Sherman Oaks Elementary Charter School

This is our first year at SOEC and we couldn't be happier. I have a 2nd grader and Special Needs PAL Preschool student enrolled. Everyone at the school is amazing, from the teachers to the aides, to the playground aides, and of course the Principal. The school ensures all parents are informed of school activities via Power School, automated phone messages, and emails. There is always some time of community events going on and what I have loved the most is that I am surrounded by other parents that take their children's education very seriously. The priority at the school is to teach a well-rounded student. They promote responsibility and kindness and their enrichment programs are mind-blowing. They offer music, gardening, robotics, art, etc etc to ALL students, including their special needs pals.

The leadership and teachers care about the students and work hard to get each student what they need. There are community events (ice cream, movie night) that bring everyone together. The kids enjoy the school and enjoy going!

SOEC is a pretty good school. The weakest part is the front office. If the school had a group of front office workers that enjoyed their jobs and were kind to parents and students, it would make a HUGE difference. The front office ladies (2 of the 3) always seems overwhelmed and frustrated. Their attitudes and poor treatment of the families coming into the office seems incredibly wrong. It brings the whole school down. The school deserves better. I hope those ladies read this review. I know many parents feel the same way. Another frustration of mine is when I see entitled parents of entitled students that treat teachers, other students, and administration with disrespect. I have read reviews that say the school has bullies. It's the parents that bully the teachers, staff, students and other parents...this is what creates children that behave inappropriately. I love the enrichment classes, especially music and science. I'd like to see more parents volunteering to do needed jobs around the school. For example, the new beautification committee has been making a wonderful difference. My son loves school. He's learned a lot and has made a lot of nice friends, and so have I.

We've had a great three years at SOEC. Our daughter had come from a Montessori Elementary school and went through a period of adjustment but has thrived ever since. Really loved the teachers that she's had and everyone there is communicative and warm.

This school is ok considering the budget constraints. I would have liked to see some improvement on communicating with parents. I also think it's time to find a covered gathering area that can fit the entire school, having kids perform in the rain is just plain ridiculous. Finally, stop bothering us with the attendance reminders.