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!

"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!

We are so very impressed with Pac Rim. We left Cardiff, a neighboring district that is just as…read morewonderful, after 15 years with our other kids and our youngest had to switch elementary schools when we bought our new house. They were welcoming right off the bat. Mr. Tubbs set up a walk through tour before we decided to buy and his first teacher made him feel so welcome with notes on his desk from every child in the class once we did. COVID hit and he had little opportunity to really connect with new friends, but Carlsbad District has maintained getting these kids safely into in-person class as quickly as possible from the beginning. Mrs. Hartman has seen him through this incredibly confusing year (from at home learning to cohort half in and half out learning to full time all kids in class learning). Kudos to a teacher who successfully navigated all the changes for her kids impeccably, softly and efficiently. He says although he misses his friends, whom are still only 10 minutes away :), he is so glad he made the move. He feels welcomed, comfortable, challenged and accomplished. Not to mention, their PTO gear is pretty awesome!

We love this wonderful elementary school. People say that all of the elementary schools in Carlsbad…read moreare good but Pacific Rim has been exceptional. Pacific Rim is a "California distinguished school": "A California Distinguished School is an award given by the California State Board of Education to public schools within the state that best represent exemplary and quality educational programs. Approximately five percent of California schools are awarded this honor each year following a selection process."---via Wikipedia. I attribute much of what we love about this school to their wonderful principal, Robert Devich. It's the trickle down effect. This principal has ZERO tolerance for bullying. He enforces the rules here with strength, a love of truth, wisdom and compassion. This man is a loving father in his own life and brings that same level of warmth and accessibility to each of the students. He's a very visible presence on campus and coaches the kids (who need extra help) in math during certain lunch times. The caliber of teachers here is terrific. No disgruntled lifers simply treading water until retirement. They have special side programs designed for the kids at every grade level. These teachers are enthusiastic and dedicated to the kids. Some of them even arrive to school early (every single day) to answer homework questions for their students. Unlike the two other (San Diego) elementary schools our children attended, Pacific Rim's outdoor lunch court is sheltered from the elements with protective patio curtains on all sides as well as a roof overhead. from passing birds. This lunch table set up comes in particularly handy on windy or drizzly days. The kids can eat in comfort and their tables are protected from any possibility of insects as well as from droppings of local birds. Workers scrub off and disinfect every single lunch table at the end of each lunchtime. This school boasts excellent test scores. Their carnivals, numerous special events and family night events (tented sleep overs in the game field) are fun for everyone.

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.

5-year update: We have 3 children attending CCA, and we…read morefeel confident that this is the best place for them emotionally, academically, and spiritually. It feels like family: from drop off to extended care (which is super reliable & affordable). Teachers each have their own personalities, some are super warm, while others are stricter - but they all really try to help every kid. During our 6 years here, we have not experienced any bullying. Actually, every day kids are specifically taught to be kind and supportive to each other, and teachers and the principal get involved (very involved) with any behavior issues immediately. The bad reviews are from a few families that were likely not a good fit from the beginning, even though the school did everything to make them welcome. Over the last few years, the school has grown tremendously, and one thing we'd recommend is that they screen & educate incoming families a bit better.

My family and son have had a wonderful experience with Carlsbad Christian Academy. My son is in…read morekindergarten and reading already and thriving at the school. The Teachers, Principal, Pastor and staff are top notch plus the aftercare is beyond affordable for parents that work late. The staff cannot anticipate everything that can happen during a busy day but when issues have arisen, appropriate action has been taken that is reasonable and commensurate with the situation. I have read some of the poor reviews and cannot identify with the person(s) and feel they may have ulterior motives? We give Carlsbad Christian Academy our highest recommendation. Steven, Leisl, and Beau Alden

State policy over children. Don't go to any public school. Do homeschool. I've been through it way…read moretoo much with this school. Love the teachers but hate the state 1984 run policy they try to enforce on you. Don't go here or anywhere. Homeschool.

Great school. The teachers really care about the students. They go the extra mile to help.read more

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.

I like this school. The teachers are really nice and helpful with students. The kids I take here…read moreall like the school and get along well with their classmates. The school is also fenced in and locked during the day so it's safer.