Sherman Oaks Elementary School

my children are currently in Sherman oaks elementary charter, this was a great school up to last year,with a great principal who new each child and parent by their name, she gave her heart and Saul to this school but unfortunately she had to leave. now we have the worse principal who is emotionless, cold and unfriendly. the teachers, staff and students don't like her. I'm thinking of moving my children to a different school next year since the atmosphere in the school is unbearable. think twice before you put your child there.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been attending Sherman Oaks for four years now. Our experience has be horrible and a nightmare. If your child do NOT Speak Spanish your child will be bullied and out cased by the Principal, Spanish teachers and students. If you are thinking of having your child attend Sherman Oaks to learn Spanish as a second language. You will get NO help by the Spanish teachers or especially the Principal. However, I do believe that the PTC is great at Sherman Oaks. They do there best to better the school. If it wasn't for the PTC the school would be much worst due to the principal's lack of genuine interest in the children that attend Sherman Oaks.
—Submitted by a parent

My oldest son attended Sherman Oaks Community Charter School for Kindergarten during the 2011-2012 school year. If not for unemployment and a financial need to relocate, he would still be attending for 1st grade. I was more than satisfied with his team of teachers for English (Mrs. Laver) and Spanish (Maestra Bettencourt). They always made themselves available, when requested, and maintained open lines of communication by providing either verbal reports and/or email as to my son. Mr. Jerome is an added positive factor. He thoroughly engages the students and provides discipline in a positive, non-threatening manner. They flock to him like the pied piper. I met with the principal once regarding an incident between my son and his friend; it was addressed and handled appropriately. As for the PTC, I actively participated at events and attended meetings. While there was always a dozen parents that remained consistently involved at every event/meeting, there were a dozen more that were behind the scenes providing their support. With the last election at the end of the school year, PTC will have even more of a presence. Sherman Oaks is a quality school and supportive community. I miss it!
—Submitted by a parent

Sherman Oaks has proven itself to be one excellent school. Even in the worst budget times, the school tries to have students participate in multicultural and learning activities. Twice a year the children present their science or social science projects at exhibition night (bilingually). The exhibitions include writing, artwork, research and technology. They also learn about various multicultural events and participate in them each year. The teachers at this school work extremely hard; coordinating curriculum as a dual immersion language team is not easy, and they do it with enthusiasm. All of my son's teachers made themselves available almost daily for after school or before school homework help, and they are have always been willing to talk to parents who have questions or concerns. If you analyze the test scores at this school, they show that all groups of children are making great progress. Parents do participate at Sherman Oaks, it is just that many of us work. I have always had to do take home work or help at events, because I work full time. Other parents make sure to bring potluck dishes or prepare homework packets. There are always lots of parents at school events.
—Submitted by a parent

Sherman Oaks is a wonderful school with amazing teachers. My children love going there and I feel very comfortable with the school and the direction it is taking. Nothing is ever perfect and there will always be something that strikes a person the wrong way but the good definitely out way the bad. "Be the change you want to see" is the only advise I can give to those who are unhappy at the school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have three children at this school. Most (maybe 18 of 22) teachers are good. PTC is horrible. Parents do not like to participate. Principal situation there is horrible. Not one in the time I have been there has been positive. The current one yells at the kids. Dual immersion is so important...it is too bad the environment is not up to par. Other great immersion schools in the area. I suggest you look to them first.
—Submitted by a parent

Im very proud of my son, he is now a bilingual little boy. Spanish is the primary language of approximately 330 million people around the world. It is a second language for nearly 50 million people. In a world that is rapidly growing smaller, thanks to technology and a global economy, the value of being able to communicate in Spanish should not be underestimated. Further, access to a rich world of art, literature, history and music becomes available through one's knowledge of Spanish. Children receiving an early bilingual education at Sherman Oaks Elementry have a unique advantage. In addition to the developmental and educational benefits of learning Spanish early on, they are better prepared to thrive in and appreciate a multi-cultural environment at any age.
—Submitted by a parent

This school offers a strong curriculum for students in both English and Spanish. Kindergarterners are taught in an emersion program that allows them to embrace learning a new language while teaching new skills in both English and Spanish. The children are given homework and books in both languages to encourage additional learning at home.
—Submitted by a parent

My child began kindergarten at Sherman Oaks, and I have to say (he's in first now) that this school is superb. He is learning a tremendous amount in both Spanish and English. The teachers are just wonderful, and the curriculum coordination between the English and Spanish teachers is wonderful. The school also has many wonderful student events both during and after school, as well as Science Exhibition nights for the children to demonstrate their own projects to parents.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended from 2nd grade to 6th he missed out on the dual immersion program but my daughter started in kinder and is now going into the 3rd. So far with my daughter it's been fantastic, the teachers she has had for Spanish have been the best. She has become completely bilingual and really enjoys speaking Spanish. I believe she has fallen behind in english the spelling has been her biggest downfall. With a little more work she will be fine. As far as Neg. The politics are far too extreme and is causing a lot of teachers to leave! This last year was far worse then the first 2. I think if it was addressed things would be ok. Too bad the staff cant get along. The kids are the ones who suffer.Some parents form clicks like high school, but if you stay to yourself you'll be ok.
—Submitted by a parent

The dual immersion program has proven to be a viable program which my daughter is thriving, intellectually and academically.
—Submitted by a parent

What a great opportunity to create a tolerant bilingual future for our students. Great teachers, excellent staff and loving students. A+++
—Submitted by Jayme, a parent

The Spanish/English 2-way immersion program here is second to none - the teachers have an outstanding continuing training program which keeps them more energized and dedicated than many in other equivalent schools and my children have a blast in this school with heart. Parent involvement is fostered by onsite programs such as Project Cornerstone and by the principal's commitment to making this school a forum for the local community. The school has an integrated family and community counseling and support center and is adjacent to a community center and preschool program. Music, Art, science and sport enrichment after school are made available on site on a pay as you go basis.
—Submitted by Alex Rathbone, a parent

My child started Sherman Oaks knowing how to count to 10 in Spanish (thanks to Dora the Explorer). Two years later she is reading and writing in Spanish above her grade level. She can carry on a converstation with most Spanish speakers. I've been told by native Spanish speakers her accent is impeccable. I'm happy with the school and what it has to offer my child educationally as well as socially. The school strives to open the eyes of all the children to what the world has to offer. The teachers are caring and involved. The principal is way ahead of her time as far as education goes. Being bilingual is a gift I can give my child that will benifit her the rest of her life.
—Submitted by a parent

if you are considering enrolling your child at this school you need to visit the school to truly experience the great atmosphere and unity of the school.I am really glad that I decided to enroll my daughter at this school to get a great education and learn spanish at the same time.The teachers and staff are all great and loved by both the kids and the parents.
—Submitted by Stephanie Guzman, a parent

The concept of Sherman Oaks is a fabulous one, but it fails in its application. Teacher enthusiasm or sincerity does not compensate for lack of practical teaching skills.
—Submitted by a parent

Test scores don't tell everything! This is a fantastic school dedicated to academics and bilingualism.. My child is learning a second language that will prepare her for the 21 century. Principal and teachers believe in creating thinkers rather than test takers. I'm thrilled to have found it!
—Submitted by a parent