Kenter Canyon Elementary School

As a parent of a 2nd grader I feel my son is not getting the correct Physical Education.. The new coach just makes these kids run 4-5 laps during PE which I think is over doing it to 7-8yrs ! I spend lots of money donating to the school for there enrichment programs and I feel running our kids like this is inappropriate! The librarian has used fowl and inappropriate language towards my son and other classmates. The principal is in denile about these situations and when I mentioned I thought I may have smelled alcohol and the librian's breath the principal laughed at me!I know he's a young guy who likes to party a bit, but please leave that lifestyle at home!Most of the staff is sweet and genuine good hearted people.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a fellow parent and friend to one of the young families that started at Kenter this year in one of the kindergarten classes, and was so horrified by the series of events that took place, I felt compelled to write to let other parents know of how issues of bullying are resolved at this school, and in particular, in this kindergarten class. Our friend's child, whom we have seen grow up and thrive in preschool and other social environments was physically and mentally bullied by another boy in class and his "gang" all year while the teacher and subsequently the principal chose to only believe the claims of the bullying child while ignoring the needs of the child that was being hit, pushed to the ground, and harrassed for ethnically different food. It is our responsibility as parents and teachers to protect our children and nurture a non-threatening environment as much as possible. The parents of the bully chose not to believe that their kid could possibly behave in such a way, even when they witnessed it with their own eyes. Shame on them. And shame on this school for failing to care to perform their most fundamental duties. This is kindergarten, for pete's sake. Heartbreaking.

Kenter Cyn., is a good school, but not the BEST. This school has gone downhill since the major budget cuts. The school is hainging on a thread. However, my daughter is getting a well-rounded education, but I am not happy with the class size, and the constant shift of staff changes. The parent support is good, but not the best. YES, this school raises money outside of LAUSD through parent support. NO, the parents can't keep up financially with the state cut-backs. There is no librarian!!
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at Kenter Canyon for seven years and will be there for two more. Our experience has been extremely positive both academically and socially for our two boys. They have thrived in a very dynamic school strongly supported by parent involvement. As working parents, we have also really appreciated the on-site STAR after-school program which has given our children a well-supervised, enriching and caring experience.
—Submitted by a parent

all the benefits of private school at a fraction of the cost. and the STAR afterschool program is beyond your wildest dreams. we've been using them for the past 10 years for our kids, and they are wonderful, caring, thoughtful, rigorous, and smart. all that AND they have a terrific sense of humor and perspective, often missing in the childcare environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Another great aspect of Kenter Canyon is the STAR program which provides a program for pre K and after school students. It's a great resource that helps students with homework, academics, social skills and plain old fun.
—Submitted by a parent

Best Chartered K-5 School in LA. In my opinion, they even surpass other neighborhood private schools, in terms of quality of teachers, academics, class sizes, enrichment classes, outdoor academic camps for students and many other activities that stimulate children minds in a way that they become better students and bring out the best they can be for their society, a group of educated, caring, loving, effective and constructive human beings.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school. My son just graduated. Teacher and staff and especially the principal are just amazing. It feels like a private school. There are lots of enrichment classes offered. I think my kids got a well rounded education and my son loved being in different sports. Parent involvement is tremendous.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two kids currently attending and we are so happy here. They have an amazing STAR program that adds so much to the school in terms of sports, education, leadership and unity. The STAR program has helped my kids gain confidence and refine their academic and leadership skills. As a parent, knowing the STAR program is available to my kids at all times, I have peace of my mind. The director and staff at STAR treat my kids as if they are their own. We're family and it's fantastic. Thank you Kenter Canyon and STAR!!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, very well managed, and loving teachers. Amazing star program. Thank you Kenter Canyon and STAR.
—Submitted by a parent

Kenter Canyon is a wonderful school with amazing staff & teachers, both in the Elementary School and the STAR program.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school...good community feel, exceptional teachers and encouraging atmosphere. Good balance between academics and fun.
—Submitted by a parent

I am wondering what others think about the two towers the border this school. Do you think they pose a risk to the children in the classrooms and on the playgrounds? They are clearly run by LADWP and transmit electricity throughout Brentwood/Kenter Canyon.
—Submitted by a parent

What a special place!!! We are so LUCKY to have such an amazing neighborhood school.
—Submitted by a parent

Absolutely amazing school. Caring and thoughtful teachers and an administration to match.
—Submitted by a parent

Everyone involved with the school helps to make the kids' experiences feel special. There is a genuine concern for balancing fun and education.
—Submitted by a parent

The focus on fundraising at Kenter is intense. Most families in this area can easily afford to give 'at least $950 per child' annually, which they STRONGLY push. However, it s a public school. A family should not be made to feel guilty if this is way, way more than they can afford. Especially in lower income families , finding the time to do all of the fundraising is very much a strain. There is a difference in how the wealthy and those that are not wealthy are treated. As compared with other LAUSD schools, they seem to go out of their way to discourage those they feel will not benefit their school from attending. Not only do I have this concern, but I have heard this repeated by other parents as well. On the other hand, the individual teachers we ve experienced have been great.
—Submitted by a parent

Within the constraints of a huge public school system,this charter school has done a wonderful job of educating and socializing my son. The teachers are very accessible, experienced and caring. There's no doubt that with big class size and a focus on testing the teachers are not given enough freedom to engage with the kids as creatively as i might like or to take one child's interest and run with it. It's just impossible to do that...So we do it at home!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in Kindergarten at Kenter and in STAR. I am VERY happy but am now worried about the cuts and threatened increase in class size. The staff, teachers and principal are helpful, and committed.
—Submitted by a parent

Kenter teachers are incredible individuals. Tireless, devoted, caring. This school is a gem and a role model!
—Submitted by a parent