Meadows Avenue Elementary School

It saddens me that we couldn't make this school work. My son attended public pre-K in South Torrance, and had a wonderful experience. We moved to MB and started him in Meadows for Kindergarten and the transition was such a disappointment. The classroom setting did not allow for any semblance of creativity or right-brained thinking. It was a disaster for my son. He changed into a self-concious, fearful child I did not recognize. I was not thrilled about the teacher's rude treatment of the volunteer parents either. The principal was very, very kind and I appreciated her approach, but we ultimately were not allowed to do a teacher change, and so we opted to move our son back to the Torrance district. It felt like a drastic move, but my son is now thriving back in Torrance where he is allowed to express his creative side. We're so happy we changed schools. It's sad to me, that such a highly regarded school system is really letting talented right-brained students fall through the cracks.
—Submitted by a parent

We have 2 children at Meadows. We have been very happy with the principal and the teachers at the school. In response to the person 'who pullled 3 children out.' In any public institution you need to work within the system. You can't go to the principal and start making demands. We had a bully problem that I documented and got quick action on. As far as the teachers being tenured, this happens after only a few years. It is a problem in California in general, but much less so at this school. I have found all of our teachers to be professional, engaged and have our kids best interest in mind. We are very happy with Meadows Elementary School and I am a demanding customer.
—Submitted by a parent

Meadows is a wonderful school! Both of my children attended school here. The teachers are wonderful. The parents are very involved (in a good way!). Very friendly environment. Academically top notch.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school and parent involvement is excellent.
—Submitted by a teacher

Terrific school, with great families, high expectations, caring teachers.
—Submitted by a teacher

Meadows Elementary has a terrific parent community with outstanding parent involvement. Meadows fosters strong parent-teacher communication and we are lucky to have great teachers consistently. My children are now in 3rd and 5th, and we have yet to have had a teacher that did not exemplify strong character and caring for our kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Connie Harrington,the principal, is terrific, with progressive ideas and high academic standards. She knew both of my sons personally and several years later still remembered them. My oldest son had the best academic experience of his life in his sixth grade year, where the two teachers team taught and challenged him with an innovative curriculum. When we moved from the Meadows area into the Pennekamp area, my boys loved Meadows so much they refused to leave and we kept them there. Parents are very involved.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a superior school. With more than qualified teachers, this school soars above all in its district. The parents are very hands on and have several opportunites for all parents to be involved. Being in a wealthy neighborhood, one can expect the snobish attitude that comes naturally to this area. However, what it comes down to is the child's education and in this school he/she will be getting just that.
—Submitted by a parent

Meadows Avenue Elementary is an outstanding school with excellent resources and well-trained and caring staff.
—Submitted by a former student

Meadows is an excellent school for highly capable or for special needs children. The staff is highly trained, but it is important to note that Meadows is exceptionally accelerated and aggressive, and any child with a learning difference, however minor, will find it a challenging experience. Meadows is a leading edge school and as such, they have access to great IEP and are able to push the general student body to exceptional levels of achievement. The only drawback is that 'at risk' children, i.e. children with exceptional abilities coupled with potential learning difficulties, can fall through the cracks. IEP is not available to these children until they demonstrate they are having difficulties keeping up, something that may never be an issue at a less aggressive school. The accelerated program at Meadows, however, leaves a huge gap for 'at risk' children to struggle in. Overall, Meadows is a top notch school.
—Submitted by a parent

A solid school all around with a staff that cares.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall I have been extremely satisfied with Meadows School, esp. the teachers and their understanding of my child's needs - both academically and socially. The small school size, small classroom size and level of parent involvement makes for a great overall educational experience.
—Submitted by a parent

it is a great school generations of our family have gone there.
—Submitted by a former student

The principal, Mrs Connie Harrington, at Meadows goes to great lengths to assist your child in any way that she possibly can. She is a strong advocate for full inclusion if at all possible for those children with learning challenges. My grandson came to Meadows in first grade and was fearful of teachers, academics and most of all - failing. Because the teachers have a heart for those children who need compassion and patience, he began to grow both in attitude and in academics. This was the last year for us to be included in the Meadows family. My grandson finished fifth grade with mostly A's and a couple B's. He ranks in the 95th percentil across the nation in math and in the 85 percentile in reading. We are so grateful to Mrs. Harrington and her staff for helping my grandson become the top level student that he is today. I can hardly believe that we won't be coming back in the Fall. Leaving love and support behind is part of leaving the nest, but it's painful.
—Submitted by C. Reynolds, a parent

Consistently the lowest performing school in a historically strong performing district. A politically motivated Principal adds to the sense of unequal treatment among children and parents alike.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved into the area specifically so our little one could attend Meadows. That says it all.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school, teachers, and principal. Great parental support. My two children went all the way through.
—Submitted by a parent

Great community of parents. Lots of volunteers. Team spirit among teachers and administration.
—Submitted by a parent