Summerland Elementary School

As an involved parent at Summerland School, I am horrified by the review of another's perception on May 8th about ours being a "horrible" school... and I disagree wholeheartedly. I see our AMAZING CHILDREN growing, learning, thriving in small classroom environments. I see incredible teachers with undaunting drives to educate and understand each child. I see a new principle with an eagle eye for details and a heart full of compassion. And I see passionate parents who care deeply about their children in our little Summerland School by raising enough money each year to pay for teachers aids in each classroom, a P.E. teacher so ALL the kids can get some phyical education a couple of times per week, plus separate arts and music teachers to round out their cirriculum.. .and more! When I look at Summerland School, I see happy children and a lot of HEART. I'm thrilled my kids are a big part of such a small environment for elementary school; and I'm proud to be part of the school by involving myself and my family in it's sucesses.
--Submitted by a parent

We totally agree to this parent's review on June 9th, 2009. This school can make a parent or his child wrong if they have a different opinion from the principle. But here are two parents have the same opinion on this school and its leadership: "This school is a horrible school. They claim to care for the children when in fact they do not. Tricia Price is not a welcoming person and makes it very hard to approach her. We tried for over a month to get in contact with her and she never returned our calls. Finally, we had to go to the other school (Aliso) to speak with her. " Submitted by a parent

We do not recommend anyone we know of send their kids to this school! Like most other parents, we originally heard some positive things about this school such as its high academic performance and small sized class. We also heard that this school is snobby from a parent who took their child out of this school. These are all correct. We also found out that in one year the school's enrollment went from more than 70 down to 50. It was true that the 6th grade was terminated that year, but it was also true that there were only 3 six graders in Summerland School at that time. WHY were people leaving? What we learned about this school is as follows: 1.) There is a high pressured push for academic performance for its external PR purposes regardless of student's readiness. 2.) The principle does not return phone calls for weeks if you are not her type of parents. 3.) Awards are frequently given to students whose parents are financial sponsors of the school. We hope children can go to a school where kids are supported and nurtured, and equally treated. Mostly their curiosity is encouraged as the motivation for their success, not just some score report for elementary students!

I do not understand why Summerland School is not considered part of Carpinteria Unified School! I searched for Carpinteria Unified School and I couldn't see it. Summerland School countinually earn the highest academic ranking in Santa Barbara County; and Summerland School is among the top 5% of California Distinguished Schools in The State .Summerland ranked # 1 in Santa Barbara County to this date. Please give Summerland School credit!
--Submitted by a parent

Great School, Small Classses,Good Teachers and Lots of Parent Participation!

I like to think of our community school as the 'Little School That Could.' We are a very small school in a financially strapped district (who isn't nowadays) where many local families opt out of public education. The 32 families (and 52 students) left in this public school put forth 150% every day to create an outstanding academic institution. Our tiny school turned out the highest API scores in Santa Barbara County last year due to the excellent staff, committed parents and bright children. We are a K-5 school housed in 2 very old modular buildings with a total of 3 classrooms - each teacher responsible for 2 grades. Because of funding shortfalls, the 32 families raise enough money every year to hire 2 of the three aides, specialists in art and PE, and to stock the office with needed supplies which the District cannot afford. These parents also volunteer countless hours in the classrooms and on campus when there is not enough playground supervision, crossing guards or maintenance crews. The small community in which we live also rallies around our school by providing venues for school plays, donations to our yearly silent auction and much much more. This the current economic crisis that is affecting everyone, and declining enrollment due to the public's concern over educational budget cuts we are all trying to figure out how to continue to support our tiny school. Although we are all concerned I keep telling myself, 'I think we can, I think we can, I think we can...' The children at this school are the future of our community and we need to keep chugging to provide them with an excellent education!
--Submitted by a parent

This school is a horrible school. They claim to care for the children when in fact they do not. Tricia Price is not a welcoming person and makes it very hard to approach her. We tried for over a month to get in contact with her and she never returned our calls. Finally, we had to go to the other school (Aliso) to speak with her.
--Submitted by a parent

a small school were everyone is close to eachother
--Submitted by a student

Summerland School is a great little school with a great academic environment. This school is living proof that when it comes to schools, small is beautiful. Summerland regularly scores in the top three in Santa Barbara County in the annual API scores. Established in 1890, Summerland School has been doing an outstanding job educating students for over a century. The principal is Tricia Price and she is eager to talk with prospective parents and teachers.
--Submitted by a parent