Beach Elementary School

My son started Beach as a kindergartener, we live in the David Douglas area but have chosen Beach beacuse of the immersion program. We are rethinking our decision on him attending this school beacause we realize it is very poor in comparison to schools in our own area. My son has ADHD and the staff does not seem to be knowledged at how to deal with ADHD children. The Student Management Specialist has labeled my son as being violent, and he is not. He has been bullied all year long and he is just tired of it. With a very low soceoeconomic status, frusterated and underfunded teachers and a rough population of students, this school would be great if your child has grown up very street smart, but my son is constantly bullied and the teachers or staff has yet to resolve these issues. (I Took the info from the parent below beacuse I can relate. ) My son use to love school now he is depressed about attending school and he is struggling big time. He has no motivation to make it right because he gets no positive feedback. I wish that this school would have worked for our family. I Do appreciate the teachers that have tried to help but we are ready for a positive change.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been in this school since Kindergarten and has done wonderfully. The staff is great and the programs are wonderful. Wish they had more after school programs, larger library and more playground equipment but it is still a great school. I highly recommend this school for all students grades pre-K to 8th.
--Submitted by a parent

My son started this school as a kindergartener. This was one of the top schools to choose from in this area, but I now realize it is very poor in comparison to schools right across the river in Vancouver, or especially Camas. My son is gifted and my husband and I assumed this school, with all its ratings would be great. Unfortunately, this is not the case. With a very low soceoeconomic status, frusterated and underfunded teachers and a rough population of students, this school would be great if your child has grown up very street smart, but my son is constantly bullied and the teachers or staff has yet to resolve these issues. My son has gone from loving his day care learning program for years to "hating" school and struggling emotionally. We are transfering to the Vancouver or Camas areas as soon as possible so my son can be in a school that has funding, multiple language and arts opportunities, reimbursed teachers along with an educated student population. I am not impressed, as we had researched and had high expectations for this learning environment. Regretfully, Dr. Mom
--Submitted by a parent

New and excellent principal - great immersion program and a suzuki violin program for the community school- dedicated teachers and very high community involvement and catchment rate- it's amazing

A great immersion program and a very diverse student body

What, i'm in the school at least once a week and i could not disagree more with the previous post. I have two kids in this school. The principal of this school is fantastic!! she has built the spanish program into something that is really great and is really easy to talk to. She really seems to understand kids. She has always been there when i had a question or any problems with what was going on for eithr of my kids. Also the teachers are really great. I am soo lucky to be able to send my kids to this school! keep up the great work beach.
--Submitted by a parent

I think the principal is a very big part of the problem at Beach. If leadership is this poor, how are good teachers expected to do their jobs let alone stay at the the school for long. We love the diversity on all levels. But the principal makes it nearly impossible to fully embrace the school. She sets the tone and her lack of leadership shows in all areas.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers and staff are excellent, I can't say the same about the principal. I have only had an opportunity to speak to her once and it was not a good experience. Till then I have not even seen her at all around the school.
--Submitted by a parent

Our children are known by their name by all staff and teachers at Beach. They are receiving a strong education. Parent support and volunteer is high. Extra-curricular activities are offered. The dual-language program has equipped our children to be bilingual, further enhancing their future employment opportunities. We love this school and are incredibly thankful for the faculty that invest their lives and talent into the lives of the children entrusted to their care!
--Submitted by a parent

Beach is rapidly improving, due to increased parent involvement. Staff is responding to efforts, and soon this school will be tops. The staff is engaged and caring, and assessment scores climb each year. My child loves the Dual Immersion program. Despite lack of decent immersion teaching materials on the market, the program stands on the strength of its teachers. Beach has a daily need for helpers.
--Submitted by a parent