Oso Grande Elementary School

This school underachieves. Compare it to other schools in Ladera, and you scratch your head as to why the test scores are so-so given our equal if not superior resources. Yes, scores are not the end all be all, but they are a factor in measuring progress. While LR and Chapparrel excel and improve, Oso's improvements are less than the district average. It surprises me that many Oso parents have been bragging about Oso's test progress. Our similar schools comparison have been abysmal for years whereas the other Ladera schools (including LR Middle) all compare favorably. Test scores are not my only criteria. While the teachers and administration are very nice and promote school spirit, Oso simply is not academically rigorous. My son was often bored in class and with his assignments and I have to work hard to challenge him beyond school. Like any other school, it's hit and miss with teachers -1 good, 1 ok, 1 bad. I'm sure other parents will attack my review as off-base/misinformed but having talked extensively to parents at the other schools and at Oso, I'm not drinking the Kood-Aid. Given the student, parent and financial resources, we really should be doing better.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent school would not change a thing, great principal excellent parent helpers strong leadership at the school test scores just keep going up
--Submitted by a parent

Oso Grande is merely average. Though the teachers seem to truly care, they don't provide necessary leveled learning so that all children should expect. For the more gifted children who need to be challenged beyond grade-level curriculum the teachers will not or cannot do so. They are stuck in a box and refuse to think outside of it. They should be ashamed to expect the district to give them greater comensation from this economically-broke state and high-tax community considering they don't 'teach' all the children.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a great school if you are most interested in the amazing leadership of the principal and most of her staff. Some of the parent volunteers tend to live through their kids and are so incredibly over the top about being at the school daily to show everyone how hard they try. Just be sure not to cross anyone who is an over achieving parent who might just see that they can make life for you and your children as miserable as possible. I have witnessed it with my own two eyes. Parents like this should remain off campus and let the truly interested volunteers help the students succeed. It's an amazing school if you can see through the clicks.
--Submitted by a parent

Oso Grande is a wonderful and engaging learning environment. My girls have always been excited to go to school, and the teachers and staff have been nothing short of exceptionl. The parent involvement at Oso is amazing and helps makes it the best school in Ladera! The negative reviews I read are far-off-base.
--Submitted by a parent

We have a terrific and committed staff at Oso Grande. The parent/ community involvement is also what makes it a wonderful school to attend!
--Submitted by a parent

I love Oso Grande because our teachers and especially our principal are so open to listening to ideas from students and parents!! And they have an amazing ability to make learning FUN!!!!!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

We have the best principal ever and she has recruited some phenominal teachers!
--Submitted by a parent

This school is great as long as your child does not have any learning issues. If so, you will be faced with a dead end and a very frustrated child.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a fabulous school! The teachers are so creative and energetic and they do a great job of getting the kids excited about school. The leveled classes for reading and math help to ensure that all students are being challenged. Parent involvement here is also amazing - the parents have managed to fill the gaps of so many of the programs that have been cut by the district. It is a big school with a home town feel!
--Submitted by a parent