Apperson Street Elementary School

I have 2 children at Apperson who transferred from another local school. Apperson has exceeded our expectations. My oldest child has ADHD and an IEP. The staff have all been strength based, warm, and open to creative problem solving to make his class placement a win-win for my son, his peers, and teacher. There were several teacher changes due to administrative reasons, but I have been impressed with each teacher based on their level of skill, dedication to working with the students, and open communication. My daughter is also thriving and happy in her class. She is in an awesome girl scout troop after school and my son plays in the orchestra . There is also a computer lab and science center that students go to once a week - none of these features were available at the other school. Most importantly, my kids are happy and learning. We have found a caring environment where everyone takes a genuine personal interest in the well being of the students. I do see it as our responsibility as parents to partner with the school to help all our children succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

I am so very disapointed in this school. We transfered my daughter to this school 2 years ago, and chose it because it rated 8 out of 10 in best schools... so it had to be a great school, right? Wrong!!! If your child is "above average" then you will be fine here, but if your child is lacking or struggeling in any way, shape or form then STAY AWAY from this school, they will make your life miserable. The teachers were telling my daughter that she would be better off at Sunland Elementary, they hounded me to get her tested for ADHD, once she was diagnosed with mild ADHD then the school no longer had a place for her and I basically had no choice but to transfer her to a new school. They made sure the transfer was made before testing to make sure that she didn't lower their scores. I gave it one star for the fact that Janet in the front office is great, I watch her with the kids in the morning and they love her. Also this is the hardest PTA that I have ever seen... I got annoyed with the constant fundraising, but they had so much more for the kids because of it.
—Submitted by a parent

This is not my home school. I vetted many of the area schools including private schools and chose Apperson. I have two boys currently in 3rd and 1st grade respectively. I am very impressed with the teachers my sons have had and with the PTA which is an integral part of this school. LAUSD would never be my district of choice but the PTA at this school does everything it can to subsidize the district's deficiencies. My sons' have the benefit of a computer lab, a science lab and a library just to mention a few of the projects the PTA of Apperson brought to fruition over the course of many years. I have never been involved with a more diverse and inclusive group than with this school's faculty and this PTA. - Michelle Miller
—Submitted by a parent

i d have to say that this school is probobly the typical for the big disctrict LAUSD. Familys do come to this school when they easily pass one or two other schools . Most of our childs teachers so far have been adequate with our help from home by keeping up to date ourselves with what the standards are. I dropped a star off becuase of safety in the morning. I have nearly rearended and been rearended because of the traffic. There are plenty of helpers opening car doors but some pay more attention to each other and talking to the kids and adults on the sidewalk around them then the cars pulling up with children to drop off. Most kids just get out themselves and walk from whereever they were stuck in line so those who wait for help with littler ones get beeped at or someone up our tail wanting to drive through but now are stuck in the cone lane. . I recommend park and walk your child yourself.
—Submitted by a parent

We left this school because of the front office, the pta, and the principal. While most of the teachers are good, the administration is an abonimation. I know of several other families that left because of them. They do NOT care about the students, only their image. The pta is a core who make sure their children are in the advanced classes even if they don't merit the privilage. It's a shame that many good teachers and kids have to put up with them.
—Submitted by a parent

Apperson started early this year and it was a very smooth beginning. The smiling faces of the students and teachers were a sight to behold. My children have gone to Apperson for several years and we have loved every minute. Of course there is always room for improvement but our children have been happy here and have made some wonderful friends. The PTA is very active and plans many activities in the evening for the whole family. The teachers are outstanding. They are very helpful and go out of their way to meet with you before or after school. The school became a Distinguished School and the teachers and support staff deserve it. The aides and office staff and friendly and warm. I feel my children are very safe and cared for at Apperson. The Principal is kind and understanding. She wants students to succeed. I would recommend anyone with children Kinder through Fifth grade to check out this outstanding school you won't find any better than this!!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

We have been fortunate to have many succesful years at Apperson. The teachers are wonderful and I'm so proud that Apperson is now a Distinguished school. There are always parents that you may not see eye to eye with, but let's face it-we don't go to school there, our children do! Apperson is succesful because of the strong PTA and caring staff. My childrens teachers have made a wonderful impact on their lives!
—Submitted by a parent

I agree to volunteer. Thats why we are on the PTA Board at our new school. Both my husband and I are very active in both our kids lives and within their schools. I would hope you wouldnt assume that we were never involved or that we didnt want to be. It was sad that we felt we couldnt be at Apperson. Like I said previously, an issue with a PTA member who is on the board and is buddy-buddy with office staff~ You are screwed. I am happy that you have had a great experience. I did as a student years ago.
—Submitted by a parent

fourth year at Apperson, and still loving it!!!! the teaching staff is very friendly and the education my child has receiving is wonderfu.like every school there are improvements i would love to see made, but my overall experience has been great. Although there is some tension within in the pta (personal issues) i believe our pta does alot for the school. Most complaints i hear are from parents who tend to not volunteer or attend meetings..if they would like to see changes i wish they would step up. i personally spend several hours each week working with the pta . my voice is heard and i have seen my ideas put into action..i would suggest for people to stop complaining and become involved...we could use the help and would love to see new faces and new ideas....my first year was a little intimated at the meetings because i didnt not really understand what was going on..but i learned. what everyone has to realize is that all of the VOLUNTEER work we do is for the kids...Not the adults...
—Submitted by a parent

It is so sad that my child could not have the experience here that I had as a youth. If you have a issue with any PTA member, your life will be hell. The office will back them up. This school is driven by fundraising ONLY. The principle will not return your call or concerns. I wish you all the best of luck and hope that your childs experience will be better than my child. AMEN, my child will be at a new school and will not be labeled by vicious adults who are big bullies!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school in LAUSD. It has a computor lab and a science lab. It also has an excellerated learning system for kids that can move more quickly. The parents can be a little closed minded, but the teachers are good.
—Submitted by a parent

Apperson is a good neighborhood school. There are several other very good schools in the area as well: Mountainview, Sunland & Stonehurst. Prospective parents should tour several schools in the area to see what works for them. But, in comparing this school with others (public, charter & private) and throughout Los Angeles, I would have to rate this school as average. The only thing that stands out are its teachers. The administration and office staff are pretty typical of most public schools - they've got a lot to deal with and don't want to do one more thing than they have to. Politics and gossip unfortunately are rampant. The PTA does do a lot for the children & the school, but there is no easy way for parents to help out or volunteer outside of the PTA. All in all, a good school. You could do worse. Go Apperson Tigers!
—Submitted by a parent

We've had a great time here at Apperson. Our teachers are great, arts programs are available to kids, an overall super experience!
—Submitted by a parent

I was so imprested with the office staff today! A parent came into the office to pick up her kids early. The lady in the office called one of her students out from class. The older student was still at lunch for a few minutes and was told that the bell would ring in just a minute and then she would then call for her. The Mom was so rude...'My kids are in the car unsupervised and the gardners might take them. I want her now off the yard. ' The Mom left her kids alone, in a care and was upset with the office staff for it?! The office staff should be commended for handling her outragous behavior and rudness with efficentcy and politness. I have always enjoyed the warm greetings and business like efficency by the office ladies. They are always kind and respectful to parents, children and staff.
—Submitted by a parent

Apperson really is wonderful so sad to see someone posting such negative things about the school. This person has nothing better to do than complain about every little thing and in my opinion would not be happy anywhere they go. The principal and the staff are great with very involved parents who care about the kids and the school. Some people just do not realize how lucky they are to have their children here the teachers are truly amazing.
—Submitted by a parent

wow...u people have nothing better to do besides sit around and talk trash about the office staff at apperson. i think the office staff at apperson is so amazing they help out with anything and everthing. this is a great school. if u are so unhappy with apperson you can always go to sunland or plainview. maybe you should go see how the parents rate the staff there... for any parents looking to send your children to apperson please note this school is amazing from the principal to the office staff down to the teachers..
—Submitted by a parent

this school suffers from lack of leadership - principal is looking to retire soon & wasn't even on campus most of last year because of medical leave. The office staff are surly and complain about everyone - teachers, parents & kids - they put on the fakest sweet talk to the kids, and then turn around & gossip about the kids once they've left the office. Typical LAUSD school - driven by parents & teachers, hindered & complicated by administration & office/categorical staff, who are under-educated for working with children. Their only education is that they've graduated high school 30 years ago & have a kid or 2. The teachers on the whole are pretty awesome though, & do their best. The parents are typical of public school - some over volunteers, most parents drop off & don't give a thought after that. An ok elementary, but no decent middle/high for after.
—Submitted by a parent

God Bless the teachers, staff and everyone on board this school is amazing. My daughter has autism and she has improved over the years substantially just by being there. They truly care about there students and are very involved with them and parents. Apperson makes a difference and I only wish there were more school this way. My daughter is now transferring to another due to location but wish I could keep sending her there way. God bless you Apperson staff.
—Submitted by a parent

I miss Apperson! My child attended Kinder last year and was placed in Mrs. Heermann's advanced studies class. She was an amazing teacher who challenged my child in reading, writing, and math. I moved out of area into what I thought was a more competitive school district this year. My child entered first grade & tested in at a third grade reading level and tested out of first grade math. I was asked what private school I pulled my child out from... and I raved about LAUSD's Apperson. Excellent teachers, great computer lab, multiple extra curricular opportunities, PTA has massive fund raising, and parental involvement encouraged. Great school!
—Submitted by a parent

It is great school ,very friendly and family oriented environment. Wonderful and caring teachers!! PTA is amazing !
—Submitted by a parent