Principal’s Message

Welcome to San Marcos Elementary School!

It is a privilege to serve as the principal of San Marcos Elementary School. As a long-time teacher in the community, I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to take on this role. It is truly an honor to be part of such a caring, compassionate, and hard-working school community. San Marcos Elementary is an exceptionally special place where everyone belongs. Here, students, families, and community members come together to create a rich culture with strong social and family connections. You belong here!

We are proud to be the district’s first Community School, offering a wide range of programs designed to enrich the lives of our students. Some of these special programs include ASB Student Leaders, Ballet Folklorico, Spirit Squad, Garden Science and STEM offerings. These opportunities help students develop leadership skills, celebrate cultural traditions, and engage in hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Our mission aligns with the district’s promise to each child in the San Marcos Unified School District: Through an engaging and supportive environment, all of our students are challenged, inspired, and poised to excel. At San Marcos Elementary, we strive to provide each and every child with the highest quality education possible.

Our goal is for every student to meet rigorous grade-level content standards in a welcoming, inclusive environment, supported by highly trained educators. We will prepare our students for the future by engaging them in content and experiences that develop the outcomes outlined in our district’s Portrait of a Graduate. Our classrooms are spaces where students develop essential competencies such as Communication and Empathy, ensuring they learn to express themselves effectively while understanding and valuing the perspectives of others.

As your principal, I will always keep students at the forefront of every decision we make as a school. We strive to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for a bright future. We encourage and teach adaptability, communication, critical thinking, empathy, and leadership to all of our students so that they are future-ready and prepared to reach their full potential. Every child will be cared for and recognized for their unique strengths. Our highest priority is that each child experiences a strong sense of belonging and thrives.

I look forward to a wonderful educational journey together.

Warmly, 

Christine Griley 
Principal
San Marcos Elementary School