Carpenter Community Charter School

quality academic teachers and programs huge parent involvement overall very happy with this school
—Submitted by a parent

It does have more programs provided by the aggressive fundraising. A great community if you don't mind large public schools. Parking is terrible. Ideal school if you live south of the blvd., such as in the Dona's.
—Submitted by a parent

One of the things that is often overlooked about Carpenter is the quality of the kids. They are really good and interesting kids. One can tell that most of these kids get a lot of warm and loving support at home. This also makes the school a wonderful place for my children. Also, these kids are not into fad and fashion. Lot's of clothes from Target, Children's place, Old Navy, etc. I have yet to see any fashion competetiveness at this school. Very refreshing! Carpenter Mom
—Submitted by a parent

High quality academics. Wonderful music/chorus program. Art programs and after school programs also available at different times during the year. Safe environment. New Principal and new Assist. Principal.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been very satisfied with the availability of the staff to help accomodate my daughter's special needs.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school for students who are motivated and have actively involved parents. If not, there doesn't seem to be much in the way of help.
—Submitted by a parent

The lower grages, k-3, with a 20/1 ratio seem to have a significantly better program than than grades 4 and 5. Having said that, my kids did reasonably well there, made a lot of friends, and have excellent memories. I don't think it is possible to run a school in LAUSD without a lot of ridiculous red tape. Oh, well.
—Submitted by a teacher

My daughter had to make a huge cross country move during kindergarten. With the great teachers at carpenter, her transition was smooth and she never skipped a beat. She was reading chapter books without help and was awarded california award for excellence in math before the year was up! Coming from a small town with a small school (k-3) we really never felt like we were in a huge city. Infact, the only diffence was the laid back attitude and parents still shuffling children to class at 10 minutes past 8. However it is an early start time compared to what I am use to. Overall I enjoyed carpenter last year and I look forward to 1st grade.
—Submitted by a parent

Carpenter Avenue Elementary has the feel of a small-town school but is really quite cosmopolitan due to the area. My daughter loved the school, did very well academically, and overall would undoubtedly rate it high. The parents are very involved.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had 4 children in Carpenter and it is an amazing school. The entire staff is just wonderful. By far the best public school in the valley. Parent involvment is the most intense I've seen in all my years. I would recommend this schhol to everyone.
—Submitted by a parent

If you're looking for a school with a strong HG program, look elsewhere. The challenges associated with a gifted child are hard enough without having to deal with a confusing and cold administration.
—Submitted by a parent

we have been at this school for 5 years and have been extremely happy. although a large school there is a sense of community, parent involvement is very high and great programs are paid for by money raised by the parent body - music, p.e., media lab. there's a great library also. teachers for the most part are caring and we have not had a bad year yet. The kids at this school are happy and for the most part seem to love school and enjoy learning. lots of assemblies on different topics, a great track meet run by the coach, great after school sports programs. we love it and will send our next two children too. just wish it went through 6th grade.
—Submitted by a parent

New principal just started on March 28. School is academically very good. As in any school, parents have to be proactive in child's education - review homework, help with problem areas and communicate with teachers. Attend LEARN council meetings to be up to speed on school. In the past, fund raising organization's parents have been very pushy in class placement for their children. Hopefully this will be toned down. Overall, excellent education if you stay involved with your child and supplement math and language arts if needed for your child.
—Submitted by a parent

Quality of academic programs. Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities. Level of parent involvement is excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful public school! Lots of great teachers and school spirit here. Helps if parents are very involved.
—Submitted by a parent

Carpenter is a great school overall. Parent involvement is strong, the teachers and test scores are great, and the fact that full-time art, music and physical education exists in this troubled school district says a lot. Smart, talented kids will definitely thrive at Carpenter. However, if you have a gifted or highly gifted child, I would advise you to keep looking before selecting Carpenter. The school supposedly has a gifted program, but no one can tell me much about it. Meetings about the gifted program are lengthy, chaotic and go nowhere. After trying my best to find the best place for my child academically, I am ready to leave this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My stepson has attended Carpenter from kindergarten through second grade. We are happy with the school overall, but do wish our child was challenged more academically. The school has a lot of parent involvement and everyone is committed to building a better school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am in the 2nd grade at carpenter and love carpenter. I went to kindergarten at Carpenter and am happy to be going into third grade. I like the art and the library. I like the mac computers in media lab because that is what I have at home. Your kid will like, no love Carpenter school.
—Submitted by a student

Lots of parental involvement. Very protected environment. Quite good extracurricular activities. Getting a new principal, so in transition right now.
—Submitted by a parent

Great academics. Anderson enrichment program after school is great - my daughter gets mad if i pick her up early.
—Submitted by a parent