Cheremoya Avenue Elementary School

I had the good fortune of lecturing to the Cheremoya 1st grade classes last year and was blown away with how well mannered and educated they were. I was impressed so much that I have now decided to take my child out of his wonderful private school and enroll him into Cheremoya!! In addition to the rapidly rising API score, the very approachable NEW PRINCIPAL, the generous grants, the new kitchen garden & the beautification makeover, the Cheremoya Foundation Parents are hands down some of the most hardworking, creative, out-of-the box thinkers I have ever encountered. Not only am I looking forward to my son (2nd grade) walking to school & making neighborhood friends while there, but I am looking forward to spending time with the Cheremoya parents as well. The school is not at all what the old word on the street had it as. You must see for yourself how terrific this place is! -Parent and Homeowner in Beachwood Canyon
—Submitted by a parent

Cheremoya is an extremely wonderful school! All my family loves the school and most importantly the staff. Cheremoya has excellent Teachers, very well educated, and they sacrifice not only their time but resources as well to make our children enjoy and learn in their years of education. I don't regret any minute of my childrens life here at Cheremoya, if I had more more kids I would do it all over again!!! Thank you Cheremoya, you are a Super Star!!
—Submitted by a parent

Cheremoya Elementary is fast following in the footsteps of LA'S finest schools. It's greatest asset is the incredibly accomplished staff who have pulled API up to 844. Now with a widely talented parent group (Cheremoya Foundation) loading in arts, phys ed, technology, and garden programs, HOLLYWOOD'S local schoolhouse (built 1915, MANY accomplished alumni) is targeting API 900+ in short order. If this is your school area, you MUST tour Cheremoya. Rumors to the contrary are simply antiquated and incorrect.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends Kindergarten at Cheremoya and has thrived both in the classroom and with the outstanding after school program. Like many parents we "shopped" private and charter schools and found Cheremoya to be a diamond in the rough and we're very happy with our decision. Great staff, committed faculty, and a facility that, while older, makes you feel like you're in a real school as opposed a trailer farm. We expect many great things to come for this impressive school with the continued support from the local community and especially the parents and foundation.
—Submitted by a parent

We are delighted with Cheremoya! Our daughter is thriving and loves going to school. The teachers and principal are talented, dynamic, and committed. Cheremoya provides many of the extras that other public schools lack, including a fantastic after-school program, enrichment classes, and an edible garden with an outdoor kitchen. The parent group (Cheremoya Foundation) works tirelessly to provide the best for our kids and has been a way for us to make a meaningful contribution to our school and our community. Cheremoya is a lovely little school!
—Submitted by a parent

My husband John and I have a music and bookstore two blocks east of Cheremoya. We became involved with the school at least 15 years ago and it has been a joy. I've partnered with Debbi Aldahl, an absolutely stellar 6th grade teacher, and I am the one who has benefited most! Enthusiasm, creativity, passion; these are the qualities I've seen at Cheremoya. Debbi's students have participated at our store in art projects ranging from "A Child's View of War and Peace-2003" to photographs of what impacts them in their daily life. We have gone yearly to the LA River Cleanup, had 500 people show up for an Earth Day Fair, treasure open house and meeting all the teachers and, this year, welcoming a new and dynamic Principal, Michelle, to our little jewel. Cheremoya has inspired our business block to participate in fundraisers, and to host their own fundraisers for the kids. Last year I had the pleasure of seeing the Hollywood Orchard enter into an active role with Debbi Aldahl's sixth grade class and the ever-growing Cheremoya Foundation has contributed passion, time and really excellent fundraising to add as much as they can to elevate Cheremoya even further.

I love Cheremoya Elementary School. My son is in an awesome class (Ms. Diaz first grade). He's reading very well and learning so much. It's so great to be able to walk down the hill to the school (a very long walk, but also very pretty) to a great neighborhood school! I am really thrilled that such a great school is down the street from where I live. I've become one of those active parents that is very involved in supporting the school. As part of the process I've become familiar with more than just what is happening inside of my son's classroom and can say that the staff, kids and teachers have really impressed me! I love the parent community and ever since we've enrolled I've felt much more connected to my neighborhood and community. Highly recommended!
—Submitted by a parent

i suffered from a little white flight and wasn't totally convinced with what was available at my local public school. but it has been amazing. there is a great group of engaged and focused parents pushing forward to get all sorts of stuff into the school that LAUSD cut. the teachers are amazing. there is a new principal who is kicking a**. the API scores are way up. all super good things. my kid loves school. i'm involved. that was a huge part of the puzzle that was missing and makes a big difference to the school and to the kids. parents are showing up! my kid can read. do math. write sentences. all in kindergarten. none of her private school friends in kinder are at the level these kids are with their basic skills. the school also had a big makeover recently and there is now an edible garden installed and the main building got a good revamp. people care about this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Great neighborhood school with a rapidly increasing API score. The teachers and faculty are dedicated and passionate about their students. Parental involvement and volunteering is strong and growing.. New programs being added for 2013 Winter Semester - Physical Education in partnership with the YMCA, Visual and Dramtic Arts in partnership with HUNC, Added Technology in the classrooms with tablets. Cheremoya Foundation is working directly with the school to help keep the momentum going. We are a non-profit organization that is run by active and engaged parents to build community, increase area-wide recognition and enrollment, and to raise funds that enrich the Cheremoya Elementary School
—Submitted by a parent

My son started attending Cheremoya Elementary in 3rd grade. At the time I had just pulled him out of an expensive private school after I lost my job due to health reasons and could no longer afford to pay for a private education. It was only going to be temporary until I could go back to work and then something magic happened. My son's learning took off like a rocketship, he was happy with new friends and he thrived there. We never looked back after that. It's a small school, so everyone knows everyone and there's that sense of caring and community you just don't get in larger school settings. Also most of the teachers have been there for years and they really do care about the kids. And through it all the school manages to work the arts into their curriculum even without a budget to do so. They really are one of the best hidden gems in the city. Mine and my son's only regrets are that I didn't enroll him there from his first day in school.
—Submitted by a parent

I wanted to write this review for any parent that feels that standardized test scores are not the most important element in a child's education. I moved to Los Angeles from another major city where my child attended a wonderful charter school that we were blessed to get into, so I have another school to compare Cheremoya with. The ONLY thing that Cheremoya focuses on is testing for math and reading comprehension. There is absolutely no science, history, art, music! The teacher does not allow for any creativity whatsoever. I find it to be stifling and oppressive. If anyone is doing research to get their kids in an elementary school in this Franklin/ Beachwood neighborhood, do not put your kids in this school!
—Submitted by a parent

Cheremoya is a wonderful school with hard-working, dedicated teachers to their students. I wish every school could have so many teachers with the commitment and patience they provide to their students. We were lucky to have Cheremoya close by our place
—Submitted by a parent

Great school all 3 of my children attend this school the teachers are great they care about the children's education. Parent involvement is terrific I have volunteered to assist the teachers in there classes. If your a parent that lives out here in Hollywood area this is a great school school like these are rare.
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing school with a great group of dedicated teachers and staff. The teachers focus is that of what is best for the student's and are willing to do anything for their school and kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Cheremoya is a wonderful school with hard-working, dedicated teachers to their students. I wish every school could have so many teachers with the commitment and patience they provide to their students.

My child is getting ready to finish Kinder. She can write sentences. She can read. She loves school. She even loves doing homework. There is something very beautiful about being a parent to a child who comes home so enthusiastic about learning.
—Submitted by a parent

Ms.Aldahl is a great teacher and wonderful school and also Mr.Davis is good too

My grandchildren's teachers are all outstanding. All of the kids have excelled since they have been attending Cheremoya.
—Submitted by a parent

Cheremoya is a wonderful school with incredible teachers and staff!! I feel honored to have my children surrounded by such a kind, caring, well educated staff who truly put the best interest of their students as their first priority.
—Submitted by a parent

They are a great part of the community and the teachers and students are wonderful.