Tierrasanta Elementary School

Posted: April 29, 2026

Posted: April 29, 2026

Posted: April 29, 2026

Posted: April 29, 2026

Posted: April 29, 2026

Posted: April 29, 2026

Posted: April 29, 2026

Posted: April 29, 2026

My daughters have both been at TES since kindergarten. We are in the Spanish immersion program and have found it to be wonderful. My girls could read, write, and understand Spanish out in the community by the 3rd grade. There are different learning styles with teachers, as at any school, and I think this is what makes learning even more powerful. For example your child's Spanish teacher could be a native speaker from Mexico, or a native speaker from Spain, or a Spanish teacher with Spanish as a second language. My girls were exposed to different teaching styles, accents, and cultures. There were a couple of teachers that I wasn't the biggest fan of, however, my girls were always happy and have enjoyed all of their classrooms; As a parent I can manage working with teachers that have different styles of teaching than I prefer. In terms of parent engagement I think there is plenty of opportunity to get involved as little or as much as you want. As for the principal - we have had an amazing experience. In first grade my daughter was struggling at morning drop off, it was chaotic, and at the time my daughter was experiencing a lot of anxiety. She was demanding we go back home and I told her we would have to go see the principal if she couldn't calm down enough to enter the classroom with the other students. To my surprise this was not the threat I thought it would be and she agreed that yes she wanted to speak with Mrs. Viavada. When we got to the office, the principal was about to go into a meeting. She saw my daughter was upset, asked the meeting to start without her and took the time to talk with my daughter. I later found out she was nervous about her Spanish presentation that day, so the principal had her practice the presentation until she felt comfortable and was able to go back to class. I was so impressed that Mrs. Viavada took time out of her very busy day to make sure my daughter felt comfortable at school. In terms of combo classrooms - yes there are combination classes of different grades when necessary. It is my understanding this is because of budget cuts and student enrollment. If there aren't' enough students to fill an entire class, 2 smaller classes may be put together to create the combo class. This is something many public schools need to manage and is not unique to TES. Lastly, yes the school counselor is also a math teacher because she is a credentialed teacher in addition to being a counselor.

Posted: February 19, 2026

We've been here since kindergarten and have been very happy with TES. The teachers all care about the kids, and offer help when needed. There are opportunities for leadership, especially in the upper grades. Their Leader in Me program also helps the students learn social emotional behaviors. Overall a good school.

Posted: February 19, 2026

Posted: February 19, 2026

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Posted: February 18, 2026

The immersion program starts off very strong in kindergarten but is inconsistent at best in the following years. Many classes appear to be combination classes with their "councelor" joining in as a math teacher? The councelor and one of the special Ed coordinators should not be working with children in my opinion. They yell at children and cannot get the playgrounds under control to help children feel safe.

Posted: February 18, 2026

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Posted: September 16, 2025

I love the school and most of the teachers. I have three kids going through the immersion program and I will say most teachers are great. I am very disappointed in the second grade immersion teacher barely speaking Spanish. The K and first grade teacher were excellent. One of my kids didnt think she spoke English at all. My two older children tried to ask her to speak more Spanish and many kids pointed out that she didnt speak it enough. She is a favorite and fun teacher probably because her class is fun and easy. They dont learn much Spanish. The third grade immersion teacher is great and trying her best to catch up the kids from missing so much Spanish. The fourth grade is excellent as well. He really cares and speaks lots of Spanish. Hopefully the school can get the second grade teacher to turn it around because its really a disadvantage to the students when testing comes around.

Posted: September 16, 2025

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Posted: May 24, 2024

We moved to Tierrasanta when my child was entering 2nd grade. I had heard tremendous things about the school and was excited to have my child continue their education at TES. The school has been everything we expected and more. They provide so many opportunities for every child with STEAM leaning, Arts, Music, Science and more. The school is part of the Leader in Me Program which teaches children how to develop their leadership skills. They are very proactive with SEL lessons and helping students learn to take responsibility for their choices and actions, while also being supportive of their social-emotional growth. We are fortunate enough to be part of the Spanish program, and my child has benefited from native speaker teachers in each grade level. You really get the feeling that the teachers, staff and administration care deeply about making sure each student reaches their full potential academically, while also helping them to grow as an individual. We love Tierrasanta Elementary.

Posted: May 24, 2024

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Posted: May 21, 2024

It is with great sadness that I report, this school is a huge letdown. When we moved to the neighborhood we were so excited about the ratings and the Spanish Immersion program. But my child really struggled here. There is so much unchecked bullying and violent behavior and not enough staff to keep the kids under control. The teachers call out sick frequently and the lower grades of the Spanish Immersion classes feel over-packed. The Spanish teachers are inconsistent with how they teach, some only speaking in Spanish and others speaking frequently in English. There are a few bad apple teachers that parents and students constantly complain to the administration about, and they are told you just have to get through the year and things will get better. I have known many families that have left the school or are seriously contemplating leaving. If you decide to send your child here and have read this review, consider yourself warned. Maybe it will be OK for your family, but just make sure you do your research ….

Posted: May 21, 2024

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Posted: July 18, 2019

Posted: July 18, 2019

Posted: July 18, 2019

Posted: July 18, 2019

Posted: July 18, 2019

Posted: July 18, 2019

Posted: July 18, 2019

As a parent, I like the school, the dedicated staff, and the Spanish immersion program, but the early start time (7:35am) is brutal. Our mornings are rushed and miserable. I fantasize about switching schools in order to get more sleep and maintain sanity. However my child seems to like the school, although she isn't getting enough sleep or drinking enough water during the school day.

Posted: November 16, 2018

This is an AMAZING school! I am a parent of two children who are both in the Spanish Immersion program. My children are thriving and LOVE going to school. The principal, teachers and entire community feel united. Everyone is working together to create the best possible environment and experience for the kids. The school is forward thinking in creating and implementing a maker space for all of the students to enjoy. Incredible school!!

Posted: November 16, 2018

Homework feels age appropriate and relevant to what is being taught in the classroom.

Posted: November 16, 2018

Teachers go above and beyond and really care about their students!

Posted: November 16, 2018

Each month the school focuses on a different character trait. The school really focuses on the whole child and a well-rounded education.

Posted: November 16, 2018

Incredible leadership! Very organized, transparent and great communication!

Posted: November 16, 2018

Posted: November 16, 2018

The teachers and the principal are very involved with the students and focus on character building throughout the school year.

Posted: August 13, 2018

TES is a community. I'm sad to say we're moving on, and we will miss it. Over the last nine years my two sons have had 12 different teachers, all of whom were exceptional. We've known two principals, both of whom balanced the business of the school and the education if its students with skill and grace.

Both principals frequently stood in front of the school in the morning, greeting each student (400+) by name. School-wide assemblies focused on individual character and leadership development skills each month. Faculty members were universally proactive in response to students' challenges and achievements. Older and established students mentor younger children and recent arrivals.

Parental involvement was astonishing - both PTO and casual volunteering.

Posted: August 13, 2018

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Posted: June 30, 2018

It has been an amazing place for my children to thrive. They are in the Spanish Immersion program and it is so neat to see them learning Spanish while at the same time excelling in English!

Posted: June 30, 2018

Homework is in support of what is learned in class and is a very manageable amount.

Posted: June 30, 2018

The teachers really care about the kids and the kids learn so much because they are engaged and happy to go to school!

Posted: June 30, 2018

The school focuses on a different character strength each month and emphasizes kindness in everything they do!

Posted: June 30, 2018

Posted: June 30, 2018

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Posted: April 10, 2018

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Posted: April 10, 2018

Posted: April 10, 2018

Excellent school with very involved parents and community and a top notch staff. I can't think of anything I would want more for my daughters.

Posted: October 19, 2017

Excellent school! Started the Spanish Immersion program last year and it is wonderful! The Principal, Teacher's and everyone involved with this school are THE BEST!!

Posted: October 19, 2017

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Posted: May 4, 2016

Posted: May 4, 2016

Posted: May 4, 2016

Posted: May 4, 2016

Tierrasanta elementary school provides kids a safe environment to learn. They promote kindness over all. My girl is happy to learn, happy to go to school, she learns good manner and core value (respect, fairness, ... ). She grows up so well thanks to Mrs Murray, her kindergarten teacher. What a school !

Posted: June 4, 2015

2015

The principal, Dr. Olsen is wonderfully involved, knows almost all of the kids by first name and is the foundation for helping this school excel. She never ceases an opportunity to find ways to teach the children, present academically progressive programs and motivate the parents and the community to get involved and support our school.

The teachers are phenomenal trained to academically push the children to be above average. The teachers, staff & specialists (for those who are academically gifted as well as those who face challenges) really help by focusing on each child individually to make sure they are truly learning/excelling.

I am also impressed by the social skills the school helps implement into the curriculum. They teach the kids to communicate by teaching and practicing the skills to do so.

The PTA and afterschool programs are fabulous. They offer everything from archery, golf, dance, science, soccer, chess, art, volleyball, piano.....you name it! The prices are reasonable for elementary students who may be in the "just trying it out" stage.

The school has one of the best award winning science programs in the district. I have my Masters Degree am often surprised by facts that I learn from my First Grader!

I also appreciate the school's focus on health by teaching the students about nutrition and exercise.

The only pitfalls that I could see for this school is the library is dated & stuffy and the ambience does not invite kids to read, but they do have a great variety of books. The other would be that there is no music class at this time but they do sing, dance and learn songs several times a week as well as learn about instruments.

The school is very diverse with a variety of social and economical backgrounds. I found a large variety of the parents I know are highly educated. Many students have also "choiced" into our school and commute to get to Tierrasanta which is a great sign we have a good thing going here.

- Parent

Posted: June 4, 2015

Posted: June 4, 2015

Posted: June 4, 2015

Posted: January 29, 2015

I'm very happy with this school. I have two boys going here since kindergarten. I have been impressed with the parent involvement and the cohesiveness of the staff and teachers. The principal is outstanding -- very concerned for everyone's well-being, and she really gets to know every kid's personality. The After School Enrichment options are a plus, as it gives my kids a chance to take 8 lessons over 8 weeks to try something such as Chess, Dance, Soccer, Theater, and so on.

Posted: September 25, 2013

so far I love first the pricipal how she is so involve with the kids and also so cheerful and outgoing with parents. she even took time to talk to me about how the process was of getting my daughter into te school which made it so much easier to understand. this is my daughters first year as a 1st grader and so far she loves it. also love the gardening and the after school program they offer which is every 8 wks long. more update toward the end of the year. I'm happy I choiced this school for my daughter .

Posted: August 21, 2013

Tierrasanta Elementary is by far THE BEST Elementary I've had the pleasure of putting my kids in. Having 2 out of 3 of my kids on the Autism Spectrum, they were welcomed by the other students and nurtured by the staff. My daughter just finished 5th grade and it was quite a challenge for both her and her teacher, Mrs. Lach, but she never gave up on her. The principal Ms. Olsen is one of the best principals I've ever known. Since my daughter started school, I've never known a principal to be out with the road guards in the morning to make sure that the parents and their kids get to school safely. She does the same thing in the afternoons as well. Ms. Olsen also takes it upon herself to get to know her students and the parents. Whenever there was an issue with one of my kids, it was dealt with appropriately and professionally, even when my child was at fault. The other teachers I want to commend there are Ms. Brozda and Mr. Sprong. Ms. Brozda is a very caring, but strict Kindergarten teacher which was exactly what my youngest son needed. My oldest son had Mr. Sprong, and he was very patient with him and his ASD behaviors. I absolutely adore this school!

Posted: July 19, 2013

Of the 5 schools located in Tierrasanta/Murphy Canyon this is one of THE best. VERY active parental involvement. Parents can be seen all over this school every day of the school year. The partnership with the USS San Diego offers the school additional adult support and leadership as well. The principal is seen daily before & after school and has an open door policy in regards to parents & students. The majority of the teachers are excellent at this school and genuinely care about each of their students as their own. There are a few that are questionable but if 99% of something is good, statistics are on your side as far as quality. This school really has a family feel and supportive environment. Its a little hidden gem in Tierrasanta since its not as widely "known" as other schools in the area. But that is a good thing! Less over crowding as the other schools have seen.

Posted: February 25, 2012

Well I must say that I have given it over two years and it has led to a festering wound. I may have a bit of backlash for what I am about to say; but, seriously, this school is a mess. A certain kindergarten teacher, at our first parent teacher conference threatened to FAIL our daughter because she was not reading yet. I believe this teacher has failed as a teacher. Yes, we all know of budget cuts and the number of students one teacher is assigned to. This should have stood out as a red flag for this teacher as she was responsible for a special needs student, and one that I have discovered is still in a standard classroom environment where the child, unfortunately, disrupts teaching. It cannot be the student's obligation, nor the administration's obligation, to turn this situation around. If said teacher reads this review, remember that the "squeaky wheel always gets the grease". Take me for example: I tried reaching out to you and you blew me off. The next effect: Sending my daughter to a private school where she thrives in leaning. What a sad ending to a beautiful beginning that ended stone cold as the fallout for literacy. Shame on Tierrasanta Elementary.

Posted: October 12, 2011

My sister, brother and I went to Tierrasanta Elementary School in the 90s. Since then, my sister has obtained her law degree from USD, my brother graduated with honors from UC Berkeley's school of architecture and design, and I'm graduating this fall from UC Irvine with a degree in speech language pathology. None of us have forgotten how this school engrained the love of knowledge in our minds and hearts. Thanks, Tierrasanta!

Posted: August 11, 2011

My daughter and myself love this school. I have nothing bad to say about the school at all.

Posted: March 18, 2011

My son has special needs, this school has done great things for him. The principle, teachers and support staff have gone above and beyond for our son. In the past 2 1/2 years that we have been there they have helped him improve in every subject and helped him adjust and cope with issues that were not academic. Bullying is not an issue at this school which is a relief for any parent! We are moving out of state and can only hope we find a school as good.

Posted: May 24, 2010

After not getting into any of the public or charter schools we wanted, we decided on Tierrasanta Elementary. I couldn't be happier. The kids are generally very well behaved, friendly, and helpful. Minimal time is spent interrupting the class with disciplinary problems. The kids exude interest and excitement on the playground and in the classroom. I love that the kindergartners have 5th-grade buddies. The 5th-graders get to feel like rock stars, and the kindergartners have a blast sharing special projects with the older kids. The principal is usually outside with the 5th-grade crossing guards every morning and afternoon. She's brave enough to handle crossing-guard duty alone when it rains. I just like that. There is a nice variety of after-school activities for a fee. These kids are learning and loving it.

Posted: June 24, 2007