Third Street Elementary School

No school is perfect, but Third Street is about as good as it gets, public or private. I've read through the other comments and seen some concerns expressed about bullying. I've been a parent at the school for 6 years and I just haven't seen it as a pervasive problem. There are four or five kids (both boys and girls) who seem to be the trouble makers, but it's dealt with to the extent it can be at a public school. I wouldn't let concern about bullying keep you from sending your child here. As for other comments about issues with the parents who are involved in fundraising at the school, I'm thankful for them and their efforts which provide an incredible amount of additional enrichment programs and resources to all the students that aren't possible within the shrinking public school budgets, like a full-time librarian, full-time tech/computer instruction and new Apple computers, hi-speed wireless in classrooms, music program, extra field trips and more. The school is a wonderful melting pot of ethnic and economic diversity, and if you embrace that, you'll be welcomed into a true community. The academics are as good as any private school. Third St is a great learning environment.
--Submitted by a parent

My child attended this school last year. Because of parent fundraising, the school is able to provide lots of extras like field trips, a computer lab, and a music program. There is a lot of pressure to give money and volunteer, but it's still a bargain compared to private school. The school could do more to address bullying. I also think kids should be grouped so they can work on more challenging material if they are ready for it and/ or catch up in areas of weakness.
--Submitted by a parent

This is the worst school on the planet. The kids are not kids but learning machines. My daughter was afraid of her teacher as were a most of her classmates. When you speak your mind the other parents through "Friends of Third" try to gang up on and intimidate you but they are nothing more than parents. That was funny because they are the most unintimidating bunch. The school has gang stalking at the parent level. I thought that was amusing but got my daughter to a better school and now she's testing into gifted. Let's see... They always ask for money. I remember talking to a parent who had to donate a certain amount so that her child could get a voucher to stay at 3rd because they were not in the area. That was sad because she was a single working mother who's area school wasn't very good. This school is really the worst school on the planet if you want your kids to have a "happy" and creative childhood.
--Submitted by a parent

One child graduated from 3rd, and the last one will be graduating in 2012. We feel lucky we had the best public elementary school to go to in our neighborhood. The academics is superior, as evidenced by the top scores, but the nicest part of 3rd is the community of parents that we've developed over the years. An unpretentious, welcoming group of people with well-behaved children. The students are very respectful and sweet and the teachers are dedicated (some more than others). It's a school that embraces different cultures, very welcoming.
--Submitted by a parent

The school needs a zero tolerance approach to bullying. By the fourth grade, there is already a hostile environment for the children. Teachers are not trained to deal with bullying, and the principal is not interested in dealing with it. The fundraising organization rules the school--including the principal. The physical campus is nice,parents are welcome and there are lots of opportunities for parents to get involved.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school. I went there from KIndergarten to 3rd grade, and the only reason I switched schools was because I got into a magnet. My teachers were very nice, but some of my other friend weren't as lucky as me teacher wise.

I love this school because there is a program called KDLP, and it helps people learn the Korean culture.

Overall a fantastic school - a large supportive parent group, diverse cultures, excellent language program and strong emphasis on academic performance. The teachers are great and work hard to give our students one of the best public school educations in Los Angeles.
--Submitted by a parent

great teachers, supportive environment, wonderful mix of cultures, strong academic emphasis with a wide range afterschool enrichment opportunities. Parent run -fundraisers have allowed 3rd St Elementary to maintain arts/music and reading programs...
--Submitted by a parent

The principal Dr. Oh was named prinicpal of the year by LAUSD. My son had emotional issues and all were addressed by a hard working staff and he graduated in '06. I am now planning to enroll my grandson there next Fall '10. Homework is required except for Fridays because of their high academic standards and EXPECTATIONS. It has a very STRONG parent group and no stone goes unturned to find solutions for the school current and pressing issues. The parents raise the money for the salaries for the Librarian, Music Teacher and special projects as needed by the students.
--Submitted by a parent