Toler Elementary School

Posted: August 19, 2022

Exception learning community. Our children feel empowered and love their school.

Posted: August 19, 2022

Posted: August 19, 2022

Posted: August 19, 2022

Posted: August 19, 2022

Posted: August 19, 2022

Posted: August 19, 2022

Posted: August 19, 2022

Posted: April 4, 2019

The teachers work closely with the students to ensure progress is being made and they understand the concept and content of their assignments. I'm able to assist my child in doing homework and provide minimal guidance as he is familiar with the expectations while still being challenged.

Posted: April 4, 2019

The overall demeanor and professionalism at Toler is incredible. The entire staff is very friendly and always make time to discuss any concerns I have as a parent and ensure my child is getting the help he needs.

Posted: April 4, 2019

Bullying, teasing and exclusionary behavior is not permitted and as such there is none of it that I've seen while visiting his school. My son is in Kinder and his favorite color is pink and he loves unicorns, and he has never once been teased which makes me feel great knowing he is in good care and protected from judgment.

Posted: April 4, 2019

My son loves his fellow classmates and teachers. Mrs. Lewis, the principal, is an outstanding leader. Always friendly and willing to make time to talk with us parents.

Posted: April 4, 2019

My son has an IEP and has a speech delay. His overall vocabulary isn't at the same level as most of his peers, however you wouldn't notice if you were to see him in his class. He is treated the same as any other child, he does receive special 1on1 teaching in a special needs class but is then placed back in his regular class so he doesn't ever feel like he is different or less than others. This to me, as a parent, makes my heart swell with pride that the school understands the importance of these children who need a little extra help not feeling different than their peers.

Posted: April 4, 2019

As previously stated, there is no bullying I've seen take place at my son's school. He would also tell me of times when someone may have been rude, or pushed him a little and how the teachers intervened immediately. The responsible child was then encouraged to apologize and resolve the matter without delay. One little girl in particular who was "mean" to my son initially has since become one of his best friends. It doesn't get more effective than that.

Posted: April 4, 2019

I've had the opportunity to send Jordan to other schools or choice him in for a different school. In fact, Bay Park elementary is actually closer to where we live than Toler. But after my experience with the staff and parents at Toler, the genuine feeling of community, and truly believing in my heart that my son is in a safe, secured location free from judgment, malice or bullying, there is NO school I would rather him be at. As a single parent who works full time, the PRIME TIME before and after school program is a true life saver and he LOVES it there. I hope this helps someone make the choice to send their child to Toler, you won't regret it.

Posted: October 30, 2018

My child has an IEP here and the staff will work with you if you have any problems they are great

Posted: October 30, 2018

Posted: October 30, 2018

Posted: October 30, 2018

they do not overload kids with homework

Posted: October 30, 2018

Posted: October 30, 2018

They are a character building school it’s a small community everyone cares

Posted: October 30, 2018

I’m hesitate to even describe how awesome this school since I do t want it to get bigger. It’s like a small caring community the teachers are sweet and the staff amazing and helpful.

Posted: May 11, 2017

Posted: May 11, 2017

Posted: May 11, 2017

Posted: May 11, 2017

Posted: May 11, 2017

Posted: May 11, 2017

Posted: May 11, 2017

I love this school for my daughter! She had a bully situation at her last school and this school she has no fear and everyday she looks forward to hanging out with her friends. My only negative to this school is the lunch menu. We are vegan so they don't have a beverage option other than milk but do have a salad bar so that helps, or bring lunch from home.

Posted: November 28, 2016

Horrible office staff. The principal and the staff obviously don't communicate amongst each other. And I give you mixed information about things. I had an office staff yell at me about my kindergarten student who wouldn't sit still. And she complained about how she had personal stuff to get to. I never got an apology from her and she avoided me for a year and a half.

Posted: May 19, 2016

Toler is awesome! It's a smaller school with the biggest heart! Wonderful sense of community, great teachers, PTA and fabulous Principal.

Posted: June 8, 2015

My Daughter loves the teachers and Prime Time staff at Toler. Over the last year and a half she has become such a good student and loves to read, she has gone up 7 reading levels this year! She also enjoys tennis, heartlight aerobics and chess club after school. I am very satisfied with the school, the administration and the staff..i only docked a star because I think there could be some improvements to the grounds.

Posted: June 2, 2015

Posted: June 2, 2015

Posted: June 2, 2015

Posted: June 2, 2015

I have two children at Toler Elementary. Our children attended three (3) other schools in the Clairemont area during pre-K, K and summer schools before 1st grade and hands down Toler was our favorite. The teachers know the students, and parents by first name. The principal and administrators know them all as well. Heck, the janitor knows my name and has been instrumental in helping with our PTA fundraisers. My children are thriving at this school and we intend to be here until they graduate. As bonus points, the pre and post school programs are exceptional. I couldn't be happier and I am not sure what some parents want that this school isn't delivering.

Posted: June 1, 2015

We choice in to this school because of its wonderful community atmosphere. The principal is kind and knowledgeable and has done a wonderful job keeping the parents informed. My kids love the library and I love that they have a working library with a credentialed teacher as a librarian. I appreciate that the staff at this school focuses on a core value each month and that they are always looking for ways to enrich the students . Toler also has an excellent focus on instrumental music. It is a much calmer and more caring school than our neighborhood school (which we attended for 3 years) and we are so grateful to be at Toler.

Posted: October 10, 2014

My child attends kindergarten at Toler and I am very satisfied with the school. I haven't heard one complaint from him. Children get individual attention due to the size of the school. Prime Time staff knows each child's name. His teacher responds to my requests within 24 hours. My son used to love TV. But now he comes home and starts on crafts projects instead of turning the TV on. They are doing something right. Mrs Peggy is a very reasonable person too. I am not sure why the other parent was so upset.

Posted: October 9, 2014

This is a terrible school in many ways --under poor administration, disorganized, and where a lack of communication between teachers and the principal is prevalent and effects student social and emotional growth as well as learning. Students with special needs are either ignored or allowed to get away with attention seeking behavior. This is so sad because these are the children that need the most support and they need behavior plans that help them understand how to thrive and socially adapt as well as make lifelong friendships in elementary school. These children are mainstreamed with no guidelines, no consistency, and make themselves and others they hurt ashamed when they act out. They are trusting in a faulty system and bad leadership to create a safe and happy environment for them so they can learn effectively. I believe the school would be much better with a principal with a better ability to communicate, a clear idea about each student's needs as there are students with emotional disturbance, autism, etc at the school and there are only 257 kids there so it would mean a lot if the principal knew what she was doing.

Posted: June 11, 2014

My son just finished Kindergarten at Toler, and I was so impressed with his teacher. I sat in on classes, and was amazed at the resources this small public school has from technology, to community members serving as volunteers. I enrolled my son in Prime Time, and they take great care to have quality learning time, as well as recreation and crafts. I also enrolled my 3 year old at the YMCA Toler preschool. We love our experience here, the multiculturalism of the school, the teachers, and the families. Volunteerism at the school is growing too! We love it.

Posted: October 27, 2013

I live in the neighborhood. My children attended this school. I have heard nothing but wonderful things about the staff, Administrator, Mrs Peggy Lewis, parents and students. The neighborhood parents I speak to love this school and everyone who works at this school. If you do enroll your child/children at this school, they will get a wonderful education and have a great educational preparation for middle and high school.

Posted: October 8, 2013

My daughter was here for 2 years the teacher in kinder was really nice and good, the first grade teacher Mrs S is the one I didn't like so much she said some inappropriate comments about some of the kids, and you can see that she didn't have a lot of patience, my daughter one told me that when they were taking the teacher hit the table scream and then go out for counting with her fingers I think that was totally ethic. Then one day she forgot one page of her homework at home and she was really worry, I told her it was ok. and just explained to the teacher and she was almost crying and told me that the teacher was going to be upset and that the teacher was so stress if something like this happen. If you want to talk with the principal about something that bother you, they give you an appointment and the teacher was there all the time they support more the teacher than the children.

Posted: September 5, 2013

I researched schools throughout San Diego and was nervous about my son beginning kindergarten. After the new student orientation at Toler, I felt completely at ease. From our first day, it was obvious that every person on staff at the school is thoughtful and focused on creating a vibrant and eclectic school culture. Above all, I love the culture at Toler, which encourages collaboration, well-roundedness, and learning from the world around you. The teachers are very warm, empathetic, and patient. The school is well maintained with a fantastic library, computer lab, and garden. The homework is just enough to maintain focus and practice skills outside of the classroom, but not burden family time. In the mornings before class, the children participate in Toler Trekkers, which has been great for my energetic little one before settling into a morning of class time. The school hosts a variety of family-focused events throughout the year where students showcase their work. My only wish is that the school district had better meal plans in place. My little one wouldn't eat lunches I packed since his friends bought lunch, and I cringe thinking of the food he eats there.

Posted: April 23, 2013

My Son was educated in. Toler 10 years ago and he had a great education and today he is excelling in High School. 10 years after I am so happy to have my daughter attending Toler and so happy to have the same teacher who taught my son.. This school has the best teachers who are involved in laying the correct foundation in students. With limited resources due to budget cuts , still they go out of the way to make each students life better.

Posted: February 26, 2013

We have yet to start ( my son will attend fall 2013-2014 ) I was so impressed with the principal. She personally gave me a full tour of the entire school... She spent 3 hours with me and covered every question and concern. The office staff was warm and cheery. The teacher all seemed very in control and hands on.This small and very sweet school won me over. The only con was the lack of parking for drop off and the strange worn down house that backs up to the kinder rooms. I will update my review once my son has attended in fall.

Posted: February 10, 2013

Though we were originally hesitant about switching to an unfamiliar school two years ago, we have had only the best experiences with the faculty, the principal, the childcare staff, and other parents. Our son has grown so much as a student because of the attention and care he has received at Toler. He has also been able to be involved in a variety of after-school activities of very high quality. We have learned that the bells and whistles of other schools are not as important as genuine care and good experience to achieve quality.

Posted: February 10, 2013

My child has been at Toler for three years now and, as a second langage learner, has been greatly helped and encouraged by his teachers. They are devoded and open to dialogue - always- . Thank you Toler teachers and staff, we are lucky to have you in the neighborood!

Posted: February 9, 2013

I visit a lot of schools & recently visited Toler. I had exactly the opposite impression from the Feb. 5 poster below. To me the students had an unusual amount of energy & enthusiasm, and the teachers were unusually engaged and caring. Some fine things are going on here.

Posted: February 9, 2013

I am sorry to see the post from a parent who feels the teachers at Toler are uncaring and just working for a paycheck. As a member of that group I have not seen this at all. Teachers here put in long hours making sure they have lessons that meet the needs of all their students. Because we are a small school the staff knows the children and can greet them when they see them in the halls. Our school has posted double digit gains on the CST for the past 3 years. Unmotivated, uncaring teachers do not inspire that kind of growth. With the constant budget cuts and reductions, this staff has had to pick up the slack in order to make that growth possible. This involves more teacher time. Would the teachers described in the Feb. 5 posting be adding to their already heavy workload if this description is true? I do hope that this parent will meet with the teacher or principal and discuss their concerns. Our school is a community school - children, parents, neighborhood. Our goal is make sure everyone in that community feels that Toler is the best we all can make it.

Posted: February 8, 2013

Earlier this week, I received an email notifying me that a new review had been posted about Toler on Great Schools. I was shocked and disappointed to read the message. I have been a teacher for nearly 30 years and have chosen to stay at Toler the majority of that time. This is a fine school with outstanding teachers, involved families and a capable, supportive principal. If the parent in the previous post communicated concerns (which are not specifically mentioned) to the staff or principal, they would definitely have been addressed. Last year, Toler was awarded the California Distinguished School honor which recognizes the state's most exemplary and inspiring public schools. This was earned by a dedicated group of (mostly) veteran teachers, a strong principal and committed families. I am proud to be part of this superb learning community.

Posted: February 4, 2013

The teachers at this school are looking for there final years of a paycheck before retirement. They lack the love and want to teach any student. Do all us parents a favor and retire. The kids deserve better. Good Luck if your in this district cause going against one teacher is like taking on a gang of teachers who blindly follow there principals orders.

Posted: November 19, 2012

We recently moved from an excellent school out of state. I was worried that our new neighborhood school would not be up to par with what I had experienced prior. But...my kids and I have never been happier with a school. The school is very well staffed, most teachers have been there for decades and some even went to school at Toler themselves. They are all very dedicated to the learning environment and give it their all every day. The extra curricular activities are extensive and well planned. The principal is amazing and gives personal attention to all children and parents. She knows every child's name and most parents. I cannot believe how welcome we felt on out first day of school. She is also very adept at putting the school's money in the right place. There is an extensive, high quality volunteer program. Both of my children are excelling at this school both academically and in extra-curricular activities. I am glad to have discovered this gem and would highly recommend it to anyone as a wonderful neighborhood school with a private feel.

Posted: September 4, 2012

My daughter is a 5th grader and has attended Toler since Kindergarten. Yesterday my son had his first day in Kindergarten at Toler as well. We are so pleased with this school for it's dedication to the high academic success of all of it's students. My daughter has done very well on California Standardized Assessments and has had wonderful opportunites to grow in leadership and social awareness through this school. The Prime Time program at this site is also excellent. We are very appreciative of the quality teachers, staff and leadership at Toler, and we are so pleased that all three of our children will attain a solid education here.