Carthay Center Elementary

My son just started Carthay Center Elementary this past August. This is our neighborhood school and we were skeptical about sending him here just because we knew nothing about it. I have to say we couldn't be happier! This is a fantastic school that ,for some reason, gets a bad rap. The teachers are fantastic and the principal is one of the top in the district. With the budget cuts, like every school, Carthay needs money, but because it is so small, they don't need or try to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars. I would seriously consider this school as an option. It has a beautiful campus, a working garden and a principal and teachers who care!!
—Submitted by a parent

GREAT SCHOOL THEY DESERVE THE BEST EVREY DAY . ALL THE TEACHERS AND PRENTS WORK TOGETHER .
—Submitted by a parent

A wonderful neighborhood school with a gorgeous campus. The students are amazing - very bright and talented as can be seen by attending their annual talent show, or their California Dance Institute performances, or from their annual Young Writers' Workshop performance. The Principal is just stellar - very proactive engaging parents, teachers and students alike in building a strong and supportive school community. Parents write grants and diligently fundraise to provide the very best including a one-of-a-kind, hands-on Garden Science program, Dance, STAR P.E., Field Trips, etc. The families fund raise to keep their incredible Librarian, Ms. Cruz and Plant Manager, Mr. Williams. It is a special place,
—Submitted by a parent

This school has come a long way in the past six years. It only continues to improve as the parents new and old together with the principal and teachers have worked to get grants. These have been used to start a fantastic outdoor hands on science classroom along with much needed new technology instruments in the classrooms. We're very enthusiastic about Carthay's future and that of it's students. My children are very fortunate that we chose to come here.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter is in 2nd grade, so halfway through her third year at Carthay. She loves the school and so do we. All three of her teachers over the past three years have been excellent. The classroom sizes are a little too big, because of the budget cutbacks, but the teachers do a good job of managing in spite of that. Our daughter is ahead of grade level in math and reading and the teachers do a good job of identifying what level different students are at and making sure everyone is challenged and learning. The kids are wonderful - our daughter has made so many great friends. Many of them live in the neighborhood which helps with playdates and birthday parties. The principal is fantastic - a real dynamo. She started the same year as our daughter and every year the school gets better. Parent involvement is also very good. Not every parent is involved, but those who are have a lot of energy. They have helped the school get funding for a garden, a grass field, trees in the playground, a community park, dance and other art programs, field trips, etc. Also the Star after-school program is AMAZING. They have scholarships and tons of extra-curricular options and Ms. Autumn rocks!
—Submitted by a parent

Small neighborhood school. Great principal, who knows how to communicate with parents. School would benefit from a good dedicated assistant principal, one that's dedicated and return year to year. Currently they have a new AP every year. Didn't care for the last one. Teachers caring. Ignore test scores, or you'll lose out on a good safe school.
—Submitted by a parent

I believe the school is on its way to becoming a better school with more funding.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a gem, in the heart of Los Angeles. There is a dynamic new principal, Tracy Calhoun, who is full of energy and new ideas, and who welcomes the input parents. The campus is small and gorgeous, and houses the best teaching garden in all of LAUSD, and maybe California. The school's garden science program is the pride of LAUSD and was featured on Anderson Cooper 360 and in the Huffington Post. There is music and arts instruction through the Arts Prototype Program, and, dance with the California Dance Institute. And, there is a very active and involved group of parents who are always ready to welcome new families. This is a real neighborhood school with close ties to its community. It is for parents who want to be involved in their child s education. Most importantly, the children of Carthay love this school and they want to be there all the time. My son told me, he never wants to leave.
—Submitted by a parent

THE ONLY GOOD THING ABOUT THIS SCHOOL IS THE MS. CRUZ AND MRS. CATHERINE!!! I FEEL THAT THE STUDENTS THERE WERE CHEATED FROM THEIR EDUCATION!
—Submitted by a parent

The new principal is absolutely fantastic. She is focused on what is best for ALL of the children at Carthay. My children love learning, love going to school and have become avid readers. They often curl up with a book rather than watch TV at home. They also love the phenomenal Garden Science program, which doesn't seem like "school" even though they are learning a ton. Great community-oriented school with kind and caring parents, teachers, and administration.
—Submitted by a parent

Carthay is a school with involved parents and an engaged staff that is committed to it's children and embraces the diverse community that exist there.
—Submitted by a parent

It's a truly diverse school that engages the community and has the biggest organic learning garden in LA.

Emma and Alex love the teachers and subjects and are willing to tell everyone about their wonderful school.
—Submitted by a parent

They have the best teachers and very well behaved students...
—Submitted by a parent

community spirit and terrific opportunities for parental involvement!and parents who actually do become involved.
—Submitted by a parent

Upgrades, renovation greatly needed. Neglected. A philosophical liberal ethic pervades. Cliquish. Poor administration. New year, new principal - let's see what Carthay's focus will be.
—Submitted by a parent

My Grandson is a student at Carthay and is reading and loving school because of the teachers and the librarian, Ms. Cruz
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school - great parents, great teachers!!!

It's an attractive, cheerful, welcoming and happy place to be; and the students seem happy there. Ms Cruz and the Library are very good.
—Submitted by a parent

Brilliant school, a little slice of heaven!

great school, supportive parents!
—Submitted by a parent

it is the most amazing school I have ever seen! The energy between kids, parents, and the school is huge! There is a powerful flow and bonding between the school, the teachers, and the families
—Submitted by a parent

Carthay Center School is great because of some of its dedicated teachers. And also a well loved librarian, Mrs. Cruz, who has made a difference for many children.
—Submitted by a parent

It has been My Daughters school since preschool. The Teachers are all dedicated to guiding our children toward excellence.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Carthay Elem. School because the teachers care for their students.

I love Carthay because it has provided an environment for my daughters, son, and nephew to flourish intellectually and socially. Carthay's beautiful garden is one of it's best attribute.
—Submitted by a parent

Love the parent participation. Great community participation, culturally diverse. Love our teacher Mr.Whalen this year.l...the new principal isamazing...
—Submitted by a parent

Carthay is an amazing neighborhood jewel where the administration, teachers and parents work together to create a wonderful learning environment for our children. Under the leadership of our new principal, Ms. Calhoun, we are on the precipice of greatness. It's palpable.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school, truly invested in the children.
—Submitted by a parent

very committed parents and caring teachers; awesome K teacher Mrs. Cathern!
—Submitted by a parent

great school...great teachers

Carthay has an amazing small school with bright future. It is all about the children and the parents are a true reflection of the community.
—Submitted by a parent

Great Library & teachers

Besides the sheer beauty of the school and its buildings, Carthay Center Elementary has the feel of a mini United Nations. The teachers are wonderful, the students diverse and the parents deeply committed to their community. Smack dab in the center of Los Angeles, Carthay Center Elementary stands as a model for all urban schools.
—Submitted by a parent

Lots of parent involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

It's the place where kids learn to discover...Ms. Cruz makes it happen.

Great environment/teachers
—Submitted by a parent

Carthay is a small neighborhood school with truly incredible resources: an excellent library and a librarian, Ms. Cruz, who is the heart and soul of the school; art, music, dance, and drama classes funded through the Arts Prototype program; a great special education program; a Gifted and Talented program; a pull-out intervention program; student teachers from USC helping in some classrooms; book clubs; a teaching garden, and much more. My kids have had outstanding teachers: dedicated, enthusiastic, passionate about teaching, and warmly supportive of all their students. There is a terrific group of active parents and volunteers from the community, a strongly supportive administration, and, best of all, a warm and wonderful sense of community.
—Submitted by a parent

They teachers care about the students and want the best for all of them

I love Carthay Elementary school because the education level is high and the children are very important to the school.
—Submitted by a parent

As an outside obsever I don't ever remember seeing so much time and patience being offered to the students of Carthay by the teachers. Above and beyond they give of themselves their time and their wallet. These are teachers that look under ever rock to find a diamond in all of their students.

The children of friends attend this school and they think it is a terrific educational venue. Way to go, Carthay Center Elementary!
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers and staff at Carthay really care about their students. The parent involvement at the school is better than I have ever encountered at other public schools. Vote for Carthay!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Carthay Elementary has an extraordinary combination of high quality teachers and highly motivated parents. A phenominal experience for any child.
—Submitted by a parent

These parents and teachers care.
—Submitted by a parent

Its a great school and the staff really cares for the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Carthay is a super school -- dedicated teachers and staff within a diverse community of students and parents that work well together to build a caring, hard working, high achieving, environment.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to say the thing that I love the most about Carthay is that we've got not only a an excellent and committed staff of administrators and teachers, but we've also got wonderful parents that really care about our school. Our teachers take the time to get to know their students and the best way to help each one advance. The parents get together and think and act on the best ways to help our school succeed. One of our largest success stories is the Carthay Center Garden. It is a focal point of the neighborhood and something our children love to work and learn in.
—Submitted by a parent

We have teachers and a community of parents that believe our children can achieve anything and deserve everything.
—Submitted by a parent

Carthey Center does a great job of making their kids happy to learn.

carthay is a great place to learn the whole staff and the parents are amaizing.

we love the teachers, the new principal, the pta, the community, perfect school for our children!
—Submitted by a parent

Great parents who are involved in their children's future. They only want the best for them!

The only reason we aren't a five star school is due to budget cuts!
—Submitted by a teacher

We love Carthay Center! Parents and teachers care about our childrens well being and education. Go Carthay!
—Submitted by a parent

Carthay has the most wonderful community of involved parents and teachers. Our school teaching garden is amazing. My kids love their school and the opportunities it provides them.
—Submitted by a parent

We are creating a wonderful, caring, involved community of administrators, teachers, parents, and most importantly, children!
—Submitted by a teacher

The school is a family of diversed and caring individuals. The teachers, staff and parents are united in providing a safe, caring and nurturing environment where the children and flourish and feel secure.
—Submitted by a parent

My two grandkids love Carthay. Great environment. Wonderful, involved faculty and families! Very warm, caring environment.

Carthay Elementary School is awesome! Support your neighborhood school and make it a school you WANT your kids to attend!
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers, great kids, great parents, great community
—Submitted by a parent

Great PTA, amazing principal, beautiful facility, vibrant student body, dedicated teachers, and growing community support!
—Submitted by a parent

I love my school because it is truly a nieghborhhod school!
—Submitted by a parent

Carthay Center School has a fabulous garden and a fantasticly diverse group of involved parents!
—Submitted by a parent

This school has a lot of wonderful students who's parents are very involved. The kids love going to school!!
—Submitted by a parent

Carthay is a fabulous school with the most dedicated staff and parents. There is a very strong sense of community and everyone at the school works together to ensure success for all students.
—Submitted by a teacher

Loving, brilliant teachers; devoted, knowledgeable administration, and an organized, motivated group of parents. This is an amazing school!
—Submitted by a parent

There's is lots of involved parents. Most teachers supportive of the children and the goal is to motivate children to do thier best.
—Submitted by a parent

What a terrific new principal we have in Ms. Traci Calhoun. She is enthusiastic, energetic and obviously cares about the students. We all look forward to her stewardship this year and beyond.
—Submitted by a parent

I absolutely love Carthay Center School. The school is very family and community oriented, the teachers and administrators are always available, and the curriculum is book and reality based. My third-grader has been at Carthay for a few weeks now, and she absolutely loves it. We've already had one PTA meeting, and the concern and support for the children and teacher's needs was overwhelming. I am so grateful to be a part of the Carthay family.
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic campus, lovely diverse students, exceptional staff and administration, and open, excited and diverse Faculty. Integration of the arts is outstanding, and the learning garden is an amazing and beautiful tool that all the students get to experience. My children thrive at Carthay Center
—Submitted by a parent

What a wonderful learning environment! An historic campus, small classes, engaged parents, inspired teachers, an arts prototype school, a superior teaching garding, chess, science, dance, book clubs, and more, all in the heart of LA. My son loves to go to school every day. I cannot ask for more.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent example of what neighborhood schools can become. There is a true feeling of community, with parents who walk their children to school, work in the garden, volunteer in the classrooms and assist with an after shool reading program. There is an active community group, Friends of Carthay Center, which has increased local business support for the school. The principal participates in a monthly 'Coffee with the Principal,' giving parents a chance to speak directly to her about current concerns. Several initiatives developed out of the coffee meetings including an afterschool reading program. This is a strong emphasis on academics at Carthay. The children are also taught how academics and science work in their daily lives -as in the garden where nature and science are integrated into the teaching program. There is a real sense of a community here which gives its full support to learning.
—Submitted by a parent

A Jewel of a school. Perhaps the loveliest setting in the LAUSD, with one of the finest Elementary School Gardens, public or private big or small. Active, involved, progressive Parents Group. Experienced, hard working teachers who run a 'tight ship.' The children are a delight; bright, inquisitive, well dressed, well mannered, and respectful. All obviously working hard to surmount the myriad of family languages. HM, Master Gardener UC Cooperative Extension
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended 1st grade at Carthay. While the teachers and support staff were outstanding, the adminstration was very cold and uncaring. My son experienced a very serious situation and it was not dealt with in a caring or professional manner. The parent group is excellent and trying their best to improve things, but without a supportive and caring administration, they've go their work cut out for them. I pulled my son out of there and he is doing excellent at one the top rated schools in the district. We do miss Mrs. Finn, she was great!
—Submitted by a parent

Staff is not good. School lacks funding. Bad attitude from office staff and many teachers who walk around arrogant, unhappy and lacking maners. Bad local district direction. Bad test scores and overall education. Lack of organization. Poor lunches. If you must send your child to this school, make sure you pour your attention into education at home. The kids are nice at this school though and my child misses them very much but her new school is so much better. She was way behind but has since caught up do to our switch of schools. And she was one of the smart ones in her classes at Carthay.
—Submitted by a parent

Carthay has been great for my child! He is confident, comfortable and loves his many friends. Academically, my son has amazed us. Yes, he has homework in Kindergarten but he usually finishes it quickly and asks for more. He never cared for art in preschool but through Carthay s Arts Program, his interest and abilities have blossomed. Carthay Center has truly been a wonderful surprise.
—Submitted by a parent

Disappointed in the preschool program. Lacks understanding of early childhood. Homework nightly. Not warm and cozy.
—Submitted by a parent

While I am very pleased with the parental involvement, the diversity, the spanish in the preschool classroom and the FCC motivation, unfortunately this preschool is very much in the box. Creative thinking is not encouraged. Projects are precut, color in the lines, dittos; nothing left to the imagination. Homeowork is the same. Nightly coloring in the lines. Parenting classes are required.
—Submitted by a parent

We love this school. Great community involvement. Teachers are outstanding. The school is small and there's a strong sense of community within it. A little involvement goes a long way here. Students are exposed to a wide range of experiences -- in the arts, field trips, computers, etc.
—Submitted by a parent

There is an amazing group of parents, Friends of Carthay Center, who want nothing more than for Carthay Center to continue to excel. The FCC is highly committed to the school and has been striving and accomplishing great goals. The new field looks fantastic. Keep up the good work!
—Submitted by Tamara Rosen, a parent

School has good teachers that are very dedicated to the children. Not enough parent involvement in the PTA.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the school. Great environment of a young child. Teachers are wonderful! Administration is very helpful.
—Submitted by a parent

This review is for the pre-school program only. My daughter attended this school for about 4 months and we have found it to be an excellent school. She learnt something almost everyday and seemed excited about it. The teacher, Mrs.Ecker, who is in charge of the class is very dedicated and enthusiastic. She is very active and ensures that the students have something to do throughout the class. I would highly recommend the pre-school to anyone who is interested in having their children go to a place of learning, not some place where the only thing the children do is play on their own without supervision or watch television.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been volunteering at Carthay Center over this past year. I have discovered that the school has much to offer in terms of an experienced and caring teaching staff, a welcoming principal, an energetic new assistant principal and many wonderful qualities too numerous to list. Carthay Center is one of the few schools to offer full-day kindergarten in the fall of 2004 and they will be incorporating the same blockwork program that Westwood Charter has used for years. Carthay Center is a small school which allows the teachers, students, and staff to develop a bond not found in larger schools. I look forward to entering my daughter in Kindergarten in the fall of 2005.
—Submitted by Susan Nickerson, a parent

I have been an active parent at Carthay for 8 years. My son graduated from Carthay and is now about to complete Emerson's Honors Program. My daughter is in 4th grade at Carthay. I serve as PTA President. While Carthay has faced many challenges, there have always been a core group of dedicated teachers, staff and parents who have worked to make it a better place for our children to learn, to achieve and to excel. A few years back, the state designated us an under-achieving school. The result was that a group of stakeholders, including teachers, parents, administrators and neighbors volunteered many hours to write a viable school plan. That plan has been implemented for the last few years and has resulted in increased test scores. Improvements will not be completed overnight but we expect continued success with the many wonderful plans we have put into place.
—Submitted by Lisa Cleri Reale, a parent

My children went to this school many years ago. It was excellent. I now am a reading partner. The teachers have been very helpful and friendly. It would be great if there was a bit more of parent envolvement which seems to be coming.

There has been a high turnover of teachers this year and the quality of the teaching is very poor. My son has been in this school since first grade and the decline on all levels is painfully visible to myself, other parents (with the same history) and my son.
—Submitted by a parent