Ione Olson Elementary School

Posted: October 21, 2025

We just moved here and my 2 daughters say the students are very rude to the teaches and the playgrounds slide is broken and they’re not allowed to use it. The after school program not sure if they help with homework because my child comes home everyday without homework done. A few minor adjustments can turn this around but definitely not happy with the way the school handles things so far.

Posted: October 21, 2025

Posted: October 21, 2025

Posted: October 21, 2025

Posted: October 21, 2025

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Posted: October 21, 2025

Posted: September 20, 2023

Lone olsen elementary has to be one of the WORST schools I’ve ever encountered, I have a cousin who has autism and needs special ed and as we heard that this school has a program for kids with special ed we thought this would be a great opportunity, but as she started going to school we saw some MAJOR red flags, first of all the teacher assistants are not only minors but they aren’t certificated, they have no experience whatsoever, this second reason why you should NEVER enroll your kid into this school is so disappointing, about a few days ago my cousin was outside playing in the grass, when my uncle when to go get her he found mud and water inside her shoes, the supervisor was there supposedly “ taking care” of her when she actually was not paying attention to her AT ALL, and when my uncle went to go pick my cousin up the supervisor did not ask for a name about this is absolutely not safe at all because this just tells me that if some random person was picking up a kid they could have just kidnapped my cousin, and there weren’t any supervisors other than her.. this made me very upset because not only are the VERY unprofessional but they do not care about YOUR KIDS! also, they are NOT letting my uncle transfer my cousin to a different school, and like all the kids with special education NEEDS attention and care, but these people did not even show a slight show of care, I have many other reasons, but this last one is VERY upsetting, after all this, they are bringing my uncle and my aunt to COURT because my cousins haven’t been showing up to school, why? Because they have been SICK and my aunt called the doctor and they didn’t give her ANY documents for the school, with all this being said I hope this school shuts down because I do not wish upon ANYONE this type of treatment. Thank you for reading.

Posted: September 20, 2023

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Posted: March 3, 2019

I was very nervous to move my daughter from La Mesa to Olson when we relocated. Using greatschools showed her going from a well rated school to one not so well rated. Olson pleasantly surprised me. I think there are components to a school that can't be measured in such a way.

At La Mesa my daughter struggled to fit in, was overwhelmed with a 16 pg weekly hw packet in KINDERGARTEN and her teacher refused to talk to parents after school. That school was so worried about image and bombarding parents with fundraisers. The last straw was a "parent leader" literally harassing me for money to get the teacher a gift.

Olson has such a different vibe. Sure they have less funding so their school doesn't look as "pretty" but I care more about the substance of their character. My daughter is excited to go to school, the PTA has a softer approach to fundraising and there are inexpensive programs offered to parents without prejudice. Every school has room for improvement and I'm glad this one is moving in the right direction.

Posted: March 3, 2019

My daughter is in the first grade and the balance of homework was very appropriate. They require 30 min of reading a night as well so huge hw packets would've been too much. 5-6 pages a week gives my daughter a chance to learn while still having other activities in her life too.

Posted: March 3, 2019

Really like the teaching style Ms. Glenn uses and she pays far more attention to student needs than my daughter's kindergarten teacher at La Mesa. The is a solid line of communication and she informs us of additional tools for home without being pushy.

Posted: March 3, 2019

Ms. Glenn really emphasizes communication between the students. They are encouraged to help others who struggle more and acknowledged for their achievements.

Posted: March 3, 2019

Olson just got a new principal this year and he genuinely cares. Mr. Coleman has implemented several positive changes and I see him out there every morning greeting kids and parents. Ms. Donna in the front office keeps those kids safe and takes the initiative to help parents in a bind. Our first day we were greeted positively and even made aware of backpacks available to kids without.

Posted: March 3, 2019

My daughter explained to me that there is a time in the day where they switch around classes so that she can still learn and experienced teachers can focus on esl students. There are counselors open for students with emotional struggles and an aftercare for students with additional learning needs. I've seen better rated schools with none of these efforts.

Posted: March 3, 2019

For the most part I really appreciate the methods they use here. Children are addressed with issues and parents have the opportunity to discuss strategies to help kids deal with conflict. It's a much better approach with small children than kicking them out immediately. Considering my daughter was regularly bullied at La Mesa (supposedly a better school) I am grateful.

Posted: July 31, 2018

Love Mrs Donna! She’s a great person to have and be around in this school along with Mrs Dawn very helpful. Mrs Dawalt Mrs Prather Mrs Baca & Mrs Wood.

Posted: July 31, 2018

One of my kids never received hw. But my second child had Mrs Wood and she is great he always reviewed class work it help thanks Mrs wood!

Posted: July 31, 2018

I’ve met with some great teachers and others show not happy to be there

Posted: July 31, 2018

Staff seems annoyed at times and tierd to be there. Cafeteria food awful. Mac & cheese not very well prepare, cold meat not heated very well, and sometimes expired milk. It would be comforting to know our school could have cleaner healthier lunch food. It’s gettig paid for.And feel content staff.

Posted: July 31, 2018

A little more discipline and more caring and professional staff would help. Talk to kids with authority but respect It would be nice to see our kids dressed in uniforms and staff clean and uniformed. Classes less junk more clean . School needs carpet,paint. And new office.I think if we have these changes it would make a big impact on our children’s future having a clean and nice environment makes a dramatic change in anyone’s life. It’s our kids other home! Lunch time is stressful very loud I seen kids covered their ears & head. I think they should have less kids at a time in the cafeteria and more space so they can relax and enjoy their lunch and being able to move ,not one class of 20-30 kids all cramped in one table it gets loud annoyed and hectic!

Posted: July 31, 2018

I think disability kids have nice staff

Posted: July 31, 2018

I think kids fool around a lot in this school. Wish they can take it serious but deal with it in a nice way not scaring kids but help them understand and learn!

Posted: October 22, 2017

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Posted: October 22, 2017

Posted: October 22, 2017

Posted: October 22, 2017

The most awful management. No professional behavior.

Posted: June 15, 2017

Posted: June 15, 2017

Posted: June 15, 2017

Posted: June 15, 2017

My daughter and I are sad to be leaving due to moving but I am very pleased with our 2 year experience at Olson. Her kinder teacher Ms. Prather was absolutely amazing and truly made an impact on her view on school, friends, and the Olson community. It's not fair to have a favorite but her first grade teacher Ms. Nellist was always in constant communication with me on not only her behavior if she was having a bad day but on her problem areas in her academics. It helped me focus more on these areas at home which in turn helped her meet or exceed her expectations at the end of the year. She is such a sweet teacher and very open, honest, and direct. I appreciated these great traits because they allowed my daughter to excel. I know that these 2 amazing teachers will make a huge impact on any student that has the opportunity of being in their class. Thank you Olson Orcas we will miss you all dearly!

Posted: June 15, 2017

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Posted: April 6, 2017

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Posted: April 6, 2017

I am so happy that my kids are going there as there is no discrimination to any student.the manegment, and teachers are so great and professional. They are standing by schools values. My kids love their teachers.

Posted: April 6, 2017

Posted: January 30, 2017

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Posted: January 30, 2017

So far, we have been really happy with Olsen. The kids are excited about learning and they actually look forward to being at school and seeing their friends. You get a really diverse mix of people there too, which is cool. And we've never had problems with the teachers or principal, so that's all been a blessing.

Posted: January 30, 2017

My daughter loves this school. Olson has a very involved PTA. Lots of school spirit/pride.

Posted: January 30, 2017

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Posted: February 10, 2015

I have two children attending school at Olsen. This is their second year. The teachers they've had so far have been really great. But both my children complain about the many many many rules at this school. The principal, Mrs. Malloway is cold, unfriendly, unsmiling, unwelcoming. She discourages parent involvement. She is very difficult to talk to. The entire orientation for parents that I went to when my children started school there involved Mrs. Malloway telling parents to be on time and not to park in front of the school. Instead of providing parking, she has police officers handing out tickets the first day of school. She runs the school like a drill sergeant. Its unfortunate for the great teachers and parents. I think I will be looking for a new school.

Posted: April 30, 2014

Not an easy school for parking, very inconvenient and if you try and pull up to pick up your child they will just push you along, no concern for the safety of the children!!!!!!!! The principle is not there for the parents good luck getting her to listen to your needs!!!!!!!

Posted: February 1, 2012

My sons have been at Olson for 3 years now. It has some great teachers! It's unfortunate that the district is not great and insists on large class sizes. 33 kids per one teacher seems asinine but the teachers who care try really hard to make things work. It's sad that Olson is one of the best elementary schools in the district. I completely disagree with the previous comments below, this NEW principal is a MILLION times better than the previous hag!! I am so thrilled that she got fired. This principal may do things differently, but she has an educated brain and I am happy about that!!

Posted: October 5, 2011

ridiculouse! yes thats the word with this new principle! wont talk you you , u need to send her an email first then she will decide if she wants to talk to you or not! and id she does she will call you and give you your answer over the phone, if you want to talk to her, now yoy haveto make an apointment, she will take note and pretend you are being heard, your not! she will give some sweet talk, but no action as a parent your on your own at this school

Posted: October 5, 2011

2 big fat thumbs down on this school!! just saying : / just not very happy with the overall administraction at this school

Posted: September 26, 2011

this school has a lemon teacher! no good for nothing! and the principal will do nothing about it. you can bring your concerns to her but you will not be heard! 1 child was injured during school! parent as never contacted nor informed! wen parent brought it up she was told it wasnt important!, another parent wanted their child moved to another class they were told to take it up with the district! . any concenrs you have here you will go unheard and they will bounce you arround like a ping-pong ball!! lip service they will give you

Posted: August 29, 2011

this principal Malloway is pathetic!! if you want to talk to her first you haveto send and email and wait for a response and second you haveto make an appointment!! AND WHATEVER YOUR CONCERNS ARE YOU WILL GET A FLAT OUT NO!! . she has no regard for what you as a parent haveto say about anithing!

Posted: August 28, 2011

no. sorry this school now has a new principle that refuses to listen to parents concerns and completely disregards them!! yes FMalloway! we as parents should have a voice and a say in our childs education.. but this principle appears to be all in control all on her own...!!

Reviewed: February 18, 2013

We were station at the DLI for two and one half years. We choose to live off if Fort Ord and I have to tell you that was a perfect decision for us. This school in Marina, CA was wonderful!! The teachers were great, the staff was on top of things and they had a zero policy on bullying. They understood the Military lifestyle and were very helpful ehen it came to dealing with Military situations. Hands down best school in the Monterey area! :)