Spatious open school with lots of great services for the students. large open playground too!read more

I went to this school from 2015-2018 and from kindergarten to the time I left in third grade not…read moreonly was I discriminated against for my adhd but also bullied and all they did was blame me and get me in trouble in stead, idk if it has changed but all I do know is that if you have a kid with adhd or any special needs who can be seen as a annoyance than be careful but again this might have changed

I go to that school and the teachers are cool and Ms Vega is really nice and lovely! I loved being…read morea student of hers!

Do not put your child in the school try to find another school the kids are getting bullied. The…read moreprincipal doesn't care it's in a beautiful area. You would think the students would be as pristine as the area but I think they get them bus from south Central my child came home every day crying because he was getting picked on Principal doesn't care talk to her numerous times put your child in another school.

I personally never thought I would be writing a review on our experience at Riley Elementary. But I…read morefeel the need to address our reason for transferring our children to a new school site. My reason for this review is to alert parents that there has been bullying on campus and cyber bullying from a child that is possibly gang affiliated. My 5th grade boys were victims of bullying on campus and off (tic tok) Jan. 13th 2020 it was brought to my attention from my boys in which another child informed them of a video uploaded to Tic Tok(social media) per the student the video disclaimed harassment, talked about their disability and possible assault. Aside from the cyber bullying video this student has verbally abused my boys on a daily. It has happened in/out of their 5th grade classroom. He has harassed, intimidated, made remarks on their sexual orientation and has talked about their skin color. I wish I would have been aware of this ongoing abuse but my boys were to quiet, and embarrassed to say anything. I lament not taking action sooner. My first reaction to the video was "I need to see what has been said before notifying school officials" I asked my boys to get in contact with the student that gave them this information. Luckily I was able to attain the (Tic Tok acct) and take a look for myself. By the time I was able to view the Tic Tok acct it appears that the video had been taken down. But what was more shocking to see were videos gang affiliated on a child of only 10yrs old. The child is throwing up gang signs and claiming were he comes from. (((SHOCKING))) I investigated more asking questions and to my surprise my son was showing me the gang signs that happen on the school playground. Immediately I became concerned. My husband began viewing it and we took videos of what we were seeing as evidence. Call it overly protective but we immediately decided our boys cannot return to an unsafe school zone. It is not clear what this students actions or motives were but as parents we should Not Gamble the LIVES of my children our yours! I have been in contact with the principal of Riley and district officials. I was made aware of the protocol and action they have begun to implement. Sadly for us it's a bit to late because all Long Beach schools should already have an anti bullying prevention policy in place!!!!!! I discussed what guarantee or protection against harm to my boys would be implemented and she was unable to promise me any. I was granted a safe return back to Riley and the accommodation of that student being removed out of the same classroom but nothing was promised or guaranteed that the other student wouldn't use retaliation. I cannot and will not jeopardize my children. This incident has left us extremely disappointed, has caused detrimental effects, has impacted my boys learning. This was not how I or my husband envisioned my boys last year of Elementary school. I encourage all parents at Riley Elementary to investigate and advocate for the safety of all our children that attend.. we need to speak to our kids be more aware of who their peers are. I hadn't mentioned this as it happened weeks ago but my boys along with several other boys found a vape pipe in the boys bathroom. I believe it was brought to school officials on campus. I can't stress enough to all parents that we are a great community and we can maintain it if we all unite together. Inform yourselves on what happens on school grounds because as of right now the school is undergoing Anti-bullying policies with our children but it's shocking to find out from some parents that they are unaware that the children are being given this intervention or as to even why? And lastly, please speak and encourage your child/children to report any form off bullying. Schools need to provide a safe environment for them. I'm proud of myself for taking action on this matter and for being the voice for my boys that were victims. "Yesterday it was my child tomorrow it could be yours. " Let's keep our children ALIVE and SAFE! My children are my world and I will always fight for their safety and well being.

I'd truly like to commend Riley Elementary school for their outstanding effort during this…read moreunprecedented time. This pandemic forced everyone to become comfortable and proficient with distance-learning. You can tell that the teachers and staff are dedicated to the kids learning and meeting their academic goals.

From my understanding, before this school switched to total dual immersion, it was the best. Many…read moreparents flocked to get their kids to ILC. Since the switch, it has gone downhill. My kid suffered serious bullying daily and the teachers and staff made excuses for the bully given that he was of their culture. If you are looking for a school whose focus is: pro-bullying, far progressive, and all things foreign focused, this is your school. The only reason I'm giving an extra star is because the after-school program is the only thing this school has going for them. I heard they recently got a new principal last year so hopefully things will change.

Just wanted to say that this school was real disappointment. My child went from preschool to 6th…read moregrade, was bullied for 2 years, never learned about American US history, never learned about historical and political figures that weren't democrats, never learned about capitalism and the benefits we have reaped under it. My kid saw pandering to non-traditional foreign values that have nothing to do with our our American heritage or experience. I found out by talking to other kids' parents that ILC was unique for indoctrinating kids with worthless social justice and leftist thinking. Except for the few teachers and staff that actually cared about the kids the administrative staff was ineffective and weak... especially from 2023-2024. If you want your kid to receive a mediocre education send them to the school.

We are not year-round family at Westerly, but we consistently return for their summer camp…read more Our eleven-year-old son had attended all the local summer camps in Long Beach--JCC, 49'er camp, the city's parks and recs--over the past few years, and he ranks Westerly the highest among all camp experiences. The staff is accommodating, the hours are flexible (7:30 am to 5:30 pm), and he has a great time.

What can I say. Our family loves Westerly! Our eldest started at one of Long Beach's blue ribbon…read moreschools, but with the huge classes we decided to take a look at Westerly and we couldn't go back. Since then all our kids have thrived in their Westerly experience. It starts with a sizable campus with a beautiful grass field for sports and activities, newly constructed learning studios and the amazing arts village. What a great place to learn. Then the passionate teachers and staff deliver a whole child program, with a better than 10:1 student/teacher ratio. The Westerly program includes: Curriculum and instruction - Enthusiastic teachers with a well thought out curriculum and small class sizes enabling teachers to adapt the curriculum to the needs of your child. Technology/STEM - Westerly recently hired a full-time Director of Instructional Technology to enhance an already strong technology/STEM program throughout the curriculum. Think coding in class, 3D printing, science and engineering fairs, etc. Visual and performing arts - Incorporated in the curriculum is an annual school-wide play lead by the folks at TKTC. The visual arts program is second to none with the kids being exposed to public arts projects, ceramics in the new ceramics studio, mixed media, painting, photography, etc. I wish I could take the classes myself. Wildcat, the after school program is a blessing. Our kids beg to go to Wildcat to play with their friends, work on yearbook, take film, dance, music, robotics and other after school enrichment activities. Athletics - A legitimate, well-run PE program with enthusiastic instruction and basketball, volleyball, football teams throughout elementary and middle school. Music - Every child takes both general and instrumental music as part of their Westerly experience. Spanish - Kindergarten through 8th grade all the kids get introduced to the Spanish language through a dedicated Spanish instructor. Leadership - This is quite possibly one of the most amazing parts of the curriculum. Continuing on the theme of whole child education the Director of Student Affairs leads an amazing program that goes so beyond student council, creating leadership opportunities for so many children. Programs like student council, district representatives, green team, etc., start in Kindergarten and the kids grow in responsibility as the children grow themselves. Each child also gains leadership responsibilities as a student mentor, where each older student is paired with a younger student as a mentor. Service learning and field studies - As the kids grow in maturity so do the service learning and field studies. Our children have enjoyed trips to Catalina and other local camps, but the highlight of the program is a one week trip in 8th grade where the whole class travels to Nicaragua to conduct a service learning project, practice their spanish, and are exposed to a different culture and way of life that they are used to. Community - Westerly is a place where without question every family places a priority on securing a great, well-rounded education for their children. Being in an environment like this is so fantastic. Independent school is not cheap, but in our minds it's the best gift we can give to our children. Westerly also offers significant financial aid support, so if that is an issue be sure to discuss your situation with the school to see if they can make something work for your family. P.S. This may sound like a paid ad, but it's our true feelings about this place. It's really special.

i graduated here about 2 yearars ago and it was hell. i started in 3rd grade my first year here was…read morein 2020 teachers were nice online and i thought it was a great school. 4th grade was different. Sue Minnema a math teacher made life hell. we were 10 years old and she was screaming, yelling and bullying kids all the time. 5th grade mrs P would always discourage us saying "6th grade will eat you guys alive" and "you'll never get into college" 6 th grade Ms Minnema teacher again and everyone hated her. she left in the middle of the year due to an injury. 6th grade wasn't too bad but not perfect. and principal Jim watwood was a pain in the butt. he was like a baby in th embody of a grown man. this school was okay, i would recommend for you get grade levels but transfer your kids before 4th grade. only teacher that is still here is Mrs P

I promoted from this school just yesterday. After 7 long, hard years, I finally finished. I was…read morethere from kindergarten to 6th grade. Though this is a great school, and I just want to rate it better, there were many flaws after COVID-19 ended, sort of like the school is slowing reaching its downfall. In grade 6, many bad things happens. We got a new principal. His name is Jim Watwood (Mr watwood). He has a bad sense of trouble. He does NOT know how to discipline the correct kids. The kids in the wrong always get away with things. Once, a friend of mine made a joking video, that another guy took the wrong way, and sent him death threats. Guess who got in trouble? The guy who sent death threats? No. My friend. Mr. Jim Watwood has quite a history of bad discipline, even in his first year. At promotion, he acted like such a great principal. We have also dealt with unfair dress code. Some of the kids younger than us dressed...interestingly. However, when we were their age with their teachers, we would've gotten dress coded in .5 seconds. In grade 5, the teachers were kind of mean. They talked a lot about how we were quiet so we couldn't get into college, yet in reality we were just terrified of them. Not super nice. We have had bathroom problems all of the time. Bad smells, bugs, clogged toilets, rusty/moldy mirrors, etc. the school actually used to have a REALLY bad problem with cockroaches. The school was infested or something. They would be in classrooms, in bathrooms, in the cafeteria, and so much more. Though, I haven't seen one since probably late September 2023. In grade 4, one of the teachers was usually in a bad mood. She used to make kids cry. There was really nothing THAT bad about grade 4. Everything else about the school wasn't that bad. Though, I must warn anyone who may enroll their children in this school, in 5th grade, we had 4 different principals. The school overall wasn't that bad. I made many memories, and I will miss it. Some teachers are so so very nice though. All teachers have a mean and nice side, just watch out for some of the younger grade teachers. They can be really mean to younger, and even older kids. I will miss you Stephen foster.

Both of my kids attend this school and the teachers and staff are all amazing. Very dedicated and…read morecaring teachers who you can tell truly enjoy their job. The principal is also awesome and enjoys her work. You can tell everyone pours their all into the kids every day. Absolutely love this school!

Great school and great staff. The kids are great. Education starts at home, I was so shocked to see…read morethe material these kids are learning and how well behaved they were! Thank you parents for raising amazing kids!!!!

I've always believed that communication between the school and parents is essential. This school…read moredoesn't. They don't even have an RSP teacher. I wish I could give the school negative stars.

I have been going here for elementary and middle school. The staff and teachers are very nice and…read moreespecially the new principal Dr. Miller. All my teachers throughout my time here have helped me receive good grades for high school. If any of my teachers are reading this during these tough times, thank you very much for my education at this school I highly appreciate it. This goes to all my teachers K-8