View Park Preparatory Accelerated Charter School

I have never experienced the lack of professionalism, disorganization and poor management of a school as I have this past year. The communication between the staff and the parents was poor. There would be last minute notices, repeated errors in memos that were sent home, etc. The administration from the top down is poorly organized which is reflected in discipline, communication with parents and teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

The few I've spoken to were unfriendly, unprofessional and made me question their level of education. If they're this way with parents, how are they with our kids throughout the day? When parents address their concerns regarding the staff, it seems to be ignored as the same problems continue. There's a big gap in communication. I find myself leaving the school frustrated and in disbelief. Their academics and extracurricular activities are competitive. However, if VPP improves the quality of their admin. staff, it would be an overall great school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child just graduated from Kindergarten and I can not express more the frustration I experienced this year from the lack of professionalism, disorganization and poor management of a school thats been around for a while. We are seeking another school because though the academic level of education was impressionable, the way it was taught was sometimes questionable. I had a real problem with the staff, last minute notices, repeated errors in memos sent home, etc. I would not recommend this school to anyone without 'thick skin' to say the least.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall, an excellent school compared to others in the neighborhoood. Many parents are professionals and/or educators which contributes greatly to the student's success. The curriculum is typical of an LAUSD elementary school, and the school purports to follow the 'accelerated model' which directs teachers to teach to the top 25% of the class and pile on a great deal of homework. The problem is that intervention strategies for students not in the uppper echelons are not firmly in place and are frankly more fluff than action. The school also uses it's charter status to proclaim that they don't have the resources to handle Special Ed children so they are virtually ignored. Comprehensive extracurriular activities are not in place. The administration from the top down is poorly organized which is reflected in discipline, communication with parents and teachers and overall unprofessionalism.
—Submitted by a teacher

my son is a recent kindergarten graduate. i am so impressed with the scholastic achievements gained through this school and the teaching staff. i feel very fortunate that my child had mrs. somerville, whom i consider to be the top kinder teacher. her combination of knowledge and classroom management skills, mixed with a desire to really teach children were unparalleled. if you are looking to come to vpp, please understand that you may (will) experience frustration regarding the administrative staff at times (last minute notices, etc). i believe this is due to the fact that mrs. dunigan (on the k-3 campus)is severely overworked and under assisted. but i did not send my child there for administrative reasons. if you are looking for a top notch education for your child, view park is the place to be. get on the waitlist now if you're pregnant.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a school with a wonderful program ranging from sports to music. The teachers are friendly and parent involvement is a must.
—Submitted by a parent

View Park Prep's administrative team leaves much to be desired. The Director of the middle school obviously wears too many hats and does not have an effective support staff system in place to follow-up on parent inquiries. The school system is in shambles, which provoked establishing 'Charter Schools' in the first place.
—Submitted by a parent

Parental involvement is outstanding. The school has truly fostered a family-like environment. The academic programs are rigorous and teachers work hard to bring out the best in students. The school's facilites are not ideal, but perhaps that will change in time.
—Submitted by a parent

VPP is excellent for children to be challenged and grow. The teachers are dedicated and supportive. The problem is, this school is not for children with special needs. The school needs to be more proactive in helping all children succeed in their environment. If you do not fit into their accelerated model, there really is little assitance for the child. The teachers work hard to help the child as much as they can, but it is difficult with the work load that is given. Every child needs a chance to succeed in this system. Otherwise, the school is very good. I just advise parents to make sure the school is the right fit for their child before to much time is waisted in an enviornment that is geared toward this kind of model.
—Submitted by a parent

My Kindergartener is really learning ! She has been through a kindergarten curriculum for the last 2 years and we are pleased that she is not reviewing the same information, but being challenged to learn more about science, social studies ect. A parent really has to be ready to play an active role in their child's education as there are spelling/math tests weekly. There are very many extra activities, probably too many because I cannot keep up! Since this school does not have the funding that regular public schools, there is a great need for parents to volunteer and participate in fundraisers all through the year.
—Submitted by a parent

This school had a good start but fell down when the administration failed to put in experienced upper management to help train and develop the teachers and handle the needs of a steadily growing student population. The school facilities are substandard and the director has failed to make good on his promise to get better facilities. The children and the parents are hard working and the tests scores are not bad, but that is not enough. The teachers are hard working and caring but they need the full support and direction of experienced administrators and proper resources. The accelerated school model has been abandoned and there is little structure to support the parent/school relationship. A great school gone sour, maybe they will recover in the future.
—Submitted by a parent

My friend's children are thriving here. High expectations are set. They love their school and are high achievers.
—Submitted by a parent

View Park Preparatory Elementary School provides an academically challenging and enriching curriculum, lead by extraordinarily talented teachers. In addition to the school s academic excellence, I appreciate the supportive and nurturing environment that has been cultivated at View Park Prep. The school does not treat the children like robots created for producing test scores. Rather, the entire school community embraces the children, making them feel secure and valued. The children are allowed to exercise their creativity, athleticism, leadership skills, and social consciousness. All students -- not just the few who might be targeted as gifted -- are expected and encouraged to meet their personal goals and attain success in college. Parents are required to volunteer 40 hours per year and are provided opportunities to take leadership in determining the direction of the school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been on the waiting list for the last 2 yrs. I've been knowing about this school since she was in Kindergarten. She used to attend the after-school program before they made it into a charter school. I remember seeing on the news that it was finally made into a operating school and that the school got presented an academic achievement award for being one of the best schools in the LAUSD. I was very proud of that. My daughter was then attending Windsor Hills Elementary. Since then, everyone I knew was trying to get their kids into the school. All the kids that I know who go to View Park Prep have accelerated into some pretty smart kids! I've never heard anything negative as far as that school is concerned.
—Submitted by a parent

I am instrested in this school
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended kindergarten during the 2003-2004 school year. There were two kindergarten classes and a total of 40 students. Each teacher had an aide to assist during class and play time. Though both teachers were young (they were each returning to the school for their second year of service at the school) they were very enthusiastic. During the school year both reading and writing skills were emphasized in addition to math, science, social studies, and physical fitness. Overall I was pleased with the teaching and office staff. However, this is a relatively new charter school (only five years old) and it is sorely lacking in infrastructure. Parents never received basic information I am accustomed to having at my disposal in my business life (e.g., organization chart, phone listing, roles and responsibilities, etc.). Given time and concerted effort though, I'm certain these shortcomings can be remedied.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been a participant since kindergarten. She's now in the 5th grade. The standards are very high and family participation is a must. What attracted me to the school was the enthusiastic vision of the headmaster Mr. Piscal, who wanted the same quality and successful scholastic principles of education implemented in the inner city that was almost taken for granted in the more weathier parts of the county schools. Now our children will have the tools and skills necessary to qualify and compete in any ivy league school of their choosing all without leaving our own neighborhood to obtain these skills from qualified caring teachers and administrators.
—Submitted by Willeta Thompson, a parent