Carpenter Community Charter School

This school is more like a private. Parent involvement is high. Kids seem really happy. The principal is fantastic, enthusiastic and smart.
—Submitted by a parent

we are new to the school and have a new teacher and our needs are not being met. Further up the school our daughter is with an 'old hand' and her needs are being excellently met. As with all schools it's about the teachers - their example from the principal is amazing though, what an inspirational leader...
—Submitted by a parent

Carpenter Ave is great school for students and parents, but not so much for special education itinerant staff. In fact, the entire group left at the end of the school year two years ago. Pros- great parent support so kids come to school ready to learn, good principal, supplimental programs paid for by parent organization which the Charter makes possible, and good instruction. Cons - a handfull of parents who hire lawyers to harass staff into giving them what they want as opposed to what the child needs. This is VERY expensive for the tax-payer (you and me) and not good for the kids. It also means that special ed services will be provided by new staff each year.
—Submitted by a teacher

Lives up to it's reputation! This is a truly excellent school, with lots of personal attention and a strong connection to the neighborhood. My daughter attended K-6 and we still miss it. There was some variation in the quality of the teachers but the overall quality was very good -- Sanchez, Colbert, Jung were among the standouts. Mr Martenez, the principal, is a terrific leader.
—Submitted by a parent

In response to the previous review, our daughter went K-6 at this school and we always felt she was in safe environment. She's at a private school now and their check-in policy is exactly the same as at Carpenter. I've visited other schools with friends whose kids go to them and at no elementary school, public or private, has anyone ever checked my ID. Maybe it's a high school thing.
—Submitted by a parent

Carpenter is a wonderful school that fosters a love of learning in the children and a great sense of community for the families. Mr. Martinez, the principal, is incredibly caring and committed to the students. The amazing and very active parent body fund a superb enrichment program. I only wish that Carpenter went up to 12th grade! This is a phenomenal school! We are very happy to be here.
—Submitted by a parent

Top notch public school. Involved parents who volunteer time and money and Mr. Martinez is a terrific principal. Most of the teachers at Carpenter are dedicated to their profession and love the kids which makes it feel like a small community that is a pleasure to attend. My son had a wonderful kindergarten year and especially loved all the enrichment classes, including science and music made possible by PFC. Get involved with the school if you are lucky enough to attend this gem.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very proud to be associated with Carpenter Community Charter; it has far exceeded my expectations. My daugter loves school thanks to the kind, loving and supporting staff. Her Kindergarten teacher was the best and has truly prepared my child to enter the real world of elementary school; she was tough and loving! She provided the structure and guidance K'ers need to enter the fast pace world of 1st grade and beyond. The Principal is the best! He truly cares for the kids and is the school's #1 advocate! Parent involvement fantastic and makes this school a joy to attend.
—Submitted by a parent

I would like to express my satisfaction about the school and its good manager and staff. Hope see the carpenter school's rate up and uper.
—Submitted by a parent

Principal Martinez is a breath of fresh air and an excellent manager. His processes for managing communications (twitter, autodialer) makes it easy for busy parents to stay informed. He also has infectious enthusiasm and is a great ambassador for the school. We are very lucky to have him. Our teacher experiences have been mostly fantastic--many were wonderful, outstanding and the best out there, but our child's current teacher is clearly distracted and occasionally just mean. Our counsel has been to turn this into an opportunity to work well even with those that are difficult partners. We don't see this as negatively impacting the curriculum or education--just as an unpleasant social reality this year. Parent involvement is exceptionally high, and we are very lucky at the school to have such a generous parent community. In these years of deep cuts, the parents have made a significant and real positive impact. If there is one nose-plugging negative about the school, though, it is certainly the horrible women running the front office, who are day in and day out as rude and cantankerous as they come; any interaction with them is bound to sour even a wonderful day.
—Submitted by a parent

Great principal- the best I've ever encountered. A very good group of teachers and staff.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal, Joe Martinez is phenomenal! Parents are expected to participate which makes it much better for the children and parents and teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

It is truly a community school. Local businesses, government and residents consider it an asset to the community. It is widely viewed as "The public private school" for the amount of extra programs that are made available.
—Submitted by a parent

Carpenter has a wonderful community spirit and really cares about its students. We rely on these fundraisers to provide the activities that wouldn't be otherwise provided. (i.e. Physical Education/ Music). Tell your friends and VOTE!!!A great place to educate your K-5 child!
—Submitted by a parent

My 2 grandchildren attend Carpenter and I have had the pleasure of visiting their classrooms, meeting their teachers and the principal. The spirit that I see their is beyond anything I have ever seen. They really show they care for the students.

a wonderful school and a wonderful community of parents, teachers and staff.l
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school with LOTS of parent involvement! The kids have enrichment programs like science, dance, p.e., and computers in addition to all the math, reading and writing programs. The principal is fantastic as well!
—Submitted by a parent

carpenter has awesome teachers, awesome principals and awesomes aids. Thats what makes carpenter awesome and educative
—Submitted by a student

Great reputation...not a great school! Way too many kids for the teacher ratio, way too much testing and way too little emphasis on the individual child.
—Submitted by a parent

The school covers all the bases thanks to a very involved parent group. The money raised allows PE, music, computers science, etc. Academically, the school is solid, but if you have a very bright child there isn't a lot of extra attention given to push that child. However, if your child is struggling there are resources. It feels a little crowded, though the parents are so involved it's not tough to meet people. Overall it's a good elementary school, my kids are happy there. It is well run for such a large community.
—Submitted by a parent