James R. Cowan Fundamental Elementary School

We love this school and volunteer often. Child is in 1st, got another one entering K this coming fall. Concerned about what I've seen in my little one's classroom. Teacher is not patient with them. Interrupts them and they interrupt her. Teacher bounces back between K and 1st grades...uuugh!! she's awful!!! I don't understand why she is teaching at this school. She is L A Z Y...who doesn't wear shoes in the classroom??? Refers to parents by our first name..call me old school, I HATE IT!! now my child refers to adults by their first name!!! Parents volunteering in the classroom are texting and receiving phone calls. Inappropriate. One student seems to have special needs, teacher doesn't help. She makes the students help out! I send my child there to learn, not to teach! I am not sure if the principal reads these reviews...I sure hope that she does. There are wonderful teachers at this school, my child loves school. My child sometimes comes home to talk about how peers argue/fight...For what I've seen, this teacher's classroom is loud and not orderly. It's hard to be in there. Can't she get transferred to a school where she can be closer to where she lives???
—Submitted by a parent

interesting reading some of the other reviews here. One remarked about "not hovering over students and let them live" or something to that effect. the teachers at this school could not be better with the exception of a few. I had to move my children because of bullying at this School. I don't believe I was hovering because my child was having major anxiety at home for a year and a half. After trying to get a program started with no support I then realized it was time to pack it in. The teachers alone can't hold the burden of this bulling issue. It is the job of the Principle to talk to the parent of the children involved. We will miss the teachers but not the few parents who refuse to teach their children how to be respectful to others on the play yard and at Lunch time. Furthermore all the PTC cares about is funds for technology. with this lack of support I'm thinking maybe teaching out children from a computer is not such a horrible idea.
—Submitted by a parent

Cowan is an excellent school. Both of our kids have excelled academically and socially. The parents do a great job supporting our teachers & that has contributed to the success of our experience. The parents look out for all the kids, we didn't expect that, it's been warm and nurturing. Overall, the teachers and parents care tremendously and it shows in their commitment to the school. As a teacher, they are dedicated... if not, it's not the right school for them because that is the expectation. If you are considering Cowan, make sure to stick around for 6th grade. Our oldest child just finished and it was amazing. The 6th grade program was intense and held our kids to a very high academic standard; focusing on personal accountability and teamwork. The kids bonded a lot, the structure was similar to Middle School, but more personal. The 6th grade year totally prepares the students for higher learning. It's impressive. As a school, we did go through changes this year, but it seemed as if the new Principal, teachers and parents all did their best to adjust by teaming up to do what was best for the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

The new principal is fantastic. Several helicopter moms have complained about the new principal for not being a bobble head. I respect her for standing up to them, even after they threaten to move their child out of the school. It is amazing how these parents blame everyone else for their child's inability to cope in the public school system. Thank you for taking your child out to home school and shelter them from society. They will make great additions to our world in the future from the comfort of your couch. It only takes a few parents to make life tough for an entire classroom. Let's put the control back in the hands of the teachers. Cowan is a public school and yet several Cowan parents have a sense of entitlement. The teachers, principal and MOST parents are fantastic. Stop hovering over your child and let them live.
—Submitted by a parent

The new principal is unwilling to stand for the children. After countless complaints, she continues to do nothing about a teacher who bullies the children. Two students have left the school this year because of this teacher and the inaction of the principal. Bullying is ignored at this school. It is called "teasing" and permitted to continue. The only thing the principal has done to deal with bullying among the older students is post a small banner on the wall near the office. There are no assemblies on bullying, and no conflict resolution outlets for the children. Had we not had two good years at this school, out of four, I would have given it a one instead of a two.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is the best school in Sacramento! Both of my kids are the students there. I see a very huge progress in learaning and education in both of them. Mrs Pratton and Mrs. Bush are excellent and very dedicated teachers! All field trips, projects, and every day study just make our children smarter, better, and more envolved in school life.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a really good school. Teachers and parents are very involved in students' success. Field trips and aother activities are excellent done. The only poor thing is parking. There is no enough space for parking and picking up kids.
—Submitted by a parent

All the teachers really care about the success of the students.
—Submitted by a parent

I think Cowan is fantastic! However I agree with February 8, 2008. My son has OCD, which was difficult because Cowan is not really equipped to handle anything but the ordinary average child. My son did fine academically and socially every year except for trouble with his 6th grade teacher (who is now teaching 3rd grade). I always recommend Cowan to parents in Carmichael searching for a top school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school that we have been a part of for many years, every teacher is outstanding and you never have to worry about how your child is doing because they are always keeping in touch with you, the field trips are phenomenal. And the kids justs love to be at Cowan, I can only pray that my daughter gets in also !
—Submitted by a parent

The expectations are high and if you have a child that is an average learner, they will feel the pressure of not being up to par. However, the principal is a strong caring leader with child advocacy her number one priority. Some issues with staff members in upper grades, otherwise staff is spectacular and provide a great learning environment. Overall it is a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school. They have shown me that the outter apperance of the school has no meaning. The acidemics is wonderful, I recently moved and I found that my son is more advanced than the kids in this other school in ritzy Roseville. We really miss the staff and parents.
—Submitted by Jynaia, a parent

This school is totally awesome and the parent and staff participation in school activities and events is high above any other school around. The educational level that the teachers provide for students is stellar.
—Submitted by a parent

The level of parent involvement is very high. The amount of parent involvement greatly enhances the learning experience of each student.
—Submitted by a parent

Great education and test scores!
—Submitted by a parent

Cowan is an excellent school! They do require parent invlovement of 2 hours a month. It is an open enrollment school not a neighborhood school. The teachers are wonderful, they care about the students and willing to go the extra mile. They have art twice a week with a desiganted art teacher and P.E. also. The music program begins in 4th grade and the choir program is available to all students. They challenge the students to always excel and have many outlets for them to explore. They do have computers in each classroom as well as internet access. They have numerous fund raisers throughout the year which you are expected to contribute to. They pride themselves on their continous academic excellence with has afforded them a 'Distinguished School' title.
—Submitted by a parent

Great learning school..Its what you get when you mix parental involvement with teachers who care. Expect if your kid goes here your going to be helping out, in the classroom and with your child's homework. Not snobish, just a school that wants to teach and kids that are pushed to learn. They do a great job setting the foundation for excellance.
—Submitted by a parent

It's a very fast paced school. They say the child does not have to know the ABC's upon entering, but once in they hold end of the year expectations within the first 2 weeks. If the child doesn't catch on the first week the teacher suggests going back to preschool.
—Submitted by a parent