Lunada Bay Elementary School

The parent community at Lunada Bay Elementay is highly supportive. Within a day, a group of parents funded one SmartBoard for my son's classroom. The teachers are well-seasoned and excellent. We feel that our son is getting a solid foundation in reading, math, science and Chinese. It's amazing how there are two PE classes taught, one in Chinese and one in English. While the ocean view is breath-taking, we are even more impressed with the commitment for excellence by the administration.
--Submitted by a parent

Beautiful campus overlooking the bluff. Students has opportunity yearly to visit PVHS for AP Chem lab to develop interest in Science. There is a partial immersion program for Chinese that started 7 years ago for every student to learn Chinese. Sense of community is visible from Lunada Bay school to Little League. Amazing to see how 3 generations of LB families get together for a ballgame or on campus. However, academic is lacking. A lot of the bright kids go to Kumon , EPGY or have writing tutors, etc for enrichment after school to get ahead. API score not as good as most surrounding school. Principal emphasis too much on art , dance, theater, music instead of core academic. My kids called it a happy school because there is rarely any homework. Parents complain if the homework is over 20 mins. Math club is available. That is the about only challenge my kid gets once a week from school . Fun school, no pressure. Our API scores show that.
--Submitted by a parent

Joan Romano is one of the best . administrators in PV Unified. She is a hands on boss and visits the playgorund and classrooms regularly. She is easy to talk to and the kids respect her. Barbara Borwn is , in my opinion, one of the best, if not THE best, resource teacher in the PV Unified School District. She is an expert in curriculum , instruction, procedure and planning. All my sons teachers were well trained although a few dear new ones were unfortunately pink slipped due to LA Unified budget cuts. They are miseed. Lunada Bay is a friendly and well - managed school. I recommend it to all parents considering moving into the district. My son and I are very appreciative of the positive experiences we had at Lunada Bay.
--Submitted by a parent

Lunada Bay elementary has provided my two children with the fundamentals in reading, writing, math, etc. When one of my children needed extra assistance is reading, writing and speech therapy, the school was very diligent in providing assistance with an adequate amount of parental feedback. I find the workload to be about right. One area of improvement needed is a greater amount of physical fitness. Many of the children aren't getting adequate exercise at school so they need to supplement by joining teams or going elsewhere for extra activity after school. This is a shame since it is sunny most days of the year and the school sits on a beautiful property with a large grassy field adequate for exercise.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent who moved out of the state of CA to AZ I am shocked at how far behind my children are after 2 years at Lunada Bay. They attended k-2nd grade there and are seriously lacking a solid foundation in reading and writing....math ok. I was told this is one of the best schools in the state but as far as the teacher and quality of education is seriously lacking! Very dry curriculum and older teachers...it really turns off new students and parents...also worksheets constantly given in Kindergarten!!! No fun Literature or engaging activities in primary grades!
--Submitted by a parent

The ciriculum, teachers, and staff are top notch! I feel my child is constantly learning new things and in a positive learning environment.
--Submitted by a parent

Lunada Bay is a beautiful, safe setting with exceptional parental involvement. But the academics and classroom dynamics are lacking. All grades except 1, 2, and 3 (soon only 1 and 2) have more than 30 students per classroom. Teachers are understandably overwhelmed and there is too much 'teaching to test.' Extra help is provided to those lagging behind, but the'gifted program' is almost non-existent. When compared with schools in other areas, LBE looks great, but the reality is that test scores are high because of the socio-economic and educational makeup of the parents. And most of the enrichment is funded by the PTA and the Ed Foundation and staffed by parent volunteers. The strength of the school lies the amazing community of parents who have the luxury of volunteering and the means to provide outside enrichment.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent, I have loved Lunada Bay!! The teachers, staff, and principal are all excellent. The PTA group is wonderful as well, they really make you feel welcome. The classes are challenging, and I like that they had a chance to learn Chinese. My son loves the classes, the ART at your Fingertips, and the creative arts classes. Their GATES program is top notch. One of the most important things I like about this school is the sense of community. The principal and staff really instill the pillars of character, and because of that, you have a nice group of kids who are respectful, well-mannered, and get along well together. Excellent academics, combined with wonderful families, make this school a great school for this community.
--Submitted by a parent

Our daughter just started with this school. We like her teacher and principal a lot because they are on top of everything. A lot of opportunities for extra learning on all aspects if you wish. A beautiful school, a safe place in a warm neighborhood with high Academic goals. We are so glad that our daughter end up here.
--Submitted by a parent

The school teaches simply to the state standards. It is all about assess, assess, test and test. I want my children to love learning and to be inspired to learn...unfortunately, the school just teaches to the test. Music, art, and p.e. are secondary...when in reality, they are just as important. It is really unfortunate that schools don't see this.
--Submitted by a parent