Pacific Beach Middle School

San Diego, CA 92109

Phone: (858) 221-5600
Fax: (858) 270-8063
District: San Diego Unified School District

10

GreatSchools Rating

public • Grades 6,7,8 • 715 students

Pacific Beach Middle School, a public school located in San Diego, CA, serves grades 6-8 in the San Diego Unified School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 10 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.

Pacific Beach Middle School is a public school located in San Diego, CA. 715 students attend Pacific Beach Middle School.

School Ratings

Category Rating Details
Test Scores 10/10 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 9/10 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: October 17, 2025

eh i was bored in class so i made this thing. this school is okay ig but i just dislike school.

Posted: October 17, 2025

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Posted: September 23, 2025

Balright, where do I start. This school is an absolute penitentiary. 6th grade and 7th grade aren't so bad almost all the teachers take it easy on you and are very chill and respectful. But the second you hit 8th grade it just all falls apart. As a graduate of this deprived diminishing school I will tell you 8th grade is not a good environment for you or your child. I mean I won't name names but I can tell you at least 4 of the 8th grade teachers that your son or daughter will most likely be getting are not the greatest. Some don't teach, some are strict to a crazy point and some are just crazy. One of the teachers sometimes talks about politics and gives her views that I don't agree with to the whole class. The library staff and even the vice principal treated me pretty bad. They falsely accused me of running and jumping in the library whilst I had an injury and the persisted until I needed my parents to email them and show them who they be messing with. Tardies and lower citizenship are handed out it is nothing with P.E teachers giving you tardies on the daily even when you're there. DO NOT send your kid to this dump because you will regret it. THIS IS WHY WE CLASH

Posted: September 23, 2025

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Posted: May 28, 2025

My experience at this school is really great! I have liked all my classes and learned a lot in the past year. I highly recommend this school, especially the music program. I was never bullied and overall had a really great time here.

Posted: May 28, 2025

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Posted: April 23, 2025

This might sound made up but my PE teacher specifically told me that if we ask to go to the bathroom we get lunch detention. Also, there is something called tardies which represents how many times you were late to class. I had 8 tardies even though I have never been late before and they marked me late because I came back to school from a dentist appointment or a haircut. If you have 6 or more tardies you cannot participate in any of the end of the year activities that we have worked hard for 3 years to participate in. The only good thing is they have a tardy recovery session which is basically detention where you excuse 2 tardies per session. The session lasts over 45 minutes.

Posted: April 23, 2025

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Posted: April 23, 2025

This school makes you work to hard and stress you out no matter how hard you work I don't recommend this school if you don't want to wake up early for sonnet. you want dinner, NO! sonnet Instead!!! you want breakfast ?no!!!!!! Shakespeare instead? are we serious? this cant be real. if you want a healthy life don't come here or it will be ruined this school makes me want to drop out the minute I get to high school you will for sure have numerous hours of homework regardless study hall or not this makes me want to never send my future kids here. Did I forget to mention that if you have a U in citizenship you cant promote or walk on graduation this makes me upset because teachers hand them out like candy. Spanish is HORRID would never wish this on my worst enemy please re frame from this accursed school. you slip up one time your done U instantly which don't forget this makes you not be able to promote, attend end of the year activity's and more. This school treats you like your a adult with mental issues I have no empathy within this review. They say they don't stress you out during state testing but it is quite the opposite just Spanish and English assign you 2 memorization projects at the same time leading you to be more then stressed. Its almost like they forget you have other classes but its fine all I ask is that you avoid this school at all costs
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Posted: June 3, 2023

THIS IS THE BEST SCHOOL EVER IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD

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Posted: June 11, 2018

We never had any huge issues till a few months ago when my child started being severely bullied. Name calling, threats at school and random text threats, complete loss of comfort and safety in school. Initially my child was told to say sorry to the individual who started the bigger bullying piece?! Umm NO! I cannot go into specifics but will say that while we never had a problem with academics we found that the school DOES NOT have a zero tolerance for bullying like we thought (the principal told a friend of mine that that was more in regards to a felony!!) The staff initially seemed understanding, caring and helpful but as the problem persisted they appeared bothered and annoyed. We sadly pulled our child out since no child deserves to go through what they did. *Everyone please make your own judgement on the school you choose to put your child in. This one would have been great if we had not experienced bullying or bullying of that magnitude to be precise.

Posted: June 11, 2018

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Posted: May 12, 2016

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Posted: May 12, 2016

This is my son's second year at PBMS and we are extremely happy with it. He has fantastic, enthusiastic teachers and he is getting an excellent education. He loves the lunchtime sports leagues and the overall atmosphere of the school. I can only speak for his test scores but he got a perfect score in both categories on the 7th grade state standardized tests.
Signed,
Happy PBMS Mom

Posted: May 31, 2015

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Posted: February 18, 2015

This school may have a new principal, and look like good school on the surface, but don't be fooled! This schol is a breeding ground for racism, sex, and bullying. If you're a working parent who can't dedicate 10+ hours per week at the school, or the parent of a bi-racial child, I highly recommend you do everything within your power to stay out of this school. Sincerely, Concerned working parent of a bi-racial child

Posted: February 9, 2015

I'm just going to say, this school isn't a very good school. It was rated most IMPROVED. It can still be bad, it just improved quite a bit. It may have really fun field trips, clubs, or activities, but unless it's educational we're not learning anything. I, as a kid, LOVE having fun, but I know I need to learn and get good grades. Take notice I'm not trying to offend anyone. Thanks for reading this. Someone in existence

Posted: November 21, 2014

This is my daughter's second year at PB middle and she loves it! We are a military family who has been in many districts and schools. We drive her 20 min eah way to go to PB over our neighborhood school. We have also signed my son up to go to PB next year. I stress to other parents that you can't go strictly on scores and what's on paper. There are other factors which had an effect on the numbers. We love the IB program. The staff takes personal attention with each student. My daughter is also involved I volleyball and basketball at PB. PB is one of the few/only schools to offer such a wide range of sports. They also have use of the recreation center attached. I've witnessed firsthand the PB has a zero bullying tolerance. They offer lots of tutoring and military support to the kids. Another thing that really stands out is the environment of PB school.

Posted: August 31, 2014

As a military family we have tried out many different schools around the country. I have learned that most families want to see test scores, rankings and expensive facilities as evidence of a great school. Time has shown me that what really makes a difference is the faculty and staff. PBMS is a small school facing all the same budget problems that our entire nation faces. We love the IB program and chose PBMS over our neighborhood school (even though on paper some would say that our neighborhood school is "better"). We have never regretted our decision. It is a small school but my daughter feels cared for and nurtured. She's not 1 of 1000 students. Her teachers care about her and mentor her, which makes all the difference in the world. If more families would take a look at the great things going on in the MB cluster, they would choose IB all the way!

Posted: April 3, 2014

This is my son's first year at MBHS. So far, he has been very pleased with his experience. The teachers are very supportive and approachable and are very responsive to email. We had one issue that was dealt with quickly. I like that the IB curriculum is challenging and promotes global thinking. I like that it is a smaller high school with many opportunities to succeed in whatever interests a student. Socially, my son is very comfortable there. It is a diverse population and the students are very supportive and encourage each other to succeed. I would recommend this high school if you are looking for a smaller, more personable environment, that is a diverse, real world experience where the student can be responsible for his/her own success.

Posted: February 21, 2014

My child loves it so far. This is our first year. The workload is fair.

Posted: January 19, 2014

Daughter has been there for 2 years has had a few run inns with a few students since last year they have been pulling the race card on her for being a white girl threatening to beat her rear end for some time now so last week the two girls corner my daughter mind you my daughter is on honor roll and in sports pretty well rounded kid not saying she is perfect but as a parent you know what I mean so the girl starts getting violent shucking my daughter while the other girl taunts her I have always taught my daughter that fighting is not the answer but when being picked on or bullied and especially the big one for me is they put there hands on you you have fill right to defend yourselfe with any means so after the girl kept shuving my daughter my daughter snapped and beat her rear end and for defending herselfe gets expelled out of school seriously it made me sick to my stomach I guess what we have learns threw all this is if you're kid gets bullied and they finally fight back at pbms not only if they don't run away like a coward and finally fight back they will be suspended

Posted: November 4, 2013

Both of my children attend Pacific Beach Middle. We love it there and we could not ask for a better education! Both of my children attended a private school before attending PBM and the education and academic opportunities they have at PBM far outstrip what they could receive in private school. Parent involvement has vastly increased over the past 2 years I have been at the school. You can see a visible change all throughout the campus and new activities that are taking place. So happy to be part of this neighborhood school!

Posted: October 26, 2013

Our family loves Pacific Beach Middle School! Our son is in his 3rd year there as an 8th grader and our daughter is in 6th grade. The IB program is amazing and provides more in depth learning plus helping my kids to be motivated learners. The teachers really seem to care and show pride in the school. What my kids love most are the organized lunch sports leagues that keep them active during the lunch break and the afterschool sports offered. We are so thankful for the opportunities at PBMS.

Posted: August 5, 2013

I have been with this school for a year now and it has been a great expieeence. Our scores have gone up very much and I'm proud to say I went there. There are many great activities and projects to work on. It keeps you busy and exited. I think the school can approve of helping bulling, like the teacher said because students are under enough stress as it is to get things done and when they are trying to get things done but, they are thinking of the insident. so, thier not 100% focused which makes thier grades go down. Plus they don't want to remember that school as the place where they got Bullied, they want to think of it as a fun and exiting place to be.

Posted: July 11, 2013

I, like many people in PB, was concerned to send my kids to the local middle and high school because of the long standing poor reputation. Along with most of his class, I decided to send him there. He's been here for 2 years and is doing great! He's an honor student and is thriving. We have attended the open houses and met all his teachers and they seem to geniuinely care about students and are enthusiastic about being there. Everyone was approachable and friendly.

Posted: May 29, 2012

While this school may show satisfactory performance on standardized testing, administration (the principal, specifically) does little to nothing to protect its students from bullying. The bullied are blamed and the horrific acts are brushed under the rug. When the bullied child's grades drop because he/she is depressed and giving up in school, this is taken into account to the child's detriment when bullying concerns are brought up by parents. I am glad my children do not attend PB Middle School, and I would not recommend it to anyone whose child may be bullied. If your child is a bully, don't worry. They won't get a consequence- Sincerely, A special education teacher

Posted: May 29, 2012

I work with children professionally & am a mother. PBMS is hands down, by far, the WORST school I have ever seen. Some of the teachers have already received their pink slips & have a apathetic, cavalier attitude. The administration is uncaring, unconcerned, and shockingly pompous for individuals who have chosen this as their career, yet are doing such a poor job. The principal doesn't even have a working voicemail. Bullying is rampant, racism is real and omnipresent, yet apathy and helplessness is embedded in the PBMS culture. If you're the type of parent that barely slows their car when dropping off their child in the morning, this school will be great. It looks ok on the surface, and maybe your child will get lucky. God knows if you send out an email to your child's teacher, you wont be bothered by one in return. But if you are an involved, concerned parent, RUN AS FAST AND AS FAR AWAY AS YOU CAN. As far as Dr. Martel, the principal? She is a prime example of what happens as bullies age...mean, patronizing, duplicitous, and unable to accept or acknowledge fault...thus, a large part of why PBMS is the way it is. Children everywhere will be better off for her retirement.

Posted: October 11, 2011

As a student, I know what PBMS is really like. This is my second year at PBMS, and I am loving it. The teachers are not so strict as to punish every little flaw and scare students. They do not let kids run wild either. Some people do not like the fact that the school is about mostly Spanish-speaking, but I think it is good to play and learn with other cultures. I have even learned a few words from them, mostly about soccer. The International Baccalaureate program is fantastic because we learn about the whole world and what is happening in it. If we know the current problems, wars, and politics of the world, we can turn those situations around in the near future. We are, after all, the voting citizens of the United States in a few years. This school is equally devoted to the teaching of both boys and girls, and there is no racist problem either. Once again, I love PBMS and I highly recommend this school.

Posted: January 1, 2011

If you are considering this school for your children watch out. One in seven students is on an IEP plan. This means that the PBMS administration identifies one in seven students as having a learning disability. The administration aggressively pushes these special education programs to students who are not performing well without explaining the drawbacks of the program or other alternatives to parents. Minorities are overrepresented in these programs. Also, once your child is on an IEP plan, only the team can decide when the IEP plan is no longer needed. What are the benefits to this school to have so many IEP students? Does the school receive special funding for these students? Are IEP students test scores considered a special category so they don't affect overall test scores for the school? Statistically, what is the number of hispanic students that attend vs. the number that are identified as having a learning disability? What is the number of students nationally that are identified as having a learning disability vs. the one in seven rate at PBMS? These are questions every parent should ask if they are asked to participate in an IEP meeting.

Posted: December 2, 2010

As a parent of three boys who have either attended or are currently attending PBMS, I couldn't be more happy with the educational rigor, opportunities for personal growth & phenominal staff at the school. All three of my boys work hard and have consistently achieved outstanding grades. The physical education program is superb as well, which for my active boys was the perfect balance to the educational challenge. The Spanish language and band options provide additional enrichment. I would recommend this school for any SD student!

Posted: June 3, 2010

Did you know that for the 2009-2010 school year PB MIddle students contributed over 12,000 hours of service to the local and global community? Our students care.

Reviews provided by GreatSchools


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

Reviewed:

Pacific Beach Middle is .8 miles away from the Pacific Ocean. This town is fantastically family oriented and it shows through all the community sponsors and activities at the schools. Pacific Beach Middle is the only middle school for Pacific Beach.

  • Recommendations: I am not familiar enough with other public middle schools in San Diego to recommend them. If I were to look at private schools I would look at Bishop's, Francis Parker, and La Jolla Country Day. Although they are pricey, scholarships are available.
  • Website: https://www.sandiegounified.org/schools/pacific-beach-middle
  • What did you like? My most favorite thing about Pacific Beach Middle is the music program. The orchestra/band director won San Diego Unified 2017 Instrumental Music Teacher of the Year. He is enthusiastic, knowledgeable, encouraging, and my daughter says he makes playing music fun. My daughter plays viola in Advanced Orchestra and I'm so glad she enjoys music.
  • What did you dislike? PBM does not have busses or air conditioning or a grand assortment of after school activities. Although there are not a heavy array of clubs, there is a seventh period students can choose to take an extra elective where everyone else can elect to leave after sixth period. It makes picking up more than one child cumbersome, but most days it's sunny San Diego and my kids walk home.
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Navy, Officer
30-40 years old
Bronze medal

Reviewed:

This school has great potential, however I did not give it a good rating because of negative student behavior and lack of supervision of students. Its an IB School with wonderful academics and a community service oriented program. There are many clubs to participate in and they even have several afterschool sports programs(which is rare). It is located in Pacific Beach which is an interesting mix between families and college kids.

  • What did you like? I was very impressed with the fact that it was an IB School and that the curriculum seems adequate and diverse. There are many clubs to participate in and they have afterschool sports programs. I like the fact that they encourage community service (in fact it is a requirement we have just discovered). They received a low API score (6) but I think the school has potential.
  • What did you dislike? I was a little disappointed in the initial upkeep of information on the website which led me to no longer rely on the website. I was also disappointed to find out half way through the year that community service hours were a requirement rather than optional. It would also be nice to have more school sponsored service opportunities posted regularly for students to participate in. I also wish that the teachers would keep an updated webpage with current assignments and current grades. They just recently implemented a family access website which sends emails daily/weekly/etc. and reports how your student is doing, however this information is not kept current therefore if your student was missing assignments or falling behind, you would not find out until it was too late to remedy. We are used to receiving daily automated emails with real time assignments along with weekly emails from the teachers outlining the lessons for the upcoming week. This allows parents to be completely on top of their student's assignments....it would be nice to have this here at Pacific Beach. There is also a negative element in the student population (as with any school), however the lack of supervision seems to allow for more questionable activities on school grounds. Overall I think this school has great potential. If you send your child here, it is best to be proactive and highly involved as much of the responsibility/accountability, organization, etc. is left up to the student. If your student is highly driven and focused academically I believe they will do well.
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# Name Type City State Overall Rating Distance
1 Ocean Beach Apartment Complex San Diego CA 3.9 mi
2 Riverfront Condominium Rentals Apartment Complex San Diego CA 5.5 mi
3 Mission Hills Neighborhood/Subdivision San Diego CA 5.6 mi
4 Spectrum Center Blvd, Kearny Mesa Neighborhood/Subdivision San Diego CA 6.4 mi
5 The Heritage Apartment Complex San Diego CA 7.4 mi
6 Canyon View Neighborhood/Subdivision San Diego CA 7.8 mi
7 Apartment Apartment Complex Coronado CA 8.1 mi
8 City Heights Neighborhood/Subdivision San Diego CA 9.1 mi
9 Del Cerro Neighborhood/Subdivision San Diego CA 10.2 mi
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11 North Park San Diego CA 7.8 mi
12 Gaslamp Quarter San Diego CA 7.8 mi
13 Kensington San Diego CA 8.3 mi
14 Coronado Coronado CA 8.7 mi
15 Del Cerro San Diego CA 10.4 mi
16 Mira Mesa San Diego CA 10.6 mi
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