Rio Del Mar School

We have a kindergartener and a 4th grader at Rio Del Mar, and we are so happy to have them at this school. The principal, Dr. Barlow, works really hard to ensure the success of all his students, and he has a great front office staff. Anna and Betty are friendly and organized. We have been so impressed with the academic program, especially with the focus on STEM curriculum and with the arts. Our kids get to enjoy art, music, dance and theater almost every day. Our 4th grader is in the GATE program through which she gets piano lessons every week after school. She is also in the school strings orchestra, which meets twice a week after school. We couldn't be more impressed with their teachers, Mr. Messecar and Ms. Handley. They know our kids well and encourage and challenge them daily. The classrooms and facilities are also great--high tech, ergonomic, and green and clean. We especially love the chicken coop in the courtyard! The only thing we wish the school would add is an inclusive after school program. The only program now is limited and has strict attendance requirements. However, the school library is open after school until 4:00 or 4:30, so our kids go there to read and do homework until we can pick them up. This truly is a wonderful neighborhood school.

This is our 3rd year at this school, and we absolutely love it. Our teachers are amazing, all giving 110% to their students, going above and beyond to help them excel. The principal is very involved, well-liked and respected by students, staff and parents. This school is a hidden gem!

The campus is new and beautiful, and the administrative staff is courteous and professional. However, this school's enrollment consists of mostly Spanish speaking families. I'm surprised to see how many parents do not speak English, and are not trying to teach their children English. Parent information and homework packets were given to us in Spanish with the English translation on the back. Although I agree that most Americans should know both English and Spanish, this is America where English is the primary language. This is obviously affecting the students' academic performance, as test scores show to be below CA state average. We are moving out of this beautiful Riverpark neighborhood for the sake of avoiding this awful school (and district).

The Principal is a wonderful caring, hand-on principal.. always on the front line talking to parents & students.. as well as my child's teacher Mr. Messecar . Both gave 110% and always helped my child to the best of their ability. The office staff was very sweet! With that being said the NEG is that there is a very strong cultural focus on Latinos only as far as menu of meals and cultural background are concerned and sometimes my child being picked on because she is not Hispanic and there were several situations where she needed help and there was no English speaking staff member around to help her at lunchtime. She always had to get another student to translate for her. That is unacceptable. EVERY member of staff should speak English! No exceptions!