Overland Avenue Elementary School

A few years ago we moved our children to this school - one from a private school and the other from a Beverly Hills public school. We are so pleased with our decision. Our three kids are flourishing and really love their school. For the most part, the teachers have been superior. The aggressive fundraising provides added resources that benefit the entire student body and the parent volunteers are so dedicated. There is a strong sense of community here and for that our family is so grateful!
—Submitted by a parent

I just reviewed the school. I meant to say the parents raise several hundreds of thousands of dollars per year for the school. Amazing! A truly incredible public school experience.
—Submitted by a parent

I have no idea why this school is highly rated. The staff are unable to discipline the children and do not know what they are doing. This is a very terrible school and anyone who would send their children here does not know what they are getting their kids into.
—Submitted by a parent

I can't say enough wonderful things about Overland elementary as well as the STAR aftercare program. The teachers are so caring and the programs are outstanding! The computer lab, science lab and library are fantastic! Overland in Motion is truly a sight to see in the mornings. As a full-time working mom, STAR has truly exceeded all my expectations for aftercare. So many fun and educational things to do for the kids. The most common complaint I had from my child was "you picked me up too soon, we were just going to do....".
—Submitted by a parent

Overland is an excellent LAUSD elementry school, with a great school wide morning PE program, strong parent and community support and for working parents, an outstanding STAR after school program. The STAR progam itself is a good program and available at many schools, but the staff at Overland, bring the offerings to life and make it exceptional.
—Submitted by a parent

This review is about the after school STAR program. Overland's STAR staff is truly excellent. Our family has been in the STAR program for four years now and with most of the same staff. Marcus, Ylana, Mary, Denise, Margo and the other staff are kind, caring and enthusiastic. I never have an ounce of worry about my kids being cared for after school while I am at work. They not only provide an entertaining program, but handle social and emotional situations with other kids appropriately and efficiently. They are great about reporting anything necessary but don't overwhelm busy parents with too much information. I can't say enough about them!
—Submitted by a parent

Overland Elementary is a fantastic school with GREAT Teachers, a WONDERFUL Star program with loving attentive staff, Parents who care and contribute their time and money to make sure that all the kids feel special and programs that encourage and inspire our kids to do and be their best. I feel so blessed to be a part of such a special school. How many other schools have exercise programs like Overland in Motion?! Genius!
—Submitted by a parent

Overland is a great school with an awesome music, art, gardening, and science programs. I just can't help but to agree a bit about the principal. She does need to be more proactive when it comes to parents with issues. I also just experienced how their after school programs also seem very exclusive and see winning as important instead of teamwork.
—Submitted by a parent

The parent review posted on feburary 3, 2010, is wrong and should be removed. I don't know if the person who wrote it was mistaken with another school but it is untrue. I have a first grader at this school and another two starting this year. My upcoming children have a 'kindergarten day' in June to meet kindergarten teachers and children and I can remember meeting the principal and K teachers in the auditorium on our son's first day of school two years ago. Parents are welcomed into the classrooms to help out and there is definitely a larger than average volunteer force at this school. Communication (paper, email and phone) is a daily/weekly occurance and office staff have always been helpful to me. Bottom line, Overland school has amazing teachers, parents and an awesome surrounding community that really inspires our children to succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers, wonderful activities, arts programs, computer lab, Science lab, great Library, the best kids and parents!
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in first grade at Overland and I could not have hoped for a better place to send him to school than Overland. The teachers are amazing and caring. The principal and vice-principal are among the most caring and dedicated I have ever seen and have a kids first mentality. I have a three year old and am excited to be sending him to Overland in the coming years.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter just graduated from Overland in 6/09 and I can only imagine the last negative comment is concerning another school. The teachers are among the most dedicated I have ever seen (I am a former teacher) and I never had any trouble talking to them. You do have to set up an appointment with the administrators and this is likely because they are busy running a school. This school is a gem. The principal could use a chill pill, but I have to admit she has done wonders for the school. The assistant principal is a wonderful. If you want the world to fall at your feet, this may not be the school for you.
—Submitted by a parent

Wow! I'm so sorry that a parent had such a bad experience at Overland. I'm surprised too. The principal makes it a point every morning to greet students as they walk in the front gate. The office staff is always friendly and helpful. The school keeps parents in touch with emails, phone messages and a weekly bulletin. Talking personally with your child's teacher can be challenging without setting up a formal meeting but they quickly respond to notes and emails and have even called in the evening to follow up on an issue. We've had a great experience at Overland.
—Submitted by a parent

Our experience at Overland has been extremely disappointing. If you are looking for a warm, welcoming environment - don't go here! On the first day of school, did the principal (or anyone) welcome the assembled students and parents? NO. Is there any communication between teachers/administrators and parents - no, not unless you set up a formal meeting. Is the office staff helpful and pleasant - again, no. This school has good test scores because of bright kids and committed parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Overland is a community with dedicated and creative teachers, tireless staff and enthusiastic parents. I wouldn't send my kids to a private elementary school (even if I had the money). We'd miss an entire aspect of living in a neighborhood - that happens to be in the big city of Los Angeles.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are great and the students are really learning something
—Submitted by a parent

My son just graduated in June from this amazing school. Yes, I agree with the positive comments here about this school. The teachers are the best teachers I have encountered within one school. I am extremely thankful for the parent involvememnt, since I am a working parent and was not able to be involved as much. We will miss all of the teachers and the STAR program atff was incredible! The principal needs to lighten up on the kids and teachers, and make this a more fun environment for all. Life is way too short not to laugh! Thank you Overland for all the memories!
—Submitted by a parent

You are crazy not to send your kids to Overland. This is a fabulous school with wonderful families and great teachers. The teachers are very caring and responsive to the diverse needs of the student body. We love the school! Students who graduate go on to great middle schools both public and private. The students that go public often attend magnet programs. You could not ask for a better elementary school in Los Angeles. Go Overland!
—Submitted by a parent

I am so glad my child finally graduated from here. Principal Born, v.p. Choe and the rest of the faculty are great. But having to deal these last 6 years with some of the rude, pompous, snobby, arrogent, parents has been hell!! As one parent posted earlier they have this 'one of us' attitude and their children are just as bad. They do not respect or embrace deversity, I am half white and the only time they even spoke to me was when we had candy sales to raise funds and I was one of the largest sellers. After that I became one of the peon's again to which I am proud to be. the funny thing is I am actually much more wealthy than many of them, but the only difference is I don't try to fluant it or think I am better because I appear to be white.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is a mixed bag. Fundraising efforts are high, so there is the ability to supplement LAUSD funds and provide additional resources, and there are many active PTA moms that contribute greatly to the school. The teachers are great overall, and there is a great after school program on site. That said, there is a pervasive exclusionary attitude of anyone not 'one of us' (read white, affluent, and living on a 'nicer' nearby street). The tracking done here creates a hierarchy among student peers which is detrimental. The general lack of respect and understanding of a diverse student body is a shame, besmirching the school's reputation, and deters some from attending.
—Submitted by a parent