Horace Mann Elementary School

A committed community of parents, teachers and administrators have created a learning environment that touches all aspects of learning. Using the International Baccaulaureate Primary Years Programme to highlight positive character traits and learning through inquiry and discovery,, the school has been able to teach beyond the standard requirements. That, paired with weekly art lessons, school choir, Lego robotics club,, and a top notch spring musical, this downtown public school has achieved what others only dream about- teaching the whole child. I couldn't ask for more.
—Submitted by a parent

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

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

Why do you love Horace Mann Elementary School? The teachers are wonderful and there is a lot of parental involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

We're new to the school this year, but I like the strong parent involvement. My son enjoys his days at school and is excited to attend Horace Mann Elementary!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children that attend this school. My son has been doing well and has had for the most part good teachers. Now my other boy, is a different story. He has a learning disability and the school has made it impossible for my child to get tested for learning disabilities (others than the one he already has). I am very dissapointed in the way my son and I have been treated by the staff (including principal) at this school. This is an okay school if you have a child that is perfect or almost perfect and never has any issues. However, if you have a child that needs a little extra help or has any type of learning disabilities then this is not the school you want to take your child to. They will not help you in any way or manner.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my third grader's third school, and so far, his experience has been excellent, both with the faculty and the after-school staff. He finally feels at home at HMS!
—Submitted by a parent

My Kinder student is thriving in his class. All grade level teachers work together to ensure that all children's needs are meet. Students are divided among three reading groups: advanced, gradelevel and needs extra support. The advanced students are being challenged. After reading a book, students take a comprehension test on the computer and receive points for correct answers. Kids are getting introduced to the computer, understanding the importance of truly comprehending what they've read and feel a since of accomplishment as they see their point totals rise. It's a great reading program that the whole school participates in.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has had a wonderful year as a kindergartner at Horace Mann. She is in the top of her class and improves every day! She is constantly challenged to learn more, but she is never stressed. She loves going to school and plays with every child in her class. The kindergarten teachers at Horace Mann are dedicated to their classes but also teach as a team and treat all the kindergartners as their own students. There is a very balanced and safe feeling at the school. We look forward to my daughter's and son's future years at Horace Mann!
—Submitted by a parent

We are extremely pleased with the academic structure of the school and the progress our children are making at Horace Mann. In addition, Horace Mann is a true 'community' where everyone knows and respects one another, and a place where the dedication to the welfare, safety and success of every student is shared by staff, parents and teachers. As the test scores indicate, despite what many consider to be constraints of test score improvement, Horace Mann continues to post scores reflecting the academic focus of the principal and staff. My sons play supervised sports there every day, one of my sons took a survey of the Japanese language this fall and my other son thinks of the school as his second home. There is still a lot of work to do, but I feel my children are challenged at Horace Mann to learn and to become positive members of a community.
—Submitted by Paul Murphy, a parent

My family is very happy with Horace Mann. We are pleased with the overall education, speaking as a parent of above average children. The community is excellent, the teachers devoted, and the educational experience comprehensive. The campus has a very positive, safe, and inviting feel to it. There is always room for improvement, but this school keeps getting better and better.
—Submitted by a parent

We are so fortunate that Horace Mann is our neighborhood school. My son has been very lucky to have had all great teachers from Mrs. Brewer in 'K' to Ms. Tottori in the 1st and 2nd grade. The parents group at this school is terrific and the communication between parents and teachers is wonderful. My son enjoys going to school everyday. My son's education is #1 for us and I feel Horace Mann is doing a wonderful job in contributing to his success not only academically but as a good citizen in our society.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school if you have an average student. If your child is of above average or gifted then this is not the place for them. Meeting the test score is the primary goal here and all else falls by the wayside.
—Submitted by a parent