Culverdale Elementary School

I took a school tour here today because we might be moving into this area. I was very impressed by the atmosphere in the classrooms (quiet but "buzzy" and the kids were clearly enjoying themselves) and the huge respect and affection the kids clearly have for the Principal. It is a challenging environment for the staff with so many English language learners and kids from different cultures and backgrounds and it seems to me that they do an amazing job with what they have to work with. I don`t know if we will end up in this school area or not, but everywhere we went in this school the emphasis was on kindness and respect and I think these valuable qualities are sometimes bypassed in the race for grades. I left with the impression of a warm, caring school with motivated staff and happy kids and I don`t think an elementary school can be asked for much more.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a sixth grader. The music teacher is a horrible woman that just yells at students. They are afraid of her yelling. The principal is OK but his teacher has been a third grader teacher and now for some ridiculous reason teaches sixth grade. She does not know math and is not a good fit for a sixth grade class. Over all not a good school. find some where else
—Submitted by a parent

I have no faith in a school system who can't fallow or lived up to their rules or up to their saying. A good school would live up to their rules instead feeding their hearts on money. Teach from the heart is to make sure most all the students undearstand the subject before moving foreword on other subjects. A good school teach kids how to comuncate with other kids on friendships skills. A good school the teachers will give a parent a progress report how their kids is doing. To those who are teaching for the pay check and don't care about their students please step a side because you are not helping your students from your heart instead you are failing them instead of teaching them or helping them to be a better person instead you are being selfishness it all about you and your wants and needs stop for moment these kids are other people kids not yours it is not right for you to treat or used others people kids so you can have a paycheck. A good school the principle will keep the teacher in line and make sure the rules of the school are being fallow and making sure the students who are bullie will be punish . The school is failing because of this and money can't solve it .
—Submitted by a parent

This is my son's second year at Culverdale and he loves his school. I have been very impressed with the new principal (Mr. Jetzer) who began the same year that my son started at Culverdale (2011). Mr. Jetzer is very involved in the school and with the children. He is genuine and sincere and it's obvious he wants to make a difference at Culverdale and wants the best for our children. So far my son's teachers have been outstanding and I truly enjoyed working with both the teachers and the aids (I volunteered in my sons classroom 1-2 times a week). My son is my first born so this was all new to me and I couldn't have asked for a more pleasant and memorable experience. I highly recommend this school to anyone who's looking for a well-rounded school with a family life atmosphere.
—Submitted by a parent

I have noticed a lot of great improvements in this school because of the principal (Mr. Jetzer) who is very much involved in every aspect of the school's life. You can see him on a playground with children playing basketball, or you can see him playing a part in a magic show for the children. Under his leadership, I have also noticed that more and more parents are actively involved in the school's events. The teachers are also really great and very caring!!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been very happy over the last several years at Culverdale. She has had fabulous teachers and has learned a great deal. Unfortunately, I'm not so sure about this new principal. It's only the third week of school, and he was unable to get the class lists posted on time AND he has banned playing in the playground before and after school. You may not see the influence of a great principle, but an incompetent one is obvious.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been very impressed with Culverdale. The teachers are wonderful--they seem to really enjoy teaching and treat the kids well. (Even teachers that don't have my daughter in their class say hi to her when they walk by!) I appreciate their innovation: my daughter's teacher got together with the other first grade teachers and formed a special reading group for my daughter and a couple other advanced readers. We were very impressed by the kindergarten program last year. I also think the principal does a great job and have met great parents.
—Submitted by a parent

This must be the worst school in irvine, my kids go to this school and I kick myself for enrolling them in there I had the option of enrolling in a way better school hopefully i will try my best to change my kids school to something better, when it comes to academic challenge I don't think this school has something like that I feel my kids are learning the basics in there, what upsets me the most is how parents go in school to pick up their kids without stopping by the front office to sign in, parents can go in and out as they please without anyone watching or monitoring the situation , sadly it's too close to a park and strangers can be watching our kids while we think they are in safe enviroment... teachers not as good as i expected this is definitly the worst irvine schooli
—Submitted by a parent

this school is great it has very good teachers that care for their students areas that they struggle in and the principal is great kind and nice it has dare for 6th graders. it is in a very safe comminty .
—Submitted by a student

School has good teachers but an unsafe environment. The teachers become disciplinarians instead of teachers. Innocent kids are exposed to to much from the kids who unfortunately have been exposed to bad situations. I feel for these kids but dont feel children from good backgrounds should have to suffer because of this. Also they have had 4 principals in last 3 years! Last yrs principal didnt understand children at all and expected them to act & process situations like adults. School just needs to find the right principal who can manage school of behaviorally challenged kids. No after school programs & very low parent involvement. Campus itself is very nice and modern with great library & computers. Great, healthy lunch program.
—Submitted by a parent

I have sent my daughter to Culverdale and found that the school as well as the teachers are great. They work very hard with all the differenty families. I don't know what the previous parent is talking about the school being unsafe. We have a new principal this year and hope to see great things happen to our school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son went to this school, and while the teaching was exceptional, they failed to give even the slightest punishment for vulgar behavior at school. No student felt safe even using the restroom. We complained to the teachers and principal countless times, yet no action was taken. No child should be sent to be afraid at school.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school. Very impressed with the curriculum. Teachers are very experienced and the ethnic make-up is fantastic.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is great. Music and sports programs available.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school with great music activities and good parent involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has gone to Culverdale since kindergarten and is now half way through the second grade. Every teacher that we have had the pleasure of working with has been very understanding to his needs. The academic structure definately meets all standards not only of the school district but the parents as well. Overall Culverdale is an excellent choice of school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is wonderful! The Principle is great, the teachers are caring and the atmoshphere is a great place for children. We have been very happy with this school for both of our boys.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers, Principle, counseling and staff really work together to help better educate the kids they also take time out to help support the parent in helping in family difficulties as well. The teachers also hold kids accountable. All in all the school challenge my son. But it also prepared him for Jr High. Good problem solving. Teachers Mrs. Packard and Motak a dual team for 4th grade was the best team ever! Both teachers were very skilled.
—Submitted by Terri Chandler, a parent