Horace Mann Elementary School

Terrible!!! This school is only concerned about the lowest common denominator-kids who do not speak English. The bullying was so bad we had to move our kids to another school. Do not send your kids here-try Hacienda or Booksin-much better test scores too.
--Submitted by a parent

I love the school!! My kids feel safe, are thriving, have a lot of confidence and great friends who respect them. Last year's Spring Musical, "Annie jr." really ignited their love for theatre and acting. Every parent has an opportunity to let their wants/needs know; all it takes is a positive attitude and a willingness to share those at the PTA's board meetings. The new principal, Ms. Vanderhorst is a very promissing new leader of this wonderful neighborhood school. She is already streamlining some processes. I am glad that my kids are growing up in a very diverse environment. If all parents realize that together we can build an even better school for our kids, by joining forces, this school can really reach it's full potential.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is so bad, my kids wanted out, but it was too late to transfer them. Before the "snowplow" moms took it over, it was ok. Working parents pretty much have no say in anything that goes on. My kids were harrassed and the admin. did nothing about it. We went to the district police, and that almost put a stop to it. Oh, and the gangs....they are everywhere! Overall, not a good experience.
--Submitted by a parent

My children have enjoyed their experiences at the school and have done well academically. Both have scored advanced on their CST's every year. While students have always learned California State Standards at this school, the quality of instruction (differentiation, IB) has improved every year. The school also offers a variety of extracurricular activities as well, such as choir, lego club, spring musical, mariachi, and folklorico. There will be a new principal at the school in the fall. A committee of parents, teachers, and staff of the school will be part of the process of selecting a new, more effective leader of the school. The parent organization is lead by a group of dedicated parents who try very hard to engage the whole community. It has been a frustrating process to get other parents to volunteer for leadership positions in the organization and to get parents to spearhead activities that they would like to see at the school. There appears to be a group of parents who don't understand that the PTO cannot fund activities that aren't connected to the school and thus think it only funds activities it wants. These parents also don't communicate, but complain loudly.
--Submitted by a parent

THis school is not very good. My son is smart, so he was teased alot. Also, principal not very good either. He don't take care of problems when started. Some teacher are good, but some really bad, need to retire or move to different job. Not very niceto kids. Some of the parents control alot of things at this school and decide things only for their kids. Overall, you should try different school.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has many great attributes. Among them are the teachers and many of the parents. However the parent organization is tightly controlled by a small number of people who do not represent the population of the school. Also the International Baccalaureate Program implemented at the school is a liberal methodology that teaches that there is no right or wrong way of thinking and has its origin from pacifist principles. When I was a kid, I learned that I was a citizen of the United States, not a citizen of the world, as they do at Horace Mann. Finally the school district does not allow children who are excelling to move ahead. They all must learn a topic for the same amount of time. This, in combination with restraints placed on the school because it is in Program Improvement status, has caused my child to learn how to become bored about learning. It may also contribute to the violence on the play yard and in the classroom. When children are bored they stop listening to their teachers and begin to goof around and pick on others. None of these negatives are within the control of the principal or teachers, who do a great job of working with the tools they are given.
--Submitted by a parent

My kids are so happy at Horace Mann School. They have made so many close friends and really feel like they are part of a community. The students are taught highly principled behavior through the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (http://www.ibo.org/pyp/curriculum/profile/) and are encouraged to behave in a 'kind, safe, and productive' way (This is the Husky pledge that all students make every Monday morning.). These positive attributes are constantly reinforced in the classroom as well as on the playground. Not only that, but the parents of HMS have created not one, but two foundations to fundraise and support many enrichment programs such as Art Express, HMS Choir, Lego Club, Chess Club, Math Olympiad, and events such as a talent show, science fair, multicultural festival and spring musical. All of these help to create a very well-balanced education which goes well beyond what mere ratings and test scores imply. Horace Mann School is really an incredible place to be.
--Submitted by a parent

Do not send your kids here-it is full of kids that are rude, mean spirited, and below average. If your child is above average, there is nothing special here for them. It was ok up until about 3rd grade, and then my kids were constantly harassed and teased-nothing was done about it. There is no "science" or "technology"-it's all a big lie. If I could afford private school, I would have transferred them, but we were stuck until 5th grade. Thankfully, we got into a great Junior High, away from the "gang" mentality of the kids at Horace Mann.
--Submitted by a parent

The parental involvement at Horace Mann has really made this school great. Parents volunteer to teach a top notch art program and fundraise/volunteer to help support other great programs like drama, choir, PlayWorks, ballet folklorico, Japanese/Mandarin lessons and more. The atmosphere is safe and supportive and I love the fact that the school is in the heart of downtown. Kids walk to field trips at the Art Museum, Tech Museum, Discovery Museum and to see professional shows like SJ Ballet. As an International Baccalaureate school, the curriculum emphasizes self inquiry, compassion for others and and understanding of our role in the world. Couldn't be happier with the school.
--Submitted by a parent

my children used to go to horace mann alamentary school its such a wonderfull school the teachers are excelent .. and i felt very safe leaving my children there ...
--Submitted by a parent