Playa Del Rey Elementary School

We miss this school so much after moving out of state. I loved Liz in the office and with the exception of 2 teachers in 6 years - we have had great luck. I felt that my kids were challenged and that they had fun as well. I would have liked to see more focus on the bullying, but I think overall this school is AMAZING. I think Dr. Conrad is able to have a wonderful balance of love and discipline and think its awesome that she will come out to either greet the kids at parent pick up or hold a stop sign in the morning. We LOVED Mrs. V in 1st grade and wish all teachers were like her!! MISS MISS MISS this school so much.
--Submitted by a parent

I seriously think several of the negative reviews are by the same parent. My daughter, now in 5th grade, has attended this school since kindergarten and I've been happy and impressed by all aspects of the school. Great extra-curricular activities including robotics, Oceanography, and choice of either regular music or band. Most of her teachers were great with one exception who was okay but a bit disorganized. Dr. Conrad is easily visable and active in the school. I only heard of one bullying incident and that student is no longer at the school, so it was resolved--that was a couple years ago.
--Submitted by a parent

Please be advised that your child grade may NOT be accurate. A certain 5th grade teacher has inaccurately entered snap grades of a lessor value on three separate occassions. This teacher even changed one student's grade from an 'A' to a 'B' in front of the child and peers on their paper. This teacher has a preconceived idea of "what" grade your child should be entitled and receive.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a Kindergarten student. I'm so impressed by the teachers and aides who give their time and resources generously. I wish there was more we could do for the teachers!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter started 6th grade here at PDR this year (2010). She came from public schools in California, these schools do not compare to PDR. When registering by daughter here at PDR we were astounded by how professional, friendly and helpful the Administrative Staff is. We were also amazed on how the school looks and how friendly and welcoming the students are. The instructors are doing a great job! The participation of all the staff here is a A+. My daughter likes them alot and that puts us at ease.
--Submitted by a parent

PDR does have some wonderful teachers with experience and a great attitudes. I do however agree with some of the comments on the principal...she definitely does not handle any discipline issues and oh boy do they have them. This past year was even worse with 5th grade fighting all the time and students' learning being affected . Dr. Conrad does nothing about it. She does not know her staff and is unprofessional, drinking at some of the fundraisers that I have attended. She also was not very supportive of one of my child's teacher, who will no longer be at PDR. She was my son's 3rd and this past year his math teacher and I absolutely loved her. Wonderful teacher who knew how to deal with special needs and behavior. I am happy to say that we will still see her for tutoring. I am also pulling my son from PDR.
--Submitted by a parent

GREAT SCHOOL. My son is in 1st grade and has the BEST teacher in the world, Mrs. Volz. His kindergarten teacher was also great, Mrs. Picquette. Communication has never been a problem even w/ the principal. I was afraid to put my son in this school based on the ratings back in 2007 but we had no choice and now, we are glad we did. Parent pick-up does take long however, it seems as though all schools have the same issue. By the way, the staff at 'parent pick-up & drop-off'' do a marvelous job at getting the kids in and out of the vehicles safely.
--Submitted by a parent

Playa's principal, staff and teachers are kind and caring...ideal for what a school should be! I only wish we hadn't moved, so that my daughter could have continued.
--Submitted by a parent

Simply a great school, with an excellent principal and dedicated teachers; facilities are nice and neighborhood is quiet and safe.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has simply wonderful instructors and administrative professionals who care deeply for the outcome of the students success. My child has had a fabulous five years and I thank my lucky stars I made the decision to live in the Playa district.
--Submitted by a parent