Gonsalves (Joe A.) Elementary School

13650 Park Street

School District

Abc Unified
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:22
Type

public

School Map for Abc Unified School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 13, 2022

Horrible Experience dealing with this school and authorities. Its a terrible spot for special education children. Teachers do not care about student curriculum and just run it like a day care. Mr Benko the principal is least bothered about any progress and is a mute spectator in all IEPs with no authority .
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2021

Amazing school, amazing teachers, great learning experiences, I just love this school
Submitted by parent on April 01, 2018

Most teachers are good, especially K-3rd. The Principal and lazy, screaming , disrespectful teachers need to GO. Front staff should at least be cordial, if they do not know how to be friendly. Principal refuses to help his students and families. He is just occupying a very high paying Principal's chair.
Submitted by parent on November 04, 2017

The k-2nd instructors are amazing instructors. The booster club and parental support are also amazing. This school used to be the best in California. I loved this school until my child went into 3rd grade. The upper grade teachers need to provide more academic support for their students.
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2014

This school is great. One of the best schools in california. The teachers and principal are great. It has a lot of diversity among students and teachers. In addition to academics, other extra-curricular activities that improve the social skills are also incorporated into the syllabus of the school. These students go on to perform really well in adulthood. The parents group is really strong and supportive. The principal and the teachers, with a little help from parents have made this school really wonderful.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2014

This is school is great, my child has had mrs. regius, Mrs. Hirayama, Mrs. Jaser, Mrs.Brickner, and mrs. Becker. They are great teachers and very good and care about the child. Recommend this school to anyone in cerritos or outside or new people in cerritos
Submitted by parent on December 04, 2013

I am so sad to hear the past parent reviews about Gonsalves. Elementary. My daughter went there from 2004-2011 ALL her teachers Mrs. Surh, Mrs Hwanbo, Mrs. Song, Mrs. Mato, Mrs Brickner, And Dr. B were very good.. She learned so much from this school and prepared her. I can proudly say she is in English and Biology Honors and has excellent grades. I feel if this school didn't challenging her she may not be doing as well as she is. I was in the Booster Club for two yrs as Co- Treasure and enjoyed it very much. We had an excellent president. and staff, All the events were planned well and my daughter and I had A LOT of fun. When I think back on those past years at Gonsalves I can honestly say I miss them. Michelle Wilburn
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2013

This school is an Excellent School. All the teachers my daughter had are well caring and well educated. Of course, every where you go, there are few strict teachers, but that is needed in the school. Many of the teachers go beyond their duty to help and improve the kids. My daughter did not have a teacher assigning extreme load of homework. The parent involvement is excellent and could not ask for more.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2013

Overall, Gonsalves is ACADEMICALLY outstanding. Socially, however, it lacks a lot of life and spirit. There needs to be a healthy balance for children to be well-rounded. PROS: Great test scores. Teachers challenge students to their max abilities. School campus is extremely secure, fenced/locked all day. Adults have to enter through the office. Once a month, there is Sack Lunch Wed. K-6 eat at the same time; parents bring food/enjoy this hr with their children. CONS: Some teachers (K) have unrealistic expectations. There is a lot of "correcting", and not enough praise or recognition of students' hard work. The amount of nightly (and wknd) homework is excessive. The environment at this school feels military and robotic. Overly and unnecessary disciplined. I have witnessed the yelling and lack of patience by some of the teachers. The principal doesn't seem to be too involved. He controls traffic after school, but rarely says hello to the parents (or students). His speaking time at school functions gets cut off by teachers and Booster parents, who seem to love the microphone and stage.