My kids attended 3rd Street Elementary, and I agree with many of the reviews here. One thing I noticed was that the principal and assistant principal seemed much friendlier and more welcoming to families who donated a lot of money to the school. My kids attended through the PALS program, and afterward they were supposed to return to their home school. I noticed that some students were allowed to stay, and from what I saw, many of those families were active donors. One of my children really wanted to stay. She was well-behaved, did well in school, and had no behavioral issues, but she wasn't given the opportunity. I never really understood why. I also felt that if you appeared wealthy, the staff--including the administration--treated you differently. They were never outright rude, but they often came across as dismissive if you didn't look like you had money. Many of the staff also seemed conceited and superficial, and it often felt like appearances and financial contributions mattered more than anything else. That was my personal experience. That said, there were definitely positives. The teachers were kind to my kids, and the campus is very clean and well maintained. The school offers more enrichment programs than many other public schools, has an active PTA, and provides a lot of opportunities for students. There are also many open enrollment spots, likely because many families in the neighborhood choose private schools instead. Since it's a Korean Dual Language school, I did notice that many of the open enrollment spots seemed to go to Korean families, which makes sense given the program. If your child has an IEP, I had a positive experience with the special education program through second grade. The support my children received was good. My only complaint was that the IEP administration changed every year, so we often had to start over with new administrators who weren't familiar with my child's needs. Overall, I think it's a good school with a lot to offer. My biggest criticism is that it often felt like families who donated, volunteered heavily, or appeared more affluent received more attention and opportunities than others. While my children had kind teachers and a positive experience in many ways, I didn't always feel that all families were treated equally. read more

Oh no... The only very bad teachers are Deana Yoon and Ms. Cha are Rude and dismissive. Deana Yoon or known as Mrs. Yoon is very rude, she's just no... She has the absolute balls to yell at a person across the room. How do I know that? Because I asked a kid in rm 15 if Mrs. Yoon was nice, and 7 kids said that she was very unfriendly and dismissive. I just don't know how to explain her. I asked a kid and he said that he got in trouble because he says "uh-" shortly. And pretty much Ms.Cha is ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING. If you have read the book "Wonder" by R.J palacio, you know Julian, charming parents while being evil to Auggie. Ms.Cha is LITERALLY AUGGIE. Also bye the way, just don't let your kids come to this school read more

The greetings are great and not a long walk usually and also in 1st grade Ms M Kim's class the kids planted a lime a bean and three northern seeds but Ms M Kim does something different each year. I recommend this school because you also do arts and crafts and Science classes and music teacher and I don't know what to say next but take your child here because the school is the best school here also grades PTK to 5th grade. Definitely recommend this school! read more

OMG this school is so bad. You ATLEAST have to donate like $150 AND you at least have to gift the teachers LV bags just for them to be actually responsible and respectful read more

Ms Lee is very rude and unnecessary. She always screams at people and always thinks she owns this place. Also out of these people, I think ms yoon is very disrespectful and stupid read more

Third Street Elementary is very academically driven. The amount of homework is overwhelming for most kids and some parents shared with me that their kids used to cry during the first year. While some families appreciate the school's academic rigor, my concern is the lack of attention to students' social and emotional well-being. The focus always remains on grades rather than encouraging a positive attitude toward learning and effort. School also lacks a community feel partially because the cultural difference between families is silently emphasized often. Since this is a Korean immersion school, most events focus on Korean culture. I would like to see more activities that include other cultures as well since students from different backgrounds also attend Third St. Overall, the principal's beliefs have a significant impact on the school's current situation. She is driven solely by her ego to make Third St one of the best in the states (It actually is though. Good for her!). read more

They should improve trying not to burn the snacks and uncooked pasta!?! My kid got sick because of the pasta.

Third street is the greatest school of all time. I am in 7th grade now and go to a different school but the memories of third street will forever remain in my heart. The academics are outstanding and the parent involvement is great as well. They offer great experiences and great teachers. read more

Terrific school except minus 1 star for horrible Principal Helen Lee. She is rude and dismissive and very unfriendly. I had an issue with my child being afraid of her teacher (probably the same teacher from previous reviews) and Principal Helen Lee completely dismissed my concern. Her and this teacher have been at this school for more than a decade and hopefully will retire soon for the benefit of all future children. Principal Daniel Kim was awesome! read more

Incredible school and teachers. Great amount of diversity. Highly recommend Third Street Elementary School.

administration lacks proficiency in many respects to better the school and advance. Stuck on past success. Do not let test scores attract you, they teach with state exams in mind. Also, the kids spend thousands of dollars on specialized schools outside of 3rd. So test scores really do not measure school "standards" when a huge number of students are spending thousands monthly on these specialized schools. It's important to point out how this school encompasses a handful of specialized programs so that needs to be weighed against other schools and test scores. Although public school without "selling something" (propaganda) such as high scores, students would not be attracted to this school. Hence, resulting in less donations. Very old classrooms, in fact most learn from "funky smelling" trailers. There are only a few educators that are really passionate about teaching and their students. You know who you are, so thank you. Others are like robots following a preprogrammed "speech" or lesson. It tends to be those teachers pushing students and parents to give money to school. These endless demands for donations is a bit odd , almost like a cult or pyramid scheme. Room parents are taught by Principle during specialized meeting/teaching sessions how to solicit money. Schools need to go back to the basics, and have kids "earn" money for these program. Children are being taught that moneys grows on trees and never really appreciate the dollar. It does not matter have rich you are today , as no one is immune to financial hardship. The individuals that work in office are great and I question why they are there. They are unappreciated!!! Buy many thanks go out to them. I would look into other schools if you have the chance to. Like I said there is nothing special about this location. If you have an issue they try their best to cover it up rather than resolving it, because of teacher shortage. So, even if child is neglected don't expect much to be done since it a "numbers game", classes need to be filled!! Principle and Admin for Westside District actually said that teachers even "bad apples" will not be removed because of shortage. read more

This school is rated above average in school quality compared to other schools in California. Students here perform above average on state tests, are making about average year-over-year academic improvement, and this school has above average results in how well it's serving disadvantaged students. read more

This is the worst school on the planet. The kids are not kids but learning machines. My daughter was afraid of her teacher as were a most of her classmates. When you speak your mind the other parents through "Friends of Third" try to gang up on and intimidate you but they are nothing more than parents. That was funny because they are the most unintimidating bunch. The school has gang stalking at the parent level. I thought that was amusing but got my daughter to a better school and now she's testing into gifted. Let's see... They always ask for money. I remember talking to a parent who had to donate a certain amount so that her child could get a voucher to stay at 3rd because they were not in the area. That was sad because she was a single working mother who's area school wasn't very good. This school is really the worst school on the planet if you want your kids to have a "happy" and creative childhood. read more

There is a genuine feeling of community at this school. The vibe here is friendly, the teachers are excellent, and the property itself is bright, cheerful, and as clean as a school can be. We are very happy with Third St! read more

Came here to see IF I could register my son at this school since I heard that it's a really great school (academics wise). OMG..the MINUTE i walked in, I felt like i was being attacked. I KNOW that registration is next week and I KNOW that i don't live in the district, which is WHY i came in PRIOR to registration just TO SEE. The administrative staff are all very rude and they act like they're all that and just straight up snooty. I'm not kidding when I say this, but at one point there were 3-4 ppl crowding around me chiming in with their 2 cents as to why I cannot send my child here. OK, I get it. I'm not dumb and don't need ppl reiterating the same thing over and over again to my face. Shoot me for asking a question and even for trying. If this is how they treat someone they don't even know, then I can't even imagine how they treat their students/parents that attend here. Thanks, but no thanks!! As I was walking out, I decided to still act respectful (because that was how i was raised) and thank them for their time and NO ONE even bothered to look up and say goodbye. Like wtf?!?! SO RUDE!! Even though this school is located in the nice, prestigious Hancock Park area, TRUST ME, there is NO WAY the staff live here or have the same upbringing...basically what I'm trying to say is...GHETTO. Wouldn't send my kid here, even if you paid me. Oh, I also heard that you have to bribe your teacher with LV gifts and such. I'm not surprised...maybe I should have come in with an armful of gifts just to bribe these money hungry, ghetto "superstars". Yah, I'm still angry. I was so mad afterwards that I almost wanted to cry =( read more

Since kindergarten, my child has experienced nothing but the best atmosphere. It's proven to be safe and nutruring with zero tolerance for bullying. There is an incredible diversity of ethnicities and socioeconomic classes. The parents and teachers are pretty great. Yes, there are parent politics, general issues with troubled kids, but even the best private schools in LA will have that (and yes some parents are a pain and yes some teachers are better than others and it's disappointing when your kiddo doesn't get into that classroom for the year...). However the overall experience has been wonderful and that's a pretty cheesy word but completely true. My kid is graduating this year and I only wished a comparable LA public middle school was available as we will now be moving to another town for a similar atmosphere. Hope you have the opportunity to live in the district for this school! read more

Wow. I just read the other three reviews and have to say if you are considering sending your children to this school, talk to people that go. Don't listen to these ridiculous reviews. I've been here for 6 years now with two kids and overall my experience has been very positive. My children were extremely happy here and have developed life long friendships with their peers and their teachers. Yes, there is a lot of fundraising going on, but with the lack of support from LAUSD, there really isn't any choice if we want to have a staffed library, a tech lab, music classes, etc., etc. etc.. The comment about gift giving is ludicrous and the "ghetto" comments tell more about whose giving the review than anything else. It's a good school with a lot of dedicated, involved parents that are determined to make their kids' experience at the school a positive one. read more