Lee Vining Elementary School

Our son is mature for his age and already exceeds the State standard for the completion of Kindergarten but just misses the cut off to begin school this year. We requested an evaluation to determine his best interest, as we are aware they have done in the past. We were denied because it would be 'unfair'. For us the 'collaborative approach to meeting each child's individual academic needs' resulted in directing us to the Montessori school 36 miles away at a cost of $80 a day with gas. We were told: "It may not be in your family's best interest but it is in the best interest of these families over here". What?????????????????????????????????? How can you possibly know what is in any child's best interest without evaluating them and how does holding one child back benefit another? I'm not sure why our child's best interest was not permitted to be a factor, all I know is that it wasn't. We have pulled our daughter out and are now homeschooling until we can move.
--Submitted by a parent

Small setting, great teacher to student ratios. There are about 50% English as a first language and 50 % Spanish as a first language students. All instruction is in English. The teaching staff is stable and highly qualified, and uses a collaborative approach to meeting each child's individual academic needs.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is a basic school. There is no attempt to help students who do excel, or help kids truly excel. There is more emphasis on second language skills. The few good teachers and staff they have had over the years have dwindled. There are very few english as a first language children in school.
--Submitted by a parent