Lynhaven Elementary School

My child (1st grader) has been assalted 3 times in one school year. Twice by the same student. There seems to be a lack of adult supervision on the playgrounds and lack of urgency to fix any of these issues. We are told they are following District guidelines, but this is just TOO much.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is amazing! We have had such amazing teachers here the past 2 years! Our boys are learning so much and creating great friendships! Just wish there was more "afterschool activities" that the younger kids could do.
—Submitted by a parent

We are new to this school this year. Originally, we felt we were settling as we couldn't find a way to get our kids into a school with a higher rating and could no longer afford private school. Within just the first few weeks, we were extremely impressed. The teachers we have encountered are OUTSTANDING! I can't imagine better teachers. The principal seems a bit aloof and not very visible with the parents, but the quality of her staff would indicate she is doing a great job. The Vice Principal seems very involved and is outside every morning greeting students and parents. Parent involvement could be better, but the ones who are do a fantastic job organizing events. I know several families who live within this school's boundary and send their kids to private school. They are wasting a ton of money and should really give Lynhaven a try. I can tell you for certain that our kids are getting a much better education at Lynhaven than they were in private school.
—Submitted by a parent

Our kids are attending Lynhaven now (after being in private school) and we are very impressed with the teachers and the leadership. The school is clean and well organized. I am surprised the school doesn't have a higher rating on this site.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my sons went to Lynhaven and got a very good education. Most of the teachers were caring and creative. My sons have life-long friends from Lynhaven.
—Submitted by a parent

my daughter is starting her 2nd year at lynhaven ... we love the teacher and the office staff is great her reading skills have really improved as well as her math. We loved her teacher and look forward to another year..
—Submitted by a parent

I have to start by saying my kids did very well at Lynhaven. However, it seems a large majority of the student population is performing at or below the average level required by the state. In my opinion this is the not the best choice for high achieving students as the majority of the resources are needed to work with under performing students.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. From the principal to the teachers to the staff, very caring. One of the best PTA organizations that I have seen. They put in a lot of time and funds over and above (best guess) what they take in - every parent should be signing up with them. Field trips, activities, most for free or reduced cost. My son had some emotional issues starting out, and the district also has a wonderful counseling program. Wish we could have stayed!
—Submitted by stuart kawasaki, a parent

This is our third year at Lynhaven, and it has been a wonderful journey thus far. We are very lucky to have great teachers who truly care about our children and their education. The PTA tries very hard to involve all, and do things that make a difference for the children and our community. Our vision is to make Lynhaven a school of choice, and I believe the parents and teachers can accomplish our goal with good old fashion team work.
—Submitted by Lisa, a parent

My daughter has been attending Lynhaven elementary for 2 years now and it is truly a blessing! My daughters peers are wonderful kids. Her teachers are kind, respectful and knowledgable. The entire staff at Lynhaven Elementary show genuine interest and concern for my daughter. The after-school activities and special festivities are coordinated well with a high level of student,staff and parent participation. I really wish my daughter could stay on at Lynhaven for at least one more year!
—Submitted by Mia, a parent

So far my experience with Lynhaven (7 months) has been great. Administration is prompt and responds to my needs accordingly. Areas I see for improvement, more yard duty staff during recess and lunch. Academically, I observe my child's teacher and she does a wonderful job teaching. She provides work for the kids at their pace and does not hold anyone back who is advanced. Area of improvement, kindergarten and first grade teachers should have a teacher's aid to assist them. Focusing on 20+ kids and one on one time is not as efficient when there is no back up. Teachers could use online tools more to stay in tune with parents. WHile there have not been any security issues I would like to see a school security, just my preference.
—Submitted by a parent

Mrs. Van Valkenburgh was an engaging teacher, ethusiastic about the students but a bit frustrated with the 'system' requirements/limitations.
—Submitted by a parent

Great staff, no money. New principal this year, the previous pricipal was great. Not much in the way of techology learning. Diverse student population.
—Submitted by a parent

Lynhaven is an elementry school that has a state of the art feel. With measure H, the school has been supplied with sufficient money to build new fixtures. Its classrooms are clean, with a simple and elegant design. Also, its hallways are painted with that kid-feel. Lynhaven creates a great atmosphere, and is definitely an attractive school. The teachers there are very knowledgable, and the staves are very friendly. Although Lynhaven has gone through many principal, it has still maintained its educational level consistency. Even through change, these 'toddlers' have come to find sucess.
—Submitted by a former student

Lynhaven Elementary School is a well-rounded school with kids from all types of backgrounds. I like the fact that there is representative ethnic mix and my daughter is exposed to many cultures. Her k and 1 classes were taught by excellent instructors, loving, bright and capable teachers. The afterschool offerings complement the regular curriculum with choices like chess, art, drama, etc. Parents seem to be pretty involved and concerned about their children's education. There are several kids who English is a second language but that seems to be well addressed.
—Submitted by a parent

Lynhaven seems to be a school better suited for the lower performing student. Lots of services are offered to this student population including pull-out reading, speech. psychological intervention, and resource teaching. Although, the school seems to be in a declined shape, eight new portables were built last year, and eight new ones will be ready for September 2004. The teachers are generally knowledgeable about their subjects, yet many areas are taught in a formula model versus what is best for each individual child. A large population of the students receive free or reduced lunch.
—Submitted by a parent

Pertaining solely to my child's class this year, I felt that the teachers were of the highest quality. The mix of native english speaking children and ESL children in the same class highly concerned me due to the inherent possibility of my child's education being slowed down if lessons had to be repeated for the benefit of non-english speaking kids. My child loves her teachers/school and thrived to attend class everyday.