Colfax Charter Elementary School

There is a reason why parents are moving to the Colfax district in droves! It is a uniquely wonderful public school with a committed parent population and superb arts programs. Among the many superb teachers are two rare jewels: Mrs Katz, a long-time 1st grade teacher is exceptional with the children and just a gracious, truly kind and happy person. Mrs. Steinbach, new to Colfax's 3rd grade, has incredible skill with the children and passion for her work and is just lovely to be around. Also, Miss Gail Acosta of Evergreen Music Academy, who teaches violin to Kinder and 1st Grade is phenomenal in every way! Thanks to the parents who take the time to write these reviews, as they influenced our decision to move to the Colfax district.
--Submitted by a parent

Colfax Charter Elementary School is truly a great school. The teachers and staff are engaged with the students. Despite state budget problems, furloughs, and increasing class sizes, the teachers perform at a high level with energy. They work with the parents to create the best possible learning experience for the children. The school has very enthusiastic parent support that makes it possible for the school to achieve high rankings. If our children are our greatest treasures, I could not think of a better place for my son to learn and grow.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had children at Colfax since 2001 and my youngest won't be graduating until 2017. I absolutely love this school! My oldest is now at a rigorous Humanities Magnet and my middle daughter attends an amazing Performing Arts Middle School. They are thriving academically and were well-prepared by Colfax. The teachers are fabulous and they seem to love their jobs and the school, which is apparent since every teacher with school-aged children sends his/her children to Colfax as well. Struggling students are given many assistance opportunities and those who learn quickly can often excel at their own pace, for instance through the Jiji Math program. Colfax highlights the arts - both visual and performing arts, as well as music through Suzuki violin and keyboard instruction and orchestra. We are lucky to have a computer and science lab, a farm with animals like Charlotte the Pig, a vegetable garden and an auditorium with state-of-the-art sound and lighting. The parents are supportive and have the attitude of "We're all in this together" rather than "Every man for himself."Even if I could afford a top-rated private school education for my children, I would prefer to have them at Colfax.
--Submitted by a parent

The Colfax community is what separates our school from others--parents make a real difference in our arts programs, state of the art computer & science labs and general happy vibe. Parents are extremely involved and hats off to our Principal and teachers who are open to our help and constant presence on campus.
--Submitted by a parent

Colfax Charter has been an amazing school for my two children. The teachers, staff and fellow parents are such a strong community. Both my kids thrive academically thanks to their education and have become well rounded individuals thanks to the arts programs and other enrichment opportunities Colfax offers.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a true neighborhood school with amazing teachers, staff, administrators and families. The parents have been able to come together and fulfill the needs of the school that LAUSD does not. So happy my kids get to be a part of a wonderful public school!
--Submitted by a parent

Our daughter attended Colfax for K - 5th grade, before heading off to middle school (very well prepared, too), and our son is currently in 2nd grade at Colfax. While test scores have consistently risen each year our kids have been at Colfax, while the computer & science labs have become state-of-the-art and the literacy garden has grown in beautifully, it's really all the seemingly little things about Colfax that haven't changed in years that we love so much: The Halloween parade and Kinder Halloween carnival, classic holiday shows (complete with down-home delicious bake sale), our librarian who rides her bike to school and knows each and every child's interests and points them in the direction of the books they'll love, Family Reading Night, the Teacher Appreciation Luncheon, Monday Morning Assemblies, Community Reading in Kindergarten every morning, the 2nd grade Vaudeville Show, the Read-a-Thon...it's a long list, and I could go on. Will our kids get into Yale one day? Only time will tell, but for now, we know our kids are happy and safe, learning lots in a community environment. All things considered, Colfax Charter Elementary continues to be a great place.
--Submitted by a parent

My second (and last) child will be graduating from Colfax in June and I am already feeling the loss. What a great experience. The school is small so you get to know many of the parents and children. Teachers who have never had my children in their classes know my family and children. Going into H.S. and M.S. next year is already a difficult transition though my kids both made it into the schools of their choice. Thanks Colfax for prepairing them and for a great experience.
--Submitted by a parent

Teachers are burned out. they lack the ability to get through to many of the children, maybe because they are too old to be there still. They really need a change in staff, even the principal.!
--Submitted by a parent

My child went here for four years. He was a child with special needs. They didn't do anything to help him. We finally transferred him out of there to a school where the staff really cares. The experience was horrible for all of our family. They had nothing set up to help him what so ever. They should be held accountable for how they treated us and my son.
--Submitted by a parent