Lafayette El School

I’m at a loss with how many stars to rate it tbh. There are some good things but when you have conflict with staff and you try to follow protocol as far as the chain of command for trying to address issues, things just basically get swept under the rug. Staff just seems to stick together and teachers treat your kids any way they please. My son told me about his art teacher the other day and was visibly uncomfortable going to the class. I communicated these things to the teacher and got absolutely nowhere because he lied. My son’s story was consistent. My daughter confirmed how rude this teacher is saying he yells at the class. There are some nice things but I just do not understand why they allow teachers to be nasty to the children. This isn’t the first time this happened either. Another teacher was known for being really mean yet when I complained about it and stood up for my daughter, I was treated like I was the problem.

Principal Melanie Martinez is incompetent and doesn't take bullying or physical assault seriously my child was stabbed in the neck with a spork by another student, and she did absolutely nothing about it. She simply talked to the student and told him not to do it again. The child was not suspended or anything and was still allowed to play at recess. When I called to explain the seriousness of the child's actions I was told that I was overreacting. When I grew angry and used foul language I was hung up on. I had to get a police officer to go up to the school and explain the seriousness of what happened. Hopefully we get a new principal soon that actually looks out for our children. School should be a place that is safe for our kids. Be cautious when sending your children to this school. And don't ever stop advocating for your child.

The building should be shut down completely until renovations are complete. When in 1st grade my sons classroom door was always shut all the way but only an adult could pull that thing open it was SO defective. What happens in an emergency? The teachers I’ve experienced aren’t very attentive at all. The staff in the district office are very rude/unprofessional. It’s terrible that education is going to waste like this. Wish the staff wouldn’t treat parents/teachers like they do.

I must say that 3 yrs ago when my daughter started attending this school I was constantly concern about safety, teaching strategies, communication with staff, and almost every aspect necessary for a school...however, I am very pleased to see that despite of their VERY LIMITED funds, I have seen improvements since 2014 up until now. Even the new principal seems to be doing exceptionally. Understand this school is in the midst of our lowest income area of the city but it gives peace of mind to see their efforts to improve despite their limitations. My daughter loves this school and the staff are dedicated to help. Teachers volunteer often and even cover out of their own pockets for field trips for the children. That's something you wont find in other schools.