Conejo Elementary School

Conjeo Open Classroom Leadership Magnet Program is excellent. The principal, teachers, and parents participation is great. My daughter states, she "loves the principal" (Dr. Sellers). I am so happy to be apart of this community and school.
—Submitted by a parent

Its a great school with 2 great programs for all types of children. The parents and teachers are super supportive and the Principal (Dr. Sellers) is amazing.
—Submitted by a parent

EWConejo Elementary School is 1 of a kind. It is home to Conejo Openclassroom Leadership Magnet. Our amazing Principal, Dr. Dena Sellers, creates a successful learning environment for students representing a wide diversity of social & economic experience. It is a place that truly transforms families on their way to the real American dream...education for a whole society.
—Submitted by a parent

Conejo home of the Leader in Me - Leadership Magnet program is stellar! One of the few places intentionally creating an educational environment that is responsive to the real world of children today and preparing them for the demands of the future. Visionary - with phenomenal leadership provided by Principal Sellers and active parental involvement and community engagement. A whole-child, whole person learning community.
—Submitted by a parent

As the parent of a student in the Open Classroom Leadership Magnet at Conejo Elementary, I couldn't be happier with this school. My son has received above-average instruction since kindergarten, and now with the overlay of Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People as a framework for the school's core values it's like a dream come true. The school has always identified and nurtured each child's special gifts, and now with Covey's Leader in Me program in place, the students will learn how to channel their strengths into leadership skills to last a lifetime. Our family is so blessed to be a part of this learning community.
—Submitted by a parent

Lots of extracurricular activities available. Yard Duty could be more educated on using less authoritarian communication to create a more wholesome environment. Other than that the school seems to be nice.
—Submitted by a parent

In Conejo Elementary s Open Classroom Program, our children flourish as individuals, growing confident and competent academically, socially, and emotionally. Creative teachers make learning an exciting adventure our children will always pursue. Dynamic, interdisciplinary lessons engage their multiple intelligences; while strong teacher/student bonds enhance learning. Our families collaborate as an educational community, enabling one-on-one attention and an intimate understanding of the passions, strengths and weaknesses that motivate each child. Mentoring, dialogue, and cooperative group activities foster personal growth, respect, constructive-communication and team-building skills essential to reaching goals. Our capable Principal is a supportive facilitator and thoughtful decision-maker. Conejo boasts CVUSD s only elementary-level percussion ensemble, a new computer lab, an inviting library, and a diverse student population. My children are achieving academic mastery while learning problem solving, critical thinking, oratory, self-discipline, time management, and self-confidence while honoring their natural curiosity. This balanced education prepares them as responsible citizens and capable, innovative thinkers.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers do not support students. Its complete chaos.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 boys in the Open Classroom program at Conejo and we are amazed at how much they get to experience and how what they've learned stays with them. My oldest son is a GATE student and was in the traditional program last year (due to waiting list for O.C.) and since he has much difficulty 'fitting in the box' he was depressed and sad every day. The Open Classroom has offered him many exciting opportunities to 'shine'. His teachers (2 teachers due to split classrooms) work with him and what he needs. The older kids also mentor the little ones which is great for both ages! I love the teachers and the Principal at this school too.
—Submitted by a parent

Conejo Elementary is wonderful. They have two programs under one roof. The traditional program which serves students from the neighborhood around the school and the 'Open Classroom' program (www.conejoopenclassroom.com) which is offered to anyone in the school district through 'school choice.' Our two daughters attend Open Classroom and we have found it to be a dynamic, progressive program which is truly an educational 'community.' Parents work in the classroom 90 min/week to enable the curriculum to be delivered with real differentiation as opposed to 'one size fits all.' Students learn through a variety of educational strategies including 'theme based' learning, 'hands on' projects, field trips and multi-faceted units that can incorporate art, music and/or drama. Also, students strengthen the life-skills of empathy, problem solving and compassionate communication in a daily discussion group called 'circle'. These skills can't be quantified on standardized tests, but our girls (family) have benefited greatly from them.
—Submitted by a parent

The open classroom part of this school is very good and allow the children to be who they are.
—Submitted by a parent

I would not recommend this school to any parent that is concerned with giving their child a great education, or even a good education. Leadership and teacher quality is extremely poor. The teachers do not really care about child progress. They 'just want to get the work done'. Basically, the administrators and teachers have a bare minimum attitude. Never has my child received any individual attention or resources available to help him learn. The teachers do not pride themselves on academic excellence, thus, the students absolutely suffer as a result. My child has worsened at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Conejo Elementary has been a pleasant surprise. After all of the negative words I had heard about the school, I realized these comments were all from people that had never actually sent their kids to Conejo. The principle is great and so far I am thrilled with the teachers. They are just as qualified as any other teacher in the Unified School District. I wish more parents would give Conejo a chance.
—Submitted by a parent

Conejo Elementary has the distinction and privilege of not only having the traditional school program, but also offers the Open Classroom program. This is an outstanding program which requires parent involvement, therefore, children receive a great amount of attention. The philosophy is that children learn by experiencing. I feel that my third grade son has received such an enriched education, not available through the traditional school program. The teachers are hand-selected and bring such much abundant knowledge to our kids. I highly recommend Open Classroom.
—Submitted by a parent

Through this school there is a charter school. The charter mandates that parents work 90min/week in each child's classroom. This program is fantastic in that the level of energy generated by the teachers far exceeds that of 'normal' classrooms. Because there is so much parent involvement, the teachers are free to explore many interesting topics. This program is truly refreshing and exciting.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. Teachers are really patient and nice. I went to Conejo Elementary and I have some really great memories. They know how to deal with students who have disciplinary problems but can also challenge talented students.