John H. Eader Elementary School

This is my daughter's first year at Eader and we are very pleased with it so far. I appreciate the teachers and their patience with all the students. I must say I was extremely elated when I heard that our State test scores jumped from 901 to 918! Eader Eagles Truly Soared on this One! I look forward to a great rest of the school year and many to come. The PTA certainly plays a pivotal role in the achievements that the students accomplish. From music, accelerated reader, Surf Tales, Art Reflections to the school spirit that is evident. We have a great group of parents who give tiredessly to make our events fun and surpass the goals. I would like to see more parent participation to take the school to the next level it can potentially go to. Such as updating to make it fresh and new. Keeping it as clean as possible and inviting to potential parents who live in the neighborhood and are considering Eader for their children. Proud Parent.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to Eader starting from the 5th grade. They were very welcoming and seemed like a nice environment, until you actually attend it. My 5th grade teacher was very lazy and he seemed to lack the enthusiasm that other teachers had in other schools. I also despise my old math teacher because she would go very slow, and closer to the end she sped up so things were very hard to understand. When we got to the big test, I failed it so I went to basic math instead of advanced. They had too long of recess time, and there were too many assemblies. If I had the ability to either go to prison or Eader, it would be prison.

Every school has students line up before class so I don't see why this is an issue. Teachers are busy doing final prep for the start of the day, it has absolutely nothing to do with "teachers not wanting to be with their students" and as another parent stated that is a ignorant comment! As for the Friday Assemblies, recognition for students is a good thing however, the principal needs to take better control of students not talking during this time, perhaps the music teacher should do it as she seems to be much better at getting everyone to pay attention.
—Submitted by a parent

In regards to a previous comment-- I will state that we have asked for soft openings for every class level but the idea of trusting students to get to class once they are dropped off is always questioned by parents. As far as the Friday assembly........ This has been a school tradition since the school has been opened and is something that many Alumni love. We as teachers love to take time to celebrate our students accomplishments and students love to be appreciated in front of their peers and families (it doesn't happen often anymore), however it would run much more smoothly and quickly if the parents in the back would stop talking and even get the students to the line before the bell rings. Teachers not wanting to spend time with their students is a hurtful and ignorant comment.

The parental involvement and support at Eader is outstanding! I'm amazed that all 3rd through 5th grade students have the opportunity to learn to play keyboard during music class! Whether handling bullying problems or ensuring my child received an appropriate IEP, I was pleased with the principal's response to my child's needs or concerns. I love the academically challenging environment and their teachers' commitment to their success. I would prefer, however, that the students line up in front of their classes to help the parents to get to know each other at the start of the year.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter moved to this district from out of state and is in 1st grade. So far we have really enjoyed her teacher and the rest of the staff. She is enjoying it as well. I do have to agree with the wasted time in the morning and Friday assembly. Overall though we are very happy with this school!
—Submitted by a parent

Have encountered nothing but good teachers here and there is very good parent participation overall. What is wrong with this school is the amount of educational time wasted every morning with the kids having to line up on the blacktop instead of be in their classes when the bell rings (loss of 10-15 min each day). Add to that a WEEKLY Friday morning assembly which eats up another 1/2 hr. and that adds up to alot of wasted educational hours over the year. Parents have complained about this for years, even petitioned to get it changed, but apparently the staff wants as little time as possible with the kids first thing in the morning.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has budget problems due to the state, but still has enough motivation to have found an outside PE program, an computer lab, a music program. They have a good attitude.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have had wonderful, caring, committed teachers all four years they have been going to this school. The school environment is warm and friendly and conducive to learning. There are many wonderful programs such as the computer program that aligns with the grade level Math, and Music which includes learning the keyboard. The school adheres to the state's mandatory teaching hours requirement, and early Thursday schedule is something that most school district do, and this does not take away from the required teaching time. Friday assemblies, although sometimes long, help build a feeling of community at the school.
—Submitted by Bill, a parent

Had such high hopes for Eader. A distinquished school 1990 but it's living on its past reputation. Many of the good teachers are long gone. Our child got a dud. Another teacher is busy pushing her own personal agenda or enthusiasm for a football team, too bad she doesn't have that same enthusiasm for teaching children. Just look at the empty parking lot at 2:55. My child did enjoy her time with the music teacher. My child missed a lot of instructional minutes including 30 minutes each Friday for a flag assembly added up over the couse of a year is plenty in addition to the early Thursday. Maybe this is why many of the learning standards are not met. I was told we no longer fund raise, parents just write checks don't be fooled they do both. I wish Eader would get it together. We'll hope for better next year!
—Submitted by a parent

Very High level of parent involvement, great music program, Great teachers, not alot of extra curricular activities though.
—Submitted by Maria, a parent

Excellent programs for Special Ed and/or GATE. Average to below average for the general population. Some excellent teachers, mostly the more experienced ones. Younger group of teachers seem to lack committment. Standard that all kids are released on Thursdays 1 hour early for teachers to 'plan'. Adds up to 36 hours per teacher per year. Odd in times when parents are raising funds to decrease class size-seems like tax payers are already paying for more teacher time with kids but not getting it. Also lots of recess time-seems teachers want to get rid of the kids as much as possible. Also don't look for anyone after the bell rings for extra help or anything...most teachers are out of there! Also, lots of special privileges for kids of parents that are well connected, i.e. PTA, classroom volunteers-basically get their pick of teachers. Did finally start PTA mtgs in the PM this year.
—Submitted by Denise Murray, a parent

Eader school has the most potential of any school in Huntington Beach to be the best of the best. Principal Ann Chavez is a true leader with vision and the strength to fulfill the dreams of the kids and parents alike. If only every staff member was as positive as Ms. Chavez we'd be right on track. The challenge at Eader is to get each staff member on the same page as the principal to help and assist her vision of what the school could be. Parents and students alike find Eader to be overall very warm, and conducive to learning. Many things must happen to encourage more growth, starting with more technology training and after school programs. Count on Eader being the most coveted school in the years to come.
—Submitted by a parent

I was the first kindergarten class that started in this school and now my son is going here. This school has always endured because of parent participation. Its current principal has been the best since Don Pate.
—Submitted by Mark Oster, a former student