Lemon Avenue Elementary School

Our children have attended this school for many, many years. This is a very nice school with great teachers, and wonderful parent involvement. During the last couple of years I have noticed that the principal very outwardly plays "favorites" when it comes to placement of children etc. It appears that PTA parents get first consideration. This school says it has a policy of "no classroom choices" This is very unfair to the parents that have larger families, and can't attend all of the PTA meetings, but help out in many other ways. Thankfully, this is our last year at this school. We hope this is not the policy of the middle school we plan to attend.
—Submitted by a parent

Just for fun. . . I'm a sixty-nine year old alumni of this school. While I currently live in Camino/Placerville and left La Mesa/Fletcher hills prior to the first grade. At the time, 1949-50 the school had an experimental program called Pre-First. Somewhere between Kindergarten and first grade; it was a learn at ones own pace Montissori-like program. My family chose to return to their pre-war roots in Minnesota where I was enrolled in . . . Second grade, (the-nuns ,no dummies were impressed) in a good catholic school and have enjoyed a successful career as a Physician/Radiologist. I'm meeting some friends for a couple of days at the Del Coronado over Easter and for some reason the Lemon Ave School popped into my mind. A couple of clicks on Google and I find that it is not only still open but earning rave reviews. Bravo to the staff, students and parents, Thomas G Dehn MD FACR. . . And Happy Easter 2013!

I love! Love! Love! This school :) my daughter is in kindergarten, her teacher is awesome.. The principal is the best it almost seams as if she knows everyone lol! Shes great!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school but due to budget constraints the class sizes are big. The principal is dedicated as well as the teachers. I strongly recommend the EAK program which is fabulous but also gives you an inside look at the crowded nature of public schools in CA. They do the best job with the resources they have available and community support. The after school program (ESS) is lacking and run primarily by teenagers who are well..... teenagers. They are not trained educators. If your child spends more than an hour in the ESS program a day I do not recommend it. Love the school and community. Hate the lack of resources in our CA public schools and the ESS program.
—Submitted by a parent

I could not be happier! We love love love Lemon Avenue! The principal is awesome. She is very involved, knows all of the kids and is very fair. The teachers and staff work very hard to get all kids to meet their goals. The PTA is very active and runs many, many events at the school. The PTA also has garden docents, art docents and PE docents. So many active families!
—Submitted by a parent

I love Lemon Avenue! My daughter started Kindergarten and loves her teacher and the school. She is doing so well and I love all of the communication and the functions.
—Submitted by a parent

I've heard this is a fantastic school by everyone in my neighborhood. Many of my friends have kids here too, and they all love it.

Both of our girls attended Lemon ave, we had 3 different principle in that time and in my opinion the current one is AWESOME, gets right in there with the kids and really LIKES them. The teachers are incredible, talented and caring. Class sizes make their job difficult. The PTA is by far the best I have ever seen, they give and give and give, to help make school a super experience for the kids (they even have a art/ garden/ PE docent program, something most schools do not). Loved our years there!
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are wonderful, parent involvement is spectacular, and there are many many eents and activities to participate in. My only concern is the principal changes every year, and this year she isn't doing a very good job. Luckily the school is run by the PTA and it's members are consistant.
—Submitted by a parent

Lemon Avenue is wonderful. The mom that coordinates the after school clubs is doing a great job, my daughter loves that she can do different clubs every month or so.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children currently @ Lemon ave and it is the best school my children have attended.The teachers are fantastic & so is the principal.I am extremely pleased!
—Submitted by a parent

I am so thrilled to have my son attend Lemon Ave.It has lived up to it's reputation and more! The parent participation is like none other,and the kids level of confidence and happiness are reflected by that.It means something when your child skips to school and comes home smiling.I can't think of a better school!
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent leadership with the new principal. Overall Lemon Ave is a great school with most of the teaching staff committed to excellence. My kids love the school!
—Submitted by a parent

Our child loves going to school...and that pretty much sums it up. The teaching staff is amazing, we are very happy there.
—Submitted by a parent

Very impressed with the award ceremony last Friday this school inspires students with, and extremely impressed with my son's Teacher Mrs. Cress.
—Submitted by a parent

Our new principal is a great addition to Lemon Avenue. She jumped right in, spends her lunchtime on the playground with kids, welcomes parents with open arms. The PTA already feels her support and encouragement. This is going to be a great year at Lemon Avenue!
—Submitted by a parent

PTA and New Principal are excellent! Love the school!
—Submitted by a parent

Lemon Avenue Elementary is the quintessential small-town school experience that everyone wants their child to experience. The teachers are exceptional-experienced- hard working/friendly and caring. What a strong team! K-1-2 teachers are extrodinary and lay a strong foundation in reading. One 3rd grade teacher is a dynomite writingteacher and leads sing-a-longs with signlanguage. The 4/5 team really prepares kids for middle school. We are looking forward to our new principal. The former principal had an abrasive personality and was not flexible with parents or teachers- she never really listened or validated concerns. It's sad that she couldn't trust her staff but instead micro-managed. PTA is the heart of the school- their events/activities are kid-centered rooted in tradition/school spirit. The tons of money they raise goes back into the classroom/playground/library. Parent volunteers are appreciated/honored. What can I say, Lemon Avenue is #1 and my two daughters have thrived academically/socially at this wonderful campus!
—Submitted by a parent

About the principal: the current principal is leaving Lemon Avenue at the end of this year, 2006-2007.
—Submitted by a parent

I really do not know the principal too well, but in the very few times I spoke to her I felt like she talked down to me. To be fair, I am happy with the school so she must do a good job. I wish that principals and teachers (I am a teacher too) could understand that to them we are just another parent but we trust these people with our precious children everyday. A friendly and helpful attitude can really put a parent at ease. My daughter's new teacher this year is fantastic and I feel involved in her schooling. The PTA and Art Docent program are great. My daughter is flourishing there(socially and academically) and she enjoys going to school. They do need more music!
—Submitted by a parent