Morris E. Dailey Charter Elementary School

3135 North Harrison Avenue

School District

Fresno Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:20
Type

charter

School Map for Fresno Unified School District

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Reviews

Submitted by other on May 03, 2024

As a retired teacher, and now a current substitute for the district. Dailey Charter school has a positive learning environment for the young creative minded students. The learning environment promotes high standard of curriculum designated to students at the start of their educational paths. Character building, life skills, and learning strategies, as well as a love of learning and the importance of education. The administrators teachers, and support staff all combine their strengths and work as a community together for providing not just a school campus, but a home where students have the opportunity to develop a larger mindset of strategic knowledge as their educational journey continues.
Submitted by parent on February 29, 2024

WE LOVE DAILEY! Everyone on this campus is extremely hard working and the school is centered around students. Every morning Administration is out front greeting students and running the cross walk. There are ton of opportunities for families to volunteer, participate in events, and walk classrooms. Students learn about current events and are inspired and motivated to participate in leadership roles on campus. The learning in the classroom is fun, but also pushes students. I appreciate that everyone on campus holds students to high expectations and really pushes the IB Learner Profile. Thank you Dailey for being an amazing place for our students!
Submitted by parent on July 12, 2023

After a few years of having my child attend this school. I have come to realize that there are some principal issues. I attended the last two school events this year. I watched how kind and harding working the teachers were and I also observed how standoffish, and disorganized the principals were. My child has come home telling me things that happen during lunch where I guess the principals take over. I have had a few encounters with the principals and they have been rude and disinterested. I've had wonderful experiences with all of my children's teachers. They have always been responsive and my child enjoyed each of their classes. Of course, I've learned that teacher turnover is high here. Other parents have shared how great teachers keep leaving. It makes me sad that my child doesn't get to see previous years' teachers. That sense of community is not there. The school gates are left open all day, which is a huge safety concern. Homeless people have just walked on campus and it doesn't feel safe and then principals just sugarcoat what actually happens with their messages home. This school doesn't have a special education department, rather they have people come on campus to provide services. Overall, it is difficult to keep my child here, however, he loves the teachers so I plan to keep him enrolled for now.
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2023

I have had the very best experience at Dailey. As my kiddo has completed their entire elementary schooling there, I am pleased to see all the changes that have taken place. Students feel welcomed and supported and have so much choice at recess. The classrooms teach them how to see the world through different eyes and my child is a better human because of Dailey. The administration and entire school set high expectations and stays firm to their policies and procedures to ensure that things run smoothly. Parents are welcome to campus to help students with action projects, see learning, and evening events. Weekly communication is set out every week to help us stay informed. I am grateful for this school and feel as though my child has received a private education at zero cost.
Submitted by parent on February 16, 2023

Not at all what we expected from this school. Admin is less than desirable and focused on the wrong things. Admin is also arguably mean and the school has very little adult supervisor at recess even though they should have double the amount of a normal elementary school due to the fact they have a little social experiment mixing older kids with younger kids and have consistent bullying and conflict between upper graders and lower graders, which I think we all saw coming (everyone except the admin at least).Inconsistent policies and poor communication. Very little parent involvement which would be fine if we could trust the admin to actually make good decisions and make learning, a sense of belonging and a safe environment a reality. There needs to be a dramatic change at Dailey or I foresee very little enrollment going forward because I would NOT recommend my worst enemy send their kids there.A few years ago I never thought it would get to the point I would leave a review like this for Dailey, but it’s only gotten worse and worse and fingers crossed admin sees this because talking with admin about any of this would be met with pushback, shock or denial of issues and / or no communication back if things were addressed or not.Can’t wait until my child is gone from Dailey for good and doesn’t have very long to go thank goodness.
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2023

the admin are strict and mean and my son has ptsd from this I should have pulled him out. the admin bully's the students
Submitted by parent on June 13, 2022

I'm glad my child's time here is over. Most of my child's teachers were dedicated and fantastic. There is absolutely nothing to fault them over. But, administration is harsh and overbearing. So they keep leaving in droves. Another exodus is coming next year, and a lot of parents are leaving as well.The school's tone absolutely comes from the top. The school does not view parents as partners. The attitude is that they are educators so get out of their way and let them teach. I understand that to a degree, but they take it way too far. I've literally been yelled at (by someone on a BULLHORN) that if I don't park in the right spot at pick up, the school will not release my child to me. Sorry, but these aren't your children. You can't just keep them if I don't park exactly where you want me to.Since Covid, parents aren't allowed on campus except during special events, and even then they are overbearing about announcing when you are allowed to show up and when you must leave. But even before Covid, they didn't want parents talking to teachers during drop off and absolutely forbid parents from walking their kids to the classroom. This includes Kindergartners on the first day of school. Not being able to make sure your 5 year old can find their classroom on their first day is upsetting to parents and just way overboard. At one point during the school year, protesters showed up to document the way Dailey was treating our kids. This was covered on the local news. I don't agree with the protesters' actions at all, but the pictures of how they were treating the kids was not a good look. I was sad I didn't know what was going on. And because they don't allow parents on campus, there was no one there to complain. My 10 year old doesn't know how to advocate for herself.It's also important to know there are NO activities for the older kids. No sports, no choir, no oral interpretation, nothing. The best they can do is a PE/Music teacher who tries his best to do both during school hours. But they have FOUR full time administrators for a school with less than 400 students. It's not the utopia it sells itself as. If a school doesn't want parents around, run.
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2022

Dailey has been great for my daughter since starting in kindergarten (she now a second grader). Covid definitely changed how things are handled but they definitely adapted well. Although Dailey does have a more fast paced learning process, they no longer have homework. My favorite part of Dailey is the IB Learner profile, they really help the kids develop great character.
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2019

My child has had a great experience at this school. The school is definitely ambitious when it comes to academics and hold the kids to high standards (and a long school day), but I haven't found them to be unreasonable. You can tell that administration and the teachers try really hard to give kids the best educational experience they can. One thing I appreciate is that you will see them try new things to improve, and they explain exactly what changes they are making to the parents so that we can support our children's learning. It's what should happen at every school, but usually doesn't. I also appreciate the uniforms and the free breakfast and lunch for all kids. My only complaints about the school are lack of after school care, and the fact that administration could stand to tone it down a bit. They can be heavy handed with parents (especially Ms. Trevino) and I sometimes feel like I'm being treated like a naughty student when I'm on campus. I am too tired and too old for that nonsense. But if I had to do it over again, I would absolutely choose Dailey for my child.
Submitted by parent on April 19, 2019

10! Our children’s academic growth as well as character growth and consciousness of the world around has grown tremendously because of Dailey! Our children love going there, too.
Submitted by parent on April 19, 2019

I have two children who attend Dailey and they both love the school and have grown tremendously. One of my favorite aspects of the school is the unit of studies which includes projects students complete independently and in small groups to demonstrate learning.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2018

Had a good experience with my son, but my daughter’s teacher was so strict and mean that my daughter began experiencing a lot of anxiety when going to school. The school was not prepared to handle a child that was struggling, they only do well with kids that have no issues.
Submitted by parent on February 28, 2017

My daughter is finishing 1st grade at Dailey. So far, we are very happy with our experience. I do think the homework expectations for Kindergarteners are a bit much, but that is my only real complaint. I love the global approach, especially considering the current world we are experiencing politically. My daughter loves school and has loved both of her teachers. We plan on enrolling her sister there this fall.
Submitted by parent on February 01, 2017

Dailey is an amazing school that supports all children! The IB program fosters a positive learning environment that is reinforced by developed IB attributes and attitudes. I have two children who attend Dailey and I could not imagine them at another school, as Dailey is a Fresno (and California) gem and we are so lucky to have the IB program. This is a free public charter school that provides the BEST education in a loving, supportive, engaging, nurturing and creative environment. My children are building critical thinking, writing, vocabulary and communication skills that will contribute to future academic achievement and success. I am amazed everyday by my children, their teachers and of what they are learning through their units of study. Dailey has established a positive learning environment and my children love going to school (and I have two very active boys). I appreciate the dedication of students, teachers and administration to their education and learning in creative ways through hands on activities. Dailey also supports diversity and that is seen by the varied student population. A children from a low income family can be sitting next to a children from high income family—at Dailey you would not even know that because all children are treated equal and given the same educational opportunities. Dailey is not a entitled school but rather a school that provides equity and demonstrates that all students can achieve success no matter ethnicity, upbringing, parent education, or socioeconomic status. If you want a school that has girls cheerleading in kindergarten, little boys playing football, awards for everything, AR testing (which is ridiculous), high-stakes testing and limited worldviews--- Clovis Unified or other schools are for you. If your goal is for your child to contribute to society, become a global thinker, future leader, and a compassionate person who can think critically—Dailey is for you. Dailey is a school of choice and WE choose Dailey!
Submitted by parent on January 21, 2017

I was very excited when my kindergartener was accepted at Dailey. She attended pre-school at, Copper Hills in CUSD and Fairmont the summer before she started at Dailey. Both GREAT schools, but we opted to start her at Dailey because we had heard so many wonderful things about the IB curriculum and the school. I was sold when we went in for a tour. However, I quickly became discouraged once she actually started attendance. Her teacher was overly harsh, often rolling her eyes at the children and reprimanding them for trivial things. Everytime I volunteered, the room environment was tense and quiet. I was told to expect lots of noise and interaction and that was the complete opposite of my experience. I sense that the teacher is simply unexperienced as this is her first year teaching anywhere. She does not appear to have any patience for young children. All the kindergarten teachers are very young. In fact, most of the teachers there are young. Not many of the staff are friendly, everyone seems uptight and righteous because they are a "choice school" and don't need you there. They boast the fact that if you don't comply to their every whim, they will release your child to their home school. They talk to parents in a condescending manner. And, yes, academically they are thriving, but that seems to be ALL they care about. They push so much into out littles ones and it seems outrageous. I am all for academic achievement, but I firmly oppose taking away a 5 year old's recess just because they didn't complete a worksheet on time (without being disruptive or "'misbehaving," simply not finishing it on time). They are very strict on that rule. Additionally, they don't offer extra curricular activities. I was so uneasy every single day that I dropped my child off. I am so glad that she is back at CUSD surrounded by loving, kind, well-informed teachers! We have never had such a terrible experience with a school. By the way, I chose to never complain about the teacher's behavior because it seems that everyone there is like that and since it's a choice school, it was my choice to have my child there or remove her. I am not to cause waves, but I did want to share my experience. Be ready for strict rules and rigorous work! They are not the happy, all encompassing school with an edge on academics that they sell themselves to be.
Submitted by other on March 09, 2016

We have been at Daily since 2nd grade. That year was good. This year terrible! Last week I proudly took my son and daughter our and we are heading down the street to Hamilton. My kids we tested for Manchester and passed. We are in the enrichment class and the work is so more challenging and the kids have time to play and can be involved in sports. Daily does not have activities after school, campus club. They do random activities from pinterest and have the science mobile there but so does other school. Daily just got a new faculty and staff. All young teachers not very experienced. They think they are elite but really don't offer anything better than any other school.
Submitted by other on November 10, 2015

My son has been attending Dailey Charter for the past 3 years and we, including our son, are extremely pleased with the school. The curriculum, teachers, and staff are second to none. I am very involved at Dailey in the classroom and at school events and I have always felt that parent participation is not only appreciated but definitely encouraged by the staff. I believe they do an excellent job at communicating with parents. I have received texts messages, emails, and even pictures from teachers and staff. The monthly Director's Chat and Parent Volunteer Committee meetings are another great way to stay informed and share ideas as well as concerns. Our family has been truly satisfied with the high academic and behavioral standards, the dedicated teachers and staff, and the overall atmosphere of Dailey Charter School.
Submitted by teacher on March 24, 2015

I am an experienced, dedicated, compassionate, and knowledgeable educator who has been proudly teaching at Dailey Charter from the start. Dailey Charter is, without a doubt, an incredible school that succeeds in teaching the whole child by providing unique learning experiences each day. Every staff member believes in children and holds each and every child, as well as themselves, to a high standard. Our scholars take great pride in being Dailey Dragons and exude confidence, kindness, and a sincere love of learning. Each day, I am amazed by my students desire to make a difference in the world. Dailey Charter was built on a foundation of quality instruction, rigor, respect, and open-mindedness for all people. I am so grateful for the opportunity to teach at Dailey Charter and wish all kids received the same educational experiences that our dragons receive every day, every hour, every minute.
Submitted by parent on March 23, 2015

Dailey Charter is all around amazing and above the rest. As part of my paid profession, I am in local schools all over the Valley working with teachers and administrators to better their schools. I see nothing that comes close to comparing to the academic challenges, supportive staff and dedicated, COMMITTED, knowledgeable teachers that Dailey provides. If you are in doubt, go visit another school and then come to Dailey. The difference will be immediately obvious. I also want to note that we had some concerns about our daughters' self-esteem and confidence when she entered school two years ago. She is now in second grade and a bright, eager, well-spoken young lady. People often congratulate my husband and I on our daughter and how she communicates so clearly with adults. I attribute this solely to Dailey and their loving, patient teachers who have only ever had the best of intentions with my children. Thank you, Dailey Charter, for EVERYTHING you have done for our family.
Submitted by parent on March 15, 2015

I am disheartened by some of the negative comments about Dailey Charter. In fact, I had to do a double take to make sure I was reading reviews about the correct school! I have been an extremely happy parent at Dailey since it reopened as a charter in 2010. Dailey is not a Fresno Unified school and does not run under the exact guidelines/programs of an FUSD school. However, Dailey Charter DOES comply with education codes and state standards! To imply otherwise is absolutely ridiculous and irresponsible. English Language Learners ARE tested and students DO have breaks (15 min in the a.m., 30 min for lunch, and 10 min in the p.m). I have spent 5 years and countless hours volunteering in my child's classrooms, participating in events, and even helping in the office and I'm continually impressed by the respectful, fun, hard working, and kind staff. On many occasions, I have witnessed educators from other districts, near and far, tour Dailey to see the incredible things the teachers are doing for our kids. From what I can see, Dailey is paving the way for all students by providing innovative learning experiences. My child has grown academically and socially during our time at Dailey!