James Dukes Elementary School

It's a Great Day to be a Coyote!

At James Dukes, we believe in dreaming big!

James Dukes Elementary has long been recognized for academic excellence in San Diego County, from past California Distinguished School honors to an award-winning Parent Teacher Association. High expectations run through everything we do, and we're proud to keep building on that legacy through data-driven instruction and a strong Professional Learning Community model.

Located in the San Diego Country Estates community of Ramona, California, James Dukes sits in the foothills of the Vallecito and Santa Maria Mountains, bordered by the Cleveland National Forest — a close-knit, tight community reflected in the strong, lasting relationships between our families and staff.

Understanding differences and treating everyone with dignity is a cornerstone of our school's philosophy. Our PBIS program — built around the PAW values of Practice Respect, Act Responsibly, and We Are a Safe School — shapes daily life on campus, and our Student Council gives students real civic leadership opportunities as one of the largest, most active organizations in school history.

We proudly house the only elementary Extended Support Needs program in Ramona, with students fully engaged in the general education environment alongside their peers. Every young Coyote is expected to perform at their very best.

James Dukes has a valued tradition of strong parent involvement. Our PTA and staff coordinate activities that build a genuine sense of family across our school community, and the school remains a hub for community partnerships throughout the neighborhood.

School Hours: 7:40 AM – 1:51 PM Daily

James Dukes Elementary is a dynamic school with committed professionals who are passionate about teaching, students excited about learning, and parents who are actively involved every step of the way.