El Monte Elementary School

El Monte is excelling in every areas- Academics, Arts, Music, After School programs, Community, Internet based training etc... I am very encouraged with El Monte's progress on many fronts- the school may be pulled down by demographic difficulties such as English learners but they have every tool possible to excel. I agree with the principal's assessment bellow.
—Submitted by a parent

As the Principal of El Monte Elementary I would like to congratulate our students, staff and community on the phenomenal growth on not only our test scores these last four years (114 points!), but also for surpassing the 800 mark set by the State! We are now the highest school in our CHS feeder pattern due to our hard work and dedication. The after school CARES program and other in school interventions help all of our students reach their potential. Our students are safe, respectful and responsible. Our teachers care about students and strive to make learning accessible to all students and push them to think creatively. Finally our PTA is the largest we have had in many years and very supportive of our campus! Bulldogs do ROCK the STAR! We hope you will come and visit our beautiful campus.
—Submitted by a teacher

For the second year in a row El Monte has made their academic state goals as set by the state of CA and are on their way to meeting their goal of 800 API. The new uniforms look amazing-students are here to learn. I am proud to have my daughter attend El Monte in third grade and am glad the one old teacher was encouraged to retire and two new teachers were hired. Also the new PTA board seems energetic and ready to try some new things. This is a place you will be happy to send your child.
—Submitted by a parent

because of the parent and teacher involvement. The teachers there go above and beyond to make the school like a home environment, the practice positve, role modleling behaviors, always look for the postivie attributes in the kids and are constantly proising their personal and academic achievemtns. The teachers on thier own continue to educate themselves bringing in new and inovative teaching techniques to the school. The principle is supportive of tne teachers thier efforts and of the parents and children. The sees a need and will work until any deficit we have is met, wether fundraising, grants, involoving parents and kids to do a volunteer day accomplish a school goal or project. It brings everyone together to create a community which is what holds and supports a school.
—Submitted by a parent

i liked because they are always helpfull to our questions and i feel my children are safe , i see they are learning and happy there, they are happy to go to school.
—Submitted by a parent

Our family appreciates this diverse school community and respects and admires the dynamic principal, teachers and staff for all their hard work and accomplishments. State and District constraints do not stop these dedicated individuals from looking forward to promote positive change - uniforms next year, the recent Accelerated Reader program, Board Math and the 'Keep It Green' disciplinary card system work to keep kids focused on learning. The Spirit Day shirt promotes a life lesson: Dream It. Believe It. Achieve It. My 4th grader and Kindergartener are fortunate to intra-district transfer to El Monte.
—Submitted by a parent

Great job to the principal and teachers for going up in STAR testing results. All, students, faculty and parents should be proud. We have been a part of this school for the last 7 years with our two kids and will be sadden to leave this year. The school has seen many changes in principals, always going upward and the teachers are A quality. Our favorite, Mrs. Herting, Mrs. Abele, Mrs. Nitta, Mrs. Chamberlain, Ms Kennedy, Mrs. Kissinger, Mr. Atkins, Mr. Schnieder. I'm afraid I left out a few. The office staff is awesome! LOVE THIS SCHOOL
—Submitted by Tracy, a parent

I'm a mother of Kindergartner at El Monte. I'm really impressed with the amount my child learned over this school year. Especially considering the amount of students, non-English speaking students and 'trouble' making students in each class. The teachers work very hard at what they do and deserve much credit! I worry about what the future hold for the teachers and students at El Monte with CA growing budget crisis. Just sad.
—Submitted by a parent

My two daughters started school at El Monte in 2003.One started in kindergarten, the other in pre-k when it first opened.They will be in the 5th and 3rd grade now.I have to say we have had the greatest experience overall. The teachers they have had, have been excellent and each year my daughters are so anxious to find out who their new teachers will be.We're sad to see the principal leave because he has made a big difference in the school, especially with that fence.My daughters learned to be open with the teachers, principal and all the faculty. They feel safe, happy, and excited to return each year. El monte needs improvements and upgrades but overall we love El monte, and we are proud to be Bulldogs.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is going to be a 5th grader at El Monte Elementary School. I like the school, sorry to see the Principal go, but excited that he will be at the Middle School my daughter will attend in 6th grade. Most of the teachers are nice, some not so nice. All in all, it's a good school.
—Submitted by a parent

Our children have attended El Monte since kindergarten (they are in the 3rd and 4th grades now)and we nothing but great things to say about our experience with the school and it's teachers. I firmly believe you cannot judge a school simply by the test results or other rating schemes, you have to look at how your child or children are doing! Ours have done well and that is all that matters to us. Proud to be a 'BullDog' parent!
—Submitted by a parent

My kids have been attending El Monte for 3 years now. The teachers are great for the most part. Not all of them. Some are funny. One I found controlling. As far as the education goes it could be better. I feel like my kids should be learning more. They need more self-help or independent programs. More work study programs for kids who are advanced or slow. The new principal is ok, but not up to par with me. I am looking for another school for my kids to attend. Probably private.
—Submitted by a parent

Both my children have attended El Monte since Kindergarten; my son as since moved onto Middle school and my daughter will be in 5th grade; I have found the teachers there to be wonderful for the most part. They are very welcoming to parents and their concerns; the environment is wonderful; we have science gardens the children are allowed to work in, a PTA who provides additional activities and assemblies. The GATE program has gradually grown stronger. Our new principal (starting fall 2005) is awesome and willing to also welcome and work with parents.
—Submitted by a parent

I have found that teachers at El Monte are very good. New principal that is very involved. Kids enjoy music, art and are very happy to go to school everyday.
—Submitted by a parent

I think El Monte is a great school. My son who is now 12 yrs old attended from k-5th and is now in 6th at El dorado middle school. My daughter whom this year is in 4th grade has attended her whole school life also at El Monte. I believe that it takes a good parent to make a good school. Get involved in your childs education. Great teachers and great students attend here.
—Submitted by Kimberly Ortega, a parent

School is old, no AC, no parent involvement, and lacks in many other ways. Teachers are great!, but we transfered out because our children were not getting the desired education. Huge park behind school makes it very unsafe in my opinion. Also, the bathrooms are in disrepare
—Submitted by a parent

School lacks A/C, causing much discomfort and hindering learning during warm/hot spells. Teachers are GREAT!! Rules becoming excessive regarding student behavior on property - why??
—Submitted by a parent

Good school! When we were first looking at schools, we were worried about the mediocre scores in the STAR testing. However, we have learned that doesn't tell the whole story. The teachers are amazing, and very dedicated to making sure students have the support to do their best. That means more than standard testing scores. I would recommend the school to anyone who asked.