Hanby Building Elementary School

Hanby is a unique school and should be recognized as such. I have two children and both have attended Hanby. The first was in the gifted program, which was Fantastic! My second child attended the standard program at Hanby and has had a very fulfilling education. The principal is outstanding and the majority of the teachers are as well. No, it's not a science and math magnet school, but it does take an individual approach to each child and really focuses on preparing a thinking, self-aware and self-confident student. I am glad my children attended Hanby and would gladly recommend it to other parents.
—Submitted by a parent

We are disappointed as well with the lack of academic rigour. It has been a very disappointing year for our family.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a 1st grader here. After coming to the conclusion that our local elementary school was not going to give her the attention or education that she needs, my wife and I decided to try and get into the Magnet program here. My wife is an artist and our daughter has a love for art. Selecting Hanby Magnet was a no-brainer. Since the time she has been there her reading has moved up 5 levels since the start of the school year. She absolutely adores her teacher, and the principal. She has even joined a few of the extracurricular activities. The staff here are awesome, and the communication is open and direct. I have no words for how involved the parents are here. I would almost describe the PTA here as rabid for their school. Unfortunately, it looks like the Magnet program will be ended soon due to budget constraints. That said, it looks like we will need to find another option for our daughters continuing education.
—Submitted by a parent

Our 3 children have all received an outstanding education at Hanby. We have a gifted child, a child with physical disabilities, and a child with reading difficulties. All our children's need have not only been met but each has been individually addressed and have had tremendous growth. The teachers are confident, compassionate, and caring and are more than willing to provide what's best for our children. They communicate well and welcome parent input and involvement. Art integration is superior and enhances the curriculum. The atmosphere is one of community, support, encouragement, and challenge. We are more than pleased with our children's experience at Hanby.
—Submitted by a parent

Hanby sells itself as a funky and fun learning environment for kids. It might be both, but it lacks leadership and academic rigor. There is little structure and discipline in this building and 1st grade is packed with 26 kids in tiny classrooms with weak teachers. I know someone who worked there as a lunch duty aide who was pushed to the ground by two fifth graders who were given a stern verbal warning! This school has some major discipline problems and I heard there was a child who was expelled from Whittier for behavior problems who now attends Hanby. My daughter went to Hanby for two months (after being admitted from another Magnet school wait list) and after two months of very low academics and lots of "enrichment," her only comment was "at Hanby, they treat the kids like rats." There are plenty of involved parents at Hanby, and they seem enthusiastic about the building.
—Submitted by a parent

It is by far the coolest, most fun, and educational schools that a child could attend. (In my opinion)
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in his second year at Hanby, and I have been very impressed by the dedication of the teachers and the caring, but firm, actions of the principal. I believe that my son is receiving an excellent academic 'base', as well as a good start in organizational skills needed for middle school. Emphasis on cooperation, teamwork, and social skills has also been a big plus.Parent involvement appears high.
—Submitted by a parent