Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies

My twins are in fifth grade. They have been assigned a U.S. state report. Ms. Kravitz has organized the project extremely well and in such a way, that our children are afforded an excellent opportunity to start developing these skills. I do not find the work overwhelming. I am thrilled that they are receiving such an education. These skills would help carry them through their education.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a student at soces. The classes are very crowded. I have been going to that school for 2 years and only 2 teachers have learned my name. All the food they serve is prepackaged and sometimes cold. I take a bus there and its always hard to find a seat sometimes we even have to seat 3 people a seat. Teachers arnt all that great last year my math teacher got fired and we had a sub the rest of the semester. That made it hard for me to do well on the cst. I always tell my parents but they dont believe me because they think its too much of a good school. If i could i would switch schools as soon as possible.

With the LAUSD budget cuts and staff cuts SOCES has still managed to be a top-notch school for academic work. The office staff is sometimes overwhelmed, but that is through no fault of their own. Blame ridiculous cuts in critical areas the school doesn't control. Staff are friendly and often go out of their way to assist students or run extra-curricular programming. For example, the Speech program has National and State Finalists and is constantly garnering recognition for its work at tournaments. It's coach, Mr. B, has taught our children not only how to articulate themselves with conviction and supporting evidence but also prepated them for success in life and higher academic learning. The College Office is overworked, but does a great job helping students in applying for college and university. The biggest weakness at SOCES is leadership. The new principal means well and seems eager to please, but from what I have witnessed does not garner much support from staff and students and is over-whelmed by her duties. There is a new AP that is "on-the-ball" and seems highly motivated and an excellent communicator.
--Submitted by a parent

My child went to SOCES in 4th grade year 2011/12 and I am pulling her out. The school is large and she feels lost. She said bigger kids call little ones names once in a while and she got pushed a few times. 4th graders have to change classrooms with every period, same as kids do in middle/high school. Academically she did well, good grades, but socially she was very unhappy. Counseling office staff is very nice, big thanks to Kim and Mike! Teachers seem overwhelmed and overworked, large class sizes. Also, if your child goes to an elementary school now, this school's hours are longer by about 5 hours a week more of instruction. It could be a nice school for some, but it's not for everyone, I would say if the school your child goes to is good in general, it's not worth it to move them to SOCES unless you want to see them be pushed hard academically, and feel overwhelmed with the size of the school and grown kids around them.
--Submitted by a parent

All three of our children went to SOCES for elementary school through high school. They all got into top echelon universities--Univ. of Wis., UCBerkley, and UCLA. Each of them is now gainfully employed in their career of choice, and they could not be happier. I credit CES for giving them the academic tools they needed for success, and the bonus was that they each made friends for life at that school. Overall excellent teachers. Admin. staff could be more welcoming. Otherwise, great school.
--Submitted by a parent

I love the staff. There is a family atmosphere here. The Principal is a terrific woman, but she is new and hitting a wall with trying to implement any change (that will just take some time). There is very little parent participation due to kids coming from everywhere. I have a 5th grader so I can only review the elementary school. As for the "grade level" education, I feel more is needed to improve on the elementary education (here is where some of that change is needed) Too many large projects, not enough basics (reading and vocabulary building, basic science and basic history). I love our math teacher and I feel we are on target with math. But due to the amount of busy work and papers and one ridiculously large and tedious history project, we are falling behind in those other areas. Honors student will do better. The average kids, however, struggle. Parents need to be very involved in helping the kids stay on task. Most teachers do not post their homework or grades and some are not internet/email friendly. Again, where change is needed. I am hoping for the best that the school remains open and active. I do plan to stay with it.
--Submitted by a parent

Over all this is a great school.Principle and administrative - great. Most of the teachers are good. Homework load is ridiculous. My daughter has Mr. Kravits for science and she is doing homework until 8-9pm every night . If you want your child to have a life and still go to this school, Make sure this teacher is not on your list.
--Submitted by a parent

My two children, one with special needs and the other highly gifted have both been served well at this school. The administration is incredibly caring, intelligent and supportive. They have always looked out for my childrens well being and truly seem to care about them. The teachers think out of the box and return calls and emails promptly. We have an OUTSTANDING arts program including Drama, Music, Choir and Visual Arts. SOCES is a model school showing how the uninterrupted school experience 4th - 12th promotes an environment where the staff and administration really get to know your child and are able to best place them into the right classes and teaching environment year after year. I think the idea of having the younger children intermixed with the older children fends off the hier'archical bulling that is seen at so many schools. My children love the idea of moving into Jr. and Sr. High all at the same school and with their same friends all the way through. We have been at this school for 4 years and I can say if your child is motivated and you as a parent are involved with your childs educatoin, you will be very happy here.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter graduated last year from SOCES, after having been there since 4th grade. Most of the teachers are terrific, although there are a few exceptions. They really care about the students. Because of the small size, there is continuing interaction, even after the students leave a particular teacher's class. To me, one of the best features of this school is the diverse student body. The students come from every possible ethnic, economic, and religious background. I don't know of any other school that has such a diverse group of students.
--Submitted by a parent

Most of the personnel working in the office are RUDE and never entertains calls, not even direct you to the right person. It's automatic that they transfer you to a voicemail and you don't even know where they have transferred you to or if that the person that you would like to speak with. Whether calling the office or going to the going office, it's the same experience you get. I thought initially that it was just a one-time experience but it always the same experience everytime. I hope that they should act more professionally.
--Submitted by a parent