Kumeyaay 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	8/10	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 13, 2023

We switched to this school and absolutely love it. A positive / experienced teacher, supportive / inclusive admin, wonderful school programs, beautiful campus / classrooms, involved / welcoming parents have made this an environment my child looks forward to every morning.

My child is now absolutely thriving in an better environment after they had a terrible experience at another Tierrasanta school. Highly, highly recommend this school! Cant say enough positive things!

Posted: September 20, 2022

Love this school. Super involved PTF. Art, music and science classes. Great selection of after school clubs. Fantastic neighborhood school with great financial support from the community to provide our kids a well rounded, nurturing and rigorous elementary school experience.

Posted: April 18, 2022

Our student attended Kumeyaay for several years. On a positive note, a couple of the teachers were outstanding: dedicated, compassionate, and kind. Unfortunately, this did not make up for the significant lack of understanding shown by the principal and several of special education staff regarding the needs of kids who depart from the norm, i.e. have any kind of learning difference. The leadership of this school opts for "discipline" over understanding why a child might be struggling in the classroom setting. The overall plan seems to be to make life so uncomfortable for these students and their parents that they will either choose to leave, or be forced out through the disciplinary process. According to the National Council on Learning Disabilities (NCLD), 1 in 5 kids has a learning disability, including dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, dysgraphia, and/or problems with executive function. With almost 400 students at Kumeyaay, one can estimate there are 80+ kids in need of screening for special education services at the school. Parents: if your student is struggling academically or socially, you will have to be the one to advocate for your student in the face of an administration that will do go to great lengths to deny your child access to the services they are legally entitled to. This is not an exaggeration. Educate yourself, know your child's rights, talk to other parents, and hire an advocate if you can. Your child will need you!

Posted: October 3, 2021

Coming back in person after Covid Distance Learning has been an adjustment. The teachers have been a wonderful support to the students, and we are thrilled with the high expectations in the classroom to make up for lost time. The issue at this school is the leadership. As with many principals, they start strong, but then bow to the pressure of bully parents. A leader should be a leader and lead by example. Ive watched this administrator lead the school in a positive direction, and then move toward the easy route by letting parents have their way by throwing temper tantrums and threats. I believe principals should be moved at regular intervals to keep the ideas fresh. Its time for this one to move on.

Posted: October 3, 2019

While we haven't struggled with learning differences, our child has many friends who do. Their parents frequently express how involved the teachers are in helping their kids.

Posted: October 3, 2019

When our child was bullied by two other kids who said racist things, the teacher and principal both supported our child with kindness and compassion. They effectively reprimanded the bullies and also taught them about their behavior. While I would wish that bullying would never happen, our child was comforted in how the bullys were handled.

Posted: October 3, 2019

Kumeyaay does a fantastic job at developing character - from the regular conversations in classrooms to the reminders at monthly meetings and the positive posters hanging up. This school really cares about developing the children into good people.

Posted: October 3, 2019

Mrs. Zarzosa sets a positive tone for the whole school. She greets the kids and parents outside the school regularily. Additionally, she makes herself available for troubleshooting, assistance both in the classroom and outside. Coming from a family with multiple educators, I wish all schools had such strong leadership. The children also find her approachable, which speaks volumes about her level of caring.

Posted: October 3, 2019

We feel grateful that our child has had the opportunity to attend Kumeyaay Elementary. We've recommended it to many of our friends outside the area, as our experience has been really wonderful. The teachers, principal are friendly, enthusiastic eductors and really good role models for our child.

Posted: October 3, 2019

Homework has been helpful in supporting learning the class work, but isn't too time consuming or overwhelming for our child.

Posted: October 3, 2019

Effective, kindly, supportive and overall incredible - our child has felt loved and encouraged by all the staff at Kumeyaay. They are positive, give clear directions and are excellent with following up if there is an issue.

Posted: February 3, 2019

When you try to build these traits by only trying to punish students and never use positive reinforcement, encouragement, and other positive acts that change behavior, to me, you are still living with a 20th century mentality towards education.

Posted: February 3, 2019

The principal tried in good faith to overcome the many shortcomings of her TK teacher, but it was a little to late for us.

Posted: February 3, 2019

I would rate it with one word: horrid. My supporting evidence? The day we pulled our kid from this school, on our way out, the principal gave a hug to my son and told me: Im sorry that you had to go through such a terrible (or bad-I cant remember her exact word) experience here.

Kindergarten teaching is a completely different thing than elementary school teaching. Its during these years (TK&K) that kids either start loving school or hating it. As a parent who saw the transformation on my kids attitude towards a much more positive and calmer one after moving out of this school, I can safely say that even if you ace your pedagogical formation classes at school, unless you have a high enough EQ to empatize with the little ones, have a willingness to go to their level to understand their emotional needs, know a thing or two about positive reinforcement (which is tens of times harder than just sending 5 y.o.s to the principals office constantly), have nerves of steel, simply do something else with your life.

Posted: February 3, 2019

40 page optional Christmas break homework for TK. The option is if you dont do it, you get zero stars.

Posted: February 3, 2019

A teacher crying to you face, saying I cant handle him referring to your 5 y.o. leads me to think that way.

Posted: November 5, 2018

This school is wonderful! The staff, admin, teachers and principal are so kind and supportive and professional. My kids have thrived at this school.

Posted: November 5, 2018

Posted: November 2, 2018

Excellent. The level of Professionalism and Education that the teachers and Principal have is fenomenal!. This new principal really cares for their Teachers and Students.

Posted: November 2, 2018

Posted: October 26, 2018

I have been a Kumeyaay parent for 5 years now and my 3 children are happy at Kumeyaay. They are happy with their teachers, enjoy the programs, and growing both academically and non-academically. The children have built some long-lasting relationships with many of their peers. The school staff are positive and supportive. There are many parent involved volunteers but of course, we always need more.

Generally speaking, most public schools are underfunded which limit select activities for the students.

The Foundation at Kumeyaay is a non-profit fundraising organization which was created to raise money for needed educational programs at Kumeyaay that are not funded by the school district. The Foundation consist of parent volunteers who work with the school, parents, the local community, and small and large businesses to support Kumeyaay Elementary.

With the contributions received, Kumeyaay has been able to provide Science, Music and Art classes and much more for all of the students.

Posted: October 26, 2018

Posted: October 22, 2018

Kumeyaay has been a wonderful environment for my two children to attend elementary school. They have loved their teachers and have really enjoyed the "extras" offered at the school (science lab, art lessons, music, spanish, running club, garden club, etc.). The teachers are truly dedicated to their students, and the entire staff is friendly and approachable.

Posted: October 22, 2018

Posted: October 13, 2018

The principal has such a positive attitude and is supportive to staff, students, parents, and the community.

Posted: October 13, 2018

Homework is not just given to say it was done. It is an effective extension of the work done in the classroom.

Posted: October 13, 2018

Kumeyaay teachers know the children and know the curriculum. They approach each child as an individual.

Posted: October 13, 2018

This school is exceptional. The focus is on the whole child. Parents and staff work as a partnership for the benefit of all children.

Posted: October 13, 2018

This is a school with a amazing teachers and students. Right when I walk in the office, I am greeted with smiles and warmth. There are fundraisers for Science, music / performance, and fine art classes for all students, which is invaluable! This school is defiantly above and beyond anything I even imagined!!

Posted: October 13, 2018

Posted: October 12, 2018

Our children have attended 3 elementary schools and this is by far our favorite. Theres a great balance between academic experience and educating the whole child, a strong sense of community, and every teacher weve had has been great. I am grateful that our children are learning and growing in such a great school!

Posted: October 12, 2018

Posted: October 8, 2018

The principal listens to both parents and teachers to make the school great.

Posted: October 8, 2018

I have had 2 children go through Kumeyaay and they have been well prepared for middle school.

Posted: October 8, 2018

Homework is assigned when needed to master a topic. It is not given as busy work.

Posted: October 8, 2018

Teachers truly care about the success of each student.

Posted: October 5, 2018

Overall Kumeyaay has been an amazing place for our child. The teachers effectively communicate with the children and the parents. The community and parent involvement are what really push the experience over the top! So much effort is put in by volunteers to create a thriving learning environment.

Posted: October 5, 2018

Posted: October 2, 2018

My children have had a great experience at Kumeyaay. The staff, students, and families all work together and form a special community. The science, music and art programs are a fantastic addition that are unique to our school. The school also offers a garden club, yearbook club, spirit club, kinder buddies, and more. So lucky to have this as our neighborhood school!

Posted: October 2, 2018

Posted: October 1, 2018

We have nothing but praise for our school. Our child is thriving and wakes up each day excited to get to school. The community feel that is felt throughout we are also thankful for. The push to continue top notch science and music programs is such a bonus. The hands on experience by bigger than life teachers with these programs is wonderful. Our grade level teachers have also been wonderful. Great communication for parents and open to/thankful for parent volunteers. Highly recommend Kumeyaay for your child!

Posted: October 1, 2018

Wonderful communication with parents and open to parent volunteers.

Posted: October 1, 2018

Posted: March 19, 2018

Awful school. Program isnt very good. Biased, Common Core, always underfunded and begging parents for supplies and constant in-your-face fundraising while the teachers earn 93K per year. Very unhappy with this school.

Posted: February 15, 2016

We choiced into Kumeyaay Elementary for it's reputation of being a wonderful school. Kumeyaay has exceeded my expectations. The front office staff is friendly and always willing to help. Nurse Chris is amazingly caring and great with the kids on the days she is there. Michele in the office is marvelous, hard working and caring. Mrs. Aguilera is remarkable. She is incredibly patient, organized and inclusive. Teaching is a true calling for her. Mrs. Montgomery is very involved, kind and almost always available. Kumeyaay has wonderful parent involvement, a fantastic Foundation that funds the Art, Science and Music programs. Kumeyaay has a garden club that has produced some vegetables for use in the cafeteria. Kumeyaay has some wonderful traditions and as well. I am very glad my child is able to be a part of such a terrific school.

Posted: April 7, 2014

Our school is a terrific school to work and learn at. There is a lot of collaboration between staff and students to ensure learning is a priority. Our students take on responsibility with a sense of pride and ownership. Our military families are welcomed into our Kumeyaay family knowing they have a lot of support and are never alone. Our staff is caring and we work as a team. Even though our budget is pretty much next to none, and our resources are slim, we still make it work in each of our classrooms.

Posted: August 19, 2013

AMAZING! The teachers are caring and are great at communicating with parents. Mrs. Quintana is an amazing teacher! The parents are highly encouraged to be involved and there are tons of volunteer opportunities. Art and music are awesome and they encourage the children to be active. I cannot sing the praises of this school! Now I do have one complaint. Mrs. Young the science teacher. She does not tailer her classes for the different age groups. Kindergarteners don't get 5th grade lessons...

Posted: March 25, 2013

Kumeyaay is an excellent school ! It has a high API and is still getting higher. The teachers are great. The staff are knowledgeable and supportive. The principal cares a lot for the school, very active, so hands on with her job, and I saw areas that improved in the school when she took over. The parents' involvement is awesome. My kids learned a lot not only from the regular curriculum but also from other programs that were somehow funded by the PTA contributions and the proceeds from FUNDRAISING projects that parents continue to support because, ultimately, these are for the benefits of the children. There are so many students in Kumeyaay who excel. And I don't think the child will fail in getting the best elementary education if he/she is enrolled in Kumeyaay. But still, it is a joint effort / support from the school and the parents. The parents cannot leave everything with the school, we, as parents must do our part for our children's success. Are those who give negative reviews discuss their sentiments with the the principal first for improvement before sending out a bad review? Have we done our part / role for our kid's school?

Posted: December 9, 2012

If you want to be assualted by fund raising for less than stellar programs , while science is excellent and music ok, art is awful and the technology ( Lego) is by grant and minimal. And if you have a child who needs education to be average. And if you pefer a principal who is after her career first..... this is the place for you.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Canyon View	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	2 mi
2	Spectrum Center Blvd, Kearny Mesa	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	2.8 mi
3	Del Cerro	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	4 mi
4	Riverfront Condominium Rentals	Apartment Complex	San Diego	CA	6.1 mi
5	City Heights	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	7 mi
6	Santee Villas	Apartment Complex	Santee	CA	7.1 mi
7	Mission Hills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	7.5 mi
8	The Heritage	Apartment Complex	San Diego	CA	8.9 mi
9	Canyon Run Apartments	Apartment Complex	El Cajon	CA	9.1 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Serra Mesa	San Diego	CA	3.5 mi
2	Del Cerro	San Diego	CA	3.7 mi
3	Kensington	San Diego	CA	4.8 mi
4	Wine Country area of Scripps Ranch	San Diego	CA	5.9 mi
5	East County of San Diego	La Mesa	CA	6.1 mi
6	Santee Trolley Square	Santee	CA	6.2 mi
7	Mira Mesa	San Diego	CA	6.3 mi
8	Santee	Santee	CA	6.7 mi
9	North Park	San Diego	CA	6.8 mi
10	University City	San Diego	CA	6.9 mi
11	El Cajon	El Cajon	CA	7.9 mi
12	Mission Hills	San Diego	CA	8 mi
13	Old Town San Diego	San Diego	CA	8.4 mi
14	Old Town	San Diego	CA	8.4 mi
15	Gaslamp Quarter	San Diego	CA	9.5 mi
16	Broadway Pier	San Diego	CA	9.6 mi

Base	Distance
Miramar MCAS	3.6 mi.
San Diego Naval Medical Center	8.1 mi.
MCRD San Diego	9.1 mi.
San Diego Naval Base	10.8 mi.
North Island NAS	11.6 mi.
Coronado Naval Amphibious Base	11.9 mi.
Naval Base Point Loma	13.6 mi.
Camp Pendleton	40 mi.

Kumeyaay Elementary School

San Diego, CA 92124

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Kumeyaay Elementary School

San Diego, CA 92124

School Ratings

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