About Us

W. R. Nelson Elementary School is named after former Tustin Unified School District Superintendent W. R. Nelson. Built in 1965, Nelson was one of the district’s original 11 elementary schools. Today, it proudly serves approximately 470 preschool through fifth-grade students and remains a cornerstone of the community as one of Tustin Unified’s 18 elementary schools.

As a Title I Community School, Nelson is committed to providing rigorous, engaging, and meaningful learning experiences for every student. We believe that all students can achieve at high levels when surrounded by caring adults, strong relationships, and high expectations. There is an intangible, yet unmistakable sense of pride, belonging, and connectedness that defines the Nelson community.

Our dedicated staff, families, and community partners work together in relentless pursuit of our mission: ensuring that every student's academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs are met through communication, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. At Nelson, we focus on Well-Core, empowering students to reach their full potential as whole children through communication, community, and connection.

Students have opportunities to explore their interests and talents through art, music, STEM, coding, athletics, leadership opportunities, and a variety of after-school enrichment programs. As a Community School, we are proud to provide family engagement opportunities, community partnerships, and student supports that help every child thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Family involvement is at the heart of what makes Nelson special. Our PTA contributes countless volunteer hours and raises thousands of dollars annually to support field trips, assemblies, classroom programs, family events, and student enrichment opportunities. Signature events such as Trunk-or-Treat, Family Math Night, Multicultural Fair, Read Across America Week, Walk to School Day, and family engagement nights bring our community together and create lasting memories for students and families alike.

Additional programs such as Pure Game provide students with opportunities to develop teamwork, leadership, social-emotional skills, and healthy habits through soccer and character-building activities.

At Nelson, we are more than a school. We are a family. Guided by our vision of ensuring all students become the best they can be socially, emotionally, and intellectually in a safe and inclusive environment, we are committed to helping every child grow, succeed, and make a positive impact on the world around them.