Research Community Magnet Charter Elementary School charter Schools in Los Angeles, California

“My daughter attended this school before they moved. This was the best thing to happen to her,she blossomed everything you can want for a child. Her grades were excellent after attending this school. Pam M was principal. Best school in Los Angeles.”

“I am a grandparent , retired school teacher of 30 years with experience in various educational positions and cities. Community Magnet has what is best in public and private schools for the students who attend. Fabulous, engaged, creative, exuberant administrators, teachers and staff. Grandparents are welcome and celebrated as a part of the 'village'. It is a place where students enjoy learning and the teachers enjoy teaching. The environment is inspiring, educational ,clean and beautiful. My grandchildren ride the bus a long way, they don't complain, they are happy with homework and all. I like the fact that this is a multicultural student body , and everyone appears to feel good about themselves. It is an all American school.”

“The things I like the most about Community Magnet Charter School are the teachers and their constant enthusiasm to prepare the children for the future. They are committed to programs that insure the children not only achieve the public school grade requirements but far exceed them. The schools student body depicts the multitude of culture which will further prepare them for the challenges and successful ventures to come. While still having the public school classification it is an institution that competes with private institutions that cost thousands every year BUT gives those lucky families who can not afford that type of expense the privilege of seeing their child grow beyond their imagination. It's amazing.”

“I have two kids at Community Magnet Charter School and I am extremely pleased with the quality of their education, the teachers, the school's diversity and the parental involvement. In my opinion we have high enrollment because of the school's outstanding reputation, scores and a Principle that is outstanding. This is truly a community school; many school activities which involves parent, staff and students, extra curricular studies such as; computer lab, foreign language, music with instrumental training, educational field trips and much more. This is a school with a superior educational platform. Our students are in a Public school however it is being administrated like a Private school. I am so blessed to be part of this phenomenal school!”

“This is a fantastic school for first graders and above. The k-program was too rigorous for my child and I found the program to not be developmentally appropriate. That being said, my child did learn a great deal, but had I to do it over again, I'm not sure this would have been the spot.”

“This wonderful school is like a well-run, academic, progressive private school, but much better, as it is truly economicaly and culturally diverse thanks to its magnet status. The learning process is creative here with incredible field trips ( the Getty is our neighbor and has offered teacher training), 'Passport Day'. 'Gold Rush' and 'colonial' days, science camp 3 day visits for 4th and 5th graders, 'Interest Classes' taught by community members in subjects ranging from Hip Hop to Brain Science, kingergarden Whale Watching, Lunar New Year celebrations......I could go on and on. The after school Musical Theater Program taught by Martha Melinda is the best in the city, and the school developed the 'CATCH' mentoring/tutoring program which is now being copied at other LAUSD schools. The school alsohas a 2 year old, stunning, Wonder-of Reading library. Principal A++++ Parents always welcome in classroom. K:very academic, not for 4 y.o.s, I believe.”

“I was so lucky to get the news when my son was accepted in Community Magnet. We both loved the school. I had never seen so much involvement with the teachers towards the kids. Helping the kids in every way they can is what they do best!”

“Community Magnet has been a fabulous experience for both my children. The principal is eternally enthusiastic about her school and 'her kids'. The parent involvement is good taking into account the distance most people travel to get there. The teaching staff is mostly wonderful with a few exceptions. There is too much emphasis on homework especially in the lower grades where there are no studies showing this will help, but rather hinder the children's enthusiasm to learn. All in all, I don't think you will find a better school within the LAUSD.”

“Community Magnet School is incredible. It is inspiring to see the remarkable leadership of the principal and dedication of the staff. As a parent, I am thrilled to engage with many other committed families in the diverse and welcoming environment of our school. I simply can't imagine a better place for my child.”

“I can't tell you how lucky I feel to have found such a wonderful school for my children. The test scores are spectacular, but it's all of the other stuff that makes this school a real find -- the multicultural perspective, the humanities focus (with music, drama and visual arts for all kids), the beautiful campus. There is a true feeling of 'community' at this CMS. The teachers at each grade level work in close collaboration to make sure the needs of all students are met, and the high parent involvement makes it possible to include programs that you cannot find at other public schools. My only complaint is that we have to leave after 5th grade!”

“Granted Community is great, but I feel that my child who is found gifted is lacking in more challenging activities (heard many complaints from my child). The low-performing students get more attention from the teacher and my child is grouped doing independent work with other children in one table. I don't feel that there is any out-of-the ordinary differentiated work for the gifted child, aside from what is in the regular curriculum, even after parent conferences. Too many time-consuming take home book reports that parents end up doing and both parent and child don't enjoy doing--year after year.”

“CMS is an excellent school with a diverse student and faculty population. Nestled in the hills of Bel Air this diamond sparkles because of the dedication of the adminstrators, staff, and parents, not to mention the well-rounded students. When a child needs help there are lots of people rushing to help, not running away or passing the buck. LAUSD and districts across the country could learn a thing or two about educating and nurturing children by copying Community. It should not be lost that parents at this school are very involved, even if they have to work and live far away - it takes a commitment by each family to make it work also. CMS is a gem!”

“School has a Special Education day class that is in need of more students. You can contact LAUSD Special Education or go to Saveroomone.com for more information. Program is inclusion based. It is wonderful for children with disabilities to have the opportunity to receive an education on a general education campus.”

“Both of my childen went to Community, and we loved it (& miss it). Wanting to continue that Community/family feeling, we found a small private school near downtown, where our boys now attend. My boys aren't lost in public middle or high schools with literally thousands of students. Everyone knows everyone -- no student falls through the cracks.”

“Kindergarten is spectacular compared to regular public schools. Teachers have many hands on activities instead of paper work. Truly diverse and the atmosphere is very friendly among parents. Intense only if your child ends up with a higher demanding teacher.”

“I'm sure there are schools out that that compare to CMS but I think it would be like finding a needle in a haystack. Some parents feel the kinder program is to intensed but I'll tell you once your child complete that program they'll be prepared for the next 5 years! It really makes the kids stronger. We would love to have more parents apply that would like to be involved. The parents are a big part of what makes this school so great. In order to keep that we need parents who are committed. The teachers are amazing, the principle is open to creative, fun, educational ideas and understands that it takes a village to raise a child. You can't go wrong here.”

“The academic program @ community is Excellent. Teachers are behind the student to help them excel. Music and drama are available for all students, they also have orchestra for students in 2nd- 5th grade. Parent involvement at community is very high, I belive that is why one of the reasons why the children at community are such high achievers.”

“Community Magnet is a great school I feel very bless that I work there.”

“Great school! Wonderful programs. Excellent teachers.”

“Community Magnet is on a large campus nestled in the hills above UCLA in Bel Air. Mature trees, a soccer-size field and deer sightings make it a serene learning environment in the middle of the city. No neighborhood children attend, but transportation is provided to the diverse and intelligent students from all over Los Angeles that make CMS a fabulous place for any family seeking a truly diverse population for their child to be a part of. The teachers are committed to their students and work in grade-level teams enhancing grade-level experiences. Art, music, drama, instumental music, after-school drama camp and field trips are available. A highly active parent community assists in classrooms, raising monies, heading committees and supporting their children's education. The principal and administrative staff are integral to making CMS an absolutely phenomenal school. Our family is thankful for CMS!”

“I feel very blessed that my child is able to attend CMS. She was on the waiting list for three years before she finally was accepted and it was worth the wait.Her academics have improved since she began attending CMS ( math especially). Parent involvment tremendous. As a working parent I don't get to volunteer like I would like to. I am hoping that there is some way that the working parents can assist in the future. I am very please with this school.”

“This is the best school I could have ever wished for my daughter who is now in 1st grade. It is located in a safe, serene and wonderful neighborhood. Children know their teachers by first name. Parents can take part in many committees or volunteer in many ways and many do! The children really feel that the school belongs to them! Most kids ride the bus and although my daughter didn't during Kindergarten, she now wakes up early every morning to ride it. I think she feels more grown-up because of this. The principal, teachers and the staff are all incredible. Parents can receive a weekly newletter with important dates and announcements via email. Great new upper yard and a wonderful after-school program offered by Martha and teachers' aides who all the kids love dearly. The school will be celebrating its new library soon. Can't say enough about Community!”

“This is our son's second year at Community and we all love it so much. The staff, principal and faculty are all wonderful, caring people. The parents are quite involved and are very enthusiastic. There are great programs like CATCH (Caring Adults Teaching Children How) which is a mentoring program. I volunteered last year and am sorry I'm not able to do so again, it's a fantastic program. We had our son on the waiting list for 3 years and we were overjoyed when he was finally accepted. It's the start of an excellent academic experience for him and our family. Thanks CMS!”

“Excellent academic program, very diverse student and teacher population, caring staff and administrators, involved parents and overall nice kids. Optional music, art, theatre programs and a socially conscious environment”

“Excellent small school with a great family feel. Caring principal and dedicated teachers. Kids and parents love this school!”

“My son has attended CMS for the past two years. Their academic program is without a doubt unique and very intense. My son had a great deal of homework and I don't mind. He is working on his time management skills to ensure he completes his homework each day. I personally have not volunteered as a parent but this will change during his 3rd grade year here at CMS. I see how invloved alot of the parents are and that enhances the school. The Principal 'Pam' is on first name basis with most of the students if not all of the students in the school, that in itself is unique. It is a family atmosphere, and if you can get past that waiting list you will be blessed to know your child is in good hands. One draw back for my son is that CMS doesn't have a basteball team.”

“A stellar school with a strong principle and teaching staff. Parents are key and everyone gets involved.”

“When I made the choice for our daughter to attend Community, my husband said 'her safety is your responsibility, it's so far from home and etc.' It was hard for a while at the beginning to get used to the new schedule, running around in the morning getting her to the bus stop and so on but guess what, we're all so happy, she has learned so much it's not even a joke and there's no comparison to the regular lausd K classes. A friend's son who's also in K, does not know how to spell his own name and let's just leave it at that. At Community, our daughter Grisabel is so happy and now so excited about being able to read her books on her own. We realize it was the best decision for her education and she's gone ABOVE AND BEYOND here and will anywhere. Thank you Fanahi.”

“Community Magnet has been a wonderful experience for my Kindergartner and for me as a parent. My daughter has gained so much from this school her first year that I know her foundation is solid. The teachers really care and the principal is compeletely hands-on. She knows what's happening in her school. Parent involvement is huge here and plays such an important part in the success of this school. You can expect many enrichment activities and an environment that celebrates and honors diversity.”

“We have been voluntering at Community SChool and can say that the principal and teachers are very caring. It is a beautiful school at a beautiful camp and the children seem very happy. I hope my child can go to this school.”

“Wonderful campus, wonderful principal. I hope my daughter gets to attend ths school. We volunteer at this school.”

“This school is exceptional! The principal is warm, caring, and goes out of her way to get to know each student and parent! The extracurricular activities provideda are phenomenal! The teachers are high quality and so dedicated! My daughter is so happy here as she is getting a private school quality education. However, homework is intense! Parental involvement is extremely high, which contributes to its success! So lucky to be part of the Community family!”

“I have never been able to see a school where everyone is part of the community,the principal the teachers,and all the rest of the staff really cares about one another,is nice to know that when I live my child at school he not only will learn about academics but also great values and morals, they make you want to be involved in your childs activitites, the parents are the best,the community is incredible, they go out of there way to make every thing to the highest level...(Specially the tea party...The queen mum will love to be invited.) Great leadership and a fenomenal community.”

“Community Magnet School is the 'Pearl of the LAUSD Empire'--second to none! The teachers and parents are not on airs and are down to earth. There are no cliques that drive other parents away but parents who all work together in a diverse environment to enhance our childrens education and social interactions with their peer group..”

“I was so excited to learn that my daughter was accepted to this great school. After a whole year of looking for just the right school I came acrosse CMS, and I am so greatful that I found this school, the staff is great, they encourage my daughter to excel in everything, and she loves her school and teachers. I was so amazed at the level of academic teaching that I said to myself this is what I want for my kids. Now I am waiting to hear from the school to see if my son will get in as well, I truly hope that he does, I wouldn't want him to miss this great opportunity to learn at the best school.”

“Stellar support among parents and a wonderful Principal make this a private school quality eduction with the public school experience. If you are look for a true diversity and not just paying lip service to the concept (see 100% of L.A.'s private schools) but demand a great and progressive eduction this is it.”

“Community Magnet is a bright, wonderful, welcoming campus with lots of parent involvment and an incredible staff. I have been mentoring there for just over a year and my daughter will begin K tomorrow! I've gotten to know some of the staff and the principal. Everyone is on a first-name basis and always available for the students/parents. The atmosphere is joyful, the staff is always upbeat - it's a terrific place to be!”

“My child has attended Community Magnet since kindergarten. The diversity, parent/teacher interaction, and committment to excellence is exceptional. When comparing the education to that of my daughter's (at a pricy private school nearby), Community's environment is similar to that of the $19,000 a year private school. I highly recommend Community Magnet to those with elementary age children looking for an excellent school in the Los Angeles area.”

“Our daughter started kindergarten at Community Magnet this year and so far things are great. The teachers and administrators I've met are extremely dedicated and very bright. The parents are exceptionally active. The pristine campus, nestled in the hills of Bel Air, is a work in progress but is already spectacular. Some downsides are the difficulty getting in (1700+ on the wait list I hear) and there seems to be a fair amount of homework for kindergarteners.”

“What a wonderful school. We switched from private to public education last year and couldn't be happier with our choice. As a magnet school, you get the benefit of a culturally and ethnically diverse student body. With the top-notch principal, teachers and staff, you get the benefit of loving and well-experienced individuals taking care of your kids. Our move to a new campus last year was difficult, but we pulled it off quite smoothly thanks to an active parent body and dedicated staff. Now we have a beautiful 20-acre campus in the hills north of UCLA . . . so close and yet so far from the city! Can't say enough about Community Magnet!”