Beckford Avenue Elementary School

We started Kinder in 2011 the same year it became a Charter. I don't know what it was like before, but it was considered one of the best in the area. As a single father, I am very happy with her education, safety and after school care from the YMCA.
—Submitted by a parent

My kindergardener came home very excited yesterday telling me Mrs. Brower (the principal) told him he may be at second grade level. I love that the principal and teachers are so uplifting and encouraging to their students. That is really important to me. I asked my son if Mrs. Brower knows his name (as she has 546 students at her school) and he responded, "Yes, she knows everyone's name!" How awesome is that? Also, I am very pleased with how much my son has learned in this first school year. He actually loves to read his own books now, which is amazing to me knowing how much of a struggle it was trying to get him to learn letters and phonics. I am perfectly fine with the his teacher using reward systems for behavior in the class, as I know my very active boy may need as many warnings as it takes. It is also a good way for me to know what his behavior was like at school so we can talk about it at home and find ways to reward him for good behavior in class.
—Submitted by a parent

This used to be one of the best community schools in the area, academically and culturally. But since they went charter, it lost it's community feelings and the new kids and parents are not as academically motivated and involved. The school reputation is not what it used to be in the area. I hope the principal is aware of these facts and do something about it to bring back the school.
—Submitted by a parent

we love, love, love this school... can't understand why anyone would not! if you smile each day and interact with the instructors and stay involved...this school is the best of the best!
—Submitted by a parent

GOOD - safe, great parental involvement and active PTA BAD - NO Gifted program, some people manages to get the class of their choice (working parents and staying at home parent without PTA connection will be greatly disadvantaged) Some kids are in 4th/5th split class and they don't get enough attention because the class is divided. No mandatory Parent-Teacher conference -- it will be tricky to get a hold of your child's teacher and get information. Even if you buy the house in the premium neighborhood, your child can still be put into the class of 90% non-neighborhood kids and never really get to make friends with the neighborhood kids.
—Submitted by a parent

As a new parent here it has been very tough. Lets be honest and stop with all of the fluff. Yes, the test scores are high and it is a beautiful school with library, computer lab, etc. BUT treachorous for kindergarteners and their working parents. There is a lot of tattle telling and it seems to be incouraged, detention for kinders, colors for behavior that bring the children home upset, too much emphasis on the colors and behaviors. The principal is whiny to say the least. It is a militant, punitive school with NO neighborhood feeling and very little support for new parents. Be honest folks. This is a brutal school!!
—Submitted by a parent

So proud to be a Beckford parent! My children come home excited about their day. They share stories about computer lab; library day; science, music, etc.. Diversity is shared & welcome: My children respect the fact that some of their friends have allergies to certain foods; are vegetarian; can not cut their hair (for religious reasons); have learning challenges (Autism or others); etc.. Shelly Brower is a wonder, involved, principal. She hugs & loves, and cracks a whip (figuratively speaking) at kids or parents when needed. She leads by example & I have yet to meet a parent or staff member who wasn't ready to do what is needed to help our kids succeed in a nurturing and safe environment. The office staff is amazing. Maureen & Stella go the extra mile to help parents and students out. My husband laughs (in amazement) at how I easily I can call the office & after saying my name, make a request that is immediately attended to. I really feel as though I am a part of a time. I am ready to contribute in any way that I possibly can; but I am not the only one: The contributions made by other parents and the wonderful teachers are another reason why this school is so great!
—Submitted by a parent

We love this school! Our child just started his second year here. The campus is clean and neat. There are many active parent volunteers present each day, and the principal is a visible presence around the school. The teachers do a good job. We are working parents, so our child attends the on-site YMCA after-school program. We love all of the YMCA counselors (especially the lead, who is caring, experienced, and a fabulous person) and the program, which emphasizes respect for others and a team spirit (older kids watch out for younger kids; they're like a family). This school has a very active PTA which organizes a variety of excellent community-building and fundraising events throughout the year. Being a working parent and unable to spend much extra time at the school, I truly appreciate the commitment of these volunteers who are so dedicated to the school and children. The school is academically challenging; we were a bit taken aback by the amount of homework given to our kinder, but were impressed with his progress by the end of the year. Finally, we were pleasantly surprised with the LAUSD meals - they offer healthful choices for the kids. We highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is so great! My child went there from grades K-3rd, I took her out for 4th grade to attend a magnet school (SOCES), but I am bringing her back now, as this school is so much better. Principal Brower is amazing, sweet lady, kids know her by name, and she cares about the school very much. She is a great leader. Staff and teachers are great! Maureen Milner is a wonderful lady! Knows all students by heart! Academically the school is demanding yet fun, kids learn a lot and do well on standardized testing. I only wish this was a k-12th grade school!
—Submitted by a parent

When I first read the comment about the PTA being considered as uninviting, it made me angry and somewhat defensive, but then it just made me sad to think that there would be anyone who didn't feel welcome at our school. We try so hard to make everyone feel like they are a valuable member of our school family. We plan events and activities with family and friendship in mind. We do our best to make all children feel like they are important, because everything that we do for or at Beckford is for the children. I can honestly say that I have made friends for life with fellow parents and teachers at Beckford, and I count it a privilege to be involved with the PTA.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. My son is in for first year, we love the teachers there. Lots of fun learning games and activities.
—Submitted by a parent

Not a bad school, academically it is fine, though I would expect higher test scores in this community. Facilities are a bit worn down. I'm not thrilled with the culture of the school which seems to be run by the PTA who tend to be overbearing and generally not inclusive. I was also surprised at the excessive fund raising at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

THis is the first year my children have been going to Beckford. My 3rd grader didnt like his previous school. and begged to change schools. Since he started going here, he comes home happier. I also really would like to commend the teachers on the academics that they are teaching also. They are teaching the children that health is an important thing to watch and to maintain a well balanced diet.
—Submitted by a parent

Simply, the Pride and Care of the Teachers and Support Staff, the Involvement of the parents and the Performance of the Students help me feel that the best is offered to my children.
—Submitted by a parent

I m very proud of being part of Beckford Elem., my son s school is amazing especially his teacher is excellent always on top on her students. The Principle, teachers, office staff, cafeteria staff, custodians, PTA members, librarian, and all the other generous personnel that is part of Beckford Elememtary make a wonderful environment for our children to begin their education and foundation for their future.
—Submitted by a parent

The education is great and has help alot of students.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, teacher and families. Made lots of wonderful friends.

Love, love, love Beckford! Administration and teachers are definitely student driven. Of coarse, there are some staff members that are easier to get along with than others but they are all there for the children. I have three (very different) kids that have attended Beckford and all of them have had a wonderful experience. My only advice is to get involved! Your experience, along with your child's will benefit.
—Submitted by a parent

Fabulous school. It is exactly like schools from way back when the country truly cared about education

great teachers, staff and most of all parents who take pride in their community and school.
—Submitted by a parent