Marguerite M. O'Neill Elementary School in Alisoviejo, California

“My family has attended O'Neill for many years. The school, in my opinion, has declined academially over the past couple of years as seen in decline in API scores. The prinipal has pushed to get the scores up therefore the students are taught only to the test. It is a shame. The principal micromanages and the students and staff walk on eggshells in fear of getting in trouble. Loved O'Neill and hope to see it turn back to the great school it used to be.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Excellent school with a real family feeling. Great teachers and much involved parents.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Great principal! Small school enviroment. It's almost like a private school. Wouldn't change for anything.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Overall student attitude and conduct is very good. There is a strong group of dedicated parent volunteers and many of the programs are dependant on them. I would say this school has a moderate academic program. The GATE program is very integrated into the regular curriculum and the quality varies a lot by teacher. Not what I would call rigorous. Curriculum is very 'test based' and not very comprehensive. The principal shows a large presence and is popular among the kids. A good amount of focus on character. Low quality music program and a moderate art program that varies year to year due to it's dependance on parent volunteers. New library and computer lab are very nice. Recently lost some very good long-term teachers. Principal has a very strong voice in the PTA and the site budget is very dependant on the PTA funds. Teachers not active in the PTA.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Very rigorous academically. This school really prepares kids for life - both academically and socially. They care about character as much as academics. They demand excellence. The new principle is really good - always around - he has a huge presence in the school. The parents are involved very heavily and it is expected that parents volunteer around the school. One of the best in Mission Viejo!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“School is great, new Principal in the last couple of years, has really taken an intrest in the kids and programs the school has to offer. Now they have a new program where kids can get extra help before school, which has really helped my daughter.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We have been o'neill parents for 11 years, sending 2 children there. When our daughter started in 1995 it was a great school with a great principal. Two principals and 10 years later we've seen a decline in the quality of teachers. The few teachers that have been there for years are the best, unfortunately none of the newer ones have the caring/compassion that the more experienced teachers do. What a shame. Our daughter was tested for gate in kindergarten and passed. Now in 5th grade, we are still waiting for special/challenging work for her. O'neill streamlines their gate kids, so don't look for any special or challenging curriculum. Sorry. Deportla would be a better choice if you have a gate child.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Medium to high quality academic programs, including the Gates Program. Low availabilty to art and music programs, but the scholl does offer great after school enrichment programs. The school survives on parent volunteers, and the PTA is very political!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I believe that O'Neill is a fantastic school. The staff is dedicated to making it the best school possible and work as well as possible with the funds they get from the state. The PTA is highly involved as are quite a few parents. The extracurricular activities are fantastic! Both of my children have participated in these activities and look forward to them! The teachers are fabulous! In the years we've been at O'Neill, we have been displeased with only one teacher, however, I don't believe it was her fault for the way the class turned out. The principal is great and really seems to care about the welfare of the children.”
This review was posted by a parent.