Elementary Schools in Aliso Viejo,CA (Newport Beach, Bell: school district, fences, moving)

[CaliforniaKitty]

Can somebody recommend a good elementary school in Aliso Viejo. I looked on GreatSchools.net, but real comments are so much better. We have a child who is currently mainstreaming from special ed. to general ed. and are having a hard time with teachers and principal (Newport Beach). We really like Aliso Viejo and planning on moving this May. Any help will be greatly appreciated
Thank you

[GirlsRUs]

St. Mary and All Angels is a great school! It is located in Aliso Viejo. I worked there about 10 years ago. A couple of famous people had there kids enrolled there, during that time. Great Principle & program, overall. The preschool is also excellent!

[Moose Jul]

I know you were trying to find elementary schools in Aliso Viejo. Wondering what you learned. We are making a move to OC this summer and wanting to learn as much as possible about schools. We have a child who will need special education services at the preschool level and are looking for public schooling for him. Thanks!

[missionhome]

Just so you know, Aliso Viejo has some great elementary schools, but they are going to go through some tough times the next couple years. Since Aliso Viejo is the youngest city in the Capistrano Unified School District, many of its teachers have been with the district for the least amount of time and have been the first one sent pink slips for the district cuts. Some Aliso elementary campuses are loosing over 50% of their faculty. The school community in Aliso is pretty close and you see it through the spirit the kids have for the teachers. Every Aliso elementary school has black ribbons representing each teachers sent a slip at their campus tied up on trees and fences all around the campuses and posters demanding their teachers stay. It just shows the appreciation the students have for their teachers and a big indication of a great school. Hopefully these campuses will still be excellent with the increased class sizes and loss of so much staff.

[Moose Jul]

I'm sorry to hear about cut backs impacting staff. What a huge loss. Would you anticipate other communities to be similarly impacted in this way (i.e., are there other younger communities that are vulnerable to district cuts)? Thanks much.

[lagunaniguelsheryl]

I really recommend Wood Canyon Elementary School, it is truly one of the greatest schools that DOES NOT neglect its students who are not at the top 10% of their class. That is what I am seeing in almost all schools nowadays, but this school cares about each child and their unique needs (as it sounds, you have specific needs). It will be a positive environment for your child, in my opinion. The principal is extremely friendly and the school itself is terrific. I could not reccomend it highly enough for what you need.

Here is the link to their website:
"http://www.capousd.org/wces/"

And here is their accountability report card.
"http://www.capousd.org/sarcs0506/Elementary/Wood%20Cyn.pdf"

[Moose Jul]

Great! Thanks so much for reaching out and sharing this information. It is quite overwhelming to have to sort through so many options from out of state. Plus, given our son's needs-- we are particularly concerned about finding the right fit. He was kicked out of a private school this past year so we have had some hard times with a school whose stated philosophy was about supporting kids with learning differences.

[lagunaniguelsheryl]

I have heard of stories of students who went into Wood Canyon doing below what they could have done, and left Wood Canyon to go to middle school with a positive outlook on life and willing to try and succeed instead of just giving up because a school tells them that they are a waste of their time. They definately teach the kids the value of learning, and see people beyond what their scores are when it comes to state testing. Their hearts are in the right place at WCES.

In their accountability report card (linked above) the school notes how they deal with students with special needs. This is what they say

"Wood Canyon has been honored as a California Distinguished School and was named a Golden Bell award- winning school for effectively assisting at-risk students. Our staff members have been trained on how to work with every child to bring out his or her full potential."