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!