Longfellow Elementary School

I went to Longfellow beginning in 1975 (Kindergarten) ; I left to attend another school in 1976 ; I finally returned in 1979 and attended through 1983 . My kindergarten teacher was really creative , and she nurtured creativity in all of her students . I first heard early Pink Floyd ("Piper at the Gates of Dawn" , 1967) in her class ; it was from her extensive record collection. 5th grade had me attending instruction under an excellent teacher. At the time , I wasn't too happy about being academically pushed (what kid does ?) , but his format actually helped me and my classmates monumentally. Great times spent at Longfellow . I wonder how many of my former teachers are still part of Longfellow's staff ...

This is my sons first year at this school. We transferred from Downey and I was concerned about the ratings they had overall. To my surprise my sons teacher has been great. I can completely tell she cares for him and the students. I am extremely pleased with the school and his teacher this year.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a mother of 2, and have had a wonderful experience at Longfellow! I was completely skeptical about the rating and found that the teacher's are exceptional especially my son's Kindergarden teacher Mrs. Mayo...
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of twims in 2nd grade. We transferred this year from a private school and I was very concerned with the low rating. However, I have been greatly suprised. My boys have wonderful teachers who truly care about their students. I am glad that we transferred to this school.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers have been good, some even great and I would highly recommend them by name to friends to request at enrollment. The principal however, I find to be sorely lacking in leadership qualities. The previous 2 principals, however, were excellent.
--Submitted by a parent

Hi I am a parent of a first grader at Longfellow. His teacher is the greatest, she is smart and fun. He adores her. However, the principal is flaky and unprepared, and often makes decisions on the spot and does not follow through with any of his promises. He is nice enough, but I wouldn't want to work for him.
--Submitted by a parent

Well next year is my daughter last year I thinking of change school. I witness something I hope never to witness again. I have just drop my daughter off. I walk in the office this was about two weeks ago. This lady was yelling at child asking the child. 'Do you know what annoying means? Do you know how to spell annoying? The child was just listening to her and holding the microphone in his hand. The Principal was there and did nothing about. In my opinion the lady should never speak to a child in that matter and the Prinicipal should never allow adult to speak to a child like that. That is degrading to a child. When I saw that I was disappointed in the Principal because I thought he was going to make a different in the school and in our children life by inspiring them.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a 1st and 2nd grader at Longfellow. Yes, the school has had low scores, change does not happen overnight. However, I personally have witnessed dramatic changes within the administrative and academic area. The school is continually requesting parent involvement, which I believe is the key to a successful student. I work hard with my children, dedicating two hours per day to homework and reading. Thankfully, both are at the top of their class. In the 2006-2007 year, the school has held reading workshops for parents - giving tips on getting your children to read more. The Principal has held forums for parents to discuss problems/issues, which I might add, did address issues with his constant agitated attitude. Since that day, I have seen a dramatic change in his personality. Addressing issues will get you a long way.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a 2nd grader and 3rd grader. I am very happy with the quality of education my children are receiving at Longfellow. Both my children are doing very well in school. One of my children is in the GATE program. The teachers are very good and always willing to listen to any concerns you may have. I think a big part of it is parent participation. My son was once bullied at school. When I found out. I brought it to the attention of the principal and that stopped really quick. He had a parent conference with the other childs parents and it stopped. My children have never encountered those problems again. I only wish they had some kind of music program or sports programs for the kids.
--Submitted by a parent

Last year, we left this school due to a number of problems that did not improve over the four years our daughter attended Longfellow. Despite its high rating, the school did not provide a healthy environment for learning. The playground is a place where the strong and aggressive prevail; bullying is often unchecked. Furthermore (and this may have changed, as there is now a new principal), a toxic secrecy prevails in such matters as teacher assignment, testing for GATE (the 'gifted' program), and other opportunities. Even teachers were often clueless about what was going on or how to advise parents. I speak as the parent of a top student--a student whose scores now boost another school's statistics. I would not recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent