La Jolla Elementary School

Posted: August 27, 2026

Posted: August 27, 2026

Posted: August 27, 2026

Unfortunately, our experience at this elementary school was deeply disappointing, particularly when it came to race and inclusion. My son attended this school from 1st through 5th grade, and over those years I became increasingly concerned about what I felt was racial segregation and unequal treatment of students of color.

What stood out to me was that the students of color were often seated together and frequently placed in the same classes. This was especially noticeable because there were so few students of color in the grade to begin with — sometimes what seemed like only around 10 students in the entire grade. When such a small group of minority students is repeatedly grouped together, it becomes very noticeable as a parent.

One experience that particularly bothered me occurred when my son was placed in a combined 4th/5th-grade classroom that appeared to consist overwhelmingly of students of color. We were told the combined class was necessary because there were too many students, but I found it very troubling that so many of the students selected for that classroom were students of color.

Over the years, I also noticed students of color being seated together in ways that made the separation feel even more obvious. From my perspective, it created an environment where my son could easily feel like he was part of a separate group rather than fully included with the rest of his classmates.

There have also been public controversies involving allegations of racial bias associated with the school and its leadership, which only reinforced the concerns I already had based on our family’s own experience.

Ultimately, after my son finished 5th grade, we moved to another city. I did not want him growing up feeling that he didn’t belong or that certain opportunities weren’t meant for him because of his race. As a parent, that was heartbreaking.

I understand that this school is highly rated academically and that other families may have had completely different experiences. However, a high rating does not necessarily mean a school will be the right environment for every child. Based on our experience, I did not feel that students of color were always given the same sense of belonging, inclusion, and opportunity as other students.

No child should ever leave elementary school feeling that their race determines where they sit, who they are grouped with, where they fit in, or what opportunities are available to them.

Posted: August 27, 2026

Posted: August 27, 2026

Posted: August 27, 2026

Posted: August 27, 2026

Posted: October 5, 2020

During Covid kids are learning online which is fine. The teacher that my son has a weak grasp on Google Classroom. The teacher assigns homework the Monday of the school week and only gives it one day at a time. It's confusing when to Submit an assignment or when to email the homework. It's inefficient for a teacher to receive 15+ emails with attachments.

Posted: October 5, 2020

My son's teacher is Not effective she is disorganized. Last week she spent 5 minutes explaining the homework in a confusing fashion at the end a kid piped in and said "what is the homework?" The teacher told him that she just explained the homework and told him to look it up in Google Classroom, him and most of the students were lost. I'm a computer expert and I have a hard time figuring out what the teacher has for homework.

Posted: October 5, 2020

Posted: October 5, 2020

The Principal should be more aware of what is going on in the classrooms.

Posted: October 5, 2020

Posted: October 5, 2020

Last year my son was bullied in his classroom the teacher was oblivious to the bullying. When I told her about it she did nothing.

Posted: October 5, 2020

Bad, I'm planning to Choice out for the next school year. This school is very strange if you're not "in" then you get treated poorly.

Posted: August 31, 2018

Posted: August 31, 2018

Posted: August 31, 2018

Posted: August 31, 2018

Posted: August 31, 2018

Posted: August 31, 2018

Posted: August 31, 2018

My two kids attended LJES so I was involved at the school for 10 years .... It was a great experience for the entire family. Principal Donna Tripi has built an outstanding team of teachers, and the parent community has stepped in to fill gaps in public funding.

Posted: April 23, 2017

Great school, great teachers, strong sense of community !

Posted: April 23, 2017

Posted: April 23, 2017

Posted: April 23, 2017

Posted: April 23, 2017

Posted: April 23, 2017

Posted: April 23, 2017

Posted: August 28, 2016

Love everything about this school. Terrific parent involvement is why this schools is tops. The children have so many projects, I'm always excited to see what's next in store.

Posted: September 18, 2014

This is my son's 3rd year at LJES and he's now on 5th grade. It started really good on 3rd and 4th grade and went down hill. The homework that my son brings home is not even a page. Sometime just only 2 problems to solve and then he is done in 5 minutes top. Talk to the principal, impossible. I'm looking for another school so I can transfer him so he doesn't get behind and pe prepared for middle school. I want the best education for my son. Is that too much to ask?

Posted: September 17, 2014

The best thing about La Jolla Elementary is the sense of community. There are so many wonderful families and parents that volunteer. The School Site Governance has a good vision for the direction of the school and focuses on ways to make the students healthy, active, and engaged. My son likes to participate in the before school Run Club. The principal, Ms. Tripi, can be hard to reach but that is because she is busy being an instructional leader. She knows each of the students by name!

Posted: June 7, 2014

I have 2 children who have gone thru La Jolla Elementary; my youngest is about to graduate 5th grade this week. Our time at LJES has been a fantastic experience. I know many judge schools by test scores (which by the way are great) but I judge a school on a more personal level. My children have excelled both academically and socially. The school is driven by its Principal Ms. Trippi, who deeply cares about every student in her school. She is at the school 24/7 and beyond that she attends every event the school supports. No school can ever ask for a more dedicated leader. What makes LJES such an outstanding school is its staff. To the teachers, it is not just a job, it is their passion. We have been very happy with the education and environment our children have had for the past 9 years. The teachers and staff really care, LJES is a family. Lastly, Family is a key; the parental involvement is what makes this school a Village . From poetry readings to concerts to events at the school the parents are there every step of the way. Our family wants to thank everyone, Principal, Teachers, Staff and Parents on 9 fantastic years; we will deeply miss our Village!

Posted: June 6, 2014

A quick note on PE safety at this school. Our son in fifth grade two weeks ago broke his leg due to the PE teacher having the students play soccer without shin guards. In league play within La Jolla and the county, no coach would have a child play or do drills without shin guards. The school was cavalier about the injury and the accident is a sad symbol as our son graduates LJES in the face of a long hot summer while wearing a cast up to his thigh. The school is fine for over-achieving students and Gate Seminar children. The school is discernibly deficient and inconsistent with regard to children challenged by dyslexia, audio processing issues, and other common learning disorders. LJES pays highest attention to test scores and state rankings rather than community obligation to all children irrespective of their talents and aptitude. Our children had the benefit of the Gate Seminar program and the missing benefit of dyslexia strategies. Perhaps it is the school district too caught in this dysfunctional dynamic. Poway schools, by comparison, are looking finer than this.

Posted: March 29, 2014

The Principal has been at this school too long and needs to be transferred to another school. There are too many conflicting relationships and exclusions if you're outside her circle. This is a Public school that needs to function as one. The Foundation Fundraising needs to be audited on a regular basis. Checks and balances are missing. Monetary gifts to teachers, access to parents vacation homes, parents inappropriately hired to substitute teach - all need to be reviewed by the District. Quid pro quo thrives here.

Posted: October 18, 2013

If you complain about a teacher or close friend of the Principle you will be retaliated against and not a single parent can or will risk helping you for fear their child will be hurt in some way. Beware.

Posted: December 29, 2012

I have had two children go through La Jolla Elementary and have been very pleased. Both of my children seemed to thrive at the school and have done well academically in Middle School. I really liked the focus on visual and performing arts in the daily curriculum and after school science program. I also like the way most parents were involved at the school and in the classroom.

Posted: November 26, 2012

Great school. Wish the Principal would reply to our request to meet. We've met with the teacher. My impression is they would rather not deal with the parents... We've put three children through the school over the last 15 years. This is the first time we have asked Ms. Tripi for a brief meeting after meeting with the teach with some concerns about our child. She does not even reply or delegate someone to reply, or even bother to have some automated response stating she'd love to reply but is just too busy.. just something. It's not rocket science. Maybe she could use the hour a day she directs traffic and do actual principal work.

Posted: September 20, 2011

The principal is amazing. She has high standards for all kids -- which is demonstrated in the test scores. The person who complained about her use of the bullhorn clearly hasn't been at the school long -- and doesn't really know that much about what goes on there. The principal needs the bullhorn at pickup, when hundreds of parents are trying to pick up their kid at the same time. As another reviewer said, there is so much noise the kids wouldn't be able to hear their name if she didn't use the bullhorn. Pickup is stressful because the school has so many students -- and because some parents illegally park, do U-turns directly in front of the school, and disregard the safety of all children except their own. As for the comment about the principal's attitude toward other races, again, this reviewer doesn't know the principal or the school, because that is not true.

Posted: September 19, 2011

The reason the principal has a bull horn is that she is responsible for the safety of hundreds of children. There is a tremendous amount of noise during pick up and this is the only way for her to get everyone's attention. I have worked the pick up, and the current system is by far the best for the safety of all the children. As far as the attitude towards other races, I am completely blown away by this comment. What we love about this school is the feeling of community, and this feeling comes directly from Ms. Tripi! She cares about every child in that school, her passion is the driving force behind the success of La Jolla Elementary. It sounds like you are new to the school since you have a kindergartener. Please volunteer and get involved with the parents and teachers. I am sure you will then realize what a specail place our school is.

Posted: January 15, 2011

I find it funny that a parent claims to be turned away from a school where by law, they have to take all children that live IN THE DISTRICT. I am certain that if any child was turned away, it is because so many residents who pay taxes to attend LJES see it as an outstanding education and community and CHOOSE to send their children to the school because it is their LEGAL right. Both LJES and Donna Trippi are amazing. I pinch myself everyday for the opportunity to send my child to a school with such an incredible community and outstanding parent involvement. This is NOT a private school. If you are looking for 15 kids in a class, minimal diversity in socio-economics, art every day, gardening, catered lunches and the ability to be a non-participating parent, then LJES is not the right place for you...spend the $10,000+ at a private school and get the same eductaion...but don't come with negativity, complain and not offer your help. LJES strives to be a positive community where the childrens' best interests come first, not the parents' social networking and absent behavior. LJES...I love it. I treasure it, and I am thankful for it.