Alameda Elementary School

You'd think a faith based school would actually produce a majority student body that is a reflection of God's love. Unfortunately, everything's about money these days no matter where you go or send your child to school. You just have to decide which battles you can deal with. Those from a public school or those from a faith based school that plays favorites to people's children who are not exactly a reflection of God's love. I tell myself it could be worse... they could be the negative stereotype Catholic School kids (which they're not at St. Raymond). But, if you're commuting into Downey from a town with other schooling options, private or charter, look into those first.

Both of my children started at Children's Academy of Success when they were each 2.5 years old. My son is now 6 and in Kindergarten and my daughter is now 4 and in pre-school. We have had an amazing experience at this school. Because it is a small school all of the teachers get to know all of the students and all of the students get to know each other. All of the parents also get to know each other. It feels like a big family. Everyone shows a mutual interest in and respect for each other, teachers, students and parents alike. The teachers are all young, vibrant, energetic and excited about teaching! To be honest, at this age "academics" was not at priority for me. The most important thing to me was that my children were in an environment where they felt safe, loved and accepted. This school has far exceeded my expectation. They are not only in the loving environment I wanted but academically they are excelling as well! They are both reading and writing and learning science concepts that are typically not taught until they are older. Also, all of the school events (pre-covid) like the Christmas concert, Trunk-or-Treat, Jog-a thon, etc. really make the school feel like a close knit community. The administrator, Letty Gomez, is amazing. She is such a loving and kind woman and her doors are always open to discuss any matters. She loves all the kids so much and it feels like she becomes part of your family. We have loved this school so much. Unfortunately, the school only goes through Kindergarten. I wish it went all the way through 8th grade!