Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary School

This is not the same school it used to be. I'm so sad to report this. The previous principal was phenomenal. It didn't matter who you were, she knew your name and cared how you feel. You felt you could come to her any time. And you could tell the staff was happy, it was a supportive atmosphere. It was innovative, she was always trying to find new ways to make a difference for kids. A couple of years ago, that principal retired, and the former technology teacher became the principal. Everything has changed. It feels so toxic there now. The staff seems unhappy, more likely to lose patience. Volunteers are not treated the same way they were. You almost never see the new principal out and about in the community, and when you do, the warmth is gone. It feels as though it's become less of a gifted-oriented school. I never thought we'd consider leaving, but now we are. My children aren't as happy as they were. Some of the most amazing teachers have left in the last few years. I used to enthusiastically recommend KGA to others, now I cannot in good faith do so.

Unfortunately underpaid and overworked staff.My daughter attended this school (kindergarten).She was bullied several times. Kids throwing rocks at her head , chocking her , pulling her pants down. Etc.If you care about your children this school needs to be the last option on your list.

New Vista is an excellent school. They do a great job customizing each individual kid's course work based on their development. They run test on kids two rounds a year. I said two rounds because if kids top at their scores, they will be tested again at a higher level until their scores indicate they are challenged enough. Kids growing up here will not feel bored, and they do not view tests as something scary or overly stressful. They form a habit of challenging themselves and improving themselves. They are not encouraged to compare to others but to compare to themselves. I love the teachers in NV as you can see how much they care about each kid and how well they know each individual kid and even parents! The director would spend an hour to talk with each individual parent about their kids' progress. Very impressed by her awesome dedication.

DONT TAKE YOUR CHILD HERE. The teacher’s don’t know what they are teaching, teachers are extremely rude to students, they also love to gossip about the students. Staff is mean , and so is the principal.