7001 Ballena Way #25
Carlsbad, CA 92009

This school has defnitely changed over the years. Since this school was rebuilt, we have seen the academics and sports program just take off. They have a great selection of teachers, their sports programs has really expanded and become very competitive.All 3 of our kids have gone to this school and we could not be more happy with their opportunities and experiences that this school has provided to them.Yes there are a LOT of kids that go to this school, but it is a very large school building - and really in a big school it is a fantastic way to prepare your kids of what is to come in college.

We sent our children to this school since first grade but had to relocate to another school. While we were happy with most of the teachers, staff, and family activities, the school will view your child as a "normal" kid or one with a disability (only after being evaluated, diagnosed, forms submitted by you, and confirmation from your doctor). If your child falls in between which quite a few children do there is very little assistance or guidance. And if your child is teased routinely be careful, as they may blame your child. Our child was teased and picked on regularly, by the same kids, over a few years, each year getting worse than the last. We struggled with this ourselves, was it just an over reaction by our child or something more? The teasing can start small but with a child with emotional struggles (we found out later), they are a great and easy target for these other kids. We call these types of children bullies, the school disagreed with us, and placed the blame on us. So if you feel your child is being teased, picked on, or even bullied you need to speak up immediately, you need to file a "formal complaint" early and often if needed. Otherwise the aggressor will file before you and the school will make you the target of an investigation. This really was a failure of the school and the system. Also if you feel your child is on the spectrum, do not be scared to ask for a "formal evaluation". We were never made aware of this, educated, or assisted in any way on this. We had to find this out on our own through friends in other school districts. We wish we knew about this earlier as it is a great way to know more about your child, his/her struggles and how to help them. Plus it provides an official document to the school so they know how to assist your child. Once again a failure of the school and the system. In general the school has been very good in most respects but fails those on the spectrum, which is becoming ever more present in our society. There are some great teachers and staff but when it comes down to a child that suffers with sonething undiagnosed, the assistance and guidance is not there and the system of investigating bullies is poor. So if you feel your child is being bullied (it starts small) make sure to speak up early, often, and loud (speak with other parents) before it goes to far otherwise you may to blame. We hope this helps those looking at this school.

All three of my kids experienced repeated bullying at this school, first under the horrible leadership of Gary DeBora. This district has a major bullying issue likely because staff does nothing to the aggressor. In fact telling makes it worse! The bullying carries in to high school. Stay away from San Marcos Unified. Many students are leaving to nearby districts or charters. I would now if I could do it all over again.