Barona Indian Charter School

Posted: April 7, 2026

Posted: April 7, 2026

Posted: April 7, 2026

Posted: April 7, 2026

Posted: April 7, 2026

Posted: April 7, 2026

Posted: April 7, 2026

Posted: April 7, 2026

Definitely the worst school I have seen in all of my years in the school system. Teachers are very nice to your face and during parent/teacher conferences but will talk trash about your kids in their break room all day long. Teachers lack an actual curriculum but that is probably due more to administration not giving them the tools do develop one. There is a reason why this school ranks amongst the lowest in the state. The principal seems to be making things up as she goes along and is at the center of why this school is so bad. She clearly doesn't know what she's doing and lies straight to parents' faces to avoid confrontation or to place the blame on others instead of herself. The entire school feels like a big clique and if you are on the outs or not a native you will feel like a second class citizen. Also, nothing is ever done about bullies or physical altercations at this school because they get funding for their attendance so they won't ever suspend/expell anyone. If a child punches your kid in the face either nothing will happen or they will give them an "in school suspension" to keep attendance up. Most of the time parents won't even be notified about a physical altercation involving their student. I would give this school 0/10 if I could and please do yourself and your kids a favor and look for another school.

Posted: January 28, 2026

Teachers are good, but not great, and small class sizes (usually) are good. However, Principal did not follow up with me and does not show leadership skills to lead teachers, or students. Principal was not straightforward and honest with me, which I discovered much later, and she is certainly not the leadership that will lead a school and its students to achieve great things. The students achieve mediocrity here because programs are weak and lacking in many ways. When the leader of the school in ineffective and impersonal it brings the whole school down and keeps this school from being a great school. Schools should inspire and bring out the best in our children. This school seems to value mediocrity and is more of a babysitting / daycare service than a school that challenges and inspires children. After changing schools, it was obvious how much our children were missing out on by being at Barona Indian Charter School in Lakeside School District. Now, in a different District, they have many opportunities to grow and develop that they were missing out on at Barona. A proper Principal could really turn this school into something great. There is potential there but poor leadership and lack of programs. It is sad, really, when the wrong person is put in charge of our children's' education. That is an opportunity missed that can never be regained.

Posted: January 28, 2026

Posted: January 28, 2026

Posted: January 28, 2026

Posted: January 28, 2026

Posted: January 28, 2026

Posted: January 28, 2026

Posted: January 28, 2026

Posted: May 28, 2014

Well the teachers have less kids In there class so the student can have more teacher time... Kids always need there own LUNCH... here they don't have a cafeteria they do have a snack bar basically about 4 dollars a day... The school is near so I don't have to worry about the drive... But lots of people do it... When we first got here my kids were way behind the older one was getting d's & f's now he gots A's and B's from where we were to now big difference... Anyhow wish you guys luck to where you decide to put ur kids

Posted: May 27, 2014

My Son and Daughter used to go there. She was in 5th grade he was in 2nd grade!

Posted: March 27, 2014

My son currently is in kindergarten at BICS. Mrs. Williams is an amazing teacher and the work that she sends home daily amazes me! My kindergarder is writing sentences and reading. The new principal Martha Parham exudes positivity and has such a love for the children and the school. I am so happy with the class sizes and everyone on the faculty. This school is definitely a hidden gem nestled in the hills of Barona. I am so very glad that I chose this school!

Posted: December 9, 2013

My daughter has been going here for 2 years now. I have been impressed with the level of commitment from the teachers. The new principal is awesome and you can see her love for the kids and i really like the fact that she enforces manners with the students. We transferred here from a SDUSD school and it is so nice to have a school with reading and tutoring programs and small class sizes. My daughter has learned and grown so much at this school.......the move was the best thing we have done.

Posted: March 19, 2013

Don't put you kids here ! My son was in K1 there, the teacher does not communicate at all, sits on the computer and kids play around the room. The principal does not care at all, he is always "testing"... bad communication with the teachers, they have a small number of students, so they should have better state ratings, better education methods but no... teachers are lazy, K1 teacher was always using substitute teachers, never offered solutions, never communicated properly...teachers should do whatever they can to make sure their message is delivered... They don't have rules, they don't care about it. They don't accept parent involvement, they ignore the parent, they don't even answer emails or calls. Don't drive to Barona, they do not work with the school district, the school district cannot touch this school if you have problems. They can kick any student out from one day to another and there is nothing you can do. The principal does not care, they do not try to help you with your child, they just get rid of you and your kid, so is less work for them because they will get paid anyways.

Posted: February 14, 2013

I'm very disappointed with this school. You would think your child will get better education and attention from the teacher... because they have small classrooms sizes...not really. Before you decide to drive up your child to Barona look at 2011 API Statewide Rank - it is only # 2. This would explain that they do not have very good teachers, and my bad experience with this school.