Fullerton Elementary School

"I wish I knew then what I know now...'' This school is fine if you need your kids to attend public school, and you have no other choice. My child attended Fullerton for two years, and although she was happy with her teachers, I was appalled at the communication standards between principal, teachers, and parents. Although I joined the PTA immediately upon my child's Kindergarten enrollment, I was never once contacted by the PTA, the principal, or any other administration. I was never involved in any decision-making, most likely due to my status as a full-time working parent, even though I made it clear that I was very interested in becoming involved with my child's class. I never met the principal (interesting enough), but every time I saw her at ''family'' functions, I was appalled that she was dressed unprofessionally. (Short skirt, tall boots...for a principal? Hmm.) School functions are highly unorganized and infrequent, at best. My child was bored and under-challenged in class. I didn't realize how disadvantaged we were until moving out of state.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my daughters went to Fullerton (one is in College now). My younger daugher went there K-2nd. We just moved out of state this year and didnt realize how great we had it until now. My daughter loved Fullerton, flourished every year. The school has a great ability to create an appropriate combination of social and academic excellence. They kids a friendly, nice engaging to new students (which is on its own an important part of the entire school experience). The social, fun part of school is never forgotten. Other schools are so worried about test scores being up to par that they make kids miserable while they are there and totally ignore the fact that happy children will be more product and better learners. Teachers all take their time and explain concepts, test scores are good and the environment is so positive and happy! My daughter cried last night that she wished they "had a Fullerton here" - heartbreaking- we will never take a great school for granted again. Kudos Fulllerton you are a model for other school to follow. We now may have to enroll in private (expensive) school to have a similar experience.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved in the middle of the school year and all I can say is WE MISS MY SON'S KINDERGARTEN TEACHER. She has excellent parent communication and I felt like she actually cared about my son and his education. I wish I could drive the hour everyday.
—Submitted by a parent

The parent teacher communication is terrible. Not all teachers but most. The principal, Mrs. Winterson is very frustrating to deal with. She sides with teachers, there is very much an "us vs them" mentality between the parents and staff. I will say, the school nurse, Mrs. Wahl is wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter and I absolutely love this school. When she first entered i was a little leery of the open concept set up of the classrooms. I was concerned that the set up could potentially be a distraction to my daughter and her learning process. She has attended this school since Kindergarden and is currently entering into the forth grade. I am completely satisfied with the quaily of work, and the level of committment to the children from everyone (staff, and parents). The only disadvantage that i believe this school has it the combination cafeteria and auditorium. I believe that not having a seperation of the two limits the opportunities of assemblies which takes away from the arts. The kids do not get enough chances to participate in different programs such as plays, spelling bee's, holiday celebrations, dramatic readings, etc , which i believe helps the kids to become well rounded individuals. These programs are needed to help boost the kids confidence and gives them an opportunity to explore their artistic side. The arts are so limted because othere is not a seperate auditorium to hold these type of events without having to adjust schedules and transform the cafeteria.
—Submitted by a parent

Fullerton is a school that definitely has good test scores on paper. However, the lack of diversity in staff and teaching methods in 2011 is more than disappointing. There seems to be a strong emphasis on preparing for MSA which starts in Kindergarten. It is unfortunate because children deserve more than worksheets that center on test prep. The teaching approach at Fullerton is stale and a fresh approach is needed so that children will be engaged learners. The school needs leadership that caters to a diversity of learners and encourages teachers to do the same.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a teacher at Fullerton and I love this school because administration, teachers, parents and students all work together so that each person learns and feels successful. When you walk through the doors you feel welcomed and part of our family. We provide a nurturing learning environment for children to reach their potential. I am so fortunate to be a member of this staff.
—Submitted by a parent

Fullerton staff members truly care about their students. Even though class sizes are on the rise, they continually work hard to help all students learn. My grandson just comleted the first grade and his teacher was outstanding even though she is a Pittsburgh Steelers fan!
—Submitted by a parent

The principal of this school is not helpful regarding situations that arise between students. Nor does she discipline select children when it comes to them breaking the rules in the student handbook. Not all children are treated equally in this school. The communication is horrible between the parents and administrative staff. Not all good at this school. Could be worse but definitely could be better if there were more sincere administrative staff.
—Submitted by a parent

I have to say that I am very pleased with Fullerton. I have observed many classrooms (public & private) and think that the instruction is great. My son loves his school and that is what matters the most!
—Submitted by a parent

This is the worst school.I had to pull my daughter out of this school. My daughter is now home schooled and doing great.The principal does nothing to help parents. My daughter was hit and spit on by kids and she did nothing.
—Submitted by a parent

This school lacks communication with parents. There seems to be a high emphasis on test scores in this school which is excellent but should balance with some fun, positive reinforcement and encouragement to students as well. Many times when all the focus is on one thing we lose sight of the whole picture. Some classes are an average of 25 students to 1 teacher (no assistant). I feel this is too large of a class for one teacher. Not extremely pleased with the administration of this school either.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very pleased with the staff and overall education my son is receiving at Fullerton. I highly recommend this school!
—Submitted by a parent

Fullerton is a wonderful school. The teachers are of the highest quality and are great with the children. Teachers here really care about the children. Parent involvement is great. Communication among teachers and parents is wonderful. I feel privileged to have access to this one of a kind school. If you still have doubts, just look at the test scores!
—Submitted by a parent

Fullerton Elem needs a more diverse racial integration.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been a student at Fullerton for three years. He had some catching up to do, but the Fullerton staff helped him get on track. He has excelled in Math, Reading and Language Arts. People are always surprised to hear him say that he misses school during the summer break. He knows that at Fullerton people genuinely care about you.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter went to to Kindergarden here and my younger daughter will be starting PreK here also. It is the best school ever. The teachers and staff are amazing and the reading is amazing. We just found out we have to move and my #1 requirment is it has to be in the Fullerton school district.
—Submitted by a parent

my son is in kindergarten and i simply love this school. His teachers have been encouraging and patient during a very difficult time for him. The reading program is phenomenal. He has music, art, physical ed, library and computer classes outside of his regular class time. His teacher is quick to contact me when there is an issue and have allowed me to be very involved in my son's education. We are looking to move this year and my first requirement is that our new home is in the fullerton school area.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has gone to this school for 3 years and has some special needs. The staff, especially the school nurse, are phenomenal! I wouldn't take him out even if I had free tuition to a private school. It's that good.
—Submitted by a parent

My child loves this school. Switched to this school last year from a private school and what a shock to learn that my child did not have the skills she needed. Within one year and the help of wonderful teachers and staff she is at the top of her class.
—Submitted by a parent