Castle View Elementary School

Average school in a very nice neighborhood. Unfortunately, "average" in California isn't exactly bragging anymore. Located in an older community, as the neighborhood aged, more students were bused in. The more kids bused in, the greater strain on the school's resources. As the school started to slide, concerned parents moved/transferred/stayed away etc. - a vicious cycle. Many went to private schools or out to Lake Matthews/Orangecrest. Now, with the housing crisis, renters instead of buyers are entering the neighborhood. The slide will continue, and the Great School ratings and test scores certainly point that way. My son went there in 2009/2010 and it was a pretty traumatic experience. We transferred after a year. The administration treated us with absolute indifference....as if we had no other options. And so, we left ... along with many others. Eventually, the neighborhood will turn over and the working middle class will return, at which point, given the advantages of the location, the school will begin its return to "above average"...for California public schools.
--Submitted by a parent

Very good school. All of my kids have or are attending the school. The neighborhood is GREAT.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers and staff are wonderful and always so very helpful.
--Submitted by a parent

It is small with wonderful teachers and it has a close knit, family feel.
--Submitted by a parent

I love Castle View because it is right in my neighborhood, so we can walk to get there, because they have a wonderful, caring staff and my children have always loved their teachers there.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school because I feel like every kid is given a fighting chance. There are always people willing to step up and donate time, money, classroom supplies, etc. I know alot of people want to stand around and complain about how horrible their teachers are, how the budget cuts make things so bad, and just complain. At our school, I see people finding solutions, coming up with ideas and making things better regardless of the school system situation. I also like that the principle, office staff and teachers all really listen to the parents, and try to address things as they happen, for example, there was an assembly regarding bullying and now the kids know what's expected of them.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a small neighborhood school that feels safe. There are a few excellent teachers, and for the most part, the rest of the teachers are hardworking. There is an excellent drama program. Communication is lacking between the principal and the parents. Lunchtime is rushed for the kids, and they are not encouraged to sit and eat a healthy meal.
--Submitted by a parent

Castle View has a high-level teaching staff and solid leadership. Children have access to music lessons starting in 5th grade and the school has an excellent drama program run by a committed volunteer. An active PTA means chances to participate in Reflections and other extra enrichment programs. GATE programs are organized in clusters within a classroom. No full-day GATE programs here, but there are opportunities for that elsewhere in the school district. An excellent neighborhood school that performs well on the state standards tests.
--Submitted by a parent

Castle View has been a great school for both of my children. The teachers and the staff are easy to talk to and really appreciate the parents involvment at the school. I feel that Castle View has been a great starting block in my childrens education.
--Submitted by Rachelle Gjurgevich, a parent

Castle View is a relatively small school nestled in a quiet, safe residential neighborhood. As with any school, some teachers are good and some shouldn't be teaching. We have had very good luck with the GATE teachers. My only complaint is that Castle View does not honor the district guidelines for P.E. Most other Riverside elementary schools offer P.E. classes several times per week. My daughter is in 4th grade, and has not yet participated in P.E. At the most, they are allowed some extra 'free play' once per week. Perhaps this is why Castle View has some of the highest test scores, but they are doing a great disservice to the children.
--Submitted by a parent