Donald Graham Elementary School

I chose to send my two children to this school. At the time my first son was to enter Kinder we were slated to attend Jean Haymen. For many reasons I was not embracing the idea of that school and drove around my community, which I had only lived in for 2years, looking at the local elemntary schools. Donald Graham's beautiful campus and location, safely within a nice neighborhood caught my eye. Six years later with both children on honor roll, I am so glad I made the choice I did. DGE has excellent teachers that give all children a sense of importance and worth at all times. Both principals we have had over the years have been wonderful leaders and the children have loved them! The PTA at DGE is one of the strongest I have seen or heard of in the area, always giving 110% to the students and staff! As my oldest approaches 5th grade graduation I feel it's important to share my family's praise and support of our experiences at DGE. School events, field trips, science fair, the speech program, committed staff from office, nurse, teachers, cafeteria and even custodial all team up to create an exceptional experience for the entire family.
--Submitted by a parent

Donald Graham Elementary, I consider to be my second home. I have two children that have been attending since 2003. My kids both started DGE with the wonderful Speech and Language program back when they were 3 years of age. They have always been there to help my family. I have never had an issue with the front office staff in 8 years. The Principal always has an open door. She is out front every morning greeting all the students with a warm smile and a good morning. (especially if you are wearing a CHARGERS jersey). The DGE PTA is fantastic. Every month they have wonderful events for the students and their families. I can't say enough about this school. Why in the world would anyone want to watch from a car in the parking lot. Come in and check it out for yourself!!!! This is the last year for one of my kids, but my youngest has two more years. We are like a family here, and because of that I will always remain involved at DGE.
--Submitted by a parent

The staff here is RUDE, RUDE, RUDE!! Why does the school employ the aides and office staff? These people continue to scream at the students, and the children are in fear of the "mean lady" at the front desk. If you do not believe me...watch from the parking lot, on the kindergarten play yard. You will be shocked at how the aides speak to your children. Where is the principal? Always at a meeting, away from her desk, anywhere but with the students!! This school is in need of a makeover...FAST!
--Submitted by a parent

I am becoming more and more disappointed with DGE. At first I thought this was going to be a fun and safe learning environment, however, as time has gone by it seems to be truly lacking. Sadly this school, as many others are, is teaching for test scores. There are a slight few amongst the teaching staff that do care and go above and beyond, but the majority make it clear that it is a hassle for them to be there each day. I agree with posts that the Principal is genuinely caring and concerned for the students well being, but with the district breathing down the back of her neck for being a newbie, I think she is cautious to push forward with some of her ideas to make DGE a better place. The PTA puts on many extra activities, however they seem un-approachable to an outsider trying to help (very "clicky"). Overall this school is ok, but with lackluster teachers, no music or art programs and the feeling of not being able to participate in my child's education, I will be looking for a new school next year.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two daughters in this school and they are both very happy. I am pleased. This is their second year here and every thing is going great :)
--Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at DGE and we love it. My sons teacher is involved she is caring and listens to him. I volunteer in the class once a week and get to see how the kids interact and they can be a challenge :) The office staff can be a bit rough but after w few weeks of coming and going they were no problem. They could smile more though :) Principal Recatto is awesome. She goes out of her way for these kids to challenge them and to make them feel important. So glad we decided to enroll at DGE rather than our 2 other close by schools. We are getting a better education than the private school we went too.
--Submitted by a parent

My children started attending this school this year, and I am already disappointed. This school offers nothing more than substandard education. The school does not offer a music program where children can sing and learn to play instruments. I would also like to mention that out of 3 of the 4 teachers my children have 1 is I feel up to par. The others, well they must not like their jobs, because they sure act like it. Then there is the front office clerks, whom also probably don't like their jobs, the only thing I can take from all of this is that, they are either judgmental or truely don't want to be there. The only thing I can good about this school say about this school is I feel they do have a great principle. She seems to really care about the kids and their education.
--Submitted by a parent

If it's quality your looking for at this school, please keep on looking. I am very disappointed by the quality of education my children are getting at this school. The teachers (not all) and office staff are judgmental of the parents and students, or maybe they just don't like their jobs. It would be nice to go into the office and be greeted with a smile, but the office lady is always confrontational, and is down right rude. There isn't a music program at this school, and they are talking about taking away all the play equipment because it is not up to the school boards standards (only like 10 years old), and they don't have money to replace it. One thing I would like to say is that the school does seem to have a good principle who cares about the kids
--Submitted by a parent

I HAVE TWO KIDS ATTENDING TO THIS SCHOOL ,THERE IS ONLY ONE THING I DO NOT LIKE IS TO HEAR MY KIDS THAT THEY HAVE TO SUPPORT OTHER STUDENTS BEEN FIGHTING WITH THEM AND NOT TO BE ABLE TO TELL THE TEACHERES BECAUSE THEY GET MAD. ,THE BAD THIING IS THAT THEY HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS TO THEM IN ORDER TO TELL THE TEACHER .
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children attending this school and I'm very happy with my decision earlier this year to transfer them back here (after we moved out of the district). It is worth the drive! The teachers we have had are wonderful. We'll miss the principal we had last year -- but they do seem to be doing a good job this year. Both of my kids are excelling in their classes.
--Submitted by a parent