Longfellow (Henry W.) Elementary School

I now have 2 children at Longfellow, one in 2nd and one in kindergarten. The teachers are outstanding and dedicated to their students and their craft. There are more and more parents involved each year we've been there, and the parents truly love being part of the community. The administration is responsive to problems and suggestions. The student population is diverse and engaged. This was our neighborhood school, and it was a no-brainer that we would love it, but I had no idea how much the entire family would get from our involvement in its community. I encourage interested parents to come for a tour!
--Submitted by a parent

My child started kindergarten here this year despite my concerns about sending him to public school. In the last few months I've found Longfellow to be a very welcoming neighborhood school where parents can be as involved as they can and want. The Principal is incredibly receptive to parents' suggestions, acting quickly and efficiently to remedy things within her power. A growing number of involved parents participates in beautification projects, puts on family events, supports teachers with projects and in the classroom, and reaches out to parents through monthly coffees and written communications. The amazingly dedicated librarian runs enrichment groups for English learners, loans books to parents, and finds a way to keep the library well-stocked and welcoming despite drastic district cuts. My one concern is the inconsistent quality of the separately-run after school programs. Overall very pleased with Longfellow!
--Submitted by a parent

We are very happy about this school, but today learned that our son's teacher will be laid off. She has been excellent and it would be a real loss if the layoffs go through. Our daughter (who is now attending a UC) started at this school in 1999 and it has improved every year since.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent teachers and staff, who are great communicators with parents and care about all aspects of the children. Involved and dedicated parents who know the value of creating a community. Happy children who are engaged and enjoy learning socially as well as academically. Longfellow is a friendly, positive place of learning for all.
--Submitted by a parent

A great principal who knows the value of extra curricular activities. Dedicated teachers who know how to get the best of their students and nice students who are learning respect and study skills.
--Submitted by a parent

The greatest teachers I've ever seen -- and the best school library with the best librarian in the world, Mrs. Roth!
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are dedicated and outstanding. They truly care about each of their students. The school is building a great community.
--Submitted by a parent

Our daughter is in 4th grade at Longfellow and has been there since kindergarten. She has had a series of simply phenomenal teachers. The school has a welcoming, community feel that makes it feel like family. Esp in the last two years the increase in parent involvement is spectacular. The only thing keeping me from 5 stars is the after school program - run separately - has been inconsistent on quality over the years. We love Longfellow.
--Submitted by a parent

After reading the previous negative review, I thought I needed to write my own to communicate how wonderful Longfellow and its community is. And I'd like to correct misinformation from the post of March 16th 2010. The school has specially trained staff to address special education needs and a behavioral specialist who is both professional and effective. There are plenty of extracurricular opportunities. Our child in 1st grade is participating in these activities and is happy and learning well. He also is learning in the context of children with all kinds of backgrounds (including those with special needs) and it is helping him develop academically and personally.
--Submitted by a parent

My child attends this school and we are very unhappy with the principal and the quality of services provided to students who require special educational needs. My child was in a class with a very disruptive child who clearly needed special education services. The school denied there being a problem with this particular student and refused to remediate the situation. This seems to be a chronic problem at this school and within this school district. It is a concern to me as a parent that the principal is not doing her job by seeking the help that students need to succeed. Isn't that a principal's primary job? This school also lacks any extracurricular activities and does little to provide them. The PTA parents seem to be involved, but there are not that many PTA parents that regularly attend meetings. I would suggest looking elsewhere if you want your child to succeed.
--Submitted by a parent