Jim Thorpe Fundamental School

Great school the parents and teachers work together, the school try to do everything for the children to make them better
--Submitted by a parent

My only child started in morning Kindergarten this year. She has a wonderful caring teacher who smiles and greets her each morning to welcome her friends into the class. My daughter is very happy and looks forward to going to school each day. When I had a question the teacher called me back right away. Everything is great!
--Submitted by a parent

Terrible School... DO NOT SEND YOUR KIDS THERE. Principal and assistant Principal are the worst staff members at this school and some other teachers. They want to pretend to be very strict but what they truely do is traumatized our kids. I had a horrible experience bringing my kid here. They don't care about parents concerns they only hear what the want to hear. I feel so much better now that my kid is out of there.
--Submitted by a parent

Worst experience having my child go to this school. Teacher is very rude and non communicative. Talking to principal does not help because they end up siding with teachers as opposed to listening to parent's concerns. Tried discussing a matter about my child and teacher had even hung phone up on me and spoke to me very disrespectfully. They do not treat each child as an individual and expect them to all be at same level. I understand that there are rules and they expect a certain standard but they take it to a whole other level. Regret putting my child here, thought we would be getting an excellent education because of school ratings but instead was an awful experience. I have also voiced my concerns to a few people and they have also heard from different friends that they also pulled their children out because of same problems. Would not recommend am sending my child to their home school.
--Submitted by a parent

To put it loosely in the words of John Wooden: If you aren't making mistakes, you aren't doing anything. Making mistakes is a part of life, learning to accept that even if you try your very best you can still fail. The best part of failure is that it provides us an opportunity for growth! Children need to feel safe to fail and try again. I To be a scholar, one must be willing to take risks and learn from his mistakes. At Thorpe our goal is to educate young minds to reach their full potential and meet their goals, whatever they may be. During my time at Thorpe I have met some very exceptional children who have gone on to do great things. Part of what makes this school #1 in Santa Ana is the Fundamental School Agreement, demanding and rigorous, but producing incredible results.

Did not noticed when kids were being bullied. Made some, not all, kids terrified of failing. Failing is part of life, learning to accept that even if you try your very best you can still fail. Children need to feel safe and be very nurchured. Some teachers my kids have experienced have been so loving and awesome, others have been such a dissapointment. The women who monitor them have been disrespectful at the children, when it wasn't called for at all. The crossguard is in such a sour mood, that you see kids avoiding him at all cost, and parents constantly arguing with him. I will say I've seen some really great things about this school, the involvement you have in the school is great, my kid's education is really advance than most kids in a regular public school. I want the best for my and all kids.
--Submitted by a parent

The change in administrative staffing has made a positive impact in the school this year. One of the concerns that before/after-school security was lacking was immediately addressed with additional staff. The general feeling tone is better as well. Parents feel that their concerns are being heard now, which was not something that was happening as much before.
--Submitted by a teacher

Very dedicated teachers. Main theme taught is 'from kindergarten to college'.
--Submitted by a parent

Almost all of the teachers at this school are fantastic especially since they have very little funding for classroom supplies. I applaud what they have been able to do with such limited support as well as the dedication they have for the kids. Music is limited and art is integrated into the academic projects; not taught for art's sake. Sports is basically limited to recess. While a better choice academically than the neighborhood schools and the kids do receive a solid base for future academic achievement, the rules and regulations are overwhelming, tedious, and don't allow for a child's individuality. They don't have much to do with the learning process either, having more to do with personal attributes and habits. Safety and security could be better, which is worrisome but I'm sure that has to do with budget restrictions. Drop off and pick up is a nightmare.
--Submitted by a parent

The staff at Jim Thorpe is very helpful. The teachers are outstanding. There is a high level of parent invovlement.
--Submitted by a parent