Mound Elementary School

This school is academically above average but best suited to children who have parents who stay at home and can volunteer to help in the classroom. Also, children who are energetic, creative, cannot write perfectly by 1st grade, and who don't read in the top 10th percentile by second grade are going to be treated as if they are below average students (when in reality, they are still above average). Teachers at Mound are not fond of these students and make sure the parents of such students know it which only makes everyone more stressed out.
—Submitted by a parent

If your child needs any kind of extra help this is not the school for you. I was told my child did not need to take the Star 9 test. I am sure it is because my child would bring down the points for the school. Most of the teachers are very good but, have had a few teachers that looked at my child as a problem. My child was collateral damage. My child graduated with a 3.5 GPA. I was told my child would be better in our home school.
—Submitted by a parent

You must devote time to this school no matter what. You must have a child who is perfect. You must accept a teachers condescending behavior directed towards yourself and your children.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had 4 children go thru this school over a period of 15 years (oldest now 22, youngest 9). I have 2 boys, and 2 girls. I have seen many principals as well as teachers, and have always felt they did a fantastic job!! I am a working parent, and they have onsite childcare that keeps the kids safe and are willing to work with your children if they need additional assistance during homework club. The teachers are all truly invested in the children, and do the very best they can with the resources they are alloted! I never request a certain teacher, because the children are placed in classes where they will benefit from that certain teacher. After all, the current teacher really does know my childs learning habits better than me, and will choose the best fit for the benefit of that child. The principal is fantastic and listens to your needs and he really is around to interact with the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

We take pride in our school as a family. I'm involved with several aspects of the school including PTO and I trust that staff and volunteers are doing their best for my children. The sense of pride in our school is evident everyday.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent who has a child there I am disappointed. A math magnet school for sure, however the staff is not friendly at all. Working parents will be left out, however you will be noticed in a way that will make it not comfortable for you. You will feel punished! The kids at this school act like they are BETTER THAN & show it i a terrible way. It is a full on fashion show with bullies! It is a terrible thing when your kids come home crying day after day hating school & no one at school will help!
—Submitted by a parent

If your 4th grader forgets their homework or library book they must stand against a chain link fence during recess!
—Submitted by a parent

I don't think this school is as great as it's reported to be. I've volunteered in the class this year,and have found many students not very respectful or appreciative, with an 'entitled' attitude. I'm considering sending my daughter to her home school, since all schools use the same curriculum now.
—Submitted by a parent

I currently have a 4th grader and a Kindergartener at Mound and we love it. I think the teachers really push the students to do their best. I encourage you as a parent to get involved with volunteering on campus. With the selection of Middle Schools we have to choose from here in Ventura I would love to see Mound School offering 6-8 grade as well. If anyone knows if that is actually possible and how to get it started I would love to know?
—Submitted by a parent

I love everything about Mound. The Principal is awesome!!! The teachers are great and make sure they work with each student to improve and reach their full potential. Students are well behaved and they have utmost respect to teachers, parents and school staff. Apart from academics, I also love their arts, music, and P.E. programs. My children are off to a great start! Thanks to Mound!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is without a doubt one of the best school in the state. All of the teachers are supportive and help you to reach all your potential. I went there for 6 years and was thoroughly prepared for middle school.
—Submitted by a student

I really love this school. Mr. Temprano is a great leader an even helps out with afternoon traffic! I was going to hold my son back one year and not start K last year; but I decided to go for it. I am glad I did. I have a very sensitive kiddo and the teacher bent over backwards to ease his anxiety and help out on his fine motor skills. Best school for public!
—Submitted by a parent

My son completes his 4th year this week, June, 2008. I have read the other reviews and suspect some sour grapes from the few poor ratings. No question that parent interest and the required application indicate more involvement. I have been well recieved by each of my son's 4 teachers as a parent helper on morning weekly all 4 years. We are fortunate to have a bright and healthy child who loves school, and has not missed a day in 4 years. We believe it is up to us to support the teacher's efforts, see that all homework is completed well, and supplement his learning in every way we can. As a former teacher and coach, I simply want the best environment for my son, and my wife feels the same. We are very fortunate to have this school, and I wish you the best for your child. Make it happen!
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended K-5 at Mound and it is an AWESOME school! As close to a private school as a public school can get. I have worked in the classroom with the kids each year & have seen the high quality teaching that goes on. I think the people who gave a one-star rating are jealous because of Mound's high test scores. I think they are due to the high level of commitment of the parents. For example, we are willing to drive our kids to school from all over the city because we appreciate the things that set Mound apart . The Principal & teachers are great, the kids are exceptionally nice. I give it 6 stars!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended 6 years at Mound Elementary. I was very frustrated with her experiences there. She is very bright and with the exception of her 1st and 2nd grade teachers was not given anything extra to do. As one of the very few single parents there, I often felt excluded and somewhat shunned. The Principal does not seem to expect his teachers to bring out the best in the students. Poorly performing kids as well as exceptional kids will be frustrated at Mound. Average kids with well-to-do parents will find good experiences there. It was a lonely, frustrating experience for me and my daughter. As far as safety goes, there were several horrid bullies!
—Submitted by a parent

Mound's test scores are high, that is undeniable. However, if you look at the socio-economic level of their students and the education levels of their parents, this is not surprising. Studies show that income is the primary predictor of test scores. A better measure of how a school is doing is its similar schools ranking. They have high parent involvement because the majority of their students come from high income families with only one parent working.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a Kindergardener & a second grader and I couldn't ask for a better school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has high test scores only because it daily teaches to the test. Well-rounded students --- not!
—Submitted by a parent

Mound Elementary is one of the best school's ever. They emphasize mathematics, science, and English and my kids have tons of fun there!
—Submitted by a student

The quality of the education is superior to those in the school district. The parental involvement is very high. The student body has higher expectations of behavior, respect, supportiveness, and integrity among both their teachers and peers. A ten out of ten in my book!
—Submitted by a parent