Ralph A. Gates Elementary School

What a great school and staff! My son just started kindergarten and so far its been wonderful. His teacher is great, and so are the other ones I have met. We wanted to give our son a chance at learning another language. And there not many public schools in California like this. In fact, one of the teachers in this school just won teacher of the year for the state. Only 5 teachers were selected. So that makes me feel honored to be going here. Yes, the overall ratings for this school are low. But it's because of the dual language aspect. It's not in a bad area nor does it have bad teachers. There are many students and parents that don't speak any Spanish, yet they attend here. Plus, it's not a huge school which is also nice. If you live in Lake Forest and you want to give your kid the opportunity to learn another language, check it out.

I am very pleased with Gates. My daughter is in 2nd grade and is fluid in Spanish (she is not completely fluent yet, but she can have conversations in Spanish and be well-understood even if she sometimes throws in an English word). I expect her to be fluent by 6th grade. One thing I really don't understand about these rating is the fact that they do not account for the fact that this is a Spanish Immersion school. Approximately 50% of the kids coming in are Spanish dominant students in Kindergarten and the primary grades are predominantly taught in Spanish to help the English dominant students learn the language. So, even if the test scores are not stellar in 3rd grade (you have a bunch of kids who predominately speak and have learned in Spanish taking a test in English in 3rd grade) does it really matter? You need to play the long game here--your kid is both bilingual and bi-literate by 12th grade if you stick with the program through Los Alisos Intermediate and Laguna Hills High School.

I am VERY pleased that my child is quickly gaining fluency in Spanish. We do a lot out of school to compensate for the lack of a rigorous arts and sciences program. BUT -- this is a cool school. Their little brains are bursting at the seems with the dual language acquisition. Teachers from around Orange County send their kids to this school because its language program is so well respected. That speaks for itself.

This school concentrates on developing great character, dual language, kindness, and meeting and exceedig all academic milestones. The teachers have the patience of a saint. They ate well-aware of the lower scores in math and english for hispanic students and are open and honest with parents on how they are working to change this.

My daughter and I have truly enjoyed our experience at this school. She isexcelling in the two way immersion program, as parents who speak english in their home and only one parent who speaks spanish there was a question how her success would develop. The teachers and other parents are always open to help and with a after school homework club it allows the studentsto always be prepared. As a homeroom mom I have always been welcomed by al grade levels outside of my daughters grade to help. The principal, vice principal, Teachers and staff are all so kind & approachable to all the students. The PTA and A.L.L. are always working hard to strive a high-level of school spirit and school support. Ralph Gates Gators are always striving to be Respectful, Responsible, Kind, Helpful and Caring to their fellow schoolmates and community. I have complete confidence in the schools co-development of (I say co- because we believe that the success of their education is not only in the school system but at home) of these children education to lead into strong and positive future that they will carry for the rest of their lives. Being able to teach and share with others around them.+++++++++++