Canfield Avenue Elementary School

Canfield Elementary has been a wonderful environment for us. Our son is thriving in the 2nd Grade - and each year has been exciting, engaging and special. We have had amazing teachers each year, and we feel like parent (and grandparents) involvement really brings so much more to the school. From Yoga classes during testing weeks, to the veggie garden, to "Poetry Cafe" where students recite their poetry... So many things make this school special.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended Canfield from K-5th and have enjoyed every moment of my expereience there. Canfield emits this sense of family that is stronger than any other school I have attended or visited. Also, this wonderful school gave me so many opportunities to excel: Young Storytellers (a program where students write a play that is performed by famous actors from Disney Channel, Glee, etc.), the principal for a day essay contest, student council, the 5th grade play, the spring musical, and so much more. I love Canfield so much I come back to vouluneer and to enjoy the schools eternal presence. If you choose Canfield to be your child's school, you are also chosing your child's second home.

Now that my son has been at Canfield for several years, I believe I can give an objective review. I am overall pleased with our experience. You do have to keep in mind this is a public school that is part of LAUSD, therefore it is under funded. That being said, the parents' involvement is so great that it makes up for the lack of public funds. I believe it is this involvement that makes this school so special. I do have to say as a full-time working mom, it is challenging to meet up expectations, since there are so many school activities that require volunteering. But is it well worth it. As far as teachers, we have had some better than others. Most teachers at this school are excellent. The principal responds better if we follow procedures such as requesting time for a meeting in writing, as opposed to stopping her in the hallways. In the perfect world there are areas of improvement, but I truly believe everyone at Canfield does the best they can with what they have. I would not change a thing and I would definitely choose Canfield again.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to completely disagree with the comment below. We have an amazing principal who understands the needs of all children at the school and is constantly doing what is in the best interest of the entire community. She does so much that parents simply do not see or are able to appreciate. If the parent below volunteered more and understood what was going on at school, their opinion might be different. The teachers have really raised the bar this year and this is starting in Kindergarten! If the students are not doing the work that is expected and if the PARENTS are not emphasising the importance of completing assignments and being simply put a parent, your child will not succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an amazing school!! Everyone involved, from the Principal to the teachers to the parents, are dedicated to enriching our children's educational experience. Both of my children are very happy here and are getting a wonderful education.
—Submitted by a parent

GREAT SCHOOL!! GREAT PRINCIPAL AND TEACHERS. My son love's going to Canfield and is getting an amazing education. This is a close knit school with amazing parent involvement. I wouldn't go anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

I can't imagine a more inappropriate description of Canfield then the one below. Our principal is anything but lackluster-ever see a principal dressed like a banana? How about a Sesame Street character? Our principal is extremely invested in the daily lives of our children and is a supportive partner to our parent organization. She is charged with a task that is difficult at best but she does it with poise and grace. The teachers referred to below are consummate professionals who communicate on a daily basis so that the students in that particular class do not miss a beat between lessons. The best way to positively impact your (and your child's) environment is to get involved-so to the poster below join us at the next Friends meeting and help us continue to ensure that Canfield is a wonderful environment instead of using the Internet to bad mouth Canfield and its parents.
—Submitted by a parent

When my son was about to enter Kindergarten, I came to check out Canfield with the hope I will be so disappointed by the public school system so we'll have no choice but private schools, but the second I walked through the front office, I never looked back!! This is our 3rd year and i already have two kids in the school. We LOVE every minute of it! Great staff and an amazing principle that knows each and every kid in the school on a personal level, an amazing parent community that accepts all as equal and teachers that are not only great educators but team players who truly enjoy their work and love the school! We should keep in mind that in today's economy a great school must have outside funds and strong parent support to be great. You can't blame a principle for losing teachers due to reduction in force but admire the loyalty of the staff and community to one another for fighting for every teacher and school employee! My kids love the school and there isn't a greater feeling and proof then kids who are eager to go to school every morning!
—Submitted by a parent

Lack luster Principal and incompetent staff! They are constantly swapping out teacher throughout the school year as if it has no effect on the children! This school is more about the parents flaunting there money in each others faces than it is the quality of the curriculum for the children.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a fabulous school from the student point of view. Programs meet the needs of both gifted kids and those with special needs. There are lots of creative and physical outlets for kids, as well as strong academics (as strong as many prep schools). The teachers are excellent. Kids really enjoy being at the school. However, there is a lot of pressure on parents to donate time and money to continue programs not included in LAUSD's budget and make the school competitive with private alternatives. There's also a lack of attention to the cultures that predominate in the neighborhood (frequently creating scheduling conflicts with Jewish holidays, for example, although the neighborhood is largely Jewish).
—Submitted by a parent

EVERYTHING-It has been an amazing journey for my child-he wishes it went through high school.
—Submitted by a parent

Canfield is amazing! Our family was kicked out of BHUSD after my child had attended the same BH school for 5 years. After our appeal to the LAUSD's Board of Education was denied, my husband and I had needed to find a school that would be the closest possible fit to our son. We looked high and low, and Canfield always stood out. The principal is a wonderful, smart, kind, compassionate human being who completely understood what we were going through and took us in with open arms. His 5th grade teacher is the best!!!!! Lastly, the parents have built this amazing organization called Friends of Canfield. It's far better than any PTA group in which I've been involved. We are so blessed to be part of this tremendously generous, welcoming and passionate group of parents and children. I just wish it went to 12th grade!
—Submitted by a parent

An excellent, school with nurturing and caring teachers. It is a school that is truly a community.
—Submitted by a parent

The best teachers, best parent community support, and great friends for the kids and the parents!!!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended this school for (2) years and has thrived so much from the community atmosphere, the personal teaching and caring environment. She has developed new friendships and loves going to school. We love and Appreciate Canfield Elementary School.
—Submitted by a parent

So happy we moved to this neighbourhood! Best school around!
—Submitted by a parent

The school has great teachers and the parent support is stellar. It has a nice homey feel!
—Submitted by a parent

After sending my older child to a private school, I decided to try out Canfield for my younger. I have been so impressed with the quality of the education and experience of the teachers. I think that my child at Canfield is getting a better education then the one enrolled in a local private school!
—Submitted by a parent

Loving, nurturing environment and a wonderful community. The teachers are committed and the principal rocks.
—Submitted by a parent

We love the teachers, staff, and parental involvement. Canfield is a smaller school and the students are thriving. Our school tests high and we have so much to offer! It's a great school, period.
—Submitted by a parent