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Pacific Beach Elementary School

San Diego, CA 92109

Phone: (619) 605-4200
Fax: (858) 488-7852
District: San Diego Unified School District

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GreatSchools Rating

public • Grades KG,1,2,3,4,5 • 312 students

Pacific Beach Elementary School, a public school located in San Diego, CA, serves grades K-5 in the San Diego Unified School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 6 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.

Pacific Beach Elementary School is a public school located in San Diego, CA. 312 students attend Pacific Beach Elementary School.

School Ratings

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	2/10	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: June 30, 2026

There truly aren't enough words to express how grateful our family is for Pacific Beach Elementary.

Before coming to PBE, our daughter struggled both academically and socially at her previous school. She often felt unseen, unheard, and unsupported. Despite our concerns, very little was done to help her find her confidence or her place.

Everything changed when she arrived at Pacific Beach Elementary.

From the very beginning, the staff showed genuine care for our daughter as a whole personnot just as a student. They created an environment where she felt safe, supported, and valued.

A very special thank you goes to Mr. K, the absolute best school counselor anyone could ask for. He gave our daughter a voice when she didn't know how to speak up for herself. He consistently checked in with her, helped her build meaningful friendships with her peers, and encouraged a level of self-confidence we never knew she had. Watching her grow into a happier, more confident child has been nothing short of incredible, and Mr. K has been a huge part of that transformation.

Whatever they pay Mr. K, it isn't enough. The impact he has on students and families is truly priceless.

Pacific Beach Elementary has changed our daughter's life, and we will always be thankful for the compassion, dedication, and unwavering support they've shown our family. Thank you, PBE, for believing in our daughter and helping her become the confident, happy kid she was always meant to be.

Posted: June 11, 2026

We have been at PBE for 4 years now and we love it! You can really see that teachers and staff care about the students and their achievements are recognized and celebrated. Between 2 kids at the school, we've had multiple teachers and they have all been amazing.
It's a very inclusive environment and parents are very engaged in different school programs such as, Garden education, San Diego Youth Science and Arts Attack. We have multiple events throughout the year where the community comes together to create a fun day for the students and other members of the community.
I'm very proud to be apart of a school that puts the students first.
We have recently received a Leader in Me Lighthouse certification, which shows the dedication and hard work of the students, teachers, staff and our principal.
This last year PBE has had a significant improvement in test results and student attendance. In my opinion that shows how much involvement we have from school, students and parents.
I'm very happy that our family is apart of such a wonderful community.

Posted: August 3, 2025

Our experience with PBE has been nothing short of amazing. From the moment we enrolled, we felt welcomed, supported, and truly part of a caring community that prioritizes both academic excellence and student well-being.

The staff is dedicated, approachable, and consistently goes above and beyond to meet the needs of each student. The school fosters a positive learning environment where students are encouraged to grow not only intellectually, but also socially and emotionally.

I want to especially recognize the school counselor, Mr.K, who has been an incredible support system for our child and our family. His compassion, professionalism, and genuine care have made a lasting impact. He consistently checks in with students, offers individualized support, and works closely with teachers and parents to ensure that every child feels seen, heard, and valued.

Lastly, PBE has fun days where the students dress up and do fun acitivities.

We are deeply grateful to be part of such a nurturing and high-quality educational environment.

Posted: October 23, 2024

Even though the school preaches kindness, the bully environment is running rampant. As long as the bully kid is part of the PTO or donor clique, behavior is overlooked by teachers and administration (even at the highest level). Emphasis is on test scores vs. Childrens well-being. Unfortunately, one of the schools long-term brightest lights is no longer there starting 2024 academic year.

Posted: January 9, 2024

Good school that is very open and bright and cares about this area.
It is located in a quiet residential area of Pacific Beach and is safe.
The school has a new principal and is expected to improve its education.

Posted: December 5, 2023

PBE has been a phenomenal place for my daughter. She struggled for multiple years with anxiety and other mental health issues until she got to PBE. She now looks forward to go to school everyday. PBE has a new school counselor this year that is absolutely fantastic. He goes above and beyond to get to know the students and teach them not only about school, but about life. I wish he could be the new principal at PBE, as he has really made a difference in my daughter's life. Lastly, the teachers are great and will communicate often with parents.

Posted: December 5, 2023

Posted: April 27, 2019

The teachers are amazing and give so much to each student

Posted: April 9, 2018

I have a 4th and 2nd grader that have attended the school since kindergarten. There have been many positive changes made in the last two years with a new principal. Beautiful campus, awesome principal, excellent teachers, helpful and involved parent community that raises a lot of money and provides enrichment and learning opportunities for all students. The school has a science and engineering focus, a GATE/Seminar Program, and outstanding after school enrichment opportunities available.

Posted: November 2, 2013

Wonderful neighborhood school! The best teachers and lots of parent involvement! A whole community. My kids are getting the best education. There are also a bunch of great after school enrichment programs. Highly recommend!

Posted: August 29, 2013

My son goes here 3years so far and absolutely loves it! The principal is amazing and the teachers are incredible. I would highly recommend this school!!

Posted: April 26, 2010

Reviews provided by GreatSchools^™

Jenny Werner
Navy
40-50 years old
Previously lived in: Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Herndon, San Diego
Bronze medal

Reviewed: February 25, 2018

Pacific Beach Elementary is .7 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The school is laid back yet takes learning seriously. It is the only GATE/GATE Seminar elementary school in Pacific Beach. According to the San Diego Unified website, GATE's purpose is stated as, "Our mission is to advance the development of gifted, talented, and high potential youth through opportunities, student advocacy, and exemplary programs and practices."

Recommendations: There are 117 elementary schools in San Diego Unified. There are four elementary schools in Pacific Beach that all feed to the same middle and high school. Barnard Elementary is Mandarin Chinese and I've heard it's very good, but has its own specialty as do the other schools. Crown Point is good for musical students while parents interested in the International Baccalaureate route should have their children attend Kate Sessions. I taught at John Paul Jones Elementary and thought the principal and staff there were extremely helpful and accommodating towards military families. Coronado has exceptional schools, but is secluded so unless you live in Coronado it's a commute. Point Loma schools are very good. I've substituted there and have friends with children there.
Website: https://www.sandiegounified.org/schools/pacific-beach
What did you like? Before moving to California I lived in Virginia with one daughter in Gifted and the other homeschooled. I knew I wanted to live in Pacific Beach, but there are four elementary schools here. Barnard is Mandarin Chinese Immersion. Crown Point is music. Kate Sessions in International Baccalaureate. Pacific Beach is Gifted. I put in paperwork in Nov/Dec to choice my children into Pacific Beach Elementary the school year before their expected arrival. We didn't know where we'd live in PB. The teachers are excellent. There are after school programs, knowledgeable staff, after school clubs and a fantastic Parent Teacher Organization. Clubs have included academic and extracurricular such as Lego, Math, dance, and YMCA. Everyone could participate in the morning jogs and every classroom had assigned garden days. Students had a section of a garden where they tended and grew vegetables then ate them. The biggest culture shock coming from VA was the lack of state budget, but the PTO helped tremendously paying for a science teacher, field trips, resources, parent volunteer led in-class Art, along with a plethora of other school necessities. There are no busses or AC, but the classrooms had smart and energetic teachers keeping students thinking and learning. They took walks to the beach and library, dissected marine animals, and concentrated heavily on writing and Math. There were science projects, biography papers and culturally diverse activities to include everyone. There were night time family activities held at least once monthly and fundraisers where the community came together to raise money and sponsor the schools. My daughters attended third, fourth, and fifth grades at PBE and I'm glad I chose this school. My most favorite thing about this school was the lack of cliques and bullies. This was the most inclusive environment I could have chosen for a child and I've taught third, sixth, and eighth grades in VA and CA. I'd heard of some other Pacific Beach elementary schools having problems from parents both military and non-military, but not this school. I asked a few parents and staff as to why this is and the best answer I received was the staff. The staff at PBE care about the students and make sure all students feel confident in themselves so they can concentrate on studies and including others.
What did you dislike? I didn't like the lack of budget for extracurricular activities. Fundraising was a constant so the Parent Teacher Organization could raise money for teachers and students. I also didn't like how school was cancelled due to heat advisories, but that's a San Diego Unified School District issue because so many schools don't have air conditioning, including Pacific Beach Elementary.

newslettersble
Navy, Officer
30-40 years old
Bronze medal

Reviewed: January 22, 2014

This is a wonderful school many activities such as theatre, Spanish, math, heartlight, gardening, etc. There are also local activities advertised through the school for cheerleading, martial arts, sports, etc. K-5 on a traditional schedule (which we are in favor of). Active PTA. Before/After school care provided by 6 to 6 (free) or Klasic Kids (fee). Scored a 9 out of 10.

Website: http://www.sandi.net/pbe
What did you like? I love that this school is so active and involved. Parent involvement is excellent which is partly what makes this such a great school. There are various activities throughout the year and the afterschool activities are plentiful. I love the garden, science and art class programs as well. We have a first grader who loves Mrs. Reynolds!
What did you dislike? I wish there was a bit more supervision in the morning and afterschool. I dislike the fact that San Diego does not provide bus service as a regular service. We are also very disappointed in the food that is served to students. It does not look appetizing nor healthy by any means therefore we chose to send our child with her own lunch. Another disadvantage is that this school feeds into Pacific Beach Middle which could be a great school and has excellent academics, wonderful community service focus and various sports, however the student population/behavior issues could use some attention.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Ocean Beach	Apartment Complex	San Diego	CA	4.4 mi
2	Riverfront Condominium Rentals	Apartment Complex	San Diego	CA	6.1 mi
3	Mission Hills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	6.3 mi
4	Spectrum Center Blvd, Kearny Mesa	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	6.7 mi
5	The Heritage	Apartment Complex	San Diego	CA	8.1 mi
6	Canyon View	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	8.2 mi
7	Apartment	Apartment Complex	Coronado	CA	8.8 mi
8	City Heights	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	9.8 mi
9	Del Cerro	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	10.7 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	La Jolla	La Jolla	CA	2.9 mi
2	University City	San Diego	CA	4.2 mi
3	Loma Portal	San Diego	CA	4.7 mi
4	Old Town	San Diego	CA	4.9 mi
5	Old Town San Diego	San Diego	CA	5.1 mi
6	Mission Hills	San Diego	CA	5.7 mi
7	Serra Mesa	San Diego	CA	6.8 mi
8	Point Loma	San Diego	CA	7.2 mi
9	Broadway Pier	San Diego	CA	7.9 mi
10	Seaport Village	San Diego	CA	8.4 mi
11	North Park	San Diego	CA	8.5 mi
12	Gaslamp Quarter	San Diego	CA	8.5 mi
13	Kensington	San Diego	CA	8.9 mi
14	Coronado	Coronado	CA	9.4 mi
15	Mira Mesa	San Diego	CA	10.4 mi
16	Del Cerro	San Diego	CA	10.9 mi

Base	Distance
MCRD San Diego	5.8 mi.
North Island NAS	8.1 mi.
Miramar MCAS	8.2 mi.
San Diego Naval Medical Center	8.3 mi.
Naval Base Point Loma	8.6 mi.
Coronado Naval Amphibious Base	10.6 mi.
San Diego Naval Base	11.5 mi.
Camp Pendleton	38.6 mi.

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Pacific Beach Elementary School

San Diego, CA 92109

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