The office staff are extremely uncooperative and not helpful in the slightest. I sincerely hope…read morethis is addressed, I understand that they are rarely ever in a good mood; but everyone needs to treat all kinds of people with respect. Especially the lady with black hair; Rosa I believe. Not to mention that politics that directly impact your diverse students have no place in long beach, and my child should not feel like they are excluded because of staff having trump stickers everywhere. It's truly heartbreaking. Parents, please take your children to a school that celebrates differences!

I'm updating my review here as some things have changed since my last review. I've seen efforts…read moreincrease to upkeep the school which is great. I also was able to connect with staff to discuss my sons needs and received support almost immediately. As far as my review star rating staying the same, I'd have to say there's still some issues here that need to be address. The recent events which caused major safety concerns are tragic. However, I am in understanding that the world we live in today safety around schools is worldwide. My concern is how the school has communicated there safety procedures to families. They aren't meeting my expectations when it comes to understanding efforts that are being taken to protect our kids. The communication between administrators and parents is lacking in a major way. My son, however, loves this school. He finds comfort in the community of his teachers and friends. It's made it difficult for me to remove him. I'm now making an effort to find ways that I can support the school and my son. I'll be keeping a close eye here and reporting back as I'm hoping improvements will happen soon

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 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.

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.

I encourage everyone to look at this article if they have a special needs student in the bellflower…read moredistrict . https://educationrightsattorney.com/audit-reveals-bellflower-school-district-neglected-students-with-disabilities/ The Bellower district special education department is terrible specifically Nancy wanna be AOC who has a major attitude and no patience whatsoever. I went in to turn in paperwork to be reimbursed for gas money . I want to put it out there the paper did not have a deadline date . The reason I went In late May because the car insurance renewed early June . Anyways , The older woman in front gave me paperwork to fill out. She told me Nancy was busy that I could make an appointment and come in later. Yeah, nancy was so busy bad mouthing and gossiping about Claudia with the blonde hair with the older woman in front . Stating they didn't like her , Very professional. I filled out the paperwork and handed it in. I barely made it to my car before I got a call from Nancy yelling at me I had missed the deadline to turn in the paperwork. She demanded to know why I had set up an appointment if that was all I needed. I couldn't believe she was treating me that way and yelling at me. I calmly answered her that was the only reason. It took everything in me to be calm and not snap back. I was worried if I snapped there would be retaliation and I wouldn't be reimbursed. She continued to yell at me and finally put me on hold. She calmly told me I could go in and she would approve my paperwork . I'm guessing someone told her to relax . Whenever I have to deal with this department I dread it . Most of the staff is rude and with a poor attitude. I urge the district to read these reviews and do something about the staffs behavior.

As a parent of a child who attends a school in the Bellflower Unified School District, I…read moreoccasionally need to seek services from the main office. My experience today was unfortunately horrible. I am assuming that the employees at this office have recently gone through some sort of safety training and that the policies of this office have changed as the entire building was in complete lockdown. All doors locked, signs saying appointments only and a electronic doorbell at the main entrance. Not knowing for sure what was going on, I rang the bell and was asked if I had an appointment. I said "no" and was greeted by a terse woman who was huffy about having to get up from her chair to open the door for me. I told her that I need to visit an office there to turn in some paperwork. How was I supposed to know that appointments were necessary now? No communication from the School District on this at all. She scolded me for not having an appointment but still let me in. I made my way to the office where I needed to turn some paperwork in. I entered and was greeted with unfriendly stares from 4 employees who were talking with each other. I was asked if I had an appointment. I said no. I said I was happy to make one but no one told me I had to make an appointment now to get services from the Bellflower Unified School District's main office. Very unfriendly looks and zero customer service as I was asked for the name of my student. I was given the paperwork necessary and started to fill it out. Meanwhile, one of the women who was working in the office came over and told me that they've been through a lot and that I should understand that the building is locked down now. I told her that there has been no communication with the customers (parents of children in this School District) and that how was I supposed to know if no one told me. Other employees chimed in and made more excuses about why appointments were necessary now. All the while I was getting dirty looks and treated poorly as if I was not supposed to be there. Finally, someone who I presume was the manager came over and shut the excuses and conversation down and apologized for the new policy. I turned in my paperwork and made my way out. All I can say is that these employees acted like scared mice in their office building and provided zero level of customer service. Dirty looks, excuses, poor attitudes and a general lack of desire to be friendly or helpful was the order of the day here. Exactly who are they supposed to be serving? The parents and the students. I think the employees of the BUSD main office need to understand why they are there and who funds their paychecks. They all need training in customer service on how to do simple things like smile, be friendly and how to not make excuses for poor policies.

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 was a student at this school in the mid 70s and my children in the 90s and my grandson now and it…read moreis the worst school ever. My grandson is special needs. My daughter has been in a constant fight with this school to get her son what he needs and all she gets is excuses and her son is made the problem child. As an autistic child he has needs and the principle ms. Hennessy put blame on the child. He is being bullied by students and the principal. My grandson has sensory issues with noise yet he cannot wear headphones during assemblies with high noise levels. He has issues with students hitting him and yet nothing is done. The worst school ever. Don't enroll any special needs child in this school. You will have problems big time.

Mokler Elementary School ROCKS!!!! Thank You for all your do…read more!!!!!! Mokler Elementary has teachers that care, are passionate about education, and positively impact our children's future. I can't tell you enough how I Appreciative I am for these amazing Teachers. Missy is one of the teachers at this school that is loved by Parents and staff! Just one of a kind individual who loves what she does. She has a great attitude and a lovely energy about her that allows students to learn and have fun. I was approached by a smiling happy Individual one day after school, who happened to be the Principal. This makes me as a Parent feel like my child is in good hands. Linh Roberts who is the Principal here is one of the Best! She is not only good with the parents , but you can tell how much all the teachers love and appreciate all she does! They have great programs to keep children motivated and continue to surprise me. This school constantly strives to make things better for the students to excel. Mokler Elementary School ROCKS!!!! Thank You for all your do !!!!!!

I do not recommend the school and this is why so on Monday, March 25 my children were at school and…read morethey didn't have a drill drill. They had a real walk down and there was a threat to the school. I didn't know till I seen other children getting picked up. They did not notify me or any other parents that it was a threat to the school so I do not recommend this school

I was skeptical about this school at first. Reading all the reviews here and on google. But as for…read moremy experience, it's been great. Mrs. Domino and Mrs. Manning are awesome. The staff are amazing too! I've met really great and caring teachers. Also the schools PTA does a lot for the kids. (All kids, not just their own kids) My daughter did have trouble at first. But she's shy and I spoke with the teacher. And now she is so outgoing and loves going to school. The school has a lot of positive behavior incentives. To encourage the kids to behave. Like I said, I speak from my experience. And I've seen some kids not caring. And the school can only do so much. I've spoken to and seen some parents who could care less. Sometimes the parents have to take the initiative and speak with their children. Plus the school is here to teach education not raise your kids.