Stella Maris Academy in San Diego | Military Town Advisor

Posted: August 6, 2026

I have nothing but great things to say about Stella Maris Academy. Staff and teachers are very welcoming. They truly care about investing in the students' success. You can tell that they genuinely care about each student. I would recommend this school to anyone that is looking for strong academics but still has the nurturing environment.

Posted: August 6, 2026

We love this school. It is so important for our children to learn catholic values and at the same time the Academics are top notch. They have an academic decathlon team, Spanish, music and every sport, cheerleading etc. Most teachers have been there for a long time which makes the Learning for the kids flow so smoothly. Great school

Posted: August 6, 2026

Posted: May 5, 2026

Our familys experience at this school has been exceptional. My wife, who previously taught within the Diocese, has been genuinely blown away by the experience, dedication, professionalism, and care shown by the teachers and staff.

The school provides a truly Christ-centered environment that helps children grow into thoughtful, grounded, and compassionate young people who are well prepared academically and highly respected in high school admissions. What stands out most is the strong sense of community and character development woven into everyday life.

Even families who are not Catholic feel welcomed, supported, and fulfilled here, which speaks volumes about the culture the school has created.

Having looked at other schools and transferring from one into SMA, we have been blown away by the individual attention and quality of academics.

We feel incredibly fortunate to have found this special place for our family.

Posted: May 5, 2026

Posted: April 13, 2026

Amazing school! Our family has been at the school for six years now and our experience has been nothing but positive. Education is excellent, teachers are top notch, and the overall environment is warm, nurturing and centered in good values. Our children are thriving and look forward to going to school every day. Also a huge bonus that the school goes through 8th grade as strong middle school options in this area are limited. Highly recommend!

Posted: April 13, 2026

Posted: March 30, 2026

A great school of La Jolla that has a balanced mix of excellent elementary education, strong character and confidence building, a sense of community and a faith filled upbringing that is taught through a small classroom environment.

Posted: March 30, 2026

Posted: March 23, 2026

Our family has been part of this school
Since our daughter was in TK. I will say straight off, they arent perfect. I dont think no school is. But that is what makes this school perfect for us, they are genuine, caring, giving and supportive. They are always striving to make community and to be better, they genuinely care for each of the kids there. This is a faith centered school and it shows, we start with that everyday here. Thank you for all you do for us SMA! (I put one star less for special education, because it being a small school and not government funded, you wont find all the programs that are available at public schools, but they will try their best to accommodate)

Posted: March 23, 2026

Posted: March 11, 2026

I had an absolutely wonderful time as a student at Stella Maris, especially because of the close-knit environment and efforts of the staff. Stella Maris provides a caring local community that relies on the help of parents, students, and teachers, helping to bring everyone together. I was pushed academically, and I am so grateful for the kindness and patience of all the teachers who wanted me to succeed.

Posted: March 11, 2026

Posted: January 30, 2026

We love Stella Maris Academy. It is such a special school, with small class sizes, strong and well-respected academics that both challenge students and support them in succeeding. The teachers truly care about the kids, and the entire community is warm, faith-centered and welcoming. We highly recommend this school for families seeking a caring, high-performing environment.

Posted: January 30, 2026

Posted: January 27, 2026

My observation is that this school is beneficial for my grandson.

Posted: January 27, 2026

Stella Maris helps kids grow in many ways: academically, spiritually and socially. To name a few.
They are very welcoming and positive from my experiences with them. My grandson just loves the school, the teachers and of course all of his friends that he has met while attending. Would highly recommend this school.

Posted: January 27, 2026

Posted: January 20, 2026

I have nothing but positive things to say about this school. After changing schools five times, my daughter has finally found the right fit, and we could not be happier. The support, environment, and overall experience have made a meaningful difference for her, and we truly love this school.

Posted: January 20, 2026

Posted: November 18, 2025

This is a hidden gem in the heart of La Jolla. Excellent teachers, academics and atmosphere. We wanted a more organized and less distracting learning environment than public school and we certainly found it here. Both kids are being challenged and thriving in the nurturing yet structured environment here at SMA.

We feel so lucky to have found this excellent school and highly recommend SMA.

Posted: November 18, 2025

Stella Maris Academy is a wonderful place for children to learn; Not just academically, but also what it means to be a helpful member in society!
The Teachers make the individual subjects fun and interesting while also demonstrating to the children how to show support for their fellow classmates.

Posted: November 18, 2025

SMA has been an fantastic place for our children to grow. The teachers truly love what they do-you can feel it in the way they greet each child every morning. The schools academics, social emotional learning and happy families are only a few of the highlights! We have had three 3 children at the school and each child was different. Each child was met at their individula level and supported to grow soaring academically higher! THE COMMUNITY IS OUTSTANDING!

Posted: November 18, 2025

Stella Maris is, over-the-top , one of the most rewarding school communities that I have ever experienced. From the amazing students, involved parents, caring teachers, dedicated administration, and supportive pastor and parishioners, Stella Maris Academy is definitely a 5-Star school community that anyone would be lucky to be part of.

Posted: November 18, 2025

SMA has been a wonderful experience for our family.

Posted: November 18, 2025

Posted: November 17, 2025

SMA has been a complete blessing for our family. SMA is a well rounded school with many extra curricular activities to choose from and opportunities to support academics. We had one child who graduated in 2025 and he has transitioned seamlessly to Catholic Cathedral. We have another child in 6th grade at SMA now and he loves school. He also volunteers and began altar serving last year.

Also, they have a math program to help excel students to higher levels of math, which really helped both my children academically.

The school masses and events are really fun and family oriented. I have made so many special memories at SMA. The leadership, teachers and overall environment is amazing! I wish I would have found this gem sooner. It is a school you will cherish for a lifetime!

Posted: November 17, 2025

We have had 2 children at this school and love everything about it.

Posted: November 17, 2025

Such a wonderful, safe environment that emphasizes core family values. It is a community of dedicated parents and faculty, and our kids absolutely love going here!

Posted: November 17, 2025

Best school ever! my child learned so much and went to an amazing High school and college.
Great teachers.

Posted: November 17, 2025

My children came to SMA when we moved to San Diego in 2013. We chose SMA among other Catholic Schools in the area, and we had no regrets. My children enjoyed both the academic and non-academic experiences and thrived until they graduated several years ago. SMA prepared them for their high school years. They made friends who have remained good friends even to this day.
There are some other things that I'm grateful for:
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, the school was able to adjust quickly and provided good education to our kids while maintaining the safety
- The small size of the school makes it a close-knit community.
- The school provided some other experiences, such as Decathlon, sports
- There were abundant opportunities for parents to get involved.
We always look fondly on our time in SMA.

Posted: November 17, 2025

Posted: November 16, 2025

Stella Maris Academy is an amazing school that we are grateful for. Everything from the campus, administration, teachers and community is everything I would want for my childs education.

Posted: November 16, 2025

Posted: November 15, 2025

Our experience at Stella Maris Academy has been outstanding. The teachers are very engaging and go the extra mile to make sure the students are learning at their own pace. They have a lot of extra curricular opportunities at the school that our son has been a part of and has had a very positive experience. They go above and beyond to make sure all of the families feel welcome. They have created a very inclusive environment for all children to feel heard and accepted. The families feel that there is a variety of options for their children including art, music, steam, sports and many other amazing programs.

The Catholic education is deep rooted in kindness and living a life of joy and acceptance of community. We have felt these values passed down through administration, teachers and support staff.I highly recommend Stella Maris Academy to any family looking for an amazing education and a place where your children will grow and enjoy walking into school everyday with their peers.

Posted: November 15, 2025

Stella Maris Academy has been a wonderful experience for our family, and this is now our fourth year at the school. Our son feels welcomed every day and is excited to go to school. The small class sizes and caring teachers create a warm and supportive environment where he is known and encouraged. He has grown academically and socially, and the strong values and sense of community make a real difference. He also loves the before care and after care programs. Family involvement is outstanding and provides so many extras for our kids. We are grateful for Stella Maris and highly recommend it.

Posted: November 15, 2025

Posted: October 20, 2025

An amazing school. I have three kids that attend and each one of them beat the national averages by far for private schools. Best school in San Diego

Posted: October 20, 2025

Posted: May 8, 2025

As a current parent, I would strongly recommend SMA to any family looking for a loving place to send their children. The teachers truly care about educating the "whole child" in mind, spirit, and body.

Posted: May 8, 2025

Posted: February 15, 2025

Our experience with Stella Maris Academy has been nothing short of amazing! From the moment we walked through the doors, we felt a warm and welcoming environment where children are truly valued and nurtured.

The school's ethics and values shine through in everything they do. The teachers and staff foster kindness, respect, and a strong sense of community among the students. They emphasize not only academic success but also the importance of character development, which we deeply appreciate.

Academically, SMA offers an outstanding curriculum that challenges students while making learning engaging and fun. The teachers are highly qualified, passionate, and genuinely invested in each child's progress. We've seen tremendous growth in our child's confidence and skills, particularly in reading, math, and problem-solving.

One of the standout aspects of the school is its after-school programs. There is a fantastic variety of activities, providing children with opportunities to learn, explore, and interact with both peers and staff in a supportive environment. The staff members are incredible, they truly love and care for the kids as if they were their own.

Overall, we couldn't be happier with our choice. SMA provides a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children thrive both academically and personally. We highly recommend it to any family looking for a top-quality kindergarten experience!

Posted: February 15, 2025

Posted: November 18, 2024

Fantastic group of children, teachers and families fostering a positive learning environment and instilling good values.

Posted: November 18, 2024

Posted: January 23, 2024

This is not a school your child should attend if you want them to be enthusiastic and engaged in their learning. Teachers are often retained because of their longevity at the school, not for their skill set in teaching. Several of the strongest teachers have left in recent years. Bullying and entitlement by students is rampant. It was hard to get my children motivated to do homework when my kids told me that "no one does it." School work not consistent or enforced.

Posted: January 23, 2024

Posted: September 2, 2023

Amazing school that is attentive to my childs needs and goals. It feels like home and the families are nice!

Posted: September 2, 2023

Posted: August 27, 2023

Our granddaughter and grandson both attended Stella Maris Academy from the 6th through the 8th grades. The Stella Maris students were welcoming to both newcomers. We could not be more pleased with the moral and academic education fostered by the Principal, Mrs Moss. The students participate in weekly Mass together and the teachers work with the students to create beautiful pageants during the year to commemorate religious holy days. We always looked forward, as well, to "Grandparents Day." The exceptional teachers go above and beyond in helping each student reach his or her potential. In doing so, they instill in them confidence and a love for learning.

My grandchildren spoke enthusiastically of all the teachers, especially Mrs. Zack and Mrs. Moreau. I will mention one example why : Mrs. Moreau, the math teacher, recognized that our grandchildren have a special aptitude for math. On her own time, over the course of the summer, she tutored the children online so they could test into advanced math in High School, which they both did. There is an atmosphere of caring, safety and kindness at this school. Our grandchildren were well prepared for and are thriving at Our Lady of Peace and St. Augustine Academies. We believe that the quality of this education will strengthen and prepare them for life. Thank you, Stella Maris!

Posted: August 27, 2023

Posted: August 23, 2023

This school didnt prepare me for high school .

Posted: August 23, 2023

Posted: August 22, 2023

Stella Maris Academy falls drastically short of any reasonable educational standards. From its outdated curriculum to its disinterested and unqualified teaching staff, the school seems more focused on maintaining a facade of education rather than actually nurturing young minds. The lack of extracurricular activities and resources only adds to the bleak and uninspiring atmosphere, leaving students to fend for themselves in an environment devoid of creativity and innovation. It's evident that the administration's priorities lie elsewhere, as evidenced by the dilapidated facilities and neglect of student concerns. Enrolling a child in Stella Maris Academy would be a disheartening disservice to their intellectual and personal growth.

Posted: August 22, 2023

Posted: June 21, 2023

This school has difficulty retaining some excellent teachers. Several teachers are sub-par. Some basic educational practices not taken into account. My child had a homework packet of more than 30 pages for homework each week. It became overwhelming for him.

TK teacher has had several difficulties. Known to yell at students and express frustration with students in an impatient manner. Planning to withdraw my kids.

Posted: June 21, 2023

Posted: June 1, 2023

The teachers dont have credentials, and this isnt a catholic based faith school.

Posted: June 1, 2023

Posted: May 1, 2023

I have 2 children in the school and could not be happier. My daughter started i 1st grade and I have never seen her happier going to school in the AM. The 1st & 2nd grade teachers are absolutely amazing and engaging. My son has a serious speech delay and started TK this year. He has flourished in that class. His teacher brings a great energy to class everyday and his speech as improved incredibly. They also have an additional service to help him with his speech which has been a huge help. They have a great after school program and my kids never want to leave school. I couldn't disagree more with the previous posts about the teaching staff there. LOVE STELLA MARIS!

Posted: May 1, 2023

Posted: October 18, 2022

I have to disagree with the reviews of the TK teacher... as a parent, I couldn't have imagined a better faculty member to entrust the first year of my child's first "real" school experience with. The teacher is caring, compassionate, communicative, and genuinely cares for each of her students. My child is thriving in TK this year, and the class itself is very small and close-knit. I can only imagine what led other parents to think poorly of her, but there are no legitimate reasons that I can even slightly see.

The rest of the faculty has been equally great so far. I applaud the principal and all of the staff. It's clear they care about the children's safety, well-being, and education.

Posted: August 9, 2022

I have to agree with the post about the awful TK teacher. She was brought in last minute last year and after several issues, we pulled our son as well. The teacher had a bad habit of playing favorites and becoming overwhelmed at the slightest disturbance in her class. The last straw was when she kept telling me that our son was "defiant," over and over again. Our son did have a difficult transition after Covid and being in school a full day but it was refreshing when we took our son to another school and he would get in the car and say, "I love it here." That never happened when we picked him up from Stella Maris and the TK classroom. It was consoling to later find out that there were several parents concerned about her techniques and classroom management. She remains at the school despite several studetnts leaving her classroom last year.

Posted: May 11, 2021

just meh, very bad and it needs a better teacher for Ela the current doesn't care

Posted: April 4, 2019

Teachers in TK and Grade 2 are insensitive and don't care.

Posted: April 4, 2019

There's a lot of families leaving as there's no trust in the administration. Low census in the student attendance that's why classes are merging like Grade 4th and 5th as there's not enough student in Grade 5.

Posted: April 4, 2019

Teachers getting paid tutoring fees to their current students, so unacceptable. All about money.

Posted: April 4, 2019

Promotes bullying, doesn't deal with the issue only what they think. the administration doesn't know how to accept mistakes.

Posted: April 4, 2019

Horrible and no compassion, the administration has no word of honor.

Posted: April 4, 2019

Homeworks are not being followed through and put a lot of questions as optional.

Posted: January 27, 2019

No Follow up with the teacher at all.

Posted: January 27, 2019

The Teacher in 2nd Grade is very selfish and insensitive.

Posted: January 27, 2019

Inconsistent, inconsiderate and don't communicate properly to the parents.

Posted: January 27, 2019

Poor leadership from the principal to the teachers.

Posted: January 27, 2019

They're just a school without any compassion to children. That's why parents are leaving the school.

Posted: January 27, 2019

They allow bullying. No protocol in place.

Posted: January 27, 2019

Low standard in Academics and They only say what people what to hear but they don't deliver what they have promise.

Posted: January 9, 2019

Terrible, the school admin is disorganized and don't care at all.

Posted: February 8, 2018

Its been absolutely wonderful. From staff to students, they are very welcoming. The program itself is very well rounded. They have a well developed tiered math program to help kids advanced. And a strong science department.Their art literacy program exposes kids to all forms of art, from ancient cave paintings to modern art, as well as a music program and talent shows. This is our first year and we have been very impressed by the amount of cooperation between the school and parents and students. The classrooms are inspiring, they make anyone walk in and want to learn and explore. They go out of their way to help kids taking into all different learning styles. The school is small, which I thought would be an issue, but I was wrong. Its been the opposite, the smaller setting ha allowed the kids flourish. My kids are coming back from school happier, more motivated and confident. I wish I had started my kids here sooner.

Posted: February 8, 2018

Posted: December 2, 2015

No issues with the church. School staff do not care and wish that would change.

Posted: June 16, 2014

I couldn't be more happier with the school we chose for our daughter. She has been at the school since Kindergarten and will be heading into 3rd grade. We love the family oriented atmosphere because of the size of the school. Lots of parent involvement and transparency with the teachers and administrative staff. She not only gets a quality education but good spiritual guidance and lessons in proper etiquette. For its size the school offers quite a lot.

Posted: May 3, 2013

You won't be disappointed with SMA. My son has another loving parent while at school, his teacher! Expect hugs, consistency, high expectations, diversified student population, organization, high quality 'specials' educators (in particular Spanish, Music, Art, and Reading Specialist), individualized instruction, helpful and knowledgable resource specialist, and parent involvement.

Posted: October 31, 2012

I'm actually a grandfather of student here but I am very involved with my grandson's education. Leadership here is very weak. Great teachers are being let go for artificial reasons . This school is very "teacher based" instead of "student based." I.e. changes made are based on the teachers' needs and wants instead of what students' need. For example, this school used to have an amazing Resource Center, constructed by a knowledgeable and effective educator and my grandson benefitted from this program greatly. I witness his increased academic performance while this educator was on board. Yet, somehow, the school managed to get rid of her despite the evident improvement of the students utilizing the center. Now, it is ran by an incompetent teacher who makes students feel bad for having special learning needs (as reported by my grandson and parents of several other students), and the center is crumbling. There is something fundamentally wrong with leadership. If your child has any challenges learning in a traditional way, this school is not for him/her. Although this school might give support, it is not effective and you will need outside resource to aid in your child's education.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Ocean Beach	Apartment Complex	San Diego	CA	5.7 mi
2	Spectrum Center Blvd, Kearny Mesa	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	6.9 mi
3	Riverfront Condominium Rentals	Apartment Complex	San Diego	CA	7.1 mi
4	Mission Hills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	7.5 mi
5	Canyon View	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	8.6 mi
6	The Heritage	Apartment Complex	San Diego	CA	9.3 mi
7	Apartment	Apartment Complex	Coronado	CA	10.1 mi
8	City Heights	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	10.8 mi
9	Torrey Highlands	Neighborhood/Subdivision	San Diego	CA	11.2 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	La Jolla	La Jolla	CA	1.6 mi
2	University City	San Diego	CA	3.6 mi
3	Loma Portal	San Diego	CA	6 mi
4	Old Town	San Diego	CA	6.1 mi
5	Old Town San Diego	San Diego	CA	6.4 mi
6	Mission Hills	San Diego	CA	6.9 mi
7	Serra Mesa	San Diego	CA	7.3 mi
8	Point Loma	San Diego	CA	8.5 mi
9	Broadway Pier	San Diego	CA	9.1 mi
10	North Park	San Diego	CA	9.5 mi
11	Seaport Village	San Diego	CA	9.6 mi
12	Kensington	San Diego	CA	9.7 mi
13	Gaslamp Quarter	San Diego	CA	9.8 mi
14	Mira Mesa	San Diego	CA	9.8 mi
15	Coronado	Coronado	CA	10.7 mi
16	Torrey Highlands	San Diego	CA	11.2 mi

Base	Distance
MCRD San Diego	7 mi.
Miramar MCAS	7.8 mi.
North Island NAS	9.4 mi.
San Diego Naval Medical Center	9.4 mi.
Naval Base Point Loma	10 mi.
Coronado Naval Amphibious Base	11.9 mi.
San Diego Naval Base	12.7 mi.
Camp Pendleton	37.3 mi.

Stella Maris Academy

San Diego, CA 92037

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