Rice (Lilian J.) Elementary School

This school has changed significantly in the last few years, primarily due to the current principal and partly due to the faculty. Unfortunately, the previous principal retired, and the current principal has been extremely poor in leading the school. The education quality has declined drastically, and Catholic values are no longer emphasized.The current principal is unprofessional, whether in person, when speaking at events, or in his emails. He is extremely lazy, lacks transparency, makes decisions that do not align with Catholic values, and has no leadership capabilities. Since his arrival, there has been considerable discord among parents and students. There has been a high turnover of faculty, with new hires often having minimal or no experience. Some of the few long-standing faculty members sadly seem burned out lacking the passion they once had as Catholic educators— and some should really consider retirement. Class sizes are overfilled, averaging between 37-40 students per class, making it extremely difficult for children to receive a decent education. The education is so poor that parents have resorted to hiring previous faculty members as tutors. There should be no need for extra tutoring when parents are already paying a significant amount in tuition. Grades are handed out to please parents and students, with almost every student receiving honor roll status in the middle school grades, which can impact their self-esteem and true capabilities once they reach high school.The school community is struggling to maintain what’s left of its traditions, which now barely exist. Personal situations with families have been handled extremely poorly, raising serious questions about the morals and values of the staff entrusted with our children.If you’re considering a Catholic school to instill good Catholic values and provide a quality education for your child, this is not the school. Seek out the many other parochial schools in San Diego County that offer comparable or lower tuition costs. There, your children will receive a superior education, be nurtured in a safe and supportive environment by dedicated faculty, and experience a true sense of community that aligns with your values and aspirations for their future. Make the choice that truly benefits your child's growth and well-being.