4361 Dowitcher Way
Oceanside, CA 92057

We recently switched into MLK from the private and charter systems. This switch was due to several issues within the private and charter systems that began to become evident post covid. Things we’ve noticed on this particular campus: the principal is extremely proactive on this campus. She does not blow off parent or student concerns. She addresses each issue, as we have witnessed. Her timing may not be immediate, which could upset some parents, but honestly, some situations need time to be evaluated and the campus has a lot of students, making immediate action difficult at times. Prioritizing is a key component of a successful administrator. The teachers are qualified. Compared to a specific homeschool system in this district and several surrounding private schools, the teachers in the public system are highly qualified (for the most part). Although I personally disagree with any crossing of political, social, or gender preferences on school campuses, we have only heard of a few teachers who outwardly promote these agendas (but we have not experienced these teachers). The school offers a number of electives, a decent PE system, clean classrooms, and extra curricular options. There are a good deal of students and that allows for students to find their own group and support system. Middle school is tough. Middle school has always been tough. From our perspective, taking into consideration countless friends and family members who attend more affluent schools, they face the same challenges and complain about the same issues that we hear parents at this school discuss. We do not see any great difference between this middle school and one in a more affluent area. Our kids say this school actually has less fights and less mean kids than some of the surrounding city schools that are more affluent.

All but one of my six kids has attended EC , it’s a great school ! Teachers and staff are amazing and a lot of parent support

When our daughter started here several years ago, we felt like this was such a wonderful school and community. We felt so welcomed by the principal and great teachers. Unfortunately, a few years ago, the wonderful principal left and things have gone downhill quickly. The new principal Mrs. Harrington frequently overreacts when good kids make mistakes and seemly ignores major behavior issues. Her ineffectiveness leads to unsafe situations for students and a setting that makes focusing on learning very difficult. These factors are taking away from the education of many students. It is a shame that her lack of leadership skills have hurt this school so much. It is not an uncommon to talk to another parent and find they have similar feelings. Our daughter has had wonderful teachers. I fear the teachers are not being supported and it is bringing down the entire school. It has been a significant change. We have such a short time left at Ivey Ranch or we would looking to move our daughter to another school.