Carl Sandburg Elementary School

My daughter is going into 2nd grade at Sandburg, and we have been delighted with our experience so far. Her teachers have been wonderful, and the administration and support staff are also very warm and caring. We particularly loved the principal, and are sad that he is leaving for another opportunity. We hope that the incoming principal is as fabulous as she sounds! My daughter entered kindergarten prepared to learn, but not knowing how to read etc. By the end of kindergarten she was reading and by the end of first grade she was well ahead of grade level. I volunteered in the classroom once a week and noticed that the teachers focus special attention on ALL students (not just those who excel or those who are behind).
—Submitted by a parent

I have 3 children at this school. My youngest fell behind and it was not until I CONTACTED the teacher was it brought to attention. This school is a small community of teachers and parents who are closed minded towards working parents. Teachers and staff gear primarily towards students who have very involved parents. The two older siblings excelled. There was a very noticeable lack of responsibility on the school's part when it came to my youngest. In summary - this school are takers of the community. They are not contributors. Test scores rate high due to very little special education needs children who attend. That should tell you something.
—Submitted by a parent

Of all the schools in our immediate area, Sandburg is absolutely the best! New leadership since the disappointing 2007 comments means the overall school climate has benefitted tremendously! A very involved and well funded PTSA, an engaged/concerned staff of teachers offering great classroom experiences and support/involvement in our extracurricular activities and a safe supportive environment all make the best out of a currciulum dictated by the district/state. The art education consists of an art docent program that relies on parent volunteers for the younger ages is disappointing, but overall there is so much that makes it a great school!
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter is in her 3rd year at Sandburg and we absolutely love this school. She came from 3 years of Montessori, and has integrated well with the other students, staff and curriculum. We love how involved the community is in their programs and activities and the overall positive feeling we get from the parents, volunteers and staff. We look forward to many more great years at Sandburg! Go Seals!!
—Submitted by a parent

Academic programs are average. The teachers follow a district-wide curriculum and it doesn't seem like there is too much personal creativity. The teachers care about their students but the culture of the school is to do the minimum required and not go beyond that. The staff won't do much to help children who fall below the average. Parent involvement is great and the PTA is very active and benefits from a well funded treasury but even with a large surplus. The incoming principal was trained by the retiring principal so I don't expect much improvement in that regard.
—Submitted by a parent

After school programs should soon improve as the principal is leaving next year. We're looking forward to new leadership. There are many great teachers at CS and new leadership can make a real difference.
—Submitted by a parent

Sandburg has, in the past, been an excellent school with a huge variety of stimulating extra-curricular activities. Parent involvement is very high and far-reaching. Money is available for amazing extra and curricular activities. Unfortunately, often parents are thrwarted by a principal with a different agenda and many valuable enrichment programs have suffered as a result. Student behavior has also suffered in the past years. The potential is there for this school to be #1 educationally in the district. Parents can hope the potential is soon realized and encouraged.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school! I'm impressed with the quality and variety of the accademic programs. PArents get involved as the wish and don't get forced to volunteer. I like the freedom to choose my involvment.
—Submitted by a parent

Sandburg is a very safe and happy environment - my kids and I have always been very happy at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Newly updated technology in the classrooms (magic white boards!), strong art docent program, lots of parent involvement in fun activities as well as fundraisers. PTSA spends wisely on extra programs such as science, chess lessons, school plays, outdoor education and other enrichment activities. Easy communication with teachers via email or conferences.
—Submitted by a parent

Good school. Many really outstanding teachers. Ask around, get feedback from other parents. Special Ed has come a long way in this school, and is becoming more helpful to the individual child in many ways. But funding is always an issue, and many fine programs unfortunately do not get the funds to keep going.
—Submitted by a parent