White Oak Elementary School

I couldn't agree more with the last review! Go White Oak! My daughter loves the sense of community at the school. She enjoys singing the school song every friday in the courtyard. Her teacher is amazing and has gotten those children to a place that I'm not confident many teachers can! We are blessed with an amazing gym teacher, as well as art, music, computer and library. The children love the staff! I wouldn't send my children anywhere else.
--Submitted by a parent

Don't listen to these negative comments and reviews! White Oak is a great, clean school and our first grader is SO happy here. We are impressed with the fact that he tested into the highest reading group in his class, therefore receives differentiated language arts instruction that is appropriate and challenges him. The school is located in a beautiful, safe neighborhood surrounded by a lovely greenbelt. We are GLAD that our son's school isn't surrounded by fences and gates; it's a school, not a prison! The sense of community here is tremendous. We moved from a nearby city and were welcomed with open arms by the dedicated staff and wonderful families. Miss Valerie in the office is warm and knowledgeable and the staff members seem to know all the kids' names! We feel like our son is treated and respected as a valuable student. He loves waking up and going to school, playing with his friends and even doing homework. Go White Oak!
--Submitted by a parent

We went for a kindergarten orientation. The principle who is new to the school was doing a walk through and didn't even know what day classes started. The campus is an open campus. Anyone could walk in. Instead of addressing what extra safety measures are taken to ensure student safety we were just told that there have never been any problems. Wrong answer! Terrible set up for working parents with the half day K classes. Your child is in after care care 5-6 hours for a standard working day. With respect to K going to the restrooms on this open campus they are supposed to go 2 at a time. While we were on tour one just went by themselves. When asked about this we were told that "this" teacher let's them go alone. Another wrong answer considering all of the issues schools are having these days.The parents volunteering in the classroom are not screened and as we understand may have instances where they are alone with the kids. This is a potential liability but I guess it happens in all schools. The school is old and not updated as another reviewer mentioned. Not impressed when there are better options in this district. We won't be attending this school. What a shame.

One of the best schools in the best school district in California. We moved here for the schools and all 3 of my elementary-age children are getting a great education by talented teachers. Their testing scores are in the very top tier and best of all, they are reading, writing, and doing math and special extra projects with confidence. Highly recommended!
--Submitted by a parent

We moved to this area to send our children to this school because of the high API scores. Don't be fooled. The leadership seems Machiavellian in that parents who "go with the flow" and donate the most time and money seem to be rewarded with the best teachers. This encourages the "cliquey" atmosphere mentioned in the last review. Most parents are afraid to voice their concerns to the principal or district office because they fear their children will pay the price. The district office does not seem to want to help with this problem and respond to parent concerns with apparent anger and disbelief. This school needs a leader that can facilitate a collaborative environment between all stakeholders.
--Submitted by a parent

We left this school after looking at our options within the same district. I felt as though it is a cookie cutter education (same worksheets over and over and definitely 'teaches to the test'). Children are not seen as individuals, the same is expected from every child. The principal and some teachers do not seem interested in these kids as people. Parents can be very cliquey.
--Submitted by a parent

My son spent an entire year at this school - at the end of the year, the principle didnt even know his name! The teacher tought them things wrong that they were going to have to re-learn (there are two centimeters to an inch but you have to use my special ruler)....the teacher was simply not interested in my child - fortunately she is no longer in the school but the principle is so bear that in mind
--Submitted by a parent

Make sure that you have the financial resources to support your child with extra educational outlets. School lacks creativity and use of new technology and methods to teach students the basics. They are still using the same worksheets that they used 7 years ago. With all of the research in education and money in the community and surrounding area, one would think that the school, teaches and materials would have evolved over time.
--Submitted by a parent

Principal is more interested in pleasing the District Administrators than working with parents to ensure that the children at the school receive a quality education. She is frequently referred to as the 'NO Principal'. Unlike other principals in LVUSD, she only knows the name of the children who have been in trouble or who's parents spend a great deal of time at or money for the school. Unfortunate to live is such a beautiful community and have such a poor school.
--Submitted by a parent

White Oak is great if your child falls in the 'standard learner' box. The school lacks a strong reading program for children whom are struggling to learn to read. In addition, children who are over achievers are not given material which challenges them to be better.
--Submitted by a parent