Newcomb Academy

Newcomb Academy is an outstanding school. My child has received an excellent education. Has every teacher been great -- no. However, the overwheming majority have been excellent. I considered transferring my daughter to Los Al for middle school and am so glad I didn't make that choice. After having talked to parents that did, I have heard mixed reviews. No school is perfect but Newcomb is as close as I have found.
--Submitted by a parent

Newcomb was a soul crushing experience for my sons, particularly for one who had a mild learning disability in written language (only). Since the staff there is used to children who are "easy" to teach (GATE is a huge population) they had no idea how to help him and ended up setting him up for both academic and social failures. He was stuck at a back table for reading instruction being poked by an aide (even though he was advanced on the STAR every year!) and allowed to be bullied and ridiculed by his peers daily because of his teachers ignorance. We transferred to Los Alamitos (Oak) where he thrived under their excellent and current instructional techniques. They use encouragement and actually teach the kids instead of sending them home with reports for the parents to write or teach. In Los Al, he earned a perfect score on the Social Studies STAR in 8th, and advanced in LA & Science because of their skills. Go the extra mile (literally) to Los Al. It is one of the best decisions I have ever made. It was a life changing experience for us since he is now in high school, LOVES school, is very active and has many wonderful friends. Save your child and family years of anguish!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter finished Kindergarten and will be entering the first grade in September. I have had nothing but good experiences at Newcomb and am looking forward to having a new principal. The teachers are caring and get involved and the PTA is constantly looking for ways to improve the school. Do I think the school is perfect? No, but I don't think any school is. I do believe my daughter is getting a solid education and that's what is important to me.
--Submitted by a parent

My kids and I are very happy at Newcomb Academy. My children have attended this school since Kindergarten and are staying through 8th grade. We have had a positive experience with every teacher and when a problem arose, we sat down and discussed how to solve it. Of all the K-5th grade teachers, I have only been unhappy with one that teaches Third grade and that was due to the lack of Language Arts in her class. The office staff is short staffed due to budget cuts but parent volunteers help out by answering phones and attending to the front counter. I think we have a great thing going with a decent administration, great teachers, parent participation and the Foundation. I believe those who have problems at Newcomb may have problems wherever they attend. I know first hand that many of the students that leave for middle school do so for guaranteed admittance to Los Alamitos High School since it is around the corner. I am looking forward to another year here and the new principal!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has had a wonderful experience at Newcomb. She has gotten Wonderful scores on her STAR Testing each year. Transferring to Newcomb wad the best thing for her. The office staff has been pleasant however could use a little polishing with their customer service skills. If you want your child to get a great education and be prepared for high school. Newcombe is the place for your child. With a new Principal this year I see an even brighter future at Newcomb.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with a previous post that Newcomb is a harsh environment (prying parents is true also), so if you are looking for a positive experience, don t take a chance on sending your children here or worse, purchasing a house to go here like we did. Newcomb is my neighborhood school and unfortunately I felt forced to pull my kids out and send them to nearby Los Alamitos schools (along with literally dozens other families from this neighborhood). Some of the teachers are wonderful and caring educators; however, another group of teachers at Newcomb are so proud of being considered witches that they decorated the teachers lounge with a banner labeled Coven along with their pictures decorated with witches hats, etc (it was up for months not for Halloween). This is a crystal clear example of a broken administration which allows a hostile environment for families, students, and those poor other good teachers who have to work there. I understand that a new principal is coming good luck to him/her for the sake of all the parties affected by this hostility.
--Submitted by a parent

During the process of selecting my two toddler's kindergarden school I contacted Newcomb Academy School and spoke with the Administrative Staff who, were absolutely rude. The staff had no interests in answering any of my questions. Rather, I was immediately asked my home zip code (I live in between Wardlow & Stevely Ave/zip 90808); and I was immediately cut off and told that Newcomb was not part of my school district. Who are we kidding? I am very well aware that Newcomb buses children who, belong to other school districts. After receiving the treatment I did over the phone by the Administrative Staff; and reading the negative reviews, I now have asolutely no interest in enrolling my children in Newcomb Academy. Good impressions towards a school begin at the Office Administrative level.
--Submitted by a parent

After a horrid experience this year at Newcomb, I had no choice but to pull my two children from this school. We live in the Newcomb neighborhood, however, my children will now attend the Los Alamitos School district. The bullying that is allowed at this school because the administration is too weak to address the parents of the bullies is beyond ridiculous. I informed the district about this situation and they did absolutely nothing. The office is run by "volunteer" PTA members who listen to private student matters and later discuss them in depth with their colleagues outside of school. Some of the teachers just ramble into school and feel they are above addressing parents concerns. The good teachers are far and few between. I stopped volunteering because I could not tolerate watching how lazy the teachers are interacting with the students. Your child deserves more...please send them somewhere else where they will get the attention, kindness, education and direction they deserve!
--Submitted by a parent

Newcomb has a great Middle School staff! The teachers genuinely care! They communicate well with each other .
--Submitted by a parent

I am very happy with Newcomb's music department. Newcomb is continuing to expand their music program. Kindergarten - third grade take piano keyboarding lessons. 3rd -5th grade learn string and band instruments. Over 75% of middle school students continue their music studies. Mrs. Shea adn Mrs Ohl are amazing music teachers. Ms Fuchs is an amazing piano teacher. It is amazing to see the kinders learn to play the piano so easily.
--Submitted by a parent