Dunsmuir Elementary School

4760 Siskiyou Avenue

School District

Dunsmuir Elementary
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

School Map for Dunsmuir Elementary 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 other on June 21, 2024

PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS BEWARE This school presents itself as an inclusive type setting that will allow you to enroll your child and celebrate diversity. The problem is that they have staff who are unqualified to actually support these children. Then if an incident takes place, Mrs Leahy the principal/supertindent will call the police on your child instead of taking their sped needs into consideration or what your child actually has done, as they did with my son today. An incident took place today involving my son who has autism and an aide who had no training in Special needs claims he treated her. I’m not making excuses for his behaviors. He did not follow the rules but instead of making a learning opportunity the principal calls the cops which did nothing to help my son. My son has behaviors that are a function of his disability. He was screaming but the untrained aide from their “camp success behavior room” aggressive yelled at him. After my son calmed down, the school called and told me to pick him up. When o arrived the principal called cops on another student. These are 3rd graders! Then they told me he is no longer welcome back and their reasoning for it is because they are worried about him in regards to other kids. My som never shown aggression towards other children. They kicked him out of the without explaining to him what he did wrong and without giving him a second chance. There are kids at this school who are actually physically problematic and violent with other children and they get to stay. But if a child with a disability presents with a behavior that is inconvenient, they get expelled from the program the first time. It is unbelievable that in 2024, an establishment will accept kids with disabilities and hire staff who are unqualified to support them. Even neurotypical kids scream and hit. When I asked the staff if those kids get kicked out too, they looked at me with blank stares. Clearly this is because my son had a disability and it’s an inconvenience for them. This school should get shut down.
Submitted by parent on June 13, 2024

Notice that most if not all reviews are years old: many local residents have pulled their students out of this school. Staff is just basically lazy, many problems with student's using racial slurs, no minorities on the teaching staff, high rate of absenteeism among staff. All my grandkids were pulled out of this horrible school, more professionalism is needed in the administration. Do not enroll your children in this school.
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2019

Great staff at DES! Communication with students and parents keeps a good community.
Submitted by other on June 12, 2014

My school is a happy, caring and responsible place for children. The teachers, staff and students have a great time every day. The genuine regard for caring and success of all persons (young and not so young) is a decided effort and is reflected in the community feeling at the school
Submitted by other on June 11, 2014

Dunsmuir Elementary School has the most incredible family atmosphere. The teachers care tremendously about the students both academically and socially. They practice a positive behavior system where students are praised for making good choices and following "The Golden Rule". This year they focused on instilling values by having "Character Assemblies" which emphasized words like: Cooperation, Integrity, Perseverance, Trustworthiness, and Empathy. At the end of the year they had a "Character Carnival" where students played games that demonstrated the traits students had learned. Thank goodness the teachers and staff at Dunsmuir Elementary are there for our children. We need more schools that care like DES. They are not only preparing students for the future, they are supporting children with a loving learning environment.
Submitted by other on June 10, 2014

DES is a wonderful school with a competent, caring staff. No child is allowed to "fall through the cracks" and help is readily available for all!! There is a wonderful after-school program available to all free of charge. Children there receive help with homework, get snacks and participate in many activities. Computers and iPads are available as are tons of LEGOS!! There is also a first rate preschool program available for children 3-5 available free or little cost. Transportation is provided in vans complete with car seats as busing is NOT recommended for young children! DES is a technology updated school with "smart boards" in every classroom and laptops, iPads, and kindles available to students. Instruction in computer use is part of the curriculum . Field trips are varied and include many opportunities to experience the culture in nearby Redding, COS , and Ashland. They have an extensive school library with up to date novels, picture books, and nonfiction. Come visit this school!!
Submitted by teacher on June 10, 2014

Dunsmuir Elementary is a wonderful school! It has a small, family feel to it, but still has high expectations for learning. Staff is extremely caring. They know every child and believe that every child belongs to all. Therefore, consistent expectations are reinforced throughout the school. Teaching occurs both inside the classroom as well as out with lots of field trips, outdoor activities, and other creative outlets for learning. Technology is given great emphasis in order to give students the necessary skills to problem solve and create on their own. They have a rich afterschool program complete with extracurricular sports, cooking, art, dance, homework help etc. Teachers are also available for tutoring after school. Dunsmuir Elementary school has great students and a dedicated staff working together for a quality 21st century education.
Submitted by other on June 10, 2014

I reviewed Dunsmuir Elementary School 5 years ago and I just wanted to say that my feelings about the school have only improved. I've had the opportunity to be involved with DES for almost the entire 17 years I've lived in the community, and I'm constantly impressed at how hard all the teachers and support staff work. The staff is deeply concerned about their children's academic growth. But far more important, they care about the emotional health and the character development of every child. If my son were a youngster, I would eagerly send him to DES. I also urge anyone viewing these reviews to ignore those that are older than 5 years old.
Submitted by teacher on June 10, 2014

I have worked at Dunsmuir Elementary for 15 years in a variety of capacities.I started as a volunteer when my husband and I first moved here. I became a school bus driver/aide for 6 years. I have been in Education since my 20s. This school was so different to me in that, when the teacher's were discussing a child, they were all so compassionate, loving and supportive of that child, their family and their home situation.They always and still brainstorm to find a way to help all the children and their families. This was so refreshing and amazing to me. I will always be at DES in some capacity. If my siblings moved here, I would convince them to bring their grandchildren to DES. For a good look at DES, visit our web site at http://des-desd-ca.schoolloop.com/
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2009

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