Address 3909 Carpenter Ave
Studio City, CA Phone (818) 761-4363 School District Los Angeles Unified School District Grades Served KG-5 |
- Overview
- Test Scores
- Parent Reviews
School Rating
This gives an overview of this school's test results, and is based on a comparison of test results for all schools in the state. More information on School Ratings (www.greatschools.net)
Carpenter Avenue Elementary School
10 out of 10
School FactsSchool Facts| | | Total Enrollment | 839 | 839 | | Students per Teacher | 19.5 | 19.5 | | Expenditure per Student | $11,696 | $11,696 | | Students in Free Lunch Program | 7% | 15% |
Parent Ratings and Reviews
Carpenter Avenue Elementary School: 4.4
|
Latest Review
Posted May 2, 2008
The school covers all the bases thanks to a very involved parent group. The money raised allows PE, music, computers science, etc. Academically, the school is solid, but if you have a very bright child...
Read More...
Read all 52 reviews
Write your own review
|
Grade 2 California Standards Test English Language Art  Math  Grade 3 California Standards Test English Language Art  Math  Grade 4 California Standards Test English Language Art  Math  Grade 5 California Standards Test English Language Art  Math  Science 
Overall Parent Rating
Rate Carpenter Avenue Elementary School
52 reviews | Add your review
|
|
| Posted May 2, 2008
|
|
The school covers all the bases thanks to a very involved parent group. The money raised allows PE, music, computers science, etc. Academically, the school is solid, but if you have a very bright child there isn't a lot of extra attention given to push that child. However, if your child is struggling there are resources. It feels a little crowded, though the parents are so involved it's not tough to meet people. Overall it's a good elementary school, my kids are happy there. It is well run for such a large community.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted October 19, 2007
|
|
What an amazing school. Highly committed staff and highly active parent community. We are extremely happy here.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted April 20, 2007
|
|
We are so fortunate to have an elementary school like Carpenter in our community. Our children are getting a well rounded education. Academics, art, music, physical education, and a strong and loving staff. Test scores speak for themselves. It all starts from the top. Our principal is truly hands on. Her relationship with both parents and staff are fair and well balanced. She addresses any needs right away. She has created a safe and fun environment, my kids love going to school each and every day!
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted April 14, 2007
|
|
It is difficult to run a Los Angeles Unified public school. The demand on teachers and their curriculum is overwhelming. Having said that, Carpenter teachers work extremely hard to provide each and every child with what they need to succeed beyond their elementary years. My childrens' schooling experiences thus far have been outstanding. We have friends all across the valley whose kids are also in good schools (public & private), but it is clear, Carpenter remains at the top. Carpenter has great kids who are smart & nice...perhaps overparented in some cases, but that's better than underparented. What can better in an elementary school? Teachers that work hard and enjoy students, kids you want your children to be around, parents that are dedicated beyond expectation, administration with an open door policy, and a new shiny white picket fence.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted September 4, 2006
|
|
My boys are 20 and 25; they both attended Carpenter, older one in Highly Gifted Program grades 1-6 went on to graduate from UC Berkeley; younger son in regular school grades 1-5; now transferring from SMC to UCLA! All of us loved the experience. 99% terrific teachers and principal (back then anyway). Parent involvement above and beyond. Bused in kids w/non-English speaking parents attended Open Houses - very impressive. Wonderful memories we will all cherish! Younger son moved to a private school (grades 7-8); no comparison! Switched back to NHHS (most Advanced Placement courses of any schools). Best public schools in the Valley!
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted August 21, 2006
|
|
This is a great school! I attended as a child, my two children attended recently and I was thrilled with the high level of academic excellence expected. The classes were small in the lower grades, but way too high in the upper! The extra classes like P.E., Music, Media Lab and art projects were outstanding. The teachers are so kind, qualified and dedicated. My children excelled at Carpenter and went on to very regarded Magnet programs in middle school. It was a true community experience for us. I think it is how much time and effort you are willing to give to the school community and your children.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted August 17, 2006
|
|
Carpenter is not worthy of it's reputation! The school is bursting with 7 classes per grade level (K-3). After all it is a public school, they all have to follow CA school standards and guidelines so they all teach the same thing. I'd go for a smaller school and hope for a good teacher if I were you.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted June 23, 2006
|
|
Former teacher here: As public schools go, this one is pretty good. I'm personally more inclined to teach at private schools, but they are no panacea unto themselves if the leadership at the top is weak. Being a Principal at Carpenter must be like having two full-time jobs. I do think she's very capable and personable but there's beuracratic ridgedness that is evident. I think it stems from the behometh public school curriculum which is extremely antiquated, imo, for it's bogged down in intellectualism and methodology and not rooted on basic levels of human understanding. This makes for a teaching staff that emphasizes following rules and not much else. Many rules only exist to be followed, many of them are counterintuitive and that's how over time you lose alot of these kids by the time they get to high school. There's more to education than being a facilitating automaton.
|
|
Submitted by a teacher
|
|
|
| Posted June 20, 2006
|
|
I student-taught at this school. I have also subbed in a couple districts, and this one stands out. Carpenter is an extremely good school that promotes academic growth. The staff is personable, for the most part (at least the people that I worked with), which is always positive for the students.
|
|
Submitted by a staff
|
|
|
| Posted June 13, 2006
|
|
My daughter attended Carpenter school for 3 years (2 grade - 5 grade). She loved this school a lot. Great kids, very active parents who participate in the school's life. On the negative side: school is very big. Too many kids are running around.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted June 12, 2006
|
|
The academics, the classtime enrichment activities (music, phys ed, computer), and the quality of many of the teachers, are exceptional among LAUSD schools. It is still a public school, however, with all of the attendant difficulties of large class-sizes in the upper grades, overemphasis on mandated district testing, and the difficulties of getting the teachers' union to support quality teaching in its membership.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted June 9, 2006
|
|
This school is almost run by the parents. Accordingly, it is good school
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted June 8, 2006
|
|
Carpenter is an amazing LAUSD public school. The students thrive in a environment that is safe, enriching and very academic. The parent involvement makes the school what it is. They help in the classrooms, at school functions and with fundraising that provides programs the following; music, PE, art, media lab, extra aides; a pull-out program to help reduce class size in the upper grades. The principal is fairly new and completely engaged in the success of the school. The community is also very involved in being part of the school by donating over $55,000 annually. I have a 4th grader and a 2nd grader and have been completely satisfied with the education they have received thus far.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted May 9, 2006
|
|
This is a strong elementary school, and they know it. The size of the school can be intimidating despite the fact that teachers and staff try to mitigate that fact. Parent involvement is very high and they welcome new blood - just show up. The music program is superb and is structured to compliment the academic corriculum. The physical education is also strong and is not something that you see at other schools. I've had two kids go through Carpenter from K-5 and overall the experience has been good. The school's weakness has been with their principals in the last number of years.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted March 25, 2006
|
|
Academic, music, art and sports programs are very good. Also, parents are extremely involved in all aspects. We have had some problems with a couple of difficult teachers however.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted March 18, 2006
|
|
the school is large .over 800 students.lots of parent involment.the upper grades class size is quite large.find students can lose focus in the large class size.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted March 3, 2006
|
|
I have been very happy with Carpenter Ave. My son has gone through K, 1 and 2 grades. However, looking to 3rd grade I am starting to look elsewhere. In the upper grades (3-5) many of the more seasoned teachers are or have retired. And this year, the 5th grade classes have 38 kids in each classroom. That is just too big. Carpenter used to have a wonderful gifted and highly gifted program. But due to the apartment building construction in the area, the District took away the ability to allow gifted and highly gifted students into the school on permit. As a result, the school is suffering. If you have a highly gifted student, this school may not be for you. I do think the music, pe and computer classes are wonderful. But not enough to offset the class size and lack of gifted curriculum.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted January 30, 2006
|
|
Carpenter is a large but basically well-run Los Angeles Elementary school. It is strongly supported by the local community both financially and otherwise, and thus provides a variety of enrichments unavailable in most Los Angeles public schools. Its gifted programs, however, have been closed down. There is clustering available within regular classrooms.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted January 14, 2006
|
|
Carpenter is a wonderful, active school community that works hard to enrich the LAUSD funding with arts, physical ed, music and drama programs. Our only complaint is that it sometimes feels overcrowded, and overcapacity.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted January 12, 2006
|
|
We're loving it so far. The parents who are involved are fantastic (and those of you who aren't, step up, please!), as are the school events and education. And we love KinderAcademy. Ms. Lori and Ms. Athena are fantastic. And it really feels like we're part of a community, something that's hard to come by in L.A. It's just a terrific place.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted December 2, 2005
|
|
Carpenter school is an excellent public school. Parent volunteerism is very high and the teachers are very dedicated. They have a rigorous academic program. Homework starts in kindergarten. Their after school care is excellent. THe YMCA program is costly but worth it. It's around$300 a month for after school care.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted October 17, 2005
|
|
quality academic teachers and programs huge parent involvement overall very happy with this school
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted September 26, 2005
|
|
It does have more programs provided by the aggressive fundraising. A great community if you don't mind large public schools. Parking is terrible. Ideal school if you live south of the blvd., such as in the Dona's.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted September 12, 2005
|
|
One of the things that is often overlooked about Carpenter is the quality of the kids. They are really good and interesting kids. One can tell that most of these kids get a lot of warm and loving support at home. This also makes the school a wonderful place for my children. Also, these kids are not into fad and fashion. Lot's of clothes from Target, Children's place, Old Navy, etc. I have yet to see any fashion competetiveness at this school. Very refreshing! Carpenter Mom
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted September 4, 2005
|
|
High quality academics. Wonderful music/chorus program. Art programs and after school programs also available at different times during the year. Safe environment. New Principal and new Assist. Principal.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted August 21, 2005
|
|
I have been very satisfied with the availability of the staff to help accomodate my daughter's special needs.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted August 20, 2005
|
|
This is a great school for students who are motivated and have actively involved parents. If not, there doesn't seem to be much in the way of help.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted August 19, 2005
|
|
The lower grages, k-3, with a 20/1 ratio seem to have a significantly better program than than grades 4 and 5. Having said that, my kids did reasonably well there, made a lot of friends, and have excellent memories. I don't think it is possible to run a school in LAUSD without a lot of ridiculous red tape. Oh, well.
|
|
Submitted by a teacher
|
|
|
| Posted August 16, 2005
|
|
My daughter had to make a huge cross country move during kindergarten. With the great teachers at carpenter, her transition was smooth and she never skipped a beat. She was reading chapter books without help and was awarded california award for excellence in math before the year was up! Coming from a small town with a small school (k-3) we really never felt like we were in a huge city. Infact, the only diffence was the laid back attitude and parents still shuffling children to class at 10 minutes past 8. However it is an early start time compared to what I am use to. Overall I enjoyed carpenter last year and I look forward to 1st grade.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted August 8, 2005
|
|
Carpenter Avenue Elementary has the feel of a small-town school but is really quite cosmopolitan due to the area. My daughter loved the school, did very well academically, and overall would undoubtedly rate it high. The parents are very involved.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted July 23, 2005
|
|
I have had 4 children in Carpenter and it is an amazing school. The entire staff is just wonderful. By far the best public school in the valley. Parent involvment is the most intense I've seen in all my years. I would recommend this schhol to everyone.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted July 19, 2005
|
|
If you're looking for a school with a strong HG program, look elsewhere. The challenges associated with a gifted child are hard enough without having to deal with a confusing and cold administration.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted May 13, 2005
|
|
we have been at this school for 5 years and have been extremely happy. although a large school there is a sense of community, parent involvement is very high and great programs are paid for by money raised by the parent body - music, p.e., media lab. there's a great library also. teachers for the most part are caring and we have not had a bad year yet. The kids at this school are happy and for the most part seem to love school and enjoy learning. lots of assemblies on different topics, a great track meet run by the coach, great after school sports programs. we love it and will send our next two children too. just wish it went through 6th grade.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted March 31, 2005
|
|
New principal just started on March 28. School is academically very good. As in any school, parents have to be proactive in child's education - review homework, help with problem areas and communicate with teachers. Attend LEARN council meetings to be up to speed on school. In the past, fund raising organization's parents have been very pushy in class placement for their children. Hopefully this will be toned down. Overall, excellent education if you stay involved with your child and supplement math and language arts if needed for your child.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted March 25, 2005
|
|
Quality of academic programs. Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities. Level of parent involvement is excellent.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted March 11, 2005
|
|
Wonderful public school! Lots of great teachers and school spirit here. Helps if parents are very involved.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted March 10, 2005
|
|
Carpenter is a great school overall. Parent involvement is strong, the teachers and test scores are great, and the fact that full-time art, music and physical education exists in this troubled school district says a lot. Smart, talented kids will definitely thrive at Carpenter. However, if you have a gifted or highly gifted child, I would advise you to keep looking before selecting Carpenter. The school supposedly has a gifted program, but no one can tell me much about it. Meetings about the gifted program are lengthy, chaotic and go nowhere. After trying my best to find the best place for my child academically, I am ready to leave this school.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted March 10, 2005
|
|
My stepson has attended Carpenter from kindergarten through second grade. We are happy with the school overall, but do wish our child was challenged more academically. The school has a lot of parent involvement and everyone is committed to building a better school.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted March 10, 2005
|
|
I am in the 2nd grade at carpenter and love carpenter. I went to kindergarten at Carpenter and am happy to be going into third grade. I like the art and the library. I like the mac computers in media lab because that is what I have at home. Your kid will like, no love Carpenter school.
|
|
Submitted by a student
|
|
|
| Posted March 10, 2005
|
|
Lots of parental involvement. Very protected environment. Quite good extracurricular activities. Getting a new principal, so in transition right now.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted February 2, 2005
|
|
Great academics. Anderson enrichment program after school is great - my daughter gets mad if i pick her up early.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted January 25, 2005
|
|
I was told that this school was a very good school, therefore I relocated to this district but I was disappointed by the teaching staff.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted November 29, 2004
|
|
Two of my children have gone to this wonderful school from kindergarten through 5th grade. Although there are too many students per class- a product of the school district, not the school- I certainly hope our third child will attend Carpenter as well. Parent involvement is as strong as it gets, so be warned or be involved. Scores are consistantly high but there has been a larger than usual teacher-turnover of late, by my own estimation. If you do not live in the Carpenter 'district' you may still be able to enroll your child, depending on the number of students in any particular year. Call the school for 'Open Enrollment' information.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted November 29, 2004
|
|
Carpenter is known in LAUSD as the public school that thinks its a private school. The parent involvement is unbelievable. Four years ago we received a new principal. The retiring principal made the school what it is today. Granted, hers were big shoes to fill, I think our current principal is not measuring up. Despite that, Carpenter offers a wonderful learning environment with caring and exceptional teachers.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted November 25, 2004
|
|
This is a terrific school with dedicated teachers who think 'outside the box.' The Distinguished School Award was no accident. The music department, media lab and dance programs add depth to an excellent academic program. The parents are very involved, and Carpenter is truly a community. I would highly recommend this school to anyone.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted November 19, 2004
|
|
I live in Studio City and have an extreme admiration for Carpenter Elementary School. I do not have kids that attend this school but admire the amount of contributions and community involvement. It is nice to see this and it is great for the community.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted April 12, 2004
|
|
I attended Carpenter Ave. for five years (since 1st grade). I am now in 8th grade and I loved Carpenter. It was a safe and friendly environment. My little brother and sister both go there now and they love it. This school is very good because the teachers care about the students and want them to acomplish something.
|
|
Submitted by a former student
|
|
|
| Posted February 3, 2004
|
|
I am a student now attending Carpenter Avenue Elementary School and I have started from not being very good at English to excelling every subject and now that I am in fifth grade I don't want to leave Carpenter because it is like my home!
|
|
Submitted by a student
|
|
|
| Posted January 31, 2004
|
|
I went here and my son goes here. It just keeps getting better and better. The PFC (or PTA) is incredible! Also, love all the beautification going on the last five years.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted August 11, 2003
|
|
My son has been attending Carpenter since first grade, he is now entering the fourth grade. We have had nothing but superior teachers. The proof has been in his national testing scores. Amazing!! The school recognized my son's academic potential in second grade. Carpenter has a terrific gifted program. Whenever we mention that,'our son goes to Carpenter' it almost gets the same reaction as if we had commented, 'My son attends Harvard!' I am not kidding!!!
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted July 9, 2003
|
|
I have two children attending this school. I took them out of a private school because I moved into this school district and wanted to take advantage of my luck. I felt that if we weren't happy, I would just take them out again. Worst case scenerio...I had to start paying those (12K per year, per child) killer payments again. Well, I am so happy to have taken the 'risk' and now can't wait for my youngest to start the K program (a wonderful developmental program)! The teachers are amazing, I have to say, my kids haven't had a bad year yet (am I lucky, I don't know). I feel they have the right balance between acedmics and fine arts-which is very important to me. The conflict resolution program they teach is phenominal and my children now use it on me! Wonderful school that teaches to the whole child, not to the standard test scores.
|
|
Submitted by a parent
|
|
|
| Posted July 2, 2003
|
|
Carpenter is a great school, with great students, teachers even a great principal. It also a great faculty staff, PTA particapation and a safe and welcoming inviroment. Mrs. Grey( the principal) in my opinion is great at her job and makes sure that the qualities of Carpenter Avenue Elementary School is as great as she inteeded. The teachers are great they teach beyond the level of that grade, make it fun , give one on one attention and love to teach. They give the students incouragement and pave the path to sucess. The faculty is an organized cheerful bunch. They are very helpful . The students have different characters. Since Carpenter has no uniforms they are allowed to express themselves. That sounds bad but Mrs. Grey has a dress code. I hope you will enroll your child at Carpenter.
|
|
Submitted by a
|
If you're looking for a home in Studio City, CA and you have or plan to have children, you will want to learn more about the area schools. Get school information for Carpenter Avenue Elementary School at Cyberhomes.com. See how many students are enrolled in each grade level and how many students there are per teacher. Compare test scores for Carpenter Avenue Elementary School against scores in the rest of California.
|