Jack L. Weaver Elementary School

I really love this school--it's probably one of the best public schools around. I'm particularly smitten with the curriculum and the visionary principal. The kids do their fair share of "normal" work, but they use CGI (cognitively guided instruction) for math, Jiji and STMath (computer learning that kids seem to really get and enjoy--not ST Math as much since it is just math facts), and all kinds of writing strategies. Some classes are used as experiment classes where teachers have more freedom to try new things. Like any public school or any school, however, teachers are pretty mixed. There's a few really bad ones and one in K left while the other in first grade is still there, but otherwise teachers shuffle a lot so your child might be unlucky one year, but might get lucky other years. Definitely a school for "bright" learners. Like any public school, even a choice school, they have really well behaved smart kids and some really poorly behaved kids. Very mixed ethnically too. Overall highly recommended, again, especially if your kid is advanced since they seem to really focus on math many grades ahead.
—Submitted by a parent

GREAT SCHOOL - the Principal and teachers make all the difference. Ms. Kominsky is key to their success and was recently awarded Principal of the Year. I live right by McGaugh but still drive to Weaver because of the year round schedule, awesome leadership/teachers, advanced curriculum/technology and amazing parents. I have one child who's been at Weaver 5 years and the only complaint would be one teacher who wasn't that great (she's gone now), but other than that, the experience has exceeded my expectations. Previous reviews stated the school isn't for everyone, but the workload has been fairly easy for my child (who can sometimes be an overachiever). My oldest went to another Los Al school and wasn't prepared for middle school, but my youngest definitely will be. In response to other reviews, there are educated white collar parents (like me) and many parents who aren't as educated, but everyone's primary goal is to help their kids succeed. This is what brings everyone together as a family. The Weaver parents are amazing and not cliquey. There's also a wonderful ethnic mix of kids from all backgrounds that you don't see as much at other Los Al elem schools. Go Weaver Whales!
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school & the school district! My daughter is a preschooler in this school.
—Submitted by a parent

A good school, but not for everybody. Yes, Weaver is a top school and has the test scores to prove it. However, there is more to your kids education than the almighty test score. My daughter is in first grade, and we are considering taking her out of Weaver. She is not just being taught first grade math curriculum, she is being taught second and third grade math (multiplication) in class and while it sounds great in theory, some kids are not developmentally ready for higher level math. This school is like a GATE school, lots of high achieving kids and majority of parents have college degrees and are white collar professionals. Nothing wrong with that, but it definetly sets the tone of the school. And if your child is struggling, Kominsky documents everything and has you sign papers acknowledging that your child is not at standard. I feel like they are trying to weed kids out who may not test high next year. I was very worried and had my daughter independently tested twice and she is right at grade level. But thats not good enough for Weaver standards. My advice: if your child is very bright/gifted, this school is a good fit. If you have a normal kid, go in with your eyes wide open
—Submitted by a parent

This is truly an amazing school, with an incredible staff and parents who are involved on an every-day basis & dedicated to carrying the load. My kid loves going to school & is so proud to be Weaver Whale! He's in Kindergarten, and is wild about his extracurricular Chess & Mad Science classes.
—Submitted by a parent

My older son graduated from this school in June and graduation was one of the most memorable days of our lives. I cannot imagine a better school to send our children to. Mrs Kominsky, Ms Peel, Mr Arias, Mr Nguyen recognized our kids potentials and worked very hard to maximize it further. The emphasis on overall development was never let go for the 6 yrs that my older son, and one year that my younger son attended at Weaver. The year round schedule, the super committed parents and the overall community in and around the school are outstanding features you will avail of at this school. Thank you Weaver!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter just finished 5th grade at Weaver. We both teared up as the outstanding principal explained that the students would always be 'Weaver Whales'. I am a teacher and an admitted 'helicopter parent'. We felt supported and well-informed from grades K-5 with only a few minor bumps in the road. The hallways are swarming with motivated parents who find creative ways to fill the budget gaps. Weaver's academic, art and music program combined with the willingness of teachers to take on different methods of teaching makes it a great place to learn. My daughter had opportunities to grow and give back to the community as a Weaver Ambassador. The daycare (Kids Korner) is fabulous. Mrs. Tiffany, the site coordinator, is the most nuturing, motivated, helpful and creative daycare teacher I've ever encountered! My only regret is that it's not K-8. We will miss you WEAVER!
—Submitted by a parent

I have one child who has attended and one attending. If I could give the school more the 5 stars, I would.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is amazing!!!! We tried our home school but my child was not wanting to go to school. Other kids in our neighborhood went to Weaver and they loved school. We started in the middle of the semester but everybody made us feel welcome. My daughter wants to go to school everyday. She is so happy and she is learning so much. She misses her teacher when we are on break. We feel so blessed to have found this really great school.
—Submitted by a parent

We love that it is a year round school. It gives us flexibility in planning trips. The campus itself is older but the faculty and test scores speak for themselves. My son loves going to Weaver. We really feel like the educators really care about their students. I can't compare it to other schools because it is the only one my child goes to, but we so far are genuinely impressed with the whole package.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a fantasitc school due to the involvement and dedication of the principal, teachers, parents and students. School pride is outstanding and the use of progressive education tools such as M.I.N.D. Institute, CGI, and music position the children to succeed as they move onto to higher education.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a fantastic school. Everybody, teachers, administration, parents, and the students are really into school and learning. They make it fun and somehow balance high achievement with sanity. The kids here achieve and enjoy doing it. It's weird. And, I'm really jealous that I didn't have this kind of school when I was young. Well, at least my son does. And isn't that the point: to give your kids something better than you had. Happy Parent k-3 weaver and 4th starts fall 2007
—Submitted by David Williams, a parent

My child has attended Weaver since kindergarten and will be graduating this year. She loves going to school every morning! If you're searching for great schools in OC or the best elementary school in OC, you've found it at Weaver. Great location, high test scores, great teachers, excellent principal. Good luck in getting in, the demand is high but worth it.
—Submitted by a parent

Weaver has all the best that a public school can offer. The teachers are cutting edge and caring, the principal is a true professional who is passionate about teaching teachers, and the parents provide an incredible amount of support. The API of 962 speaks for itself. To top it off the school's PTA provides Art and Music enrichment, character education and great field trips. The Friends of Weaver group provides MIND institute, keyboard lessons, and the latest in technology. The only negative about attending Weaver is the amount of time and money it takes to keep all of these great things going. It definitely is not a free education but it is worth it!
—Submitted by a parent

Weaver is a school with high scores and parent involvement, but that's not all there is to a great learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has an incredible amount of parent involvement and the tenure of the teachers is great and our Principal has been there since the school was reopened as a year round school. Weaver - A Great Place to Learn!
—Submitted by a parent

Absolutely the best school anyone could ask for!
—Submitted by a parent

Weaver is a great school. May be a little intense on test scores but all around pretty good. I would only change that it is year round.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. Strong academics.
—Submitted by a parent

One of the finest schools in Soutehrn California. The teacher and parent participation make this school what it is. Unbelievable art and music programs!
—Submitted by a parent