Castlebay Lane Elementary School

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