Cowan Avenue Elementary School

I attended Cowan Ave from 1975 to 79 and I thoroughly enjoyed it as I remember, the neighborhood was safe, I rode my bicycle to school. My favorite teachers were Mrs. Arbogast and Mrs. Rockwood. I'm Patty Rowe, and I approved this message. :)

Cowan is a fine school. The implication that the parents who are pleased with the school are fake comments by the administration is ridiculous. Who has time to do that? And according to the belief that the administration is not very organized, when would the fake comment conspiracy have time to be organized? Yet the negative comments seam to come regularly. I find it hard to believe unhappy parents would continue to stay, so I raise the question, Are their parents who do not attend Cowan commenting negatively with an alternate agenda? If I took this personally, I could be up set, but I don't. I enrolled in the school, I took the time to meet all the teachers, and administration and I do my best to make the educational experience a memorable one for my children. I have had the pleasure of attending both Kentwood and Cowan and must say, there is not that much difference. Yet I honestly like Cowan better. It has a small, family atmosphere and the parents are wonderful! (But I don't choose because I am a parent of both schools ;0)) So parents who are reading these comments and really trying to consider if you should place your child at Cowan.Visit the school and find out for yourself.
--Submitted by a parent

The school is cutting edge technologically and instructionally. The teachers care about the students and stay on top of their game to providethe best instructional opportunities and they seem to wok very well together. If you can get your kid into the magnet you've gotten him into one of the highest schools in the STATE and they are adding 6th grade next year. The magnet teachers are among the best in the district. The community school has started looking like an inner city school as many of the supportive fundraising families have been chased off.
--Submitted by a parent

One may disagree with the positive comments, but be clear: Cowan family members wrote them. I am one of the parents who did so. There is genuine disagreement among Cowan families about the school.
--Submitted by a parent

I completely agree with the previous posting. It seems as if the last few postings for December 2011 are indeed fake and probably written by someone in administration to hide the inadequacy of their leadership. Cowan is a sinking ship due to the lack of quality in leadership. The principal is an inept leader. We do not plan to keep our child at Cowan after this school year ends and are currently pursuing other options.
--Submitted by a parent

I feel that all the reviews for the month of December 2011 seem to be a bit contrived. It is almost as if the same person wrote all the reviews, and perhaps did it from different computers to build up the school. The writing style in all of the post for the month of December is almost exactly the same. Most of the reviews seem very surface. I believe they are fake. The school needs a lot of work and a lot of leadership. The principal seems a bit immature and inexperienced. I wish the school had more community partners, like Kentwood, such as the YMCA or the Los Angeles Clippers or other local community based organizations. The school doesn't have a sense of community.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in Kindergarten so this is her first year at Cowan and i have to say i am very pleased with what my daughter is learning and the new experiences she's having. The parents and staff here are like a family, the principle is focused on education and encouraging our children to be their very best. He is also very approachable and willing to help resolve any issues you may encounter. i would recommend this school to anyone who is looking for a safe comfortable family orientated school to send their children to.
--Submitted by a parent

I am excited to have my kids at Cowan Elementary. My kids are flourishing with their teachers. The campus is quiet yet the students play well together. Parents are involved with fundraisers and other activities to make Cowan a more of a family feel. Mr. D. has monthly meetings to keep parents informed of upcoming events and to discuss progress at Cowan. He is available and open to comments and/or concerns. Parents support Mr. D which makes Cowan a better environment for everyone. Cowan is an inviting school for all students who are ready to learn and for parents who want the best for their kids.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been very happy with our experience at Cowan. We have had three children that have attended Cowan. My children have loved their teachers and their test scores have always been very high. It is sad that Cowan has been getting bad mouthed because it is a good school.
--Submitted by a parent

My children have been at Cowan for the last 3 years and my experience has been a good one. I find the Principal to be very interested in the academics and concerns of the parents. He takes the time to know each of the kids names and any time an issue has been of concern - he was very approachable to address the matter. Futhermore, one of my kids is in the Magnet program and his teacher ensures that she is accessible by email and academically - the children are very challenged and I am satisfied. With my other children, their teachers re also just as involved. The Principal recently advised the parents that we will be gaining a 6th grade Magnet next year which is music to the ears of many parents. As a parent of a Magnet student - I too am elated. In addition, I find that the website is very informative and the goals of the school continue to grow. The Cowan families show great support through Family Dinner Nights - where even the teachers come out and eat with the students. My experience has been a good one and we have several more years here and I look forward to these years, as my kids continue with childhood bonds that began at kindergarten.
--Submitted by a parent