Ernesto Galarza Elementary School

Galarza is a GREAT school. If it wasn't for Galarza, i wouldn't be where i am now. I am the top student of a private school and i am about to go to a private high school. Galaza and its teachers have helped me achieve my goals.

Wow. I don't even know where to start. My daughter was sent to this school because our neighborhood school was full. She lasted one day and then we pulled her out. She cried about having to go back. She never cried at her other school. It was a mess over there. If you want your child to attend an understaffed school, with a stressed out kindergarten teacher (I don't blame her, 30 kids and no aides or parent volunteers to help), and rude office staff then send him/her there. And I have yet to get a call telling me my child is not at school (it's been 3 days). Safety is lacking!!
--Submitted by a parent

Part 2: The boys were spoken to and that was it. I was never contacted. At the end of the next day I received an email from the teacher saying that if we had any questions about the incident to contact her. What inciden??? Our daughter was mortified, she couldn't tell us. We contacted the school and it wasn't until the second day that I was able to find out from the Principal. She admitted that she had a note to call but it got the end of the day and went home, then simply forgot to call me! It wasn't until that second day that my daughter was able to actually describe in detail what happend she was so embarrased and ashamed that she didn't want anyone to know. That Principal played a dangerous game with my daughter's emotions, self confidence and faith in the system to help her.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. I am shocked by the 2 bad comments left below...especially the one that says there is no money for field trips. Save that for the weekend, school should be for learning. We as parents also need to teach our children by taking them on field trips ourselves...or sponsor one for his class if you can. Teachers are great and the Estrelle Daycare helps with ALL the homework that is given. GO GALARZA FOR BEING ONE OF THE TOP SCHOOLS !!
--Submitted by a parent

Poor leadership skills: Lack of organization. No clear objectives and goals for teachers. Unprofessional, dishonest, and terrible communicator. Non-supportive, hostile working environment. This school needs a strong leader who cares about the students and teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is great and the resource specialist, teachers, and staff really do their best to help the students.
--Submitted by a parent

Review pertains to Hammer Montessori, now merged with Galarza. My son has attended Hammer Montessori since kindergarten. Now since closed and merged with Galarza Elementary, Hammer's montessori program is barely hanging on at the new campus. With an integration of almost 1,000 students, the atmosphere is no longer appropriate for successful montessori theory to be applied. I have been unhappy with the lack of communication between staff and parents. With severe budget cuts, they do not go on field trips. Overall, we don't feel that our son is receiving enough structure and concentrated learning time in order to pass. He is now in 2nd grade. I have spoken with many other parents that have students the same age as my son, who are now behind and are struggling to catch up. It leaves me to question the self-motivating atmosphere of a montessori classroom belonging in public schools.
--Submitted by a parent