Sunset Elementary School

We had to switch schools in the middle of the year, and we were very nervous about it. Okay, I was nervous about it :) But the principle and all the office staff were very helpful and kind, and did a great job of easing my mind. We got to have a meeting with my daughter's new teacher just before she started. Her teacher is very motivated and all the students love her (the teacher). I think the school does a good job of finding the middle ground so that all the students are engaged, but I would like to see some options for students with more advanced skills, who need more of a challenge. I would definitely recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I think that parents who have never worked in a school, don't understand how curriculums work. I've worked al over the united stated and every state has its own speical curriculium. I'm also a parent and I've been teaching for quite sometime and I can tell you that every school is different. My kids all go to Sunset and I love the fact that I can call anytime of day and talk to someone. They've al been there for us and our kids are doing great. However, Sunset isn't run the same as the school they went to in California but thats how it works. No State is the same when it comes education. You have to give these teachers the benefit of the doudt and understand that they are working off of what they are given.
--Submitted by a parent

Sunset is a below average compared to the others schools my son went too. His current teacher looks to be buying time till she retires, when we ask her to call us about how my son was adjusting to his new class she would not, then sent a two line note tell us he doing okay after we called several times.
--Submitted by a parent

The principal does an excellent job at Sunset. She identifies children that need additional help and those that are performing above grade level and follows up to give them the specialized instruction they need to suceed. The teachers are wonderful, many work on their own time to provide afterschool clubs for the kids. The music program is especially good, with orchestra starting in 3rd grade and band in 4th. Sunset has a very active PTA who provide in house field trips, artists in residence and evening family nights. I have one child who went to Sunset from kindergarten through 5th grade and a child who is currently enrolled.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with this parent statement. I believe this school would have a much better appeal if there was better leadership. A school is only as good as its principal and this principal has no interest in change!
--Submitted by a parent

The school has an excellent atmosphere and the teachers are just above par. We transferred in from out of state and we found the teachers here do not challenge the students as hard as they did in the south. Since we've been here our sons reading level dropped off some. The principle makes some very obtuse rule changes and can be frigid to talk to. The open class setting is annoying to be in and for our son to be in. This is my candid opinion, but over all it's not a bad public school. I think a leadership change and more agressive teaching would help. The art and music department is a big plus here. Band starts in fourth grade which I was pleasantly suprised to find. The PTA and volunteer work is beyone belief, high regards in parent support.
--Submitted by Stan T., a parent

My daughter went through Sunset and we were active PTA participants. The volunteer force is fantastic, the parents are very involved and openly welcomed to help out. The staff is great and there is not a teacher I couldn't recommend....they are excellent.