Third Street Elementary School

At first the school appeared warm and inviting but it became clear early on that the parents run the school and decide the outcome of many programs. It was obvious by the School Site Council FOT PTA and KDLP program that if you were not a part of one of these groups or cliques then you would not get much say or opportunity at this school. For working parents this school is average at best when it comes to allowing different ideas for programs. They could benefit from hosting a meeting in the evening occasionally instead of always in the early mornings which is very difficult for a working parent. If this were the only issue I would not comment. The school bullying plays a huge part of the school climate. Parents bully other parents to conform and donate donate donate money all the time. There were at least 3 counts of harassment that my child experienced and bullying with the lack of adequate supervision on the yard. Teachers get a time for their lunch but I think the school needs the teachers to supervise more on the yard. If the principal would reign in her parents who act like they run the school I think Third Street would be much better off.

No school is perfect but Third Street is about as good as it gets public or private. I've read through the other comments and seen some concerns expressed about bullying. I've been a parent at the school for 6 years and I just haven't seen it as a pervasive problem. There are four or five kids (both boys and girls) who seem to be the trouble makers but it's dealt with to the extent it can be at a public school. I wouldn't let concern about bullying keep you from sending your child here. As for other comments about issues with the parents who are involved in fundraising at the school I'm thankful for them and their efforts which provide an incredible amount of additional enrichment programs and resources to all the students that aren't possible within the shrinking public school budgets like a full-time librarian full-time tech/computer instruction and new Apple computers hi-speed wireless in classrooms music program extra field trips and more. The school is a wonderful melting pot of ethnic and economic diversity and if you embrace that you'll be welcomed into a true community. The academics are as good as any private school. Third St is a great learning environment.

My child attended this school last year. Because of parent fundraising the school is able to provide lots of extras like field trips a computer lab and a music program. There is a lot of pressure to give money and volunteer but it's still a bargain compared to private school. The school could do more to address bullying. I also think kids should be grouped so they can work on more challenging material if they are ready for it and/ or catch up in areas of weakness.

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.

One child graduated from 3rd and the last one will be graduating in 2012. We feel lucky we had the best public elementary school to go to in our neighborhood. The academics is superior as evidenced by the top scores but the nicest part of 3rd is the community of parents that we've developed over the years. An unpretentious welcoming group of people with well-behaved children. The students are very respectful and sweet and the teachers are dedicated (some more than others). It's a school that embraces different cultures very welcoming.

The school needs a zero tolerance approach to bullying. By the fourth grade there is already a hostile environment for the children. Teachers are not trained to deal with bullying and the principal is not interested in dealing with it. The fundraising organization rules the school--including the principal. The physical campus is nice parents are welcome and there are lots of opportunities for parents to get involved.

I love this school. I went there from KIndergarten to 3rd grade and the only reason I switched schools was because I got into a magnet. My teachers were very nice but some of my other friend weren't as lucky as me teacher wise.

I love this school because there is a program called KDLP and it helps people learn the Korean culture.

Overall a fantastic school - a large supportive parent group diverse cultures excellent language program and strong emphasis on academic performance. The teachers are great and work hard to give our students one of the best public school educations in Los Angeles.

great teachers supportive environment wonderful mix of cultures strong academic emphasis with a wide range afterschool enrichment opportunities. Parent run -fundraisers have allowed 3rd St Elementary to maintain arts/music and reading programs...

The principal Dr. Oh was named prinicpal of the year by LAUSD. My son had emotional issues and all were addressed by a hard working staff and he graduated in '06. I am now planning to enroll my grandson there next Fall '10. Homework is required except for Fridays because of their high academic standards and EXPECTATIONS. It has a very STRONG parent group and no stone goes unturned to find solutions for the school current and pressing issues. The parents raise the money for the salaries for the Librarian Music Teacher and special projects as needed by the students.

Great teachers great staff great leaders great students great families and great fun!

The most amazing school lead by fearless and creative leaders with a parent community that is about connection and support to all families from the deepest place of love and service.

In addion to great academic scores this school offers wealth of cultural diversity!

The amount of parent involvement makes the difference between a good school and a great school. 3rd St. is a great school!

As a grandparent I have been to 3rd Street School on many occasions. I have been extremely impressed with the quality of teaching and over all education that my granddaughters receive; the parents' support at all levels providing a solid after school programs and the safety of the school environment. Knowing the importance of creating a strong foundation at the lower levels so that student are equipped for further education I believe that 3rd Street provides this.

It is an excellent neighborhood school and a wonderful school to have in our neighborhood!

I love the school my kids go to because they have many different programs that supports my kids.

Third Street kids learn about different cultures through art language and dance. Fantastic

Third Street is a high achieving school with a strong sense of community. It is a neighborhood public school in way that rarely exists anymore.