Crafton Elementary School

The quality of the teachers is excellent at Crafton and there are a few extracurricular activities available to the kids. Parents are somewhat involved in school activities, however I believe the number of parents involved would dramatically increase if the principal improved her understanding of the needs of all children (especially understanding special needs children and the laws that are mandated to follow), was more supportive, and improved responsiveness to parental concerns. The school could be improved with a change in leadership. However, the campus is generally safe with the exception of some bullying.
--Submitted by a parent

I am completely floored by the negative principal remarks. She has been an advocate for kids and she has turned that school around, when my nephew went there it was a different story. My kids are doing really well. My daughter is in Gate, her current teacher has really gave her alot of initiative. My son has had some playground issues and they have been dealt with accordingly. I went to this school 35 years ago and I know all the improvements first hand. My Cousins went to it, our whole family in different years have been to Crafton and it has only improved with age like a fine wine. Go Crafton Cougars!!
--Submitted by a parent

I truly am surprised that a parent would not be satified with the priciple and her staff in any way. Watching closely over the last 3 years the other parent that we have visited with as well as myself are exremely pleased. I feel after viewing up close the way the children are dealt with my the principle and her staff it makes me realived to know that our children are safe and the surrounding is just.. Thank goodness for Crafton and her staff. We are all lucky parents!!
--Submitted by a parent

I too have had children attend Crafton and I too removed them. I requested special ed testing for my child four times prior to the Principal returning my call and even then she said that my son 'didn't need it.' I still feel that if I submit a request it should be honored and not ignored. The teachers were always nice and the campus is clean but I too have witnessed the Principal being what I feel to be too harsh for little ones.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent communications between parent and teachers and principal...
--Submitted by a parent

I feel that the principal's priorities are elsewhere, and not concentrated on the students and their education. My children will be transferring out of the school this year.
--Submitted by a parent

I'll have both daughters going thru Crafton for their elementary years and I started by transferred my oldest to Crafton from Mariposa (we live in the Mariposa boundery) because she use to go to a daycare down the street. At that time familiarity with their friends were more important than school ratings (but school rating being second). It was a difficult choice but nonetheless it was the right choice for us. I've found the existing school Principal always availed herself to my needs and my daughters. I've weighed the low opinions of other parents against my experience and have concluded it to be unfounded. I've listen to the opinions of other parents regarding a particular teacher and do agree there is a concern there. All in all, I'm very happy with the continued services of the Crafton School Principals, including the existing.
--Submitted by Carmela C, a parent

I have years of experience with Crafton Elementary School and fully understand the concerns of parents who do not provide a good rating. The principal can be abrasive to children, staff, and parents-although she has been nothing but kind to me. I have also witnessed the principal be an excellent advocate for our kids. You decide.
--Submitted by a parent

It is something to read one parents rants and raves about this school, apparently they must be the problem to have so many problems at the school! In my dealing with the school I have found the current principal to be more that above the norm, but if fact to be overboard in every sense. The school security id wonderful, the programs offered are far more numerous than other schools and the bar is held high for the staff to perform at high standards. What more could you ask for? This school is far ahead of most of the other schools in the district and I would not choose to take my child to any other school, anywhere! And if the teachers are leaving, which is not true, good, if they don t want to teach with the standards set as and example by the principal, great, get down the road!
--Submitted by a parent

The principal leadership at Crafton is horrible. Teachers are leaving at a great rate. Students are not protected from bullies, and are forced to leave to go to another school. The principal mis treats students,and parents, as well as they staff.
--Submitted by a parent