McKinley Elementary School

We are new at McKinley. We really like this school. I see diversity in children, and they are open and friendly. My kids smoothly adjusted to the new school. Parents are very much involved with school activities, and they know it is importnt for kids. Teachers and staff work with kids with positive reinforcement. They are always willing to listen and work with us as well. I feel comfortable to talk with them about anything. I get a sense of "It takes a whole village to rise a child.". Everyone is working hard to make better for children, and kids get to experience possitive and nurturing school life. Even my out of State in law noticed how warm and close this community is. And maybe that is why kids also do well in academic.
--Submitted by a parent

This is our third year at McKinley and each year proves to be better than the last! We were welcomed right into the school by the enthusiastic families, dedicated teachers, and helpful administration. We love the fact that our school is one of the smaller and more diverse in Santa Monica. When a hiccup presented itself in our first year, our son's kindergarten teacher was receptive and solution oriented, and the next day the principal followed up to see that our concerns had been taken care of. (Which they had!) McKinley is truly a gem of a school!
--Submitted by a parent

Just wanted to take a moment out of my busy schedule to write how much we love McKinley School. My 2nd grade daughter has a wonderful teacher who not only teaches her students everything that is required (and more), but nurtures them in very positive ways so that they show respect for one another. The parent involvment is amazing! To see how parents step up to help our school not only with money, but volunteering countless hours of time is really remarkable. McKinley is a small school (466 students) with a huge heart. I am so happy to be a part of this diverse and welcoming community!!
--Submitted by a parent

McKinley is a nurturing learning community, which offers an engaging academic program, instills character, and fosters life-long learning in order to develop the whole child. My child loves McKinley. I can't say enough positive things about the school community teachers and staff! The principal is supportive, and knowledgeable, and students enjoy learning. McKinley s parents can be seen daily throughout the school taking an active role in their child's learning and the well being of the school.
--Submitted by a parent

As a McKinley staff member, I have found that we are a responsive school community (staff, parents and students). With that said, I am saddened to hear that you feel your concerns have not been addressed. Our school s mission statement of McKinley PRIDE is not just a statement, but speaks to who we are and what we value. Our school uses the Cool Tools program and has now adopted the Olweus Bullying prevention program. We are one of eight SMMUSD elementary schools in the first year of implementation. Taking part of this program speaks to our commitment to provide our students with a safe learning environment. Please reach out to our staff so we can have the opportunity to address your concerns.
--Submitted by a teacher

This is our first year at McKinley and while we are pleased with our child's teacher and what the school provides academically, McKinley has an issue with bullying and inconsideration which is not being addressed. Supposedly, they will be integrating an anti-bullying program beginning in 2012, but this is too little too late in my opinion. My child has had to deal with verbal and physical inappropriateness and blatant meanness from other students on almost a daily basis. I have overheard other parents talking about having these issues so I know that we are not an isolated case. Witnessing the anger and inconsideration that McKinley parents exhibit during drop off and pick up times has proven insightful as to where their children are learning the negative behaviors displayed toward their schoolmates. I wish I had been aware of this before we chose our home, as now we are forced to figure out how to deal with this frustrating and unfortunate situation.
--Submitted by a parent

Lovely community, excellent teachers, dedicated principal. We've won the CA Distinguished School Award, plus we've been given the Title I Academic Achievement Award three times since I've been there. Also, our principal was named Elementary School Principal of the Year for the entire region by the by the Association of California School Administrators. Truly a gem of a school.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is great! The campus is beautiful and spacious with a lovely courtyard. The teachers and employees are very nice and seem to really care about the kids. Plus parents seem very involved and volunteering is encouraged. (I love having lunch with my child in the cafeteria) School functions are fun and welcoming. Not to mention my child is doing well in all subjects! I can t wait for my next one to start.
--Submitted by a parent

This school was granted one of the highest recognitions from the State of California. Due to an increase in their API scores and the hard united and focused work of the teaching staff, the school is officially listed as one of CALIFORNIA'S DISTINGUISHED SCHOOLS!!!
--Submitted by a teacher

Our principal was named Elementary School Principal of the Year for this region by the by the Association of California School Administrators, and our named a California Distinguished School by the State Board of Education as part of the California School Recognition Program. I'm a proud, involved parent... now even prouder of our Little School that Could!
--Submitted by a parent