Sherman Oaks Elementary School

I was very impressed by the way Principal Harr handled a very sensitive, student specific issue in the past. She didn't throw her hands up refusing to stand up for what is right as some unfortunately would, instead she courageously took the lead and set new precedents for her school. Every school can benefit from having this type of a Principal leading their school to a higher standard. Kudos, Mrs. Harr!!!
--Submitted by a parent

SOEC is a very good school! I was raised by a dedicated first grade teacher and I have high standards. My son is in second grade and has thrived academically and socially each year. We have been blessed with gifted and nurturing teachers who have my child, and many others, working above grade level. Most importantly, my son has made nice friends and loves school. His teachers have really fostered a love of learning. But it is more than just the academic standards - all students enjoy an amazing music teacher, an incredible art program, science lab and science teacher, a computer lab and computer teacher, and there is an orchestra, a theater program, and sports teams that keep winning district tittles. I have enjoyed a great level of communication with his teachers, all of whom have gone way above the call of duty and really love teaching children. It is a big elementary school that feels much smaller once you get involved and it is full of caring passionate parents and teachers. With the support of the parent organization budget cuts do not interfere with a quality well rounded education.
--Submitted by a parent

I love SOEC. I have to say, we have never experienced any of the issues people are mentioning below. Both of my children have had wonderful, caring teachers. Overcrowded classrooms are at EVERY LAUSD school. Lanai, Hesby, etc., all have 34-36 kids in their 4th and 5th grade classrooms. All of the K-3 classes have a maximum of 24, the LAUSD norm. But, even with those class sizes, my children are receiving an excellent education, both academically and socially. I wouldn't trade the experience they have had for any other school.
--Submitted by a parent

I have to say I agree with the parents who are finding fault at Sherman Oaks Elementary. The teachers and the principal seem more concerned with their teacher's lounge makeover then the best interests of their students. I had a serious problem with my youngest daughter's placement for second grade. When I tried to discuss my concerns with the teacher, she started sobbing and called the local police because she didn't think she had to discuss it with me. it was outrageous! I've never seen such unprofessional childish behavior. And the principal did absolutely nothing. Now in retaliation they've placed my daughter in a class with special needs students. I have wanted to say something but I am afraid for how they will treat my daughter if i voice my concerns.
--Submitted by a parent

We LOVE SOEC. The parent involvement is amazing. And the teachers are caring and generous with their time. All LAUSD classes and schools are crowded but the teachers here do an amazing job of working with the students and parent volunteers are encouraged. The charter says the school needs to have a certain number of students and that is what the school has. LAUSD sets the norm for how many students are supposed to be in each grade - not the school itself so if you want to blame someone for the "overcrowded" class size, blame LAUSD not SOEC. It is not overcrowded, it is exactly at the number it is supposed to have so the posters speaking on the overcrowded nature of the school should gather more information before posting inaccuracies.
--Submitted by a parent

This school needs a lot of work. Teachers try their best. There is over 34 kids appx. in one class. Most of the kids dont belong at this school. The school needs to verify address more carefully most of the children are not suppose to attend this school.That is probably why its so crowded. There is no shade on playground. Not enough supervision. Bullying has to be addressed better. They don't move the bully at all. It doesn't matter if they are in the same class. I'm not the only person that has experienced this they are many. I am writing this so the school district can make changes. What is the use of living in an up scale neighbor hood if any one can attend this school? Principal needs a lot of training.

Excuse me, but I am well aware that there are bullies at all schools. SOES does NOT have a zero tolerance policy on bullying! The assistant principal offered to move my daughter to another class when she was the one being bullied. When we didn't accept her offer and demanded that the bullies should be the ones to move she was very rude and insensitive just like the bullies and their parents. It took only 4 WEEKS to see that our daughter was not having a great experience the way EVERY kindergartener should! It took ONLY 4 WEEKS to see that the intense bullying was causing her a tremendous amount of anxiety, which she is in therapy for till this day which is 3 YEARS later. NO ONE at this school helped! Not even the teacher! It took ONLY 4 WEEKS to see that SOES is an awful school. At private school the children are taught to love and respect one another. If you don't mind your child attending a school where they are packing the kids in like sardines and not enough staff to supervise then send your kids to SOES! My review is based on a lot of knowledge because of our horrible experience and I know a lot of families that have not been happy at SOES. Private school is the way to go!!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

We are new to the school. I have no ratings at this time will let you know in a couple of mounths.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is way too crowded. The kids are not supervised well on the play ground. In an effort to raise test scores that hasn't worked, ridiculous amounts of home work and un realistic projects are given too often. This leaves the parent to teach the lessons and often do homework and projects for the child. The current test scores in the 830 range show that the principal is not doing her job creating a good learning environment. She has told parents unhappy with the school to leave. They teach to the test. And as I said, this hasn't worked out . Encino public schools far out rank S.O. in testing. The pick up and drop off is chaotic, kids are bullied with virtually no notice from staff. The saving grace is the parental involvement. There is no shade in the play yard and too many grades per age range. Much could be improved with a change of principal.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been at Sherman Oaks Elementary for 3 years and have had a great experience so far! I am really happy with the teachers we have had and the SOPA program.
--Submitted by a parent