As parents who relocated to Vista from out of state, we found St. Francis to have an exceptionally…read moreinviting and welcoming community. We set down roots here and the school and parish community has become our family. Our children thrive academically and socially, and we couldn't be happier 11 years later. Helping students develop strong character to become good stewards of our community has been an integral part of our family's experience. My children serve on student council, and participate in numerous character-building community service projects. The Learning Support Program has been very effective in allowing my children to succeed at their grade level and given them the confidence to push themselves academically.

My two sons were failing in the public school system. I had to pull them out mid-year and put them…read moreback a grade. Both boys have done a 180 at St. Francis. They are flourishing. They can't wait to go to school. My older one now has his sights set on private high schools as well. St. Francis completely changed the course of their lives. I am forever grateful. The staff is amazing, they pay such close attention to the kids they can tell you what you packed them for lunch and if they ate it all. The after school activities and sports are super, the fundraisers are such a blast!! I love this school, I love everything about it.

BMMA has a group of teachers that really care, a wonderful gardening program and active well…read moreintended parents. Teachers working here are supported by the parents through wish lists and wonderful teacher appreciation events. There is a very high staff and student turn over for various reasons as this young school settles in. The Special Education Program is stabilizing after neglecting the needs of the kids for over two years. Although this school is not a true Montessori it is being implemented as best they can considering the lack of trained teachers, they are very adaptable to children's individual needs. They have no tolerance for sub-standard teachers and will let them go and attempt to replace them with qualified invested professionals. If you are interested in attending plan to be in it for the long haul, there are going to be ups and downs. My children love the school, it is constantly improving and provides plenty of opportunity to help out.

Bella Mente Academy may be a good fit for parents who prefer to take a quiet, hands-off…read moreapproach--those who don't ask questions and accept school decisions without much involvement. In those cases, families are treated warmly and respectfully on the surface. However, when a parent begins to raise concerns--even thoughtfully and professionally--the tone can shift quickly. The administration may start to view you not as a partner, but as a problem. Instead of open dialogue, the response often comes in the form of subtle retaliation, increased formality, or distancing behavior. Eventually, the pressure and lack of transparency can make a parent feel isolated and unsure, while the child--unfairly--is framed as the issue. From my experience, what seems to challenge the administration most are parents who: * Are observant * Ask questions * Understand how systems and accountability work * Expect clear communication, not vague policies These qualities appear to disrupt the comfort of those in leadership, and the reaction is often controlled but intentional. There is also a notable level of teachers turnover, which contributes to a sense of ongoing instability. If you're a parent who intends to advocate for your child, ask questions, or expect partnership, I encourage you to carefully consider not only the academic environment--but also the emotional and psychological safety the school provides. The experience can be deeply discouraging for engaged families when collaboration is replaced with control disguised as professionalism.

My kids have enjoyed their time here at this school. It is walking distance from our home and they…read morehave a later start than our previous school on this base. The teachers and staff are friendly and the class size for my 1st grader is fairly small. Approximately 20 kids which is 10 or 12 less than I remember having while in school. The neighborhood is safe and I feel comfortable sending my children to school here.

I used to go here as a kid, in elementary, oh man how much I miss it, great school, best and my…read morefirst school, sadly I moved and only stayed til 1st grade then moved to Santa Margarita for only 2nd grade, Stuart Mesa will always be the best school out there to me, I recommend it.

"California mom Kim Segaline is perturbed by Bonsall West Elementary School's decision to place a…read moresticker on her 7-year-old son that read, "Lunch Money Please," after he did not have enough money to pay for lunch. Upon his return home, Kim asked him why he was wearing the sticker. He informed her that "the lunch lady put it on [him] to wear home for [his] parents to see." Interestingly, Preston is eligible for free school lunch, and has received it for the last two years. Segaline told Opposing Views that she was informed that she needed to fill out a new form for this school year so that her son can continue to receive free lunch, which she certainly intends to do. The school planned to send home a note, but places the sticker on students to "make sure (parents) get the message." However, it must be asked whether the school's action can be excused. Is it right to humiliate a child-to expose his family's financial situation-over food? We must ask ourselves what we have become as a nation, when schools are throwing away a child's lunch if he or she does not have the money, and choosing to humiliate children who do not stem from affluence. When we won't feed a hungry child, can we call ourselves civilized?" http://aattp.org/school-sends-low-income-child-home-wearing-lunch-money-please-sticker/

Incredible school. We have been blessed to have all 3 of our kids at Bonsall West Elementary. This…read morepublic school almost feels like private. Teachers and staff are all solid for the most part. Go Colts!

My son attended Tri-City Christian School from Pre-K through 4th grade. In the early years, we had…read moresome truly wonderful experiences. Teachers like Mrs Bicum, Mrs Cinors Mrs.Lever, Mrs. Theis, and Mrs. Mackey were caring, dedicated, and genuinely invested in helping him succeed. I will always be grateful for the kindness and effort they showed our family. Unfortunately, our experience changed dramatically in 4th grade. My son struggled with reading and had educational needs that required additional support. Instead of receiving the help and encouragement he needed, it felt like the school gave up on him. He went from being a student who earned B and C grades to receiving failing grades, and we saw very little effort to help him maintain the academic progress he had made over the years. During this time, our family was also wrongly accused by a teacher, which resulted in a report being made to CPS. We found this experience deeply upsetting. We were also concerned to learn that the same teacher allegedly shared private information about our family with other parents without our knowledge, which further damaged our trust in the school community. As parents, we were repeatedly made to feel that our son no longer belonged at the school because of his learning challenges and his need for an IEP. Rather than partnering with us to help him succeed, we felt pressured to find another school. The message we received was that Tri-City Christian was not willing or able to support a child who learned differently. If your child is a strong student who does not require academic accommodations and excels in sports, your experience may be very positive. However, if your child struggles with reading, is behind academically, has an IEP, or may need one in the future, I would strongly encourage you to carefully consider whether this school can provide the support your child deserves. What hurt the most was that this happened at a Christian school. By the end of our time there, I felt embarrassed and unwelcome on campus. Every child deserves patience, encouragement, and support--especially when they are struggling. Sadly, that was not our experience during our final years at Tri-City Christian.

For more than 25 years, our family made beautiful memories at Tri-City Christian School. We trusted…read morethe school, supported it, and invested heavily in the community over the years. Sadly, that changed dramatically under the current principal, specifically Mr. Greer and Ms. Helmick. (4th grade teacher) Before Mr. Greer became principal, Tri-City felt like a place built on kindness, partnership, and genuine Christian values. Unfortunately, our experience under his leadership was the complete opposite. In our experience, conversations felt insincere and performative. There were prayers and smiles in person, but the actions behind the scenes contradicted what was said directly to us. Over time, it created an environment where trust disappeared. In our opinion, Ms. Helmick should not be teaching, especially at a Christian school. If she had been the first teacher our family encountered at Tri-City Christian School, we would never have remained there for 25 years. Likewise, because of Mr. Greer's leadership and the decisions he made, we would not return as long as he remains principal. There are many caring teachers and wonderful families at Tri-City, and this review is not directed at them. It is specifically about Mr. Greer and Ms. Helmick. I never imagined I would write a review like this after so many years there. However, the past couple of years under Mr. Greer's leadership, and especially this past year with Ms. Helmick, were unbearable, to say the least. They both get zeros for their dishonesty at a Christian school!

Me going to this school is good the teachers are good but the food is mid and there is a after…read moreschool program

My child was severely physically, mentally & verbally bullied at this school in KINDERGARTEN. A few…read moreexamples: his teacher at circle time (everyone sitting down) made my son stand up and reprimanded him for something he did in line outside before coming in. I personally witnessed him physically pushed to the ground and punched by a group of kids, the yard teacher said " what did you do to make them hurt you?". He came home with scratches so bad on his body that he thought he had a sunburn. I told the principal and there was no action, only offered a school councilor "three times a week" for my KINDERGARTNER. This is just the tip of the iceberg for how incredibly awful this school, its leadership & the faculty were. I moved him schools & he has been doing amazing ever since. DO NOT put your child in this school. I don't have enough words to express on here how much of a genuine nightmare it was, and this experience set my son up to hate & resent school, created a deep sense of self hatred & self consciousness that has stuck with him. BEWARE, this is not a no-tolerance or safe space for children to learn in.

A wonderful, loving, nurturing school. My child (with autism) attended school here when he was 4…read moreand 5. The teachers and staff are amazing, and he blossomed and flourished there in a high-suppprt environment. It was a difficult time for me as a mom, trying to come to terms with my child's challenges, and they were supportive of me in that process as well. A gem of a school, I am very grateful that California Avenue was part of my child's journey.

This is our second year at Temple Heights. My son loves his teachers and the campus. Great…read moreprincipal, fantastic and helpful office staff. They have made our first time parent at school experience a great one. Can't wait for our second son to start here too!