Live Oak Elementary School

Live Oak Elementary focus more on activities rather then teaching and the after school program was a joke.
--Submitted by a parent

Live Oak Elementary has a new and excellent principal, Mrs. Seamans, who keeps parents well informed. My kids do feel school pride and a sense of community. My only criticism is that a few teachers don't seem as though they want to be there. I guess that happens at most schools as evidenced by the high teacher burn-out rate. But for the kids sake, it's great to have teachers be enthusiastic about the students and curriculum. Teachers and parents should read Mel Levine's book 'All Kinds of Minds' as a reminder of what is at stake - the children.
--Submitted by a parent

Live Oak has an outstanding staffwonderful, supportive parents, and a great group of students! The culture is nurturing and structured. Live Oak staff seeks out strategies to educate the whole child and meet their needs.
--Submitted by a parent

I think this school only has a handful of good teachers. I would only recommend this school if the teacher is right.
--Submitted by a parent

We're very happy with Live Oak. Test scores don't always tell the story.
--Submitted by a parent

Parents provide support to the teaching staff on some levels. The staff is mediocre at best. There used to be a lot more extracurricular activities.
--Submitted by a teacher

My fourth grader has attended Live Oak since kindergarten and my first grader as well. I love our school. I feel like it's mine too. As a result of being an involved school parent, I have gotten to know the teachers, principal, parents and many of the students personally. Live Oak has a warm, homey feel. Our principal is very approachable,warm and fuzzy yet firm about her decisions. She is real hands on with the kids, taking a group of students to lunch each month as a reward for good deeds done at school. Every year, she organizes a school sleepover which she personally supervises all night, to reward children for their reading efforts. The teachers are caring, excellent educators and I feel that my children have been given a strong foundation and love for learning. As we are moving out of state, my family and I will miss our school.
--Submitted by a parent

Overall, I have been pleased with the level of teaching my children have received at Live Oak Elementary. Three out of the four teaches we've had were experienced teacher, had control of the classroom, and were able to address the specific needs of many levels in the classroom. The PTA at LO is strong and uses their funds to support the school with equipment, curriculum enhncements, student incentives, etc...
--Submitted by a parent

One thing to understand about Live Oak School is that they are strong in comitting to the education of the children. Castaic is a loving community, family-oriented and so Live Oak school fits in perfectly into the community. The leadership is outstanding and their goal is always toward the education, care and creating a positive environment for the children. They have great programs for the families to join in as well. PTA is wonderful! Castaic is a wonderful community and the schools here show the comittment of everyone getting involved to make it the best it can be. If you want to live in a place where your children are safe, getting the best education and becoming strong individuals, Live Oak Elementary is a good start. All Castaic schools are great.
--Submitted by M Insinna, a parent

I pulled my daughter because the teacher was harsh. This was causing such stress for my daughter that she was feigning illness to get out of going to school. This is not what I call a positive, productive experience. The curriculum was average, but the math was such poor quality that they had to supplement with Saxson Math, which created extra homework. One of the classes I had considered transferring her into was a job share with two teachers that were complete opposites. One was very strict and the other was very relaxed so there was not a consistent environment. The other class was with a very nice bi-lingual teacher, but non-English speaking kids got priority for that class.
--Submitted by a parent