Acacia Elementary School

Acacia school recently receive the honor of being one of the few schools in California to be titled a California Distinguished School. I was never really interested in school's scores or awards before my children began attending school, but the more I learn about the outstanding score and awards Acacia has received, I am so glad and proud that my children attend such an amazing school! Not only are my children getting an exceptional education, they are forming great friendships and very fond memories. And being part of the parent community has been a wonderful experience for me. Acacia is our "home school" but I understand why we have so many "transfer" students. Who wouldn't want to attend Acacia?
--Submitted by a parent

There are many exciting recent developments happening at Acacia. This fall the school will launch the Acacia Elementary School Foundation, committed to raising money in order to provide needed and valuable resources for Acacia s students. These resources include meeting the Fullerton School District s goal of providing 21st Century Learning by placing technology in the hands of students for the purposes of enhancing learning in the classrooms (such as laptops, iPads, iTouches, interactive white boards, etc.) In addition, the Foundation hopes to assist in funding the physical education program, and to provide more opportunities for field trips and other enriching experiences historically funded by the school district. The teaching staff and principal at Acacia are top-notch. The parent community is highly involved and committed to supporting the education of their children. Our family is very happy to be there and we have gotten to know many fabulous people.
--Submitted by a parent

We were a little nervous about making the transition from a private to public school. We had attempted once in a blue ribbon school district and had never been more upset and disappointed about what the blue ribbon school had to offer our children. After many sleepless nights of thinking about our children s educational goals we decided we would move to Fullerton and send our children to Acacia. This was the BEST decision we have ever made for our kids! There was a great principle last year, we did not get to know her too much, but this year we have a FABULOUS new principle. She is so interactive with the children, staff and parents. She is easy to talk with and her number one priority is the well being and education of our children. Acacia is a wonderful mix of families from the community, after just a few months of living here we felt like a part of the community. We love Fullerton and all of our new friends. We have raised our children in so many different communities due to my husbands work and never before have we felt such a sense of community. We have two kids at Acacia and our third will attend Acacia in just a few years. We have LOVED every teacher!
--Submitted by a parent

Acacia is a 5 star school all the way! The dedicated teachers, fabulous parents, and outstanding principal make Acacia stand out as a top school. The new principal is a wonderful addition to our school & we are so grateful having her leading our school. She is very approachable, kind and caring. She has gotten many positive things accomplished which has been impressive. She always takes the time to meet with parents, assists in resolving any issue that you may have and consistently shows a level of caring and concern for the children at Acacia, as a parent would. In addition, I work on multiple committees with the principal and she is extremely dedicated to our school which shows in her actions on a daily basis. I volunteer in the classroom regularly as well and have observed phenomenal teaching in the classroom. I have been so thankful each year for the gifted teachers my kids have had. I have the highest respect for the teachers and wonderful principal at our school. I have 2 children at Acacia and have been there now for 5 years, I would choose Acacia over any other school in Fullerton (public or private). We feel so lucky to have our kids at Acacia.
--Submitted by a parent

The new principal is outstanding. She cares deeply about the children of Acacia, their learning, and their safety. She is a fabulous instructional leader. She re-emphasized the importance of volunteer sign-in procedures at the office for school safety, she facilitates parking lot drop-off and pick-up every morning and afternoon to ensure traffic safety, and the children are finally eating their lunches due to the rule that kids sit for 10 minutes at the lunch tables prior to going to the playground. She is on playground duty every day, developing warm and supportive relationships with the children. She gets full credit for finally ushering a very low performing teacher out. She returns every phone call and email within 24 hours, is extremely warm, welcoming, and very intelligent. She has an open door policy and gives of her time to any parent that would like to meet wit her. She is working hard to bring the latest technology into the classrooms. She is an active runner herself and is very committed to the physical fitness of children. I can't say enough about her and we are extremely fortunate to have such a wonderful principal at Acacia.
--Submitted by a parent

I can't say enough about Acacia Elementary. The standard of education here is excellent. They conduct rigorous periodic testing of new material, have a great GATE program, the teachers have regular workshops and the ones we've had have been so organized and dedicated to what they are there to do. The PTA is incredibly on the ball too with so many organized activities and events. There is always a school activity the family can look forward to, especially, of course, the Ice Cream on Fridays. In addition, the principal, Mrs. Faassen, is truly hands-on and involved in every way. Every Sunday night, my home phone rings with her voice, summing up the upcoming week's events and reminders. You can't get any more personal than that. It's no wonder it is a California Distinguished School and National Blue Ribbon recipient. Importantly though, my kids are happy and thriving all-around.
--Submitted by a parent

I am somewhat annoyed with how the school is fighting so hard to save their P.E. program. The kids do have a fabulous P.E. teacher, but if they didn't have him, they could make it work anyway. Whe I was in school, we played kickball, handball, tag football, relay races, softball, basketball, etc...ALL organized by our regular teachers. It's grade school, not junior high or high school. The kids are active enough at recess every day. Two days of organized activities is not going to make any difference as far as childhood obesity goes. Put the money into arts and music instead...or nutrition education. But I'm tired of doing all of these fundraisers to save someone's job. I've got an unembployed husband at home...this is life. And I agree about the disorganization with a couple of the teachers, but for the most part, they are all excellent.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved here this year and love this school! The leadership is first rate! I have two daughters and they both love their teachers and fit in immediately upon transfer from another school. I just wish I had more time to help the fabulous parents!
--Submitted by a parent

The new intern principal has brought back the life at Acaica and up the moral of the teachers. Now Acaica can get back to where it use to be. If you are not happy with something than write to your district they do listen.
--Submitted by a parent

This is the only school my children have attended throughout their lives. I feel that Acacia has top staff that devote much time, energy and dedication to their students. I disagree with the opinions regarding our Principle. She has done a wonderful job with the school and our children. I hear all the complaints regarding parent involvement. I blame the parents! Parent involvement has always been welcomed at Acacia. It is the responsibility of the parents to get themselves involved with their children and the school. The Principle has done a wonderful job and I applaud her.
--Submitted by a parent