Hamilton Elementary School

My children LOVE Hamilton school. If you live in the neighborhood count yourself lucky! My children were lucky to get in on open enrollment. We were at Burbank, and the difference is night and day. The teachers really care, and they really invest in the kids. Parents of all backgrounds help-out any way they can. When other schools are enduring cuts to programs, the community here works together to save them. A real can-do attitude among faculty and parents. Best computer lab in the district.
--Submitted by a parent

My children attend Hamilton School. We used to love Hamilton, but now we are very disappointed. Our new principal doesn't get things done like our past principal. Some teachers are excellent, but some are mediocre and don't really care about anything except teaching to the state tests. The office staff is terribly rude and the standard answer to any inquiry is always either "don't know" or "that's omebody else's job". The budget cuts mean no school nurse some days, and the kids are out of luck if they get sick. I would go on but I am running out of space.
--Submitted by a parent

How sad it is that Hailton School has dropped to this point. My grandchild began there as a kindergartner in 2008 when it was an academically good and enjoyable school to attend. We were extremely satisfied with our teacher and with the principal. The school ran beautifully. Now, we have lost our principal and have one who really isn't keeping the good standards that were in place when she arrived. It is crushing to see the school change from being a Blue Ribbon School to a now underperforning school (as per letter sent home to parents at the beginnning of this school year. It is disheartning to me to have the experience of calling Hamilton School with a question about dismissal time or about an after school program and being told, at the other end,:"I have no idea". I have seen other parents leave Hamilton School in pursuit of a better educational experience. We will also not come back in the Fall because of the points I have described.

I've walked around the school and love this area! Pasadena isn't known for their schools so where do most of the kids that attend Hamilton go for middle school and high school? Do these schools (middle/high) have the same academic excellence that Hamilton seems to possess?
--Submitted by a parent

First, let me say that K through 3rd grades are very good at Hamilton. However, beware that 5th grade is a disaster. Before enrolling your student in 5th grade, please talk to some parents of kids that have had to endure it.
--Submitted by a parent

Absolutely a wonderful school! Great principal, teachers and caring staff. Love the diversity both racial and economic. Lots of parental support and community involvement.
--Submitted by a parent

Hamilton has great parents. It is located in a thriving and diverse community. There are great teachers and there are not so great teachers. Most of the leadership is not diverse (SSC, PTA) and it shows in the practices. Parental involvement can be tricky. Parents are very limited as to how long and number of times they can volunteer in class although research supports parents in their child's classroom as improving student outcomes. A few teachers do not feel comfortable working with parents outside of formal meetings. There are great after school programs offered. The school is very safe.
--Submitted by a parent

A great community atmosphere and one of the most active PTAs around
--Submitted by a parent

Wonderful teachers and principal who provide an ideal atmosphere for children to learn & thrive. Parental support is superb
--Submitted by a parent

My children attented this school and now my grandkids. It is a higly effective school with a caring and gifted staff.