Larkspur Elementary School

My family just moved to the area from Chandler and my son has been here for about a month now, I am very disappointed in this school. My son is in 1st grade and his teacher is constantly sending notes home complaining for every little thing, If she wants to be so detailed about how she wants things done then she should have sent a paper explaining how her class is run.Instead my son and I are left in the dark trying to figure out what to do to keep up with her demands.I am left asking my 7 year old what this or that means or when this or that is due, thats a lot of responsibility for him and I am annoyed with her lack of responsibility as a teacher and leader.After this school year I hope next year his teacher is more professional or we will be relocating to another school!
--Submitted by a parent

I moved my 3 children to Larkspur after having trouble with another school. The principal is wonderful and always avalible to her parents and student I have children in 3rd 4th and 5th grade all the teachers I have delt with at Larkspur have been great they really have a passion for education and their students
--Submitted by a parent

My son and I moved here from Washington State, I was hoping that this school would embrace him and help him with the transition, but they did not. In fact the "Make your day" programs did noting but make him feel like he was doing everything wrong. They were nit picking all the little mistakes he was making and never commended him for doing things right. It seemed as though his 1st grade teacher had no patience for him. I got a note every time he did the smallest thing wrong, tapping on his desk, and moving his desk and waving his arms are just some of the things he was written up for. They need to give the students consequences at school, not just send a note home. The Make your day program is point based and at the end of the day, in front of the whole class, they add up your student s points. It seems as though they single out the bad kid. My son was actually made fun of for not making his day. The assignments were challenging him at all. The assignments he is doing in 1st grade were completed in kindergarten in Washington State. I hope to be moving him out of this school as soon as the 2012 school year begins.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been at Larkspur since kindergarten, going into the 4th grade. The principal is awesome!! She really makes herself available to all. Parents can't complain to others, yet not be active in finding some sort of resolution for their child's problems. Say something to the principal, she'll help you. The rating of school is solely based on AIMS. With the Hispanic pop at Larkspur, THAT does bring the excelling status down. Doesn't make it any less of a great school and the Hispanic pop. doesn't take any attention away from my kid. Hispanic kids have pull out classes that help them. My one tiny complaint is that my son's 3rd grade teacher basically quit teaching after AIMS was taken. No more homework and not much to show in a day. I'm sure they were doing SOMETHING, but there was such a drive and HUGE amounts of homework before AIMS, then nothing afterward. Kind of dissapointing, but something that could happen with a teacher at any school. There are lots of ways for parents to help out and help is definitely needed if you ask. The PTSA this past year was amazing with free movie nights and best carnival ever! Larkspur rocks!
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent of two kids attending this school...this school is better than most when handling problematic kids and other issues. I have had to leave another nearby school due to unprofessional and uncaring attitudes from the Principal on down! Larkspur is amazing and VERY supportive of any concerns that I have had and with positive results. I believe society has put way to much resposibility on the schools to handle "bullying".....It is also the Parents responsibility to teach their kids not to be victims and handle rough situations on their own. School is not perfect, and neither is Life. Let your kids experience the normalcy of what it has to offer, and stop being a wimp and let others fight your battles.
--Submitted by a parent

There is alot of Bullying at this school. You let the principal know she does what she can but as parents of kids that go to this school. Who are bullied everyday we need to stand up and take action and try to stop all of this. I'ts not right for our kids to have to deal with this everyday. They deserve a safe learning environment and should not have to fear going to school everday. So as parents we need to put a stop to BULLYING now. No child should have to go through this.
--Submitted by a parent

A lot of bullying at this school. Not very accepting of parent helpers. If you want your child to be challenged, I suggest a different school.
--Submitted by a parent

Larkspur staff is so amazing. The nurse informs you if your child comes to see her. That is very comforting. The Principle is so sweet she treats these children great and cares about their education. The Principle is the most amazing lady with a heart. The teachers actually teach our children, which will help them so much in middle and high school. Our children at Larkspur will have a jump start with their education and will be so much further along than other children from schools. We are so lucky to have a school that cares. My children have had to deal with a Principle and staff that threatened my children so much, we had to move them out of a PV school within less than 1 mile of Larkspur. Thank you to ALL the staff at Larkspur and the awesome parents. You care so much. We are very happy!!!
--Submitted by a parent

I moved all of my children out of another PV school close to this school to have my children go to this school for several reasons. The staff/supervisor is excellent and fair with all the children at the school. The school grounds are secure from outsiders so our kids are safe. The school has so much to offer for all the children and children with special needs. Teachers work to help our children succeed at this school. What the principle says she does, this school is amazing. I will recommend this school to everyone. I give 5+ stars. The art on the walls the kids don't beat each other up, the parents are great. Thank you Larkspur for being so Great to my kids, my kids say they have went to heaven. They do their homework right away and they are so happy. We are happy!
--Submitted by a parent

A lot of time is wasted with the 'make your day' program. School seems to cater to ESL programs with the growing hispanic population. They really push the free lunch program at the Open House to get everyone to sign up. If you want your child to be challenged, I'd definately suggest a different school.
--Submitted by a parent