Calabash Charter Academy

My daughter has attended this school since 1st grade. I have been very happy with the teachers and parent involvement. I do like the current principal, but often feel that she needs to "update" the needs of the school and extend her knowledge of current technology. I often feel as if she refers to an outdated LAUSD manual and at times seems unwilling to explore options that could greatly improve the school. That said, I think she truly cares about each student and the families: she seems to know each child by name and has a caring interest in their educational future.
—Submitted by a parent

Calabash has changed tremendously over the past 6 years since a new principal arrived. Once the small gem of the valley the school has been overtaken by non sensical rules, little care for families with both parents working and a principal who is more like a dictator. It seems that rules and order have over taken concern, care and any sort of individual treatment of students. A shame that there is not a concern for the big picture. Since becoming a charter school in 2011 there has been little investment in technology, science or extra curricular activities other than a few more field trips. The leadership has become a little cold in the past few years.
—Submitted by a parent

Calabash simply cares. My daughter is in first grade and her teacher is simply amazing. The parents and staff work together to create a feeling of family. The school has only 400 students, so most of the staff knows your child by their first name. They challenge each child to be the very best they can be. They are integrating new technology like ipods into their class curriculum (which my child absolutely LOVES) as well as their after school intervention. A private school education for FREE!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a part of Calabash for the past 6 years. My son attends Middle School now. The first thing students are taught here is to be kind and respectful. As a sixth grader, he stands out from the rest of the students. He was not only taught the academics, but how to organize, prepare and learn. The principal is amazing! If you don't like her, it s probably because you don't like rules. She runs the school with a BIG picture in mind. The GATE classes don't have "only" GATE kids. And, that's the beauty of it. I didn t want my GATE child to be surrounded by only "gate" kids-when the real world is not that way. How would he learn to be patient, polite and thoughtful towards others learning with him? He was challenged from day one by with teachers, and he built self confidence and character. The quality of school Calabash is -is more than superb! Each staff member works towards the benefits of the students. Technology, the Arts and science and music play a big role in the curriculum at Calabash. I feel fortunate about being a part of Calabash because besides the students, principal, teachers and staff it has some great involved, caring parents too!
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at Calabash and I am very happy we chose this school. My child is in kindergarten and doing very well. I was concerned that my kid might not be challenged in a public school, but her teacher presents an exciting curriculum that allows her to deepen her understanding of the material. The children are all very respectful and very bright! The PTA is awsome and very welcoming. The principal seems on top of thing and In my experience very approachable. Overall, I would highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a 4th, 2nd & 1st grader & this is our first year at this school. so far I can't stop raving about this wonderful place! the staff & parents are so involved & are truly out for the students best interests. I must say it is a completely new experience for not only my children but myself to finally have a school where everyone is actually involved for the education & doesn't see school as just some place kids can go & be watched while the parents go to work! it is a diverse environment & small which I love! my only issue is the after school care - which the school can't really do much about. Beyond the Bell offers free after school care for 2nd - 5th which leaves my 1st grader out. they do have a creative kids program which is offered to 1st & k but it is not affordable to us & they do not prorate their fee (I only need child care for about an hour not the full 4 that the program charges for) - & it also filled up on the first day! be back at the end of the school year to give a full review!
—Submitted by a parent

Still "BEST SCHOOL EVER". This is my 3rd year at Calabash and I couldn't have made a better choice, Each year gets better and my daughter is so happy to be there everyday!! From my observations, all the staff seem to know every child by name. The Principal and the Teachers take great care in placement of the children in classes based on their needs. It is like being at a private school. Parent involvement is great considering the size of the school and even then, working parents take their time off to partipate in scholl and class activities. We love it so much.
—Submitted by a parent

F A N T A S T I C school. Great teachers, staff, and extremely helpful PTA parents. I've even warmed up to Mrs. Gillis, the principal, who obviously tries her very best everyday and is doing a great job. I'm really excited about our new Charter school status and am looking forward to seeing what it has to offer. Keep up the great work, Calabash!
—Submitted by a parent

My child attends Kindergarten at Calabash I could not have dreamed of a better school experience for my child. The kindergarten teacher, Ms. Bowes, is just amazing. These children are learning academically and socially. They are such a well behaved and respectful group of children. The parent involvement is stellar and the Principal, Ms. Gillis, was able to put a team together of parents and teachers that got Calabash approved to be a charter school for September 2011. My child is happy, learning and has made some good friends already. We hope this all continues
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in Kindergarten at Calabash and she loves it. The parent involvement at this school is phenomenal. There are lots of after school activities that are offered and the kids really enjoy Artopia with the parents as well as all the other extracurricular activities Calabash has to offer. The children here are from all walks of life and from all different races which was very important to my husband and I when we moved into to the area for this school. Although the principal, Mrs. Gillis, seems a bit stern, strict and standoffish, she is good at responding to any concerns brought in by parents. She is also there for every single schol event which is is pretty darn cool. I look forward to the following years my children will have at Calabash.
—Submitted by a parent

I had a very bad first experience with the principal of this school--I hope my gut feeling is wrong, and that she will treat each child as if he or she is unique, and that she will do her best to provide each child the best education. I hope to give this school a better rating in the future.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal, Ms. Gillis, strives to stay involved in all the school activities. She is always walking the campus, saying hi to the parents and children and is very responsive to emails. I have never been to an event where she was not in attendance. You can tell that she is genuinely concerned about the progress of the school and it's students. My daughter was in Kinder last year and we really loved the close knit community that Calabash had to offer. The parent involvement is stellar. You couldn't ask for more from any school. They fought hard to raise enough money to keep our librarian, knowing how important it is for our children. They PTA offers great enrichment classes for the kids and the After School Program is well run and takes great care of the children. We are very happy with this school.
—Submitted by a parent

While the principal is new. She is involved, informed and available to speak with everyone. She is professional and genuinely cares about the students. No school is perfect and all things considered we have an amazing teacher group, parent group, principal and office staff. This is not my home school and I chose to send my son here. There isn't another scholl, public or private, where I would send him. Kudos to all that volunteer to make our school so great!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

The new principle is a disaster for this once great school. If you have a choice of schools I would highly recommend another school. The principle has many complains and probably would be better suited at a high school. It's too bad because the teachers and staff are wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

1. Good academic standards 2. Teachers are very helpful and give special attention to each of the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

After 3 years at Calabash, I continue to be impressed. The small school community affords more individualized attention. My experience with our teachers has been wonderful, and the parent involvement truly sets us apart. My children are happy and achieving above average goals in this environment. The only reason I don't rate the school as perfect, is the fact that we don't utilize the accelerated reader program as we should. Otherwise we are thrilled.
—Submitted by a parent

we just move from canada, I mus tsay that this school is very good in every way.The teachers are fabulous, but one thing that is really bothering me is the fact that kinder and first graders have to be in the same class.
—Submitted by a parent

Mrs. Gillis is a nice lady as is Ms. Ann the vice-principal. We worry that Ms. Ann is going to retire in June and she is the linch-pin that holds the school together. I hope we'll be OK.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a part of calabash for 3 years. 2 years with Ms. Shaffer and this past year with Ms. Gillis. Both the Principals have different styles- but both the principals love the kids, put the school issues as # 1 and are always there for parents. Go to school at recess or lunch-Ms. Gillis is playing handaball or jump rope withthe kids. See has monthly chat with the principals and ALways available via phone. I am suprised to learn some parents cannot find Ms. Gillis. 7:50 am she is there at morning line up and all day around campus. Calabash is a fine school with great set of students and parents. We invite you to our movie night on 6/12 at 6 pm and find out for yourself. More info on www.calabashelementary.com
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a parent at this school for six years. The atmosphere on campus is negative. The principal is never on campus. Every time I call to speak to her she is at a meeting. No matter what time I call. I think this detrimental to the school. She needs to get more involved and make herself more available.
—Submitted by a parent