Castlebay Lane Charter School

Castlebay is a very pretty school situated in a "nice" area. It has a lot of pros and a few cons. Pros: Parent involvement is great and kids come to school ready to learn. Very dedicated teaching staff. Good principal. Good test scores. Has an intimate, small school feeling. Cons: Not enough emphasis is put on remediation within the general education program with an over reliance on special education to meet this need. Just became an affiliated charter and has not figured out how to make the most of this new status (yet). Overall- very good school with a trend towards improvement.
—Submitted by a teacher

I agree with the previous parent's comment more than 100 percent about the on site after school care provided by YMCA. The service is horrible. The staff does not care about the children at all. They just sit and chat and the children can do anythining of their own. They only provide one hour to do the homework and rush the kids to finish so they can play outside and the staff can sit under a tree and enjoy chatting and relaxing. Castlebay Y is not a good afterschool program at all. I decided to take my child out and to place in a more professional after school program.
—Submitted by a parent

The school itself is good. One of the best in the North Valley - strong involvment from parents, mostly great teachers and administrators (the new principal is great). The problem is with the onsite afterschool childcare by YMCA. The Y staff is nice but young and inexperienced. I often see kids playing way far from the building, sometimes out of sight from where the staff members are sitting and chatting under the tree. The monthly fees are not cheap for the hours they provide care and yet, parents are asked to do donations and pay for misc. things. Recently we paid for the cost of new earthquake kit which the squirrels got into and ate some food in it. We were told it is mandatory to pay because they are required to have these kits. If it's mandatory for a childcare center to have earthquake kits, shouldn't they be responsible for them? For those working parents, you might as well consider paying a bit more and send your kids to an affordable private school with better afterschool care.
—Submitted by a parent

Castlebay is a wonderful school. It's a wonderful place to grow up during your youngest childhood years, in a community of caring parents, inspiring teachers, and experienced administration. The good family values taught at home really show in the attitudes and behaviors of the students. The academics as well as the social atmosphere is absolutely wonderful - my son has tested with an IQ of 154 (highly-gifted genius level), and he simply thrives here with the support of his teachers and his wonderful friends. Not only does he get his academic challenge, but he learns how to communicate with others in a very healthy way -- which is extremely important, especially important, for a person with such intellectual giftedness. Part of it, is because he is not alone. Lots of kids at Castlebay are tested into the "gifted" category. My son has friends with whom he can share his interests in nature and science and building with, and at the same time, he also has friends who teach him what "good friendship" is all about. The kids at Castlebay are the most amazing thing about this school - more so, than their curriculum or parent involvement or test scores. WE LOVE THIS PLACE!!!
—Submitted by a parent

.We want to love this school but there are some obstacles. The positive: This school is surrounded by a great community with caring parents who donate time, talent, ideas and money like nowhere else. There is a culture among the parents that education is VERY important and that is why this school performs well (on paper). There is an abundance of parent participation. Also, a nice enrichment program to help round out the children's education and provide afterschool activities. For a school with a great a reputation, there is a surprising lack of pride. Sadly, we have found some of the teachers seem to be winding up their career and are simply going through the motions. There is little respect shown to the students by some faculty. The children are herded through the campus and spoken to like farm animals. Budget cuts seem to be a daily theme. If only this staff would realize respecting the students and treating them well didn't cost any money. Kids are obviously getting an adequate education. However, we've seen little inspiration and the school seems to lack "heart." Could be an amazing school with some visionary leadership.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school! My daughter is in Mrs. Braun's class this year and while she finds it challenging, I can really see her growing as a student and as an individual. Her confidence and enthusiasm are a delight to see. The extracurricular activities really add to her overall education. The hard work of the teachers, parents and staff are what make this school so great.
—Submitted by a parent

I love the how everyone is interested in making our kids succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers and staff, smart students, and dedicated parents!
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children went to this school and the teaching staff if unbeatable. First grade teachers make the class fun and challenging. No better teacher at the school then Mrs. Fernandes, (dedicated to each of her students and always available to parents) unfortunately she passed away this year. Ms. Wiley and Ms Genna are both excellent choices
—Submitted by a parent

Great choice for elementary school. The teachers were some of the best that my daughter has ever had. After being quite successful due to Mr. Moore and Dr. Field's help my daughter went off to an extinguished private middle and high school.
—Submitted by a parent

Castlebay School is the best among LAUSD schools by far with a superior excellent principal, but is definetly behind if compared to private schools. Our kid attended the Kindergarten and was a great learning experince. However, 1st grade was a disaster for all as the learning curve took a dive. The high rating is only achieved because the parents teach the kids extra at home and at Kumon classes otherwise the school rating is no better than Germain. Teachers grade the kids depending on parents social activity in class and not on child's own academics. To save our child we moved to a private school.
—Submitted by a parent

They are known to be extremly rude. The staff is actually nice your a participating parent. There are a few teachers that yell a lot and I've already pulled my son out of Montessori because of the same issue. I don't believe that any teacher should yell at anyone unless a child's safety is at issue and they need to to get their attention urgently.
—Submitted by a parent

My child was in Mrs. Kimmel and Mrs. Goldstein's class last year. They are wonderful teachers and my child is in love with school! I want to thank them both for a tremendous involvement in mine and other parent's children. My family is so blessed to be at a school with teachers and staff who care so much about these children. My child adores Mr. Norris, he is a wonderful addition to an already wonderful staff!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter had Ms. Cipriano as her kindergarten teacher last year. Ms. Cipriano did a phenomenal job with an extremely challenging class. She creates a fun and loving environment while maintaining academically stringent standards. I only hope my youngest child will be fortunate enough to have her as his teacher, too.
—Submitted by a parent

I teach at many schools and without a doubt, Castlebay School is a 10 star schools in my book. The Principal, office staff, teachers and children are all superior to any other school I have worked with. They are a 10 star in my book.
—Submitted by a teacher

Mrs. Braun is dedicated, professional, exceptionally competent, loving and kind to each student in her classes.

Castlebay Lane is an excellent school. The staff is extremely helpful and organized. Last year my daughter was in Mrs. Ashcrafts class and we just loved her! She has so much to offer to the students and has alot of energy! My daughter learned alot and had fun while she learned. She came home every day with a huge smile and told me how much she loved Mrs. Ashcraft.
—Submitted by SELIN CANLIAN, a parent

I have heard numerous postive comments from other parents regarding the quality of education and excellent teachers before my child started this year at Castlebay. The size of the school is overwhelming but I am very impressed with the quality of education and are happy we made the decision to give public school a chance. Ms. Cipriano is an excellent teacher and is really making a difference in my son's development.
—Submitted by a parent

Nancy braun is the best teacher at castlebay, the hard part is getting into her much demanded classes. Mrs. Braun is dedicated, smart, advance thinking and loving to her kids. She spends an great deal of her own money on classroom ehancements, and works overtime regularly. She is the prize of castlebay if not all of lausd!
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school - my son transferred here in the 3rd grade from another magnet school and thrived. Miss Jung, Mrs. Fisher, Mrs. Cardenas - outstanding teachers who excel in all subjects. They are creative, patient, and committed to learning. Miss Jung gets her students more than ready for middle school. Contrary to what another parent wrote, I see a real community here. Cultural differences aside, Asian non-Asian families came together to make the school the success that it is. We will miss this school.
—Submitted by a parent