La Purisima Concepcion Elementary School

This is an excellent school where academic success is focused on the child. Your child is tested for their grade level in the first 30 days of school and then taught according to the results (Subject, Test, Methodology). If your child is proficient in math, the child stays with his/her class. If the child is proficient in math, then the child is moved up a grade level in math. Public schools teach the subject matter and then test at the end of the school year (Subject, Methodology, Test). If your child is deficient in math as an example, your child is off for two months without remediation before returning to school. I appreciate that the school is focused on providing a quality academic program, is safe and disciplined and offers religious values that are integrated with the curriculum. The small class size enures that the individual needs of the child is being met.
—Submitted by a parent

My two children attended La Purisima until we moved out of area. Academic excellence/ strong faith formation are both equally critical in developing leaders--with La Pur sima, our children receive both. I have never seen teachers so attentive to ensure students reach their full potential. Two examples: On year, my child was quickly completing classwork ahead of other students. The teacher immediately stepped in to ensure we had an "enrichment plan" so my child was challenged. In another example, one of my children was having a learning roadblock. The teacher didn't wait for conference/report card time, but immediately engaged me so my child got what he needed. Both my children have excelled at La Purisima. They are well prepared, especially in reading and math. Students are given leadership opportunities early which is evident in how they conduct themselves in highschool and beyond. Our students are recognized by various civic organizations on their writing, art submissions/creativity, etc. I've talked to a lot of parents about school, but the best way to see the difference at La Purisima is to take a tour when class is in session to get a real sense of the community!
—Submitted by a parent

La Purisima is the ONLY school in the area I would consider sending my child to for elementary & middle school. Classroom time is spent teaching the students, not preparing for state tests. It is a safe environment and family oriented. Block schedules for math and language arts means every grade teaches these subjects at the same time. Your child has the ability to move up or down based on their specific needs. Your child will get the focus and attention he requires. My child couldn't tell you what the goals of the principal are, she's too busy learning.
—Submitted by a parent

I would HIGHLY recommend La Purisima Concepcion School. This school provides a caring and safe environment. The school has a strong academic curriculum and the teachers work well with parents to meet each child's individual needs. The school not only teaches to the state standards but also has School Wide Learning Expectations which are posted in the classrooms. The principal genuinely cares for the students and has done an exceptional job communicating with parents and increasing the school's Catholic identity. Our daughter loves this school and the wonderful friends she has made. We were disappointed to read the previous comment of this school because we find none of those things stated to be true.
—Submitted by a parent

I would NEVER recommend this school for any child under the current leadership. They have managed to transform a solid school into a public school disguised as a Catholic School. Some teachers foster very negative environments that do not seek to maximize a child's academic potential; offering no real goals or vision, or grade-level academics. Simply ask any child what the principals or schools goals are & you will quickly see that from the blank looks on their faces. Money is the priority; leadership loves fundraisers. The principal does offer weekly newsletters about virtue & kindness, but rarely holds kids or staff accountable for breaking the code of conduct. It's the "well, if you mess up one more time, then you'll be in big trouble" solution, which as any parent knows, is no solution at all. Staff allow children to lie, steal, bully, hurt others, and be disrespectful because they refuse, in most cases, to stop it. This you may expect to find in public schools, but not in Catholic Schools, where children & staff are supposed to represent Catholic values. This negative culture is just a very sad situation causing many students to not return.
—Submitted by a parent

I have taught for over 20 years, in both private and public schools, and love teaching at La Purisima School. As an educator, I have the ability to really teach since a majority of my time is not filled with discipline problems. As a junior high teacher, I have never had a weapon or drug problem on this campus. This school has a friendly family-feel in a very safe and small environment.
—Submitted by a teacher

We have a child in the first grade and a child that is enrolled to start kindergarten in the fall. We are extremely happy with LaPurisima. We were amazed at how the full day kindergarten program really does make a big difference. We love how the school recognizes the child's learning ability and customize the lesson to let them work at their level. Within the kindergarten class they break the class into smaller groups so each child can be challenged at their current reading level. We love the blocked schedule for math. (The entire school has math at the same time to allow children to move up or down to meet their needs) That allowed our child to move up a grade level instead of being bored with items our child has mastered. LaPurisima is always trying to make sure the children are challenged academically. We also love the families of the school. They are out going, friendly and helpful. The children at this school are very well behaved. My child loves to go to her school and is greeted by friends with hugs every morning. We believe it is because they are taught to be good and respectful. This is a catholic school but children of other faiths are welcome and do attend. It is also safe and loving environment.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in Kindergarten this year. She is having so much fun and she is already reading and writing and math. We are extremely pleased so far with La Purisima.
—Submitted by a parent

We enrolled our child in this school after comparing all of the other schools in the area, both private and public, Christian and non-Christian. She attended Kindergarten and has had an outstanding year, going from reading just a few words to reading chapter books, on a second grade level. She also writes lengthy entries in a journal - something I would never have imagined possible at the beginning of the year. And, can also do addition and subtraction and understands money. Perhaps more significantly, however, is the character-focused curriculum. She has learned many important life lessons, been treated with respect, and learned to do likewise with her peers. Although we are Protestant, we feel very comfortable with the religious teaching, which is primarily about the basics of the faith (although somewhat Catholic-centered). In short, we've had a great year and couldn't be any happier with the progress she has made.
—Submitted by a parent