Short Avenue Elementary School in Santa Monica, California

“I love this school, =-) my two daughters have always attended this school and they love it. Great teachers, great environment. Mrs Salvo and Mrs blevins are great teachers. they don't just see the kids as student but also as human beings. And they are so involved with the parents too. I just love this school”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I was very concerned about the quality of education my youngest son entering LAUSD was going to recieve. I homeschooled my oldest. I searched many different schools in the area and was very happy to find Short Ave. I couldnt have asked for a better 2nd grade teacher with Mr. Inokuchi and my sons 3rd grade teacher, Mr. Robinson, really is the best. He not only teaches the fundamentals but also enriches their young minds with culture, sports, music, and the arts. The children have so much fun every day that they dont want to leave when the bell rings. He is a gem and his students know how lucky they are to have him. The styles of these two teachers are very different but both are excellent and the students love them. Most teachers have been there over 10 years and the support staff is also great.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Short is a small and quiet school tucked away in Del Rey. The school has highly a highly tenured and professional staff and a very active parents organization. It is a K-6 school that offers arts and music programs and an exceptional after school program.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a wonderful school with fully accredited teachers and terrific parental involvement. I'm so pleased we chose to send our children to this cherished neighborhood school!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My children have attended Short Avenue for two years already. I only have positive things to say about it. The teachers are dedicated and very communicative with the parents. The administration is friendly and inviting, and the parents that are involved really do put all their heart into it. My personal experience with the PTA and FOSA is that they are a hardworking group looking to better the school. They volunteer a lot of hours and have brought amazing programs to the school along with physical improvements (i.e. SmartSpace, Bookworm Project, Tree planting, Wonder of Reading Library etc.). As a fairly new parent, I would have to disagree with the last comment. The PTA and FOSA really do give you the support you need to throw out ideas and put them into action. The school is fortunate to have parents that care.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter just started kindergarten at Short and I could not be happier. Her teacher is fabulous and she is learning so much. The children are kind, sweet and friendly and really show respect to eachother. It is true that it seems like we are in the '50's in some small neighborhood school, which it is, even though we are in the middle of a huge city. The PTA/FOSA are active and the women take charge - they care and really try to get people motivated. I am currently volunteering at Short and my family has donated supplies bc this is no less than anyone else would do for their private school. Short is Great!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter has been attending Short Ave. since Pre-K, and the teachers are truly incredible. Now, that she has been there a couple of years, I find that the teachers care about their students and their school. I only wish I could say the same about the PTA and FOSA (Friends of Short Ave.) The PTA and FOSA Presidents and Officers are very most self promoting, hypocritical people I have ever met. They act like they own the school, and treat others as second class citizens. Very unfortunate.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Pinch me, am I dreaming? In one of the largest cities in the world, I walk my children down the street to the same (although greatly improved) cute little school that my neighbors and their children attended since the 50's! This in itself is remarkable, but to think that the level of instruction and parent participation is top notch as well is rare. The value of having kids learn, play, and live next to their peers is unique in these times of the specialized charter, private, and magnet labyrinth. All this in a working class neighborhood, which testifies to the power of a dedicated and loving community. Thank you Short Avenue!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The is what a comunity school supost to look like.The Parents and the teachers are one big wonderful family.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Great school, great teachers, great programs, great neighborhood, great parent involvement. Filling a great need in the community for sure!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our beautiful little neighborhood school is without doubt the best kept secret in SoCal. We have the most dedicated and creative teachers who lead our enthusiastic and accomplished student body. Our campus has been renovated to include over 80 new trees, two new playground structures, and fabulous murals throughout. We have a newly renovated auditorium with a new baby grand piano, new stage draperies, and a mural theme that transforms the space into an old world majestic theater. Our 5th anual beautification day will complete our 2nd Community Beautification Grant Project for new landscaping in the kindergarten yard. Winter of 2010 will herald in the construction of our new Wonder of Reading Library. Our afterschool programs include "Arts in the Afternoon" art club, Drama, Film club, and our "Afterschool Gate Academy" designed and implemented by one of our 1st grade teachers and most enthusiastic promoter of afterschool enrichment. Because of our fantastic teachers, and there are many here, I give our school a 5 star rating.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Short Avenue Elementary School is clean and safe. The teachers are excellent and innovative. The one who has been there the shortest amount of time has been there 9 years. I got lucky in that my sons are both very intelligent; both are not only challenged, but they are given private school level attention (They both attended private school until 2008). The on-campus after school program is run by Boys and Girls Club of Venice. My sons, ages 7 and 9, complete their homework, have outdoor playtime and have a snack before they come home...and it costs $28 per year for both boys.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Short Ave School is such a positive influence in our community.”
This review was posted by a other.

“The teachers notice our children as individuals and the students feel important. It is a great atmosphere to learn in.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school has changed how my daughter perceives and interacts with the world around her for the better! They have a remarkable teaching staff!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Short Avenue Elementary school is a dream come true for a parent who moved into a neighborhood before becoming a parent and who always thought about schools - I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. Well, last year we came to that very bridge and we planned to visit every magnet, charter, private, school around. Our first stop was an open house at Short Avenue Elementary, our neighborhood school, which is a Title I school, over 60% second language learners, beautifully diverse, but we worried - how challenging will it be academically? We couldn't believe what we found. The parents are so involved, with both an active PTA and a Friends of Short Avenue Booster Club, members working together to improve every facet of the students' lives. In the past few years, the parents here have beautified the campus, planted hundreds of trees and plants, gotten funding to build two playgrounds, and brought in special clubs and activities. The teachers are invested, excited, enthusiastic. I've spoken with them at length, and they all describe themselves as lucky to work at Short Avenue. Mr. Springer and Mr. Snyder, the awesome 6th grade teachers, stay after school to sponsor art and film clubs. They teach the kids about Basquiat and Charlie Chaplin. Ms. Trapnell, the best first grade teacher you could ever want for your child, spends her evenings working with parents to raise money and create a gifted and talented program. On weekends, she's there, watering trees and coordinating further beautification. And the administration supports it all. We struggle, as do all public schools, especially in this economic climate. But there is a feeling of community at Short Avenue Elementary School that has made Los Angeles feel into a small town. And did I mention? API of 859! Short Avenue Rocks!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My kids to very well at this school. Teachers and wonderful. Staff is dedicated. The campus is beautiful. The school is diveresed . Administration is the tops.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am involed with the parent groups at Short Avenue. He have come a long way. With the leadership of Mrs. Stephanie Harris (principal) and Mr. Tim Kusorrow( vice principal) Short avenue is a new school. We have wonderful teachers like Mr. Burwick, Mr. Synder , Mr Springer and the enitre staff. We have the best students in the world. Our students were able to raise our API score 44 points in one year. If you are looking for school with dedicated staff,great academics and stong parent grouips, this is the school for you. Best school on the westside.SJB”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Just wanted to give everyone an update on our gem of a school... We've extended our extracurricular activities to include the Computer Club with state of the art computers, the Art Club, the GATE Academy for gifted students in addition to the GATE program integrated in the classroom, and Hollywood's Rock Academy for selected students. We've been able to fund an art teacher and a music teacher as well and have integrated their activities into the school day. We just received our $80,000 Wonder of Reading grant toward the library extension and remodel, in which we will have a permanent set of risers for kids to sit on while someone reads to them. Because of the spectacular staff and strong parent base, our school continues to improve by leaps and bounds! Even our API scores have jumped 44 points in the course of a single year, to 840! Love it!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Good school but need more parent particpation. Same people doing the same thing. We need influence and affluence to make this school something to talk about.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We are very happy with the school. The teachers are wonderful and devoted to the children. The academics are very strong, but the teachers really look at the whole child. The school is improving every year and the parent involvement has increased. Nice community school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a wonderful school! With the addition of 6th grade I am so glad my daughter will have one more year here. Our experience has been so wonderful that I know my husband and I will have a harder time on her last day than she will. The teachers are simply the best. They consistently keep my daughter ahead of the curb in all subjects. Starting in Pre-k on up they have insired her and motivated her to achieve all her goals.The school year seems to fly by with all the activities and fund raisers.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Awesome school! The addition of the six grade is the best decison made. I'm so glad that my daughter can stay at Short for one more year and have time to mature and prepare for middle school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Short Avenue is an absolute gem of an elementary school. Our son adores the teachers (especially Ms. Bautista) and staff who have worked so hard to make his kindergarten class's transition into grade-school a smooth one. We could not be more pleased.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is wonderful. I love it so much. Everyone works hard to continuously improve the school. The principal helps make this all possible. It will be a very difficult school for tranfer students once the word gets out on how terrific this school is. Teachers are great and the children are encouraged to reach their true potentional.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have two kids in Short Avenue, My wife and I are so glad to have them in this school for the great environment and high level of education and activities. I think Short Avenue is the best elemenrty school in the west side. N. Al Hani”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We are glad we made the right choice in placing our child here for the SRLDP/PCC program. Mrs. Salvo, Ms. Bleavins, Mrs. Noori and Ms. Lennon have helped my child blossom. Mrs Salvo and Ms Bleavins have an amazing program where they teach the kids just about everything from firefighters, the mailman, sea urchins, butterflies, where cotton comes from, different farm animals, etc... They take pictures throughout the year where they help you assemble a scrapbook of your childs past pre-k year. I also enjoyed the parent meetings and the parent education training because they really help you on becoming a better informed parent and it also gives you a chance to know the teachers outside of class and to meet the other kids parents that are in your child's class.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a wonderful environment for children of all ages. The staff is caring and supportive of all students and each other.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“I think this school is the best of the best because the teachers know what they are doing and also the children behave really well. but sometimes teachers just need to teach more and do more activities with the kids.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“Short Avenue has greatly exceeded my expectations ! My child absolutely loves school and is very challenged academically. Class size is small and it has a very community feel and a lot of pride. Kids in the neighborhood actually walk to this school and my child has many friends in the neighborhood who go to this school and then play after school togeteher! The new principal and vice principal are incredible and the school has taken on multiple beautifcation projects with new playground equipment being installed right now. I couldn't be happier with choosing to send my child to their home school. The parents are energetic and very resourceful. Now is the time to send your kids to this amazing school !”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The level of parent involvement is phenomenal at Short Avenue! The teachers are focused and the principal is aware of all aspects of the teacher's curriculum. I could not choose a better school for my daughter to attend.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter has graduated from short ave and it was a positive experience for her and me. She went from kindergarten to the fifth grade. The Staff encouraged respect harmony and tolerance which is greatly needed when entering middle school. I found that the teachers worked very well together, especially when preparing our children to go to the next grade. I had my daughter tested with an other side agency because she was having problems with math. The results showed that in all subjects even math she was in the upper percentages. This showed me that the school was doing there job and then some.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The school is pretty nice and the teachers since to be very nice. The school is very old and it needs alot of remoraling! The pre-k and kindergraden yard does not have any games for the kids to play with.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My two brothers attend short av elementary school. in my observation when going to their orientation, the school has a warm and friendly atmosphere, its not a big school, so i am glad for my brothers. the principal greets the students in the morning, and the teachers greet them too, i like that, short av is a very good school!”
This review was posted by a student.

“Short Ave. is a hidden treasure trove! It has climbed many steps on the API ladder the last few years. The 1st year we arrived my school was having difficulties. His teacher spent a lot of one on one time with him that year. Consequently, his reading score on his SAT's went to 86% that year! The teachers are very good and the parent leadership has greatly improved this year. The staff at the school is also very supportive.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Wonderful school, wonderful caring teachers. They encourage parent participation. Very active principal-- she knows every child by name.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Quality school, parent involvement encouraged.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Very nice school! I love how the kids can eat their lunch outside!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The teachers are highly skilled and work hard to bring out the best in each child.I'm very happy with the level of education my child is acquiring. After school they offer sports and art activities for the children through the Boys and Girls club I really recommend the school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Excited! Myself and my daughter have been excited since her first day at Short Ave.! My daughter is 8yrs old in a week and a 2nd grader whom has only been at Short Ave. for 4 1/2 months. Because she is so academically advanced it was difficult finding the right school for her academic needs and I am proud to say that Short Ave. is providing all that needs and more. Yeah to Ms. Willis her 2nd grade teacher and to Mrs. Butler the principal for Short Ave. and the education that is provided! Thanks so much.... Ms. Patterson”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We loved the Kinder/Pre-K program this school offers. The teachers were warm and patient and gave my child the tools he needed for moving into 1st grade. Kindergarten is so much more academic than years befor, and they made the transition into 1st grade a breeze! Thank you!!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“my son went to preK at Short I was pleased with the diversity of the preK class. The class was small and if your looking for a school thats warm this is it.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have grown to enjoy the teachers and found it easy to have relationships with them. However, the parent groups and leadership has had a hard time staying consistent especially with the help from the principal.”
This review was posted by a parent.