Catalina Ventura School

As a former student at Catalina, I had no qualms sending my own children there, until recently. My son is 8 y/o, and rather big for his age. He has been bullied and is growing numb to the teachers and administrations staff BLATANT disregard for him and his safety. He is an A-B average student, has never even got a C, and for some reason he has been getting into fights on the playground almost every other day. My son knows not to fight unless provoked. Recently, Someone threw a football at his face and HE got 3 days detention for it, and the other child not one thing! Another instance, he was on the playground, and to my understanding had not done anything, to deserve this, but someones child, came up to him and punched him in the eye, and my son also got in trouble yet again for this instance, because he retaliated by not even doing anything physical, but verbal. This happened all within a month. I literally live across the street from this school, and am MAKING SURE my son gets his variance to attend a different, more uniform school in the future. I used to love this school, now I'am doing all I can to get my child away from it. Get yourselves together Catalina Staff.

I think Catalina is a great school for kids. The teachers always care for the students and everyone respects each other. Yes catalina has had some issues in the the past but that doesn't really matter! It's all about character. The new princable isn't the best but we all hold. Up Catalina isn't in the best neighborhood but that doesn't mean it isn't a good school. I recommend Catalina for all kids.

I use to think this was a great neighborhood school. Unfortunately, with the new principal, they have lost their way. I don't feel that she is a great leader, nor does she have any ideas on how to improve this school. There are hardly any parents that attend the Booster Club, and it seems like it is controlled by the teachers wants and needs, rather than an organization to support the children. They actually used money from fund raisers to repair a golf cart for the mainenance staff and buy a new refigerator for the teachers, rather than use that money for the kids to go on field trips or purchase something else for the students. There are almost no after school activities and they are thinking of cancelling girl's soccer because some parents don't want to use the nearby park for practice. What was an exciting and up and comming school is turning into a very limited and run of the mill public school.
—Submitted by a parent

Im a former graduate from Catalina Ventura,Class of 09'.This school is absolute amazing. I love it! And for sports catalina is always Undefeated! To, me this school was like a 2nd home to me. If I have a chance to go back and start all over again I would definetly be back in 8th grade. 8th grade yr.was wonderful! Catalina Is the best and will always be! Go Tigers! (:
—Submitted by a student

My son has been at this school for a year in a half he is doing well and I really like the format that the school provides for them.
—Submitted by a parent

so i went to this school since i was in 1st grade and graduated class of 2007. I just want to say this school was the best school i have ever been too. the teachers are amazing, the classes are fun, and the people are nice. im just upset mr. husman, the old principal isnt there anymore :( anyways, this school will always be a part of me. CV TIGERS! U KNOWW ;)
—Submitted by a student

I am currently a student and I will be leaving this school at the end of this year :[. I love school and am going to miss it, but before I leave I have to say somethings about this amazing school. The extracurricular activities are amazing and I love all my classes. Math, History, L.A., Science, I love them all. The Head Custodian, Mr. Robert Faiss is amazing. He's nice to everyone and he helps kids who are in trouble. He helped one of my friends, who was going to be held back, graduate. But I do have a down side on this school. The principal is mean and I just wish our old principal will come back :[ But I will always love this school. Catalins Ventura Rules!!!!!!!! Go Tigers!!!!!!!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a student

I loved this school so much. I was horrified when i had to move. I spent from k-8 on it and they were the best years of my life. The Head Custodian is amazing, and is such a nice person, as are all the staff. Only 2 complaints, the principal is very rude to the staff, and that tends to put them in a bad mood, the lunches are way to short for even the teachers to enjoy. Overall, this school will always be in my heart.
—Submitted by a student

i think the njhs program is a nice thing for the school to have and the officers should get a reward and the teachers running it i dont think some parents understand how important this program is
—Submitted by a parent

the head custodean is great !!! but the pricipal is unprofesional :(
—Submitted by a student

I graduated from Catalina this year. Overall, my experience there was great. I loved the teachers. They were very dedicated. I was sad to hear that some great teachers (along with the principle) were leaving. Out of the remaining junior high teachers my favorite teacher was Mr. Bowman. He made Social Studies fun and got me interested in history. This is amazing considering how long I have hated it and with a passion, too.
—Submitted by a parent

Catalina Ventura school is an outstanding school. My 15 year old attended Catalina and my 8 year old attends Cataline today. There is not going to be a perfect school. Last year I didn't think my youngest teacher was the best teacher but again 'who is'? But the previous year and this year he has had wonderful, caring teachers. When my older son had difficulty following the rules (after the mom defense mode calmed) I was pleased with the strict disiplinary action that took place. The teachers played a big part of my older son's postive outlook of life. Catalina promotes 'Courtesy Counts'. I applaude this. Catalina School prepares our children in the future to behave as good, caring citizens. My only complaint is the school lunches. They are way to short and the children don't have time to enjoy their food.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall i am very happy with the school and the teachers. I think the teachers are awesome! i've had children in this school for over a 8 year period. On the other hand i would have to say the the principal and assistant principal are very poor at what they do! they are always right no matter what the situation. Any concers or intrests that might need to be addressed are always downplayed as if you are always wrong! they have never really been supportive in anything i have had concerns over. They always have an excuse or some lame reason why they are right and you are wrong. There needs to be a change in that department! we as parents know our kids better than ever.They dont seem to think so! i agree wuth the other comment about putting the little kids in detention for really dumb reasons!
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a teacher at Catalina Ventura for three years now, and I have never seen such dedicated staff, supportive administration, and hard-working students. The attitude of the school is infectious...the teachers love to be at school and so do the kids. There are sports, clubs, childcare, and tutoring all available after school. There are five Rodel Teachers at Catalina, and it has been named an A+ school for two years in a row. Parents are very involved at this school...there are parent classes two to three times a month, and in 2005 an average of 160 people came to each class! Any child is very lucky to be at Catalina...I love teaching here and would never teach anywhere else.
—Submitted by Elizabeth Boyd, a teacher

I am glad to see the administration is
—Submitted by a parent

This is by far one of the worst schools I've ever placed my child in. The staff is horrible, no extra activities are available, the teacher's don't keep us, as parents, informed of anything, other than money needed for lunch. If I wasn't declined a variance, my child certainly would not be enrolled here! It seems that if a parent doesn't take the initative to be involved in his childs education, the teacher never will. It's obivious that the childs best interest is not at heart here!
—Submitted by a parent

Not very happy with the adminstration. My child was in first grade (6yrs old) and was sent to in school detention with big 8th graders in a dark class room without notifying me until after the fact, for being tardy at class. I was never notifyed that I was bringing him late to school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a good school the teachers here are wonderful.
—Submitted by a former student

School is excellent. They received the 2005 A+ School of Excellence Award. They also have an award winning parenting program called ParentLink.
—Submitted by a staff

This school is very determined to have successful students. They provide monthly parent education meetings, and have a very dedicated staff. They have a good curriculum and reading series in the primary grades.
—Submitted by a parent