Pomelo Community Charter School

Great school, teachers & staff. For our children to have the same opportunities as schools with more money, donations/fundraisers are a key factor to keep music, art, PE, computers, etc. as part of the students curriculum. Team Pomelo/PTA makes every effort in filling the needs of the school where LAUSD can not. As with any school - private or public - there will be conflict on individual levels between parents/faculty/administration/students. Overall, Pomelo has provided an amazing education and social environment for my GATE children.
—Submitted by a parent

I expected a better school, but the principal has an attitude problem. I feel that If you are not the right ethnicity, social demographics and even religion than the majority, don't expect your child to fit in. The PTA is extremely pushy with donations. We all know LAUSD is broke, but no everyone can donate. It does have a beautiful campus, a good music program and academically is an OK school, but definitely over-rated. Parents are very involved and care, but when the leadership is not there, no much you can do.
—Submitted by a parent

I am sure there are worse schools that your child could attend, but this one seems to have slid way downhill from where it was under previous leadership. Very strange dynamic in the school leadership which seems to wage war on some personnel and favor others to an extent that State requirements for classroom teaching are ignored. I think this school has a great legacy, but a very unpromising future. It seems the school is still coasting off of the past outstanding leadership it has enjoyed, not to mention the benefit of pulling from a strongly educated population. Nothing notable is happening there now. This is a C+ school at best.
—Submitted by a parent

I wanted to donate $20 to put up Happy B-day on the Marque as I did last year, and I was told by the PTSA president Elisa Bobrosky that you had to bid on it at the silent auction and it was $100.00. I was told by Elisa my $5, 10, or $20 was not enough. I also spoke with Ms. Gardner and she said it was $100. Wow how sad it's all about money and they would turn away $20.00. I'd rather give it to a charity for NYC!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great friendly school. The principal and the staff are very helpful. This was the best change for my daughter.
—Submitted by a parent

Pomelo is a good, safe neighborhood school with caring teachers, involved parents and a dynamic principal. There are many dedicated, outstanding teachers and the atmosphere is warm and caring. The only drawback is that class sizes tend to get a bit large in the upper grades (e.g., 38 students per class) and the GATE program is basically non-existent. For gifted students, it is not an ideal choice since there is essentially no differentiation whatsoever for gifted students. This is unfortunate since it is otherwise a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

Pomelo is a great school. It is a community of teachers, parents, staff and children. The teachers, staff and parents work together and make this a wonderful place for the students. The parents appreciate the teachers and the work they do. It takes everyone to make a great school and Pomelo is defnitely great!
—Submitted by a parent

Pomelo has a ton of helicopter parents, if you like that and over indulged children with $20 bills, cell phones and poor manners. Also join the PTSA if you want to be mixed up with a bunch of overbearing control freaks with nothing better to do then hoover over their children by being way over invloved in thier school life. Teachers are fine and principal is Great!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school for neurotypical children. For children with disabilities, I have not seen such an inept professionalism anywhere in LAUSD. Pomelo wins the award for greatest detriment to the social and emotional development of children who don't fit the norm.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in 5th grade and is a child of color half black and half white. We have had a great experience, especially with Mrs. Gilreath in first grade. We love his 5th grade teachers. I feel he has gotten a good education and is in the Gate program. I feel bad for the teachers with the high teacher to student ratio, I'm sure it can be stressful. I'm sure the principal feels stressed not having a full time assistant principal to help her. Save your money for college I recommend all the schools on this end with Haynes being my second choice if your looking for a smaller school with a sweeter principal. But I've loved this school because the staff have been good and fair to I and my child. I thank you! Especially the fifth grade teachers with their kindness and sincerity to their teaching profession. A parent
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school. Fantastic teachers, supportive principal, incredible parent support, and reliable support staff. There are many other activities that the children can participate in including ball room dance, computers, chorus, art, and music classes.
—Submitted by a parent

Pomelo is a great school because the parents are very involved at the school. There is always the opportunity to be a part of what's going on there. The parents are encouraged to help and are very appreciated.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a fantastic school with great students & tremendous parent involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

We have two children attending Pomelo and think the faculty and staff there do a great job within the limitations LAUSD places upon them. Our son is on the autistic spectrum and went to 4 different schools before Pomelo and it wasn't until he was at Pomelo that he found a caring, supportive environment to help him grow socially and emotionally. The parents seem very active and involved at Pomelo and although we do have some issues with the school (but is any school perfect?) we highly recommend this elementary school as probably one of the best public schools in the LAUSD system.
—Submitted by a parent

There is a tremendous partnership between the school and parents/families. It has ensured the success of many children that I know who have attended there and that in itself gives me great confidence in sending my children.
—Submitted by a parent

Ms Arrington truely loves music and cares for each of her kids.

Pomelo Drive Elementary School is an amazing place to send your child to learn. The teachers are wonderful and nurturing. They really care about each student. I as a parent hold and cherish such sweet memories of Pomelo. I personally love spending time there helping wherever I can. This school has a large amount parent volunteers, I think that combined with an amazing staff makes Pomelo the best elementary school around. I would highly recommend people to move to our neighborhood just so their children could attend Pomelo and experience what I am talking about!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

both my children (now high schoolers) graduated from Pomelo. It was an excellent foundation for them with unforgettable teachers and experiences.
—Submitted by a parent

Caring teachers who challenge the kids. There's a reason why it's a California Distinguished School.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Pomelo - its faculty,students,family and community make it the best school!
—Submitted by a parent