Gravenstein Elementary School

My daughter transferred to the ENRICH program at Gravenstein in the 4th grade since her neighborhood school did not have a GATE program. I was highly involved in her first school and was skeptical that Gravenstein would live up the principals promises. After 1-1/2 years I am happy to share that my daughter is as thrilled with the school as are we. Yes, we happily donate $250 a month to pay for small class sizes, Spanish, Art, Music, Band, Poetry, and multiple field trips including several overnighters. Because the children have so many enrichment activities there is not the "Drill and Kill" she experienced in the past. There is also a greater emphasis on science which she loves. As far as the principal is concerned, I must admit I had some initials doubts as I was close to the principal at the previous school. For various reasons I have had several conversations with Linda LaMarre and every time I have been left with the impression that I was heard and understood and, more importantly, that my child was understood and supported. Efforts are continuously made to address the needs of the children (not just my own) as they arise. I highly recommend this school!
--Submitted by a parent

I have to say that I read all the reviews before enrolling my 2nd grader into their Enrich! program. I loved the positive reviews and found them to be true. The next year, after enrolling my Kindergartner, I found the negative reviews to be true too. The principal/superintendent is only looking out for money. I am greatly disappointed with not being given help when needed the most.
--Submitted by a parent

We are thrilled with the education and experiences that our children are receiving at Gravenstein Elementary. They are challenged, motivated, and loving school! The teaching staff is dedicated to providing an engaging yet rigorous curriculum, infused with the arts, all the time ensuring that all of the standards are addressed. The principal/superintendent works tirelessly to provide the best educational environment for the students. She manages the budget in such a way that the school is thriving despite budget cuts, and has carefully selected a staff that truly loves what they do and who do it well! This school is truly outstanding in every way and far superior to the private school we had previously sent our children to. It is no wonder that families from all over the county commute to attend Gravenstein! We give it an A+
--Submitted by a parent

The Enrich program is great- my child loves the additional art, music, drama classes. All the teachers at Gravenstein seem to be well liked and very good at their jobs. A well rounded school.
--Submitted by a parent

Be aware that the magnet program has a (mandatory) donation of $250/per month per student. They tell you that it is a GATE program, but if you look at the numbers of students there- you know that they all can't be GATE. The traditional program is dying. Be aware of this if you move into the district. Your tax dollars are going to be supporting mostly kids out of the district coming in from Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa. Bad design to have the principal also the superintendent. She is both the judge and the jury. There really is a two tiered system of education at Gravenstien. Those that can afford the magnet program and those that can't Administration is difficult to work with at best.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are all enthusiastic, bright and love the kids. The curriculum is diverse and includes lots of field trips, it's the best!
--Submitted by a parent

Wow, everything you read negative about the pricipal just backed up what I was going to say. My son is a 4th gr and we have been going since pre school. They take all the great teacher and put them into the reach program. This principals motives are purely driven by money. I have been lyed to by her, I have brought dangerous issues to her attn. and she smiles them off as if she cares and doesn't do anything to handle them. My son was choked 2 times by another child until he was taking every kid out in the class before they finally handled it!!! Seems as if we all have to leave our own school dist. before things will change.
--Submitted by a parent

Kindergarten and 1st were great here. After that everything went downhill. Seems that this school is more about funding and teaching students for the tests in order for the school to get better ratings. Completely disappointed with this school now and as for the principal, good luck talking to that lady. You would have better luck talking to a tree. Very dismissive, condescending, and seems not to care about whats best for the children, just what looks good on paper and her bottom line. Terrible.
--Submitted by a parent

If all you want is for your child to be taught to score well on a star test, this is your school. I left and took my child to the REACH program at Brook Have in the Sebastopl Union district. These are the folks who started the original program and this is the type of education I expected from Hillcrest. They could not deliver. We are all happy now at Brook Haven.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school so long as your child is fortunate enough to be in a class without disruptive students. Serious discipline issues. The biggest issues stem from the principle of this school. Trying to talk to her is like speaking to a wall. She cares more about gov. funding than the education and well being of a child. She does nothing to help the teachers deal with the disruptive students.. if anything she undermines the teachers authority by going against a teachers punishment.
--Submitted by a parent