La Mesa Elementary School

Our 2 kids have been going to MBCS for the past 4 years. They’ve had many Godly teachers who cared about their Christian education and character building. The nice thing is that the school is owned, supervised and supported by the adjacent church.

Concerns About Honesty and Educational QualityAs a parent, choosing the right school for your child is paramount. It's with a heavy heart that I write this review for Stevenson (RLS) Carmel Campus, which my child attended for multiple school years. I believe in providing honest feedback to help other parents make informed decisions.Pros:* The hot lunch program at the school is commendable. The variety and quality of food offered are impressive and appreciated.*Initially, their "specials" program was robust and enriching, thanks to a team of talented teachers. However, now the majority of the lower school special teachers, who were very talented, left the school.Cons:* Honesty and Transparency: One of the significant issues we've faced is with the school's administration. There's a disturbing pattern of misinformation and lack of transparency. This ranges from trivial matters like outdoor activity times to critical aspects of our children's academic and social-emotional experiences. It's been disheartening to untangle these inconsistencies as a parent community. *Educational Quality: When it comes to academics, the school unfortunately falls short compared to other independent institutions. Despite claims of offering differentiated learning, the reality doesn't match up. The one-size-fits-all approach fails to meet the diverse needs of students.*Staff Turnover: The specials program, once a highlight of the school, has suffered due to the departure of many talented educators. This loss has noticeably impacted the quality of the program.Conclusion:While I appreciate the efforts made in certain areas like the lunch program, the overarching issues around honesty and educational quality are too significant to overlook. I had hoped for a more transparent, nurturing, and academically challenging environment for my child.For parents considering Stevenson, I urge you to thoroughly research and look into other options. The well-being and education of our children are too important to compromise. We have a group of post-Stevenson families and the common theme is how thankful we are that we decided to leave, how much better our kids' new schools are, and how much happier our kids are.

The historic campus is beautiful, and the quality of the education is exceptional. But more than that, you will have friends that last your lifetime, a community that strengthens your character, and the kind of resilience that guarantees your success.