S. A. Moffett Elementary School

My biggest disappointment is with the main focus of the school - test scores. There are unreasonably high standards placed on the students. Even at the kindergarten level teachers make students sit out at recess to complete unfinished class work. My child has actually come home with sad faces on classwork because there wasn't enough time to finish or because the concept & directions weren't clear. This is not good teaching and isn't the way to introduce children to school! If only this school would realize that not all students can perform at the same level. Unfortunately Moffett offers a "one size fits all" program. Thankfully the PTA is very united in raising funds & planning some nice activities for the students otherwise there would be no enriching activities. This school is all about test prep. & all the fun has been cut out of learning.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers, principal & PTA at Moffett are the best in HBCSD. Even tho budget cuts have made class sizes bigger than I'd like & the recent deletion of "creativity" in our curriculum makes me scream at times, our small school has pulled together to make sure our kids leave with the best possible, well-rounded education. Thank PTA for putting SmartBoards & sound field systems in every classroom & continuing to fund & support art, music, PE, field trips, accelerated reader & IXL. As far as the previous comment about the MMM.... Have I volunteered for & chaired PTA fundraisers? Yes. Have I been on the PTA elected board? Yes. All it takes is for a parent to raise their hand and say "yes!" when asked to help run the fundraisers & programs to continue supporting our school -- not run away & say "I'll help, but I don't want my name on it." If you want to be a part of PTA and have "influence" on what it does... say "yes!" Come to a volunteer round-up. Reply to PTA emails. Call the PTA president or chair of the program you want to be involved in. The ball is in your court. Yearbook, Art Masters, BoxTops, Book Fair, HSA, Legislation... are all waiting for you! Join us to support our kids!
--Submitted by a parent

We moved here 2 years ago from Mission Viejo and I chose this school based on multiple reviews and websites. I couldn't be happier. Amazing teachers, great principal that really takes the time to get to know the students and parents, also great parent involvement. Matter of fact any time I meet a new mom from another school it's the first thing they say is how great our PTA and parent participation is. This is one of the reasons this school has such a great reputation. Although budget cuts have hit us, most people wouldn't even notice. With the help of our Principal, fundraising, donations, Grants and PTA the school has managed to fund Smart boards, amplification sound systems music, art masters, IXL, BFF, field trips, spark, and so much more throughout the school. I am a proud parent to say my kids attend Moffett.
--Submitted by a parent

Overall, I would rate this school highly. The teachers overall are great and truly care about the kids. Unfortunately, there are two reasons why I would give this 3 out of 5. The first is that with the budget cuts the curriculum is all about the test scores - that's it. School plays have been cut and the extra curricular activities that are still in place only survive because the PTA supports them. The second reason is the MMM ("The Moffett Mom Mafia"). There are a select few moms who seem to have a lot of influence based on the fact that they volunteer a lot at the school and during fundraisers. If you are a normal parent trying to help, you have to be able to navigate the high school type cliques and potential backstabbing by other moms if they don't like you or if (god forbid) you don't agree with them. It's too bad as I think everyone has the same goal in mind for their kids' education, but unfortunately a PTA group on steroids sometimes causes more problems.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has been an excellent match for my child. The teachers are highly skilled and passionate about there instruction. Also, the parent involvement is outstanding. Having such a supportive educational community lends overall to a successful school. Hope this does not change with the current administration.
--Submitted by a parent

I was a little worried about the class size. Our daughter started kindergarten knowing how to read already and we worried about her forgetting what she had already learned. The teachers are really great and moved her to a higher grade level to be challenged (for reading). The PTA is amazing and very active. We are lucky to have such an involved and caring principal as well. Moffett is the best.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in Kindergarten (Room 2) at Moffett. I was hesitant to enroll him in a public school, but we cannot afford private school. When I heard how big the class sizes were, I thought there was no way my son would leave Kindergarten reading and writing. I also thought that his teacher wouldn't know him personally. I was certainly wrong! Moffett's Kindergarten program is incredible. His teacher is firm but fair and incredibly loving. The class is so organized (I guess it has to be) and the children know exactly what to do. My son LOVES to read and he is even writing up to five sentences! His teacher takes the time to makes sure he is reading books that he is interested in. From what I hear, this is just the first taste of what it is like to send your child to Moffett!
--Submitted by a parent

Academics and parent involvement have exceeded my expectations.
--Submitted by a parent

we have the best teachers, they always strive for the best. When a child is having a hard time, they make sure to help them. The parents at Moffett are always willing to help, we have a great PTA. The kids are well behaved, they have fun at school, and our community is stronger because of our school.
--Submitted by a parent

Phenomenal Administration & teaching staff, along with an unbelievable number of parent volunteers all working together for the sole purpose of the students makes this a one-of-a-kind school and a tough act to beat.
--Submitted by a parent