Simi Elementary School

This school has renewed my kid's drive to succeed and become an honor roll student. Simi El represents what teachers, staff and parents do together. They try very hard and the kids happy attitudes prove it.
--Submitted by a parent

We just haven't had 1 positive experience here. Sadly the bullying still goes on daily. Teachers are understaff. No bus transportation, they took that away from the parents years ago. I know more families home-schooling their kids now including the PTA President who is no longer there. =(
--Submitted by a parent

Simi Elementary has just been recognized as a 2012 California Distinguished School! Great staff, great students, great parent community, and great leader! Congratulations! A Proud Parent
--Submitted by a parent

Simi Elementary has left my child unchallenged and bored. The teacher (who just got her layoff notice) was stuck teaching a disappointing curriculum. The Principal Mrs. Koch is out-of-touch with 21st century educating and the school's scores and results reflect it. We should have done better research. Run, don't walk to a different school...
--Submitted by a parent

Simi Elementary needs to rethink thier decision to take away activities once enjoyed by all on the playground. I understand that some students have received minor injuries on the playground but does that mean we should limit their playground activities to hop-scotch and jacks? Come on ! Playing tag, falling down and scraping a knee is also a learning expirience. Recess at Simi Elementary has become a time for students to go outside and stand around doing nothing while teachers have their breaks. I have been told that there are some students that do not follow the rules of play and there have been injuries incurred as a result. So how about restricting these few students from the activity rather than punishing the whole school community? Other than this issue our family loves this school. This is a great school to learn and grow with caring and helpful staff and teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

Simi elementary is a breath of fresh air. The new principal, Mrs. Koch, is caring and available as are the teachers and staff (Ms. Cindy is extraordinary in her 'yard duty' capacity. She knows all the kids by name!) We love the diversity at the school and the extracurricular activities (the GATE math club has just finished, a music program will be starting shortly, and a drama club will be starting later in the school year.) My children have wonderful teachers, are happier, and are doing very well. The quality of education in Simi Elementary is just as good as in the Fundamental schools.
--Submitted by a parent

I can report that both teachers my older son has had (Mrs. Dye & Mrs. Norton) are very dedicated and caring. They take time to think about & discuss issues below the surface. Their ideas are based on well-rounded, insightful, rational perspectives. They are exceptional communicators with both students and parents. (They and several other teachers at the school are trained to teach gifted students and deaf students.) Ryan Edwards (interpretor for deaf students)seems to enjoy his work.
--Submitted by a parent

From what I have observed over the past 4 years, moral has droped. The kids are suffering, the teachers are burned out. My child was said to be at a 2.1 grade level reader. He was re-evaluated by a different teacher, at a different school and we found he was at a 5th grade level. His self esteem was low, and there was nothing really done to bring it up. I must say, I am worried about my child returning to this school. We are suppose to have a new Principal, yet we still have to contend with the same people at the district level. Maybe some fresh blood to oversee the elementary schools would help.
--Submitted by a parent

We did not have a positive experience with this school. The principal was very nice but promised many things that just never happened. The GATE program was nothing more than a few games available for students if they had free time. My child teacher was not interested and actually seemed very annoyed when a parent asked to help in the class room. They have the deaf program which I thought would be a great opportunity for diversity but there is very little interaction between the deaf and hearing students. My child was taught a few signs the first week of school and nothing after that. Overall a very dissapointing experience.
--Submitted by a parent

I like the diverse group of kids we have at our school. We are blessed to have some of Deaf children at our school, it has been a great experience for all of the kids. The children love the old school There are many caring teachers as well. However, in regard to administration there are some concerns. It seems difficult to resolve problems with the principal, he is not one to take the bull by the horns, he would rather sweep it under the carpet.
--Submitted by a parent