La Patera Elementary School

Very positive school. Excellent teachers that care about their students. Principal is weak, but she's kind. She has a tendency to say whatever pleases the audience (parent, PTA, teacher, school board) and then does something entirely different. She also isn't very involved in the after school programs/shows, etc. Often I have wondered where she was for fundraisers, etc. But, she does care about her school and her students. Programs are challenging and they try to meet the diverse needs of the school.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had 3 kids at La Patera and have found it to be an outstanding school. I cannot speak to other comments below, but as parents we are very involved and present and have seen a staff and principal that are amazingly dedicated and responsive. Great school!
--Submitted by a parent

I had to post after reading the previous comment from someone. The teachers and the principal at La Patera do care and do a tremendous amount in making La Patera a great school. If this parent has a kindergartener then he/she should realize that 5 year olds are not in total control of their bodies and no they are not allowed to beat up on each other. My advice to this person is to get involved, volunteer in the class and see how things work. I am quite impressed with discipline management and the way the staff and teachers are with the kids. My kids are so happy here.
--Submitted by a parent

The principal and some teachers allow students to beat up on each other. The new principal is totally hands-off in dealing with the issue. She says the students will outgrow it! It was a very unsafe environment, and my child's kindergarten teacher had no interest in managing children's behavior. She could care less. Lot's of children from the gang part of Goleta, which unfortunately means bad parenting.
--Submitted by a parent

The families care about all the children at the school, not just their own. They take steps to bring every child up.
--Submitted by a parent

I love La Patera because the staff is great and really cares about our kids. In addition to the state required academics, we are fortunate to have computer, art, science, P.E. and music classes at our school. La Patera is one of the few schools in the district that offers amazing field trips that enhance our children's educational experience including Tall Ships, Rancho El Chorro and CIMI among others. The La Patera students are fortunate to get a well-rounded education. Vote for LP!
--Submitted by a parent

La Patera School is a hidden gem. The teachers, staff and administration really care about our kids and mine have gotten a fantastic education.
--Submitted by a parent

Our teachers are the best!
--Submitted by a parent

I wish we could have more parent involvement in our classes. Otherwise, my child is getting wonderful assistance and my voice is heard from the teachers, staff and Principal.
--Submitted by Mary Kerby, a parent

My daughter is just finishing up her 2nd year at La Patera and our family could not be happier with the school. We have another daughter starting kindergarten in the fall and we look forward to many more great years at La Patera. The teachers are so wonderful and dedicated and they make all the difference in the world.
--Submitted by a parent