This amazing school receives HIGH MARKS...for everything. Caring, thoughtful, beehive of activity. The students I met are friendly, super helpful, I discovered when we attended registration, and this place FEELS like a private school, with the attitude of "We're all in this, together." The faculty and administration are clued in to their students in supportive strategies that work academically as well as inter-personally. Adults model what they're requiring re:students ' behavior. Love that this Charter School requires uniforms. Love that their cafeteria prepares fresh, locally sourced food to the students every single day. Genius! Loving that all this is coming from the once embattled OUSD-what a complete turnaround for the better, in the past 15-20 years. All the fundamentals are working together for the greater good at Santiago Charter Middle School. Grateful, grateful, grateful. AND...they still have room for new students. read more

Santiago Charter Middle School is a fantastic school! I recommend Santiago to any parent without hesitation or qualification. When you visit the campus, you will immediately notice the caring atmosphere because every staff member is amazing (shoutout to Dr. D and Mrs. Pedroza, co principals, for giving this school the big heart that it has)!! If you're on the fence, give them a chance by attending one of the campus events to hear what they have to offer and what sets them apart from other schools. For example, how many middle schools offer international travel opportunities? My daughter went on a 10+ day trip to Europe and made wonderful memories with her friends. Again, this school has it all (including pre-AP!) and so many parents I've talked to all agree it was amazing for each of their kids. No regrets! read more

Great school and amazing staff members. Both my children attended and loved it. Deagostino is a great person! read more

I am not sure that I can cover all of the things that make this school as great as it is, but here are a few. My oldest daughter planned to attend a different middle school in OUSD, but near the end of 6th grade she found out that some of her friends were attending Santiago, so we checked it out. That initial introduction was enough to convince us that Santiago would be her school. All of the staff, from the top administrators on down, embrace every day with grace, passion, concern, empathy, integrity, and many other traits that make it clear that they are all vested participants and strive every day to provide all students with the opportunity to be the best version of themslves. Academics has always been one of my daughter's strengths, but over the last two years she has had some incredible teachers that have pushed her to really develop into a great student. The endless options of electives and sports have given her the opportunity to try new things, and she now has a few new passions. It saddens me that she could only be a Santana for two years, but I know she will be a better high school and college student as a result. I have two more kids that will also attend Santiago, and I am equally excited for the positive impact it will have on them. It is clear to me that there is a real sense of community at Santiago, and that has become an increasingly hard thing to find anymore. I volunteer my time whenever I have the chance, and I appreciate the opportunity to be part of the Santiago community. Our kids need more schools like Santiago. read more

My daughter has had a fantastic experience for the last 2 years at this school. The teachers, faculty and principal are great at what they do and have pushed my daughter to be the best she can be. The theater program, music program and the athletics program are all top notch and she has loved them all. Santiago Charter was a great fit for us- highly recommend! read more

Not sure where to begin. This school is not our home school, in fact we drive by 2 other middle schools to get to our school every morning. This school is like no other middle school I have ever experienced. From the fantastic administration, supportive and caring teachers to the great academics and not to mention all the programs and sports they offer. Santiago has been an amazing school to our boys. Every morning when I am at drop off there are so many teachers and staff on each corner directing traffic, greeting the students and parents. Middle school is a huge jump from elementary & Santiago makes that transition so seamless. Thank you for providing a safe & fun environment for all the students. It says something when your child does not want to miss a day of school or looks forward to a subject they once disliked! Did I mention they have a wrestling program??? Yes you read that correctly. What middle school do you know of locally that offers that? I could go on and on!! Highly recommend! Once you tour the campus you will see what I'm talking about! Proud to be part of such an amazing school! Go Santanas!! read more

Awesome school with teachers and management that really care. My kid had a great experience and the teachers where very active about communicating with us. I also have a house where many of the kids are walking home. 99.9 % of the time the kids are just being kids and doing what kids do. Occasionally over the years something over the top happens in front of the house. Forget the police, they don't seem to give a hoot about the east side, but a phone call to the school staff gets immediate attention. Even though it it far from school grounds, they took productive action and fast. The staff also followed up diligently. Great school and staff. They are truly the gold standard of middle schools in Orange, and California. read more

Santiago middle school was incredible to my daughter. She found the love for music and gave her the foundation needed for high school. The staff was amazing and all due to the great leadership. read more

We love Santiago! Everyone that works there cares about each and every student. Dr. D and all staff go above and beyond to make this school Great! We are proud to be Santana's. read more

I Love this school. I don't even know where to start. Everything about Santiago is great. My son is new this year, but his results prove my statement. We came from Sowers Middle school in Huntington Beach (awful school, awful staff, awful teachers, awful district). My son was going to be passed on to the next grade with D's and F's. I decided to hold him back, and Santiago graciously took him in. His first quarter resulted in A's , B's and one C. A dramatic difference from where he came from. I was Emailed offen about his grades. The teacher's email often about their expectations and learning projects. In addition, the school offers great elective classes. We participate in a soccer academy that Santiago has a relationship with, which allows my son to go to Santiago in the morning and train after lunch. I also love the location of the school, I feel safe leaving my son there, and I LOVE to see police presence on campus . There is a great mix of demographics, and I love the mandatory uniforms and ID they must carry. The drop of is totally organized and efficient....I just can't say enough about this wonderful school. Go Santanas!!!! read more

My son attended this school for 2 years. Best decision made. It does cost a little.more due to the uniforms you must purchase with Santiago LOGO but it was well worth our money. He is now at El Modena High as a freshman and playing football. The school is small but strict and standard is high so elementary students if your ready for a school that feels almost like just one family then come and be part of it. Be in your A game. Learn respect & discipline. read more

Dr. D'agostino is why you should send your kids here. A genuinely caring and sincere teddy-bear of a man who makes every student feel heard and cared for. He's out there directing traffic train or shine and is the best principal of any school I've ever seen. It's been a pleasure to have my kids attend this great school knowing they're in good hands. Shout out to Mr. Rodriguez also, another very wonderful and caring man. read more

Santiago Charter Middle School is an AMAZING school! My son thoroughly enjoys all the teachers he has. Everyone seems to be able to relate to him very well. The administration is easily accessible with any concerns either by dropping in to see them or just leaving a note or phone call. Every concern I have had has been addressed within a day if not immediately. I especially love the evening calls that keep me up to date on the events occurring weekly whether it be parent help needed or fundraisers happening. Calls are even sent out regarding any police presence at school or nearby so that we have reassurance our children are safe. You won't go wrong choosing to send your child to this school. read more

I went here for 7th and 8th grade a few years ago and I EXTREMELY wouldn't recommend sending your child here. The office staff are absolutely terrible and lazy. I had so many negative experiences with the teachers and office staff while I went here. The overall worst people I had to deal with was Mr. Napoli, Mrs. Mallory, Mrs. Yan and most of all Mr. Rodriguez the vp, Mr. Diagostino and Ms. Pedroza. They couldn't care less about the quality of your education. I'm considerably tall and my uniform shorts I bought from the school went higher from my finger tips ( since my legs were so long) they made me wear the boys shorts and REFUSED to give me my clothes back and repeatedly humiliated me by doing so. Please listen to my advice and don't send your kid here and send them a better school such as Mcpherson or even Hewes middle school, you won't regret it. read more

Santiago Charter School has a great sense of caring and a welcoming feel. The students are greeted by a welcoming smile and a hello as they are escorted across the street by the Principal and Vice Principal on a daily basis. Office staff and teachers go the extra mile to make Santiago a fun place to learn. My oldest son promoted last year from Santiago and really enjoyed all of the choices he was offered for electives. I will be filling out open enrollment papers in hopes that my younger son will be accepted in the future. read more