University Park Elementary School

This is the worst school imaginable. The teacher are ignorant and arrogant. They accept zero input from the parents and have very bad attitudes. This school is going down hill very fast despite having a student body of strong students. Their goal is to teach to the middle and hold high achiving kids back so they can bolster their numbers at the competency level. If you want your child to excel find a different school.
--Submitted by a parent

they are rewally working very hsard for the sake of our children
--Submitted by a parent

they are really working hard for the sake of our children
--Submitted by a parent

This school is absolutely wonderful! I couldn t be happier! My son started Kindergarten in 2008. He is a special kid who is highly gifted but was shy and not socially mature enough compared with the other kids of the same age. His Kinder teacher was Mrs Goto s and she is very experienced and caring. To my most happiness, my son started to talk about his teacher and friends at home! I can see he was happy, cared about friendship, and was full of self-confidence. In his second year he was in Mrs Anderson s class. That was a very happy experience as well. Mrs Anderson is very professional and caring. My son s self-esteem is continuously building up and he is more active then ever. Now we have to leave the school because we moved to another city. sometimes I still hears Mrs Anderson told me that . --Something beyond his grade level!
--Submitted by a parent

As a new parent to U.P. (1st & K-students) and head of the PTA, I truly LOVE this school. The passion of the teachers, the spirit of the students and the vision of the principal are truly contagious. Kara Rydman (principal) has done an AMAZING job in her first year bringing the school, the kids and teachers togther in a way that's inspiring, motivating and educational. She is one of the reasons this school runs so well - she's approachable, open minded, and fair, yet willing to make the tough calls. She is flexible, forward-thinking, and knows the students and their families very well. Perhaps the best part about this school is the diversity of its students and curriculum.
--Submitted by a parent

My child started last year in this school and I could not be any happier with the school and teachers, my child never attended any pre-schools before and she is doing so well that she is even a litle advanced as far as academic goes! The kindergarten teachers are wonderfull and I will be enrolling my boys(twins) for kindergarten in the fall. Love this school!
--Submitted by a parent

Last year was our first year at U.P. and what a great year it was! We transfered from another IUSD school that moved locations and UP was our neighborhood school! Our last school was also a good one, so I had something to compare UP to. No, the building was not brand new nor did we have shinny new computers, but the IMPORTANT elements of education were in tact. My children were immediately 'at home' in their new school. I am not sure what the person below is referring to by unfriendly students and teachers. The children were great-the staff exceptional. Very caring, experienced, and DEVOTED teachers (the teachers must be devoted to put up with all that the CA. Gov. puts them through). Parents are involved in all activities at the school and working in the classrooms each and every day. Looking forward to another great year.
--Submitted by a parent

My children went to the school before. The students are not very friendly. Teachers there go through subjects too briefly, so we can't understand very well. If you are looking for a good school, go to Meadow Park.
--Submitted by a parent

My first year here with 2 boys in special education. It has been a wonderful experience with the special ed. staff partnering with our family. The principal is a wonderful and amazing woman that cares deeply for all the children. While the other Irvine schools benefit from parent involvement and fundraising it is a bit like pulling teeth here. Teachers are awsome. I truly love this school and they have gone beyond accomodating my boys.
--Submitted by Barbara, a parent

I think that the academic programs that have at this school are great, maybe even a bit tough for the grade level. But, I do think it's quite odd that this school doesn't offer p.e. as a regular activity. I think it's important for the children to have exercise and be fit.
--Submitted by a parent