Davis Magnet School

We were lucky to have our kid go to Davis Magnet School. The teachers are excellent and so does the parents.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been at Davis since it opened. He started in 2 nd grade and is now in 5th. We love this school. Every teacher so far has been exceptional . Parents are here because we Want to be here not because its our neighborhood school. Teachers were hand picked by the best principal in the state and they too want to be part of something special. Davis offers wonderful extra programs in science math and technology areas. The school is committed to having 100 % of students achieving competency in the core curriculum not the 80% that the state asks for. I am confused by the negative reviews and what those parents said or experienced because I haven't seen or heard anything of the sort and I'm on campus and involved at Davis.
—Submitted by a parent

We were originally very excited about this school. However, the quality of the teaching staff has gone downhill. Although this school may have adopted the philosophy of meaningful homework to no homework, the reality is otherwise. We agree that mindless and piles of homework serve no purpose and do embrace the idea that homework should promote "higher-level thinking", parent involvement, responsibility, retention and good study habits. Based on the assignments we have witnessed year after year, it has been nothing more than the tearing of pages from various workbooks that have absolutely no value. Our Child is finished with the "assigned" homework in a matter of minutes. The only challenging work our child sees is what we as parents are coming up with. Spelling homework has been a joke...copying words down over and over doesn't work. How about the teachers invest more time to construct better lesson plans, and incorporate some strategies students can use at home. To the parent bragging about assigned reading, pretty much a state standard, nothing special there, just like the rest of the davis curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent

Regarding homework, if you're a big proponent of homework this wouldn't be the school for you. We did our homework about the philosophy of the school. I've read research about the pros and cons of homework and the research is pretty equivocal. The students do well at Davis using the tactic of practice math facts, read an assigned amount each night, and practice spelling each night.
—Submitted by a parent

This is one of the worst schools I have seen in Orange County. The only reason I gave this school one star is because I didn't have a selection for zero stars. Why do I dislike this school? Well we can start with the holier than though attitude I have received from the teachers, and the unwillingness of the prior principal Rafferty, who quit in a rather sudden fashion, to work with parents. The teachers at this school, with the exception of Mr. S, seem to have their "favorite pet" parents. The rest of us are ignored. The assignments given are pathetic, almost none existent. They are no brainer assignments. This will seriously handicap the kids when they get to high school, and college. This anti homework campaign is absolutely absurd. How are kids supposed to learn other points of view when they aren't assigned anything? When they actually get homework it is a mere fill in the blank.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter has been at Davis since kindergarten. She is now in third grade. She has had a wonderful experience! The teachers are top rate! I've done lots of in class volunteering and the teachers I've seen have all been amazing. Contrary to what the above reviewer wrote I've found that the teachers and staff are incredibly friendly. We were disappointed that Dr. Rafferty left! However, the school is on the right track and most people I've spoken to are confident that the right replacement will be found.. Some of the highlights of the school are the librarian. She's always friendly and approachable. The kids adore her! The science teacher, Ms Brusic is phenomenal. She's great with kids and she's really knowledgeable. The music teacher, Mr. S is energetic and beloved at the school. There are lots of family activities at the school (Sock Hop, Camp Out, etc) that people really look forward to. The final shining star is the teaching staff. They are a sharp group with high expectations. I couldn't be more impressed with the teaching staff!
—Submitted by a parent

I was so excited to have my child starting at Davis this year. Until we actually got there and saw first hand what a horrible school it is. Please beware!! Do NOT send your child here! You will be disappointed. The school has major issues. Some of the teachers are good but quite a few are just down right horrible, rude, unprofessional, and flat out mean to the kids. There are problems at almost every grade level and there is a complete lack of leadership to fix them. The principal just left with only 1.5 weeks notice. That should speak volumes!! Hopefully, the next principal will be able to turn things around. Either way, we will not be there. We are in the process of moving our child! It's really that bad. I read a lot of reviews about a lot of different schools before we decided on Davis. I did a lot of research. I was completely lied to about what this school was all about and what it had to offer!! I had heard good and bad things about Davis before we started and I decided that the warnings were just not that big of a deal. Everyone was saying how awesome this school was, I chose to overlook the warnings. Don't make the same mistake I did!
—Submitted by a parent

I feel so blessed to have my children attend Davis Magnet School. We couldn't ask for a better principal. Dr. Rafferty goes over and above. He is hands on and inspirational. The teachers are excellent. Combine that with tremendous parent involvement and you have the formula for success.
—Submitted by a parent

We are also a first year Kindergarten family and I am impressed. The academics are superior. Teachers collaborate within and without of their grade levels and demonstrate flexibilty that enhances learning. The principal is remarkable - he is always available for matters large and small and is a true leader. The community of families is strong, supportive and positive. This school has all the ingredients needed to continue to grow better and better year over year!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is finishing Kindergarten and I am beyond pleased with her progress. The teachers go above and beyond what is expected of them and make learning fun, yet challenging. Dr. Rafferty is by far the best principle in the district. He is always on campus for flag salute, helps with the loading and unloading of kids during pick up and drop off and has high expectations of his staff, students and parents. Dr. Rafferty can always be found at the PTA meetings and was extremely dedicated in getting our relationship with NHL's Ducks to partner with the school. With top notch free after school programs for all grade levels to enrich their learning, what more could you ask for. I love this school and look forward to my other two children attending in the future. It can only get better.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my sons second year here and I couldn't be happier. The teachers are awesome and I'm amazed every year by how much he learns. He's in first grade now and is reading books for 3rd graders, but I never feel like he's being pushed too far. My 3 year old just started Pre-school here, and I'm just as happy with it. Can't wait for all the years to come!
—Submitted by a parent

We will be entering our 2nd year at Davis Magnet in less than 3 weeks and are very excited. My son was in 1st grade last year and had an amazing teacher- he learned so much and had fun doing so. We have a fantastic principal who is constantly striving to raise the educational bar. The entire support staff cares for our kids and do a wonderful job each and every day. The focus on science, math and technology is top notch and the extra activities offered are terrific. We feel extremely lucky to be at Davis Magnet School.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the school,teachers and principal. My kid's can't wait to go to school. they love there teacher and principal.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the school, teachers and staff. The parent envolvement is phenamenal! my son cant get enough of the school!
—Submitted by a parent

Dr. Rafferty, the teachers, staff and parent involvment is what makes this school the tops. My 2nd grader has a 5th grade reading level, He can't wait to go to school everyday to JiJi, (math program) and he thrives on after school science program. Don't look at the great school rating....it does not apply to us, its from 08-09 when the school was 4-6 grade only. Now it's a "Magnet School", under Dr. Rafferty's eye and it will no doubt be top in the country, but our learning garden will be top as well. Thanks to the parents, students, Dr. Rafferty, teachers, and staff. Looking forward to 10-11 school year with my soon to be 3rd grader
—Submitted by a parent

Davis offers the children soo soo much!! Programs that push to learn in a fun way!
—Submitted by a parent

Our school is a new magnet school, which focuses on Science, math and technology. My child has learned so much this year!
—Submitted by a parent

This is such a great school due to teacher and parent involvment. The teachers are commited to making our kids love school and enjoy and learn at the same time.
—Submitted by a parent

We are so happy to have our K & 3rd grade children at Davis Magnet School. The teachers and staff are nothing short of excellent, personally selected by Dr. Rafferty after an extensive inquiry process. Dr. Rafferty is definately a hands on Principal, who runs a tight ship. My kids like their new school and the proof is in the results of their testing. My kids are learning math and science in ways that I've never imagined. They also have a strong reading/writing program and an amazing music curriculm. The school has an active parent community and lots of fun aftershool programs. We are looking forward to great things to come for our school!
—Submitted by a parent

My son just started Kindergarten at Davis Magnet school, and I am more than happy. He loves it, his academic development has been amazing, and the school is offering very interesting science focused after-school classes. Great job, Dr Rafferty and all the teachers! Also, the on Campus YMCA program is very well managed.
—Submitted by a parent