Pinetree Community Elementary School

My son has been attending PInetree for almost 3 years; he is in 2nd grade. While we got off to a bumpy start with the K teacher (our son is always one of the youngest in his classes; he was 4 when he started K), the principal addressed our concerns and oddly that teacher was not there the following year. Nevertheless, all of the teachers and parents that I have met are fantastic. With the ever increasing demands on education, I feel the teachers do an outstanding job keeping the kids on track. I hope it continues through 6th grade!
—Submitted by a parent

My son started shcool here this year and while he had extremely high separation anxiety, I felt the teacher and principal were completely lacking in understanding and feelings. When I FINALLY (took 2 days) got a hold of the Principal about his anxiety, she told me that maybe I can come and eat lunch with him. This was her only suggestion. I explained to her that I tried to speak with his teacher but was brushed aside and told in an extremely gruff way that my son has separation anxiety, "because you never left him and he doesnt know how to cut, etc."Her response was rude and unfeeling. My son is super smart so i dont know what that response was all about, except that she may be a frustrated K teacher. I volunteered in the class for a day to help with a project. The teacher complained about the children to me, a parent. Red Flag! The children cried more and more everyday, not less. The classroom is 25! No helper on many days.The Principal had nothing to say when I brought all of these problems to her attention. The room is like a dungeon and not a happy, fun environment at all! My son is now attending Monticello Preparatory and loves it so much! No tears!!
—Submitted by a parent

I love this School my son is in second grade and he is very happy to go. We were thinking on moving but I don't want to move hiom he have learn so much. The only thing i wish is that that teachers will get more opinions when it comes to desicion making. The PTA is amazing and parents are there to help a lot but i wish We can do more. Pinetree is the best. Smiles are great gifts to give.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been attending Pinetree for 4 years and I believe the school has been excellent, starting with the teachers, office staff, cafeteria staff and not to mention our wonderful PTA! But.....the principal is not up to par by my standards. This is her second school year and I feel she has yet to make a connection with her students, teachers and parents. I am sure she is well educated and has enough credentials but I think she should take her expertise to a high school or college, because in elementary, the children need someone more in tune with their needs.
—Submitted by a parent

Pinetree is a great school. Our oldest son attended Pintree from 1997-2000 and had wonderful educational and social experiences. Now our 7 year old son is in the 2nd grade and loves his teacher, Mrs.Nystrom. She is firm and structured while at the same time she provides the warmth, creativity, and enthusiasm needed to keep students motivated. Our son also had a wonderful experience in the 1st grade with his teachers Mrs. Freeman and Mrs. Susser. They are marvelously cheerful and energetic and gave him a great foundation to begin his elementary education. Ms. D'Anna has been a great addition to Pinetree as our Principal. Ms. D'Anna, and all the administrative and office staff, are very approachable and personable and always makes us feel welcome. Although we are not currently in the PTA, we offer our tremendous thanks to all the parents who are a crucial part of Pinetree's continued success. Go Pioneers!!
—Submitted by a parent

I whole heartedly dis-agree with the last post. Pinetree has had many principals in the past few years and this new one is the best! She is dedicated to the students, teachers and supports the PTA. I am so happy that my children attend this amazing school and I am grateful for the hard work and dedication of the administration and teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

My child started school there this year and so far so good! The only thing that has made me upset and feel very uncomfortable, is that everytime I have walked by the principal and even made eye contact with her, not once has she smiled or said hello! She comes off as if she thinks she's better than you! I hope she reads this & next time I see her I get atleast a smile!!! Now you know why I gave the school a 4star!
—Submitted by a parent

My granddaughter attends Pinetree so I frequently am on school grounds during the times when I might pick up her after school or attending the many student/family activities presented at the school. Watching her teachers, the other school officials and the other students interact with each other, I can see lots of open communication and the results of positive connections and constant encouragement. After having raised two children of my own and now spending quality time with my grandchildren, I perceive Pinetree to be one of the best schools available in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Great school!!! I was a llittle hesitant to send my daughter to this school. The community, teacher and parent interaction makes this an outstanding school for children. I must say Mrs. Lacross is 1 out of a million. Excellent teaching strategies. The only negative thing at this school is the veteran office staff. They really need to do some work and assist the parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing great school.. great staff , safe , and full of energy
—Submitted by a parent

My 2 boys have been going to this school since kindergarten and they are now in 4th & 5th grade. They are very open and communicate always with the parents. We have recently received a new principal which I haven't had the opportunity to meet but has come very recommended. Teachers here will do everything in the power to help your child learn in areas that they may be having difficulty.
—Submitted by a parent

Our family moved to the area two years ago. This was our first public school experience and we have had a marvelous experience. Teachers are caring, PTA is strong and the students are held to high standards. This year PTA has stepped up again to assist with enrichment activities which have been slashed by the CA budget.
—Submitted by a parent

We are very satisfied with the high level of quality education both of my children have received while attending Pinetree Elementary. The parents who are involved with the school and their chilren's education are wonderful, and it shows, but there is room for improvement. The availability of Band, Chess Club, and a school play are nice amenities. Accessability to the school facilities for Sports and Scouts is wonderful. From the Principal, the Office Staff, the Teachers, to the Custodians, Pinetree Elementary is exactly what I wanted for my children's eduction.
—Submitted by Jeff Prata, a parent

Pinetree Elementary is a school that cares about its students. Teachers, administrators, and staff are highly committed to their jobs. One of the biggest indicators of the great culture in this school is that students look forward to attending. Even though they are bound by state requirements, they always try to surpass the basic standards and elevate them to a higher status. I am particularly impressed by the PTA which is highly involved in the well being of the children. They make sure that the kids have what they need, even if the school budget does not allow it. For example, because of the PTA, the school has been able to provide students with computer labs, extra curricular activities such as a music program, and physical education classes. The curriculum is tight, but is individualized according to the needs of every student.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter is graduating this year from Pinetree after attending grades k - 6th. I read the reviews on the blue track problems & was very surprised to hear of any problems. We have been extremely happy with all 7 teachers she has had, along with the 4 teachers that our 3rd grader has had. I do help out in both of their classes and have requested certain teachers throughout the years, as I have gotten to know them and their personalities. The key is staying involved w/ your child and the staff at their school. I do find that it is usually the same handful of parents that stay involved throughout the duration of their child's elementary years, and it is those parents, that seem to know exactly where their child is, academic wise, in comparison to the children where there is no involvement with the parents. Stay involved!
—Submitted by Cindy Bordelon, a parent

I agree that Pinetree is a wonderful school and my child is doing great. I have however heard about the Blue Track 2nd grade problems and know many parents who have brought this to the principals attention with no results and no action being taken. If we go to a one track system in July this will be a concern to me if my child gets assigned to either of these teachers. Maybe making a public statement here will make the principal aware of how far the bad word about these teachers is spreading. I will put my child in a private school before I let them be put in either of the current blue track teachers class.
—Submitted by a parent

PT is an excellent school. The teachers and the prinicipal are dedicated to the children. It really is a community school. The school is active in the community. The parents have a strong voice and move swiftly to resolve issues.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall Pinetree is a very good school. One problem that does exist unfortunately is the Teachers in blue track. In many peoples opinion one is incompetent the other is burned out. These issues have been brought to the principle's attention but have been ignored. After speaking with many parents the general consensus is just get through it because there are much better teachers on the horizon.
—Submitted by a parent