El Oro Way Charter for Enriched Studies School

The quality and depth of parental involvement is what drives student output and enthusiasm at this school. This community is fantastically involved and dedicated to the success of their children - which is reflected in the school. That said, through experience, I have no confidence in the Principal in that she cares about the individuality of the student. If they don't fit within the programs and processes handed down to the school, good luck - aside from a few teachers who extend themselves out of character, not culture. There's a dismissive element, lack of follow-through, and diligence when it comes to bullying. Either cluelessness or sheer lack of caring, despite a paper Zero-tolerance policy. More likely to blame the victim than take meaningful action. A real and honest "hats-off" to the community uplifting this school. Parents be advised to walk step-by-step and hand-in-hand with their child - this is what makes El Oro Way stand out. The curriculum is standard, and the teachers are stressed. Despite this - the students shine! A great PTA and community.

I am considering sending my child to El Oro Way. I would be interested in current feedback about the school. How are the teachers, the administrators, the culture of the school. Is there a positive feel? Do the kids seem happy? Would love to hear.

First I would like to say, that this school is without a doubt a GREAT school. The staff, administration, and teachers all REALLY care about your child's education. Yes there are always a couple of "JERKS" but for the most parts I couldn't be more pleased. Re: the Complaints. Rather than go into each complaint, the Key to This school and your child's education as with any school is being involved. This school thrives and loves parent involvement. As a parent you will never be denied access to information on how to better your child's education. No they are not going to let you sit in class with them, but you can do a number of things to aid in their education. My Daughter LOVES this school and her teachers. She was always SHY, but they made her feel confident. What more can you ask. Oh yeah, by the way, for those interested in SAS programs for advanced kids.. THIS IS THE SCHOOL......
—Submitted by a parent

El Oro Way is a great school. I have a daughter that goes there and I have had two other children graduate from there. They have an excellent staff that cares about each child's individual needs. I have had no complaints. Parents who use this site to talk bad about schools are making judgements based on there own individual experience. More than likely they did not get their way on something. I have known the staff for awhile now and they are great. Budget cuts and increased class sizes make all situations difficult.
—Submitted by a parent

A very tight-knit community school -- love it so far! Great staff with caring teachers and the interim principal (Mrs Kravits) is an excellent leader! Also, very helpful and courteous office staff --- impressive group! Go Eagles!
—Submitted by a parent

I have seen many changes at El Oro over the years. Some for the better and some that I wish wouldn't have happened. Unfortunately, most of these changes have been decided by the District and are totally out of the control of the school itself. This holds true for all LAUSD schools. Budget cuts, administration changes, libraries closing or hours drastically cut, music programs cut, etc. This is just life within LAUSD and not at El Oro only! Some schools are fortunate to have funding from other outside sources (businesses, trusts, or request from parents for $500+ per student as a direct donation), and use these sources to fund programs that have been cut. El Oro has the library, computer lab, music, PE teacher, and teachers, administration, and parents that DO CARE! Test scores are crammed down the throat of schools across the U.S. Read the paper about teachers in other states changing test scores to make their school look better? Life nor schools are perfect. El Oro Way is a WONDERFUL school that has much to offer a child and involved parents. Beckford (principal came from El Oro) and Van Gogh have much to offer too. Parents should choose the school they feel is best.

I can no longer recommend El Oro Way School to parents of young children as I had been able to do years ago. In my opinion, the combination of poor leadership in the form of an inexperienced principal, teachers, who appear more concerned about test scores than the individual student(s), and the ever increasing budget cuts, which have nearly devastated the once enviable computer lab, and have slashed the time students receive library, music, and art instruction, has resulted in a far less than stellar school experience. If you have a young one - look at Beckford or Van Gogh. From all accounts, these are schools with administrations and faculties, which work together in a proactive way for the good of the school and its students - something, in my opinion, El Oro Way's administrators and faculty have not done for years.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of three El Oro Way students, this is an amazing school with amazing teachers. Yes, there are a couple of exceptions. However, the first grade teacher, he is amazing!!! He is the reason my daughter looks forward to school and learning! My family and I have volunteered in his class and we have never heard him yell. The kids are so engaged and excited about learning! He is so funny, it is great to see the kids laugh and enjoy their teacher! My daughter tells me, "Mom I want to be a teacher just like him and her former kindergarten teacher" Unfortunately, these teachers are underpaid for all their hard work and dedication beyond the requirements of their job!
—Submitted by a parent

This has been one of the worst years of my life at this school. My daughter is in 5th grade and she has been bullied and picked on. The principal does nothing about it. i have complained to her and the District and my complaints have gone on deaf ears. The administration is unapologetic about the fact that they don't adhere to the LAUSD zero bullying, zero tolerance policy. There has been multiple fights but instead of suspending the kids they give them detention so that they can say that there has been zero suspensions. I also have a first grader who is doing well but her teacher yells at the class and if the kids talk he tears up the entire class' test. I was fooled by the rating on here because this school is terrible.
—Submitted by a parent

El Oro Way is a great school and has a wonderful, caring staff.
—Submitted by a parent

We took our two kids from good private school to El oro way. This school is excellent. Even though it is a public school, you feel like it is a private school. The parents are very involved. The teachers are great and the principal is very involved.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been an El Oro Way parent now for 3 years. I can't say enough positive things about the school. The parents are very involved and friendly, the staff and administration is caring and warm and the teachers are all excellent! I have had a great experience there. We have a new principal this year and she's wonderful. So much more responsive than our last one. I really feel a sense of community and warmth at the school. It's a great environment. I highly recommend El Oro Way!
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers, high API, wonderful advanced studies program and a lovely habitat
—Submitted by a parent

This is my childs 1st year at El Oro Way, and I am very happy with the involvement of the parents and the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

This isn't my home school but was lucky enough to get my child in as a Kindergartner under open enrollment. You feel like you are getting a private education at this public school. The teachers are AWESOME, staff VERY CARING, and the PTA is very active, friendly, and always have the children as the number one priority! You feel like you are at home when you walk onto the campus! A Distinguished School, School for Advanced Studies, the only school in Los Angeles county with a onsite habitat that is used as an outdoor classroon, Wonder of Reading Library, Parent Center....to meet wonderful parents, a Plant Manager and custodian that are the BEST ever, teachers that care about ALL of the students and not just those in their class, a NEW PRINCIPAL that has brought the 'family feeling' back to El Oro Way! What more can you ask for?? El Oro Way IS THE PLACE TO BE!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic PTA and parent community, wonderfully energetic and dedicated new principal, and highly competent and caring faculty and staff.
—Submitted by a parent

El Oro Way is walking distance of home and the kids get a great education.
—Submitted by a parent

EOW is such a great school, with great Teachers, staff, parents and kids. I feel like my children are getting the best
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers here are truly dedicated to teaching the students. They have a wonderful natural habitat area used for learning about the environment.
—Submitted by a parent

I have great-grandchldren in this school. I am so proud of them and this school offers so much to them, it's hard to find a school with such a wonderful staff and so many caring parents and grand-parents and yes, great grandparents. It offers all that these young people enjoy and need. With all that it offers the sudents, It certainly deserves to be call a distinguished GreatSchool