Carmel Creek Elementary School

Despite getting a week of half-days during parent/teacher conference week, some teachers refuse to accommodate before or after school conferences. As a working parent I've had to hear about my kids progress second hand all year. On the upside, I have had the pleasure of organizing, and paying for, one-off child care for this random week as the kids are dismissed at 12. Thanks! In fairness, I've only come across one teacher in 4 grades with such an uncompromising stance.
—Submitted by a parent

My child loves this school, great teachers, great ambiance all around the school. Lot of interaction and learning engagement between teacher and students in the classroom.
—Submitted by a parent

Only positive experience I have from CC is my daughter was very happy because of the great teacher she had. But school doesn't provide kids with any extra-curricular academic experience like math, science clubs where kids can participate in competitions like Science Field Day etc. Principal doesn't have any clue that these exists. So kids in this school is falling behind compared kids in other sister schools.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is currently in her 3rd year at Carmel Creek and I feel she has gotten an excellent education, comparable to a private school. All of her teachers have been excellent. The school is clean and offers a lot of extras; like a nice library, art, p.e., media center, computer room, garden patio, etc. Carmel Creek is doing a really great job and I am so thankful my daughter has been able to attend this great school.
—Submitted by a parent

Carmel Creek is a fantastic school! Our children have excelled socially and academically there.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school! Teachers put real emphasis on students' psychological and academic development! Great foundation for kids' future!
—Submitted by a parent

Yes the test scores are high. That seems to be a huge emphasis. The principal is in denial about the burned out, tenured teachers. Most teachers are excellent with only x2 bad apples, which is very good for a public school. They took a week off in observance of presidents day. Parental progress is measured in fundraising dollars generated. Overall a good school, not a great school, with some obvious flaws.
—Submitted by a parent

Both my children attended this great school, and I can say that I miss it a lot! from high academic expectations and very qualified teachers, they even have a school psychologist, and hold SST meetings with great concern for challenged kids. Star testing scores are way obove state average.Big thumbs up!!
—Submitted by a parent

My child has ADHD and is gifted. This school has developed behavioral programs with incentives for my child and helped her achieve in every way. They really bent over backwards to help me and her without judgement. Standards are high as they should be. My only complaint is the pressure on kids to sell giftwrap to earn money for the school. Especially so early in the school year. I'd rather make a donation and be done with it. More PE would be good as well. Some teachers are young with only a few years experience but seem to be really good, so I think the principal knows how to hire quality staff. Everyone from the teachers, principal, guidance counselor, nurse, and front office staff are truly exceptional. The after school child development program is pretty good and the enrichment classes cost money but are convenient, especially for working parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Carmel Creek Elementary is a very good school when it comes to basic learning. There are only 3-4 male teachers in the entire school. There is not much emphasis on PE (15 minutes per day I think?). Tag is banned before school and possibly at recess. Parental involvement is excellent. Fundraising is constant. Also many events are geared towards fundraising.
—Submitted by a parent

Great facility and devoted teachers. The discipline method a bit rigid and too much time spent on worksheet
—Submitted by a parent

Superb school in every respect!
—Submitted by a parent

'Carmel Creek as a California School is slightly above the national average! It is not a great school especially coming from another state where education is given top priority. It is easy to see that this school has a way to go. Music, art, science, computer science and PE classes are shockingly poor. The computers in the classroom are outdated and often don't work. The principal, kind and warm, has a very limited ability to lead the teachers in change and growth. The curriculum is geared toward the state testing and not overall educational foundations little year over year improvement is seen. There are many ESL students that require special attention. Significant funds are diverted to help increase the teacher s compensation package; taking the teachers out of the classroom much too often. Without the heavy parent involvement and the few experienced teachers, the school ranking would decline in short order.
—Submitted by a parent

Quality of academic programs: Good Availability of extracurricular activities: Good Level of parent involvement: Good
—Submitted by a parent

Superb school, great staff and super Principal.
—Submitted by a parent

Carmel Creek is an excellent school overall. This year they have moved the 5th and 6th graders to a new school so that it is no longer crowded. The principal has a philosophy that is developmental - not one size fits all. The teachers are very good at differentiating each child and his/her particular need. The faciities are excellent, new and clean. The school could be stronger in music and art. There is no stage. The computers in the classroom are outdated and often don't work. The curriculum is very challenging, but the homework is not overwhelming. There are many ESL students. Some are very transient in that their parents transfer jobs abroad frequently. This makes it difficult on the children. The teachers are terrific and take a personal interest in the children.
—Submitted by a parent

So far, I am very happy with Carmel Creek. My only concern is that I would like to see more emphasis placed upon emotional skills, and a sense that teachers and staff are educated in gender studies. I sometimes get the sense that boys might have a hard time here, especially in the early grades, due to lack of understanding by female teachers who expect a certain docility. But the kids and parents are wonderful, as is the library, the after school classes, and the overall spirit of the school.
—Submitted by a parent

I was shocked to see a parent's negative comment about Carmel Creek. As a family, we've been involved with the school since 1995 and all three of our kids have had wonderful experiences. The teachers overall are extremely dedicated, warm, and highly qualified. There is a tremendous amount of parental involvement.
—Submitted by a parent