not overlook this just because you assume the other 10 out of 10 school is that much better. Open your eyes, take a tour, and ask questions!

Posted: May 14, 2019

If a child needs extra work on math, reading, or spelling, there’s a focus on that for homework. If the child is doing just fine, the homework—especially the 2nd grade level—isn’t a daily grind.

Posted: May 14, 2019

The teachers are fantastic here! Even though it’s a small school, the teachers pay attention to students and parents who show up and are committed to helping make this environment a positive learning experience.

Posted: August 21, 2018

Posted: August 21, 2018

Posted: August 21, 2018

Posted: August 21, 2018

Posted: August 21, 2018

Posted: August 21, 2018

Posted: August 21, 2018

Extremely positive. Great staff. Excellent communication throughout the year.

Posted: March 12, 2018

Posted: March 12, 2018

Posted: March 12, 2018

Posted: March 12, 2018

Posted: March 12, 2018

Posted: March 12, 2018

Excellent! We really loved the school. Ms Marsi is the best!

Posted: February 23, 2018

We'd had experience with both another public school (that has received a 10) as well as a couple of private schools. The seminar program at Hawthorne is unmatched. The 2nd/3rd grade teacher has high expectations and keeps the kids challenged. So very happy we found this gem!

Posted: February 23, 2018

The 2nd/3rd grade seminar teacher here is what I had been searching for. These children have virtually no ceiling. My child is finally challenged and couldn't be happier.

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

I can speak of our family's experience in H's special education preschool--fantastic! and also the seminar program--outstanding! The principal is great--she knows when your child is having an off day, and she'll call home. We find the seminar program challenging--my kids' vocabulary is increasing exponentially and math is rewarding--tough and fun. The preschool staff is really great---they work as a great team with wonderful lead teacher direction. Extremely pleased with the school. PTA sponsored-science program for the whole school has been great for my kids. One brought home a crane made from straws and toothpicks; my other child's crane broke but he knew what he would change next time (and was smiling about it).

Posted: May 21, 2017

The seminar teacher Mrs. Sherman and Mrs. Smith are exceptional. Other teacher are very dedicated to the school

Posted: May 21, 2017

Posted: May 21, 2017

The new principal Mrs. Robinson is awesome. Friendly, love kids and she is always visible to parents.

Posted: May 21, 2017

The school is doing very good job at teaching kids who do not speak English to the extreme gifted and talent kids.

Posted: May 21, 2017

Bullying is being taking care of fast.

Posted: May 21, 2017

Homework is reasonable. My kids love the new ST math program. I didn't hear them complaining math is boring anymore and they learn a lot.

Posted: May 21, 2017

Coming from a well know private school. I would say this school did a better job at teaching my two children.

Posted: February 8, 2017

they do a good job integrating the new math and reading curriculum that the school was a pilot program for.

Posted: February 8, 2017

They stress character and honesty and respect for others.

Posted: February 8, 2017

Mrs. Robinson is amazing! Very energetic and enthusiastic. The kids love her and she is thoughtful and puts the kids first.

Posted: February 8, 2017

they use technology very effectively, as well as the curriculum programs.

Posted: February 8, 2017

They thoughtfully discuss the need for respect and have an effective anti-bullying policy.

Posted: February 8, 2017

Just great, so excited to have Mrs. Robinson leading this school and the community should be excited to have this great neighborhood school. They have TWO preschools on site and great extended day program with caring and dedicated volunteers.

Posted: February 8, 2017

challenging but not daunting has been the norm.

Posted: January 13, 2017

Hawthorne has a very energetic, enthusiastic Principal, and incredibly dedicated teachers who have served at the school for many years.
There is a pre-school onsite, the YMCA Prime Time Extended Day Program, and many after-school activities are available.
The GATE Seminar program for gifted students is extremely successful under the tutorage of two remarkable teachers, Ms. Smith and Ms. Sherman.
Hawthorne is fortunate to have a very active PTA which raises funds for various field trips to San Diego Symphony and Classics 4 Kids each year, it also funds science classes, music appreciation classes, ballet, the YMCA P.E. program; and organizes annual jogathons, book fairs, and community events such as the Halloween Carnivals and Movie Nights.

Posted: January 13, 2017

Posted: January 13, 2017

Posted: January 13, 2017

Posted: January 13, 2017

Posted: January 13, 2017

Posted: January 13, 2017

Posted: November 29, 2016

Hawthorne is a friendly neighborhood school with an exceptional program for gifted students. Their GATE Seminar program was well worth choicing into. It provided separate classes composed of GATE students that were taught by highly experienced teachers familiar with the special needs of the gifted population. My child was academically and artistically challenged, but also received the social-emotional support that is necessary for gifted children to thrive. An active parent-led foundation forms an engaging and supportive community for families with gifted students.

Posted: October 3, 2016

Has a grandparent my grandson's have attended Hawthorne Elementary for the past 6 years since they are military children they have returned off and on since 2011! All 3 of the boys have experienced success with all the teachers they have come in contact with. The teachers are dedicated, enthusiastic with many years of experience throughout all grades. The community and family involvement at Hawthorne is outstanding. Hawthorne is under a new Principle and Mrs. Robinson is awesome she is very much involved and is dedicated in serving the students and parents! She is striving to make every child a learner!!!! The students receive many educational enrichments both in the classrooms and on the many field trips the students receive throughout the year.

Posted: September 12, 2016

We've been very happy with this school for both of our children. The teachers are dedicated, enthusiastic, and experienced. Most have been there more than ten years. We love the community and family involvement at such a small neighborhood school. There has been a lot of turnover of principals in the past, but since 2015 the principal has been FANTASTIC! My children have received a very rich education here - great teachers supplemented by wonderful educational enrichments both in the classrooms (e.g., experts that come to the school to give presentations) and on field trips (Natural History Museum, San Diego Symphony, college campuses, nature tours through San Diego Audubon and Tijuana River Nature Reserve, etc.). We couldn't be happier!

Posted: March 25, 2015

Hawthorne is a small school with a dedicated teaching staff who are supportive not only of one another but the students and parents as well.

Posted: February 12, 2015

As a newer teacher, I could not have received a better placement than at Hawthorne Elementary. The staff has embraced me with open arms and works efficiently together to provide our students with the best learning experience possible. Hawthorne has a smaller learning community with teachers that are committed to furthering each child's education. There are many great things coming in Hawthorne's future!

Posted: January 21, 2015

My third child is attending the seminar program in 3rd Grade at Hawthorne this year transferring from a neighborhood school. At the old school he was a failure and we kept getting notices of his misbehaving and failing in class. Now at Hawthorne, he is prospering into a promising student. Mrs. Sherman is paying attention to each student individually instead just as a number. I would recommend to parents of any GATE Certified students to send their kids to this school.

Posted: June 6, 2013

My child attended the seminar program here, coming from another school that was rated "10" by greatschools.net. Hawthorne has a great seminar program, and this significantly improves the performance of the rest of the school. If your kid is an average student and is not in the seminar program, then you may want to look elsewhere. The fantastic seminar program is keeping this school alive - the regular academic programs are exceptionally weak. Parent involvement (outside of the seminar program) is ZERO.

Posted: December 2, 2012

I pulled my sons from a GreatSchools "10" to go to Hawthorne in their Seminar Program. They went from being bored and underachieving to thriving and loving school. I love that the school is smaller than most elementary schools in San Diego, and that it's economically and racially diverse. Most of all - I love that my kids LOVE school again.

Posted: April 15, 2011

This school does a terrific job teaching everyone from non-English speakers to Seminar students. It is a small school with a friendly community feeling. The teachers overall are excellent. My one criticism is that the parent involvement is low. That needs to be changed!