Fifty-Fourth Street Elementary School

54th st school street school is a great choice when looking where to place your child. My child is a special needs child. They have an excellent special education teacher that knows how to teach these special needs children. Mrs. Neal Thomas is an excellent teacher. The principal and staff are excellent. The principal Mr. Fortie works very hard to ensure the safety of your children and the education of your children is important to her. It is important as a parent to feel as your child is in great hands and 54th street assures me this.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter recently finished Pre-K and is on to Kindergarden. I found the parents coordinator, Ms. Alexander, to be frank, helpful, and very caring about the kids success. Although the principals seem to change every 2-3 years, Ms. Alexander's and the other staff's investment in the students and parents make it seem as if the school is always under the same chief administrator. I am excited for my daughter to continue at 54th in a safe, caring, and nurturing environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Hard working Principal, caring teachers
—Submitted by a parent

I love the teachers and the parent representative.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in Kinder, this year at 54th and I just love it. The school has a strong push towards creating a college going culture and has shown veery high expectations for their students, even the Kinder students. The school is safe and well staffed and maintained! The Prinicipal Dr. Davis has demonstrated strong leadership and continues to build a strong foundation. The main reason that I have given a 4 and not a 5 is because I feel the school could do a better job with enhancements in the Arts department. The school hasnt had many social activities in whick kids in my opinion need in order to couple with the academic side. I am definately sending my child for 1st grade. Lastly the Teacher Mrs. Moore believes in a STRONG foundation, she pushes the kids to heights that even they probably didnt believe they could go.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school. Wonderful leadership from Dr. Davis. He has some amazing programs in place such as Spanish, a great computer lab, a lego league, etc...My son was in private school and I was terrified to put him in public school within LAUSD. However, 54th street has assured me that not ALL schools are bad. This school is better than the private school my son was attending. Highly recommend this school!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a very strong school that just proved itself by pulling out of school improvement status. Kudos for all of the hard work the staff of 54th Street has done to bring that school to another level.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school. My daughter is in the first grade and has been attending the school since pre k. She is now reading on a second grade level. I am pleased with amount of parent participation, and the children really seem excited to learn. Wonderful reading program and a wonderful learning community. The principal is also really great and I love the reading coach.
—Submitted by T Cawthorne, a parent

Well organized. Lot's of adults care about the overall safety, and academic performance of the students. Great new Library. Computers in every classroom. Well rounded curriculum.
—Submitted by a staff

The principal is not accessible, the administrative staff is unprofessional and not customer service oriented. It is not a pleasure to interact with the leaders of this school... just call and ask a basic question and you will see what I mean.
—Submitted by a parent

I am now a fed up parent and believe more parents need to get involved, and see what is going on at this school. I would not recommend this school to any parent or student hoping to achieve any educational success at this school is few and far between. The school needs more concerned administrators, more parent involvement, and overall facelift to the environment for the future of our children.
—Submitted by frustrated parent, a parent

I have to say I have no complaints about the teaching staff and their methods of instruction...my complaint lies with the administration at 54th. Very poor examples of what collective cooperation. I reflects poorly on a school who claims they are a learning village. Parents, if you consider sending your child to 54th, I caution you to be very involved with your childs experience at the school and the constant change occurring on campus with scheduling.
—Submitted by a parent

High Level Academic Program based on standards-based instruction. A variety of programs, however school is in a state of flux due to site leadership issues.
—Submitted by a teacher

This is our third week. Nice school, teachers who care and are involved, nice environment, kids love it, Principal is energized, and we know what our children are doing each day, great communication. Great Start!
—Submitted by a parent

54th Street School is definitely up and coming. The principal is committed to making the school one of the rare good schools you can still send your kids to that are right there in your neighborhood. With the dedicated staff and her leadership, there is no need to send your kids to an elementary or private charter...they can get everything they need right here!
—Submitted by a parent

When my son attended this school the teachers there were caring.
—Submitted by a parent

If you are concerned about the quality of education for your child please use caution when you consider sending your child to 54th Street School. My first grader was cheated out of a basic education this past year. The administration is in turmoil, staff are leaving at record numbers, parents are taking their kids and running at record numbers! There are some good teachers, however I have experienced a disaster! The principal is under fire by parents, staff, and some teachers! They formed a petition to get rid of her. The school does not foster parent involvement. There are no room parents. The enrollment is low and the quality of education is low. They use Open Court, a quick fix to improve test scores that research does not support. These people are more concerned with funds than quality of education. I am removing my child from this school for obvious reasons.
—Submitted by Sue, a parent

My 4 year old son attends 54th street school and Mrs. Holmes is his teacher! Whatever she is doing is great! My son loves school and is very eager to learn. He has only been going there since July of 2004 and he has learned so much in the short amount of time that he's been there. We need more teachers like Mrs. Holmes! Thank you Mrs. Holmes and thank you 54th Street for having Mrs. Holmes!
—Submitted by a parent

Very concerned staff. The teachers go above and beyond for the students.
—Submitted by a staff

I've been checking this site regularly to keep up with the comments about my neigborhood school since I will be enrolling my child next year. I've had occasion to visit the school regularly and observe the 'goings on' from afar. The staff is well-trained! There are 3 nationally board certified teachers and all teachers have credentials or are district interns. The staff comes early (try 5:30 am) and leaves late (as late as 8 pm). This is on a daily basis! Test scores give one picture and 54th's are going. There are now 2 afterschool programs and an on site tutorial. Parents have a parent center that offers workshops and lends books to the primary students. It's a warm and inviting school that lives up to it's motto,'Creating a Learning Village from Within'
—Submitted by a parent