55A Surfside Ave
Surfside, CA 90742

If you are looking for a supportive and fair school environment, this may not be the right fit. While there are a few exceptions, my experience with specific teachers for both of my children was incredibly frustrating.Both of my kids were high-achieving GATE students, yet their grades dropped significantly upon enrolling at Dwyer. For example, one teacher gave my daughter an 89.9% in a class and rounded it down to a "B," dropping her GPA from a 3.8 to a 3.6.Additionally, the school's handling of citizenship grades and disciplinary rules felt targeted. My daughter, who maintained a 4.0, received an "N" in citizenship—disqualifying her from honors recognition—on the exact same day her teacher chased her down the hall for dress coding, despite other students wearing the same outfit without issue.When we transferred my son to another school, he immediately returned to earning "A's" in harder classes. Unfortunately, attempts to resolve these issues with the principal and the school board were met with indifference, and I know many other families with similar experiences. It appears this school environment only works well if parents are heavily involved in volunteering, staff gifting, and willing to accept unfair treatment without pushing back, as teachers may take frustrations out on the students.

This school has a bullying problem with the students and teachers. One 4th grade teacher in particular is known to be REALLY awful. Don’t expect the principal to do anything about it, she is the worst!

Daughter graduated in 2016 and got into top schools, went to UCSB. The model UN program finished first in the country her junior year! Great leadership in that program and the AP classes. Also she participated in APA freshman year which is top rated for theater and creative students. Unlike a prior review, sports are not heavily emphasized. If you just do a decent amount of encouragement, the fine staff will lead your child to greatness. What public schools should be.