Johnson Elementary

Johnson Elementary sits in El Cajon, a working-class inland city east of San Diego with a notably diverse population — including one of the largest communities of Iraqi and Middle Eastern immigrants in the country — and that cultural richness is very much part of the school's fabric. Academically, the school faces real challenges, ranking in the lower tier statewide, so families who prioritize strong test scores may want to look at other options in the Cajon Valley Union district. That said, families drawn to a tightly-knit, multicultural community where their kids will grow up alongside neighbors from all walks of life may find the experience genuinely meaningful.