Lowell Elementary School

A really good school. So much so, that I'm planning our next move to keep us within school boundaries. My daughter has a attended since midway through Kindergarten, and is now in 2nd grade. The overall feel is very VERY parent-involved, which is great, but for those who are unable (like myself- single parent, work full-time), I do get the impression that I'm judged as not being as involved as I 'should be'. Most of these kids have at least one parent who stays home full or most of the time. I know my daughter wishes that I could help in the class (so do I) like her friend's parents do, which can be hard for her to grasp.
—Submitted by a parent

Too much emphasis on teaching the test. One the plus side, the school staff is wonderful and the parents are very involved. Too bad the kids spend most of their day sitting at a desk learing by rote.
—Submitted by a parent

Execellent teaching and support staff. Great to be at a school where everybody - teachers, parents, administrators, etc. wants children to LEARN. This is not the school for faint hearted parents, that only want a school that is just day care center. Lowell expects full participation of parents in the education of our children.
—Submitted by a parent

small town feeling, parent involvment

The principal, teachers, professional staff and parents provide a healthy, enriching, positive and fulfilling learning community.
—Submitted by a parent

Quality school based on focus on reading, writing, math from beginning of school year using multi-sensory approach. Different areas of class use computers, earphones, visual displays, etc. for varied learning strengths. Glad I didn't have to go to a private school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son loves Lowell and I have to say I'm very pleased with the teachers and staff. The parents are a different story. Such elitist and is most likely due to the affluent community. Small price to pay in my opinion. I was planning on sending my son for kindergarten only then to a private school but changed my mind when I saw how invested his teachers were.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children at lowell and I love it. Excellent school, very impressed. My children are very happy and are learning so much- spanish, computors, dance, art, math, science, reading. The families and the teachers are super.
—Submitted by a parent

Lowell is excellent! As a educator myself, this school is amazing. Has totally helped our son who transferred in from private school and was behind! Thank you, Lowell!
—Submitted by a parent

Lowell teaches the test. The students aren't learning problem solving, just rote memorization.
—Submitted by a parent

Lowell is an amazing school where teachers and parents work together for the students. Yes, there is emphasis on test performance, but every public school in CA has the same concern. My child has had an amazing and enlightening experience so far and can't imagine that changing anytime soon!
—Submitted by a parent

I took my child out of Lowell due to bullying. Lowell is just another public school in Los Angeles County trying to be something that it clearly isn't.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two kids at Lowell and we have been pleased, overall, with the quality of their education. But I have to agree with others that the emphasis on test scores is a little disheartening. I am not worried that my children will not perform well on standardized tests. I am more concerned that they feel happy and successful in school. In my opinion that forms the basis for success later in life. The administration seems focused on winning awards and recognition, rather than cultivating an atmosphere of nurturing, and love of learning. I wish we could turn the tide with parental input. If everyone would speak up, in a positive way, it could have an impact.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school however a little to much emphasis on test scores. There is a lot of parent involvment which helps raise money for art and other extracurricular activities that the normal school budget does not allow.
—Submitted by a teacher

This is a great school if you are up to par with the rest of the children. If your child needs help in a specific category then there is alot of pressure to keep up with the other children. This is a magnet school and there is a lot of pressure to keep the scores up. I know of a few parents that have taken their children out because of the pressure to perform.
—Submitted by a parent

To future parents of Lowell, I just wanted to say my daughter Had the best year ever in elementary school when she transferred to Lowell. Her whole attitude toward school changed for the better when we enrolled her to this fantastic school. She had a wonderful and caring teacher who immediately did everything she could to make my daughter feel like she had been there for years. She had a horrible experiences with her former school (Naples Bayside Academy) that have left wounds and emotional scars that I feel will be there for life! My daughter is a good girl and did not deserve the treatment that she got from her former school. Thank you Lowell for being there for my daughter, I truly appreciate it!
—Submitted by Anonymous Person, a parent

A very good school, with excellent parent participation. The school has wonderful, parent-sponsored art and Spanish Language programs. The focus is definitely on testing. Be aware!
—Submitted by a parent

Lowell Academy is a high performing school. My child attended Lowell from kinder through 3rd grade. I truly loved the teachers' devotion and leadership--but-- did not enjoy the PTA. I realize the affluent atmosphere, there is a lot of parental involvement, don't get me wrong. I just did not enjoy the exclusive feeling I recieved when attempting to partake in PTA-run activities. Staff and administration is okay. Principal in 03-04 was fierce. Great education but too much of a private-school attitude. No thanks I'll stick with Fremont.
—Submitted by a parent

This school provides an excellent learning environment. We have been fortunate to have exceptional teachers for both my children. Lowell gets down to the business of learning and has strong parent involvement to support the process. We have been more than happy with our experience. It is a great neighborhood school. There are some extras in the curriculm such as the PTA supported Meet the Master's art appreciatin program, Spanish exposure program, instrumental and chorus in the upper grades. For the most part academics are the focus, which is what we want for our children. Our children are very happy, not stressed and have lots of friends. What more could you want?
—Submitted by a parent

Good school, lives up to its reputation for competitiveness, though I think the parents are the force behind this, not the school. The state tests, (API etc.) are the focal point of the teaching. From Kindergarten on, the kids learn to bubble in answers. The PTA keeps a close watch on things, which is good. We have parents who are on top of things, and get things done. There are many excellent individual teachers, many mediocre ones. As in all public schools, if your kid is more than a standard deviation from normal in any way, achievement, disposition, energy level, competitiveness, you will have some advocating to do on your kid's behalf. Overall, a vey good place to be in school!
—Submitted by a parent