Laurelwood Elementary School

Before moving to the area, my daughter was an A+ student, in gifted and talented classes & accelerated reading in a top public elementary school in Florida. Based on ratings and metrics put out by California, we believed that this school would be a good fit - despite no access to gifted and talented in California at 4th grade level. The school days are shorter, plus they have a scheduled short day every week. Although new topics were covered in History, all other aspects were below grade level and expectations for students was low. Art in only offered 4 times over the entire school year. Attending music meant missing another class. Homework requirements were given to the students at the beginning of every week to be completed by start of class on Friday and included 20 min for reading time/day. Often the work seemed to be more "busy work" than constructive reinforcement. The primary teacher for the class was awesome. Communicated regularly with families and did her best to accommodate students despite being in an over crowded classroom.

Excellent. The students were always the many concern: décisions were made with the students needs always at the forefront.

My son was in Gifted and Talented Class in Maryland/DC area. For four straight years he received almost straight As. We moved here at the end of his 5th grade and in two months he became a straight B student. The teaching has no structure and almost no assigned homework. Plus parents are not kept update as to what their children are doing. When I emailed his teacher to ask what problems were my son having that caused such drop in his grades, his teacher never responded to my email. Very disappointing and does not know why the school received a 9/10 grading on this website.

While some of the teachers in the school are great, it’s ultimately a mixed bag. Several of the teachers are not very good. In addition to this mixed bag of teachers, the school does not have formal music, art, or PE programs. Each of these areas are taught at the discretion (and ability) of the grade level teacher.