Laguna Road Elementary School

300 Laguna Road

School District

Fullerton Elementary
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:27
Type

public

School Map for Fullerton 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 parent on January 31, 2025

I have never had such a poor experience with a school before. The school claims to be an anti bullying school and makes students sign a bullying contract, yet do nothing to hold the bully’s accountable for their actions. My son was bullied the entire school year, I had multiple reports on a student who wouldn’t leave him alone. The principal, Mrs. Guppy, did not listen to any concerns and continued to cancel appointments and not show up to meetings we had with her. I am so disappointed by the social and emotional support of this school. If you’re not a big donator, or someone who invests in the school, you will not be listened to and your child will be overlooked.
Submitted by parent on November 30, 2024

I am patiently waiting for the final school day to come for my 6th grade son and be done with this school for good. My oldest son attended Laguna Road years before under the strong and supportive leadership of Dr. Bak and I loved every bit of it. However, once it fell under the leadership of the current principal Guppy, it has gone down drastically. The school throws a huge campaign on accountability and being kind to each other, and speaking up against bullies, yet when it really comes to that situation, it falls on deaf ears. Majority of the kids here are so entitled and have zero respect for each other, and say the most racist, hateful slurs and derogatory terms and they get away with it all. The school constantly wants funding from the parents, I’ve never heard of an elementary school’s yearly “donation” costing more than a junior high/high school. Don’t get me wrong, most of the staff here are wonderful—office ladies to the teachers—as I’ve known most of them for years, and they do give great support. However if the top leadership isn’t so strong and only puts up a facade of being supportive or caring of your student, what good does that do for you and your child? So many parents and students have left this school to attend another school due to uncontrollable bullying issues and ineffective policies and actions (or lack there of), and while I have been standing my ground for my son, I completely understand why others chose to do so. Do not send your child to this school, unfortunately it isn’t what it used to be, as it holds absolutely zero pride and value as it promises to do so.
Submitted by parent on March 13, 2021

Before sending your children here, ASK OTHER MOMS who LIVE in the area Don’t be deceived by rating of 9/10. It’s a test score that has nothing to do with teachers ability to teach or compassion. This is a school in rich neighborhood, houses are well over $1.7 mil average. (You know what I mean.. it’s the parents who dedicate in children’s education) I don’t know how some of these teachers are holding their jobs here treating kids with unfairness, hatred and impatience. These teachers will permanently traumatize your family and children. Forget kids bullying. Teachers are the bully
Submitted by parent on April 16, 2019

This is really an awesome school. I know some people have complained about the diversity and I am not Korean and we have absolutely no issues with the 60% majority. All the kids are friendly towards each other and so are the parents. When we first started, the principal was there for 35 years but then Dr. WeissWright joined and now we have Dr. Bak. Both these new principals have done tremendous work and adapted the school to changing times. The teachers are phenomenal - experts in teaching with compassion that only great teachers can have. The school has a wonderful community feel to it and is a very safe and wonderful learning haven for my kids.The school incorporates Stem in class in creative ways and has a dedicated Stem lab. I am extremely glad we moved so we could attend this school.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2018

This my 13th.year at this school as a parent. I had great experience with my two older kids, but the past few years many negative changes happened,
Submitted by student on March 09, 2017

I love this school! This school is awesome!
Submitted by other on December 13, 2016

It's awesome and everybody is very nice
Submitted by other on December 11, 2016

This is a great school. My two kids go here. The buddy program, math lab, tech lab, annual activities - everything is well organized. The teachers are very supportive and provide a very safe environment. The diversity complains by some parents on this forum are overblown - we are not Korean - but have had no issue with the 50 to 60% Korean population at this school. Their kids easily mingle with non Koreans and the parents too once you make a little effort.
Submitted by parent on March 11, 2015

My child is thriving at Laguna Road, and I couldn't be happier. Mr. Sullivan can be seen in the mornings greeting parents and is just so personable. This is definitely something that is absent at a lot of schools I've encountered. Both my children are doing great in the GATE program, and I love the parent involvement. They also have an effective no bullying policy which is so important now.
Submitted by parent on November 29, 2014

With 31 years experience in high rated public school system I am so pleased with the academic, social, as well as parent interest and involvement in this fine school. My children both attend this school and we've found all staff to be caring and highly proficient. Previous reviewers are both uninformed as well as racists in disguise. After working with numerous populations, the parents at Laguna are not only sincerely involved, non biased , and respectful. All schools should be so lucky . It will be a sad and terrible day when the principal of this school leaves. I've never encountered such a warm, intelligent , supportivec( to all concerned) administrator - other blue ribbon schools pale in comparison to this one. Special kudos to Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Yousling, Mrs. Green, Mrs. Lawson , Mrs. Frutchy , Mrs Penner, all the fabulous GATE teachers. This school needs to go charter and not be constrained by the districts other woes and foibles ..
Submitted by parent on June 16, 2014

The school is biased. Administrators don't do anything. Sullivan needs to retire. Parents step in and do too much. And they ask for money for everything. We moved to a new school in a new district and couldn't be happier. Our new school is academically much more challenging (for both of my GATE students), is demographically diverse, and I wasn't asked for a penny for back to school night! Not like Laguna where they expect parents to dole out $50 - $75 per child. The programs at our new school match everything offered at Laguna (Walk Thrus, OSS, etc) plus more....two computer labs with computers that work and a Principal that holds teachers accountable and is engaged in running the school. Best part of all....when they get there, our kids will not be wasting their 6th grade at this new school putting on a play. Not only does this new school offer an art program similar to All the Arts, but there is also an amazing district wide band program for 5th-12th grades. Laguna's reputation precedes the reality of what that school truly offers today. The world is changing quickly and Laguna is not keeping up.
Submitted by parent on June 15, 2014

My children all had an amazing year with enthusiastic and knowledgeable teachers. Math lab, science rotations, musicals, performances, literacy centers, teachers tutoring after school, All the Arts programs, and a happy safe environment. The teachers promote taking risks in learning. The families are really involved with their children's education. There is a spirit of volunteerism and pride. From my perspective, parents and students are really happy with the school and the teachers there.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2014

Laguna Road School is a great school. The "big buddy program" is very helpful. My daughter had wonderful experience in kindergarten. Her 1st grade teacher was very efficient. She's now in 2nd grade and is doing well.
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2014

My child currently attends this school, and I was once a student here 25+ years ago. Let me address some issues and concerns I have read thus far. Yes. There are a lot of Korean students here (my child is one, I was one 25+ years ago). For many of the parents, English is not their native language. I originally had a problem with it, but you know what I realized? People hang out with their friends, and talk with their friends. Once you actually try to reach out and be friends with them WITHOUT any judgment, you'll see that they are just like everyone else...just may speak a different language. The parents are so involved and are always there to support the school, the kids, the teachers. Yes. There might be some teachers that are not the best, but I believe that there is not a school out there where 100% of their teachers are amazing.
Submitted by parent on October 26, 2013

This school is pretty average. As many of the previous users stated, the lower grade teachers are great. However, I disliked the sixth grade teachers. One, who I will not mention the name of, has favorites and will give them privileges (i.e. better roles in the musical). The musical itself is a great experience, many students get to know each other better through the experience. However, I believe that the school is running low on funds and may not hold the musicals anymore. The Korean moms do sometimes get annoying and too nosy. The thing I absolutely hated was that the CST came with no warning. The teachers did not review anything with the students and the specific dates weren't given.
Submitted by parent on March 14, 2013

Although the teachers are great and love kids, the biggest problem I have with this school is the support for working parents . Most parents at this school are able to pick their kids up early and take them to tutoring or other programs to help their kids academically, however, this school specifically does not offer these programs onsite to fully help children that need further academic assistance. The after school program kidszone does not fully help so parents are still left to help their kids after a long days of work instead of spending fun time with their kids. The test score are high for this school mainly because the majority of the parents are able to take their kids to seek extra help so when they learn in class, therefore already ahead of the game but the school really does not accommodate all kids, those that are unable to receive such assistance suffer in class.
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2013

Leotards? Really? I've been a parent at this sch for 5yrs now and have not seen anyone dress inappropriately. Y is it wrong for moms to dress nicely at their chrn's sch? Y r u picking on the Korean speaking moms? Doesn't everyone congregate among friends n chat n laugh? I don't think they r talking bad about anyone. From what I've experienced, they volunteer in the classrooms, donate supplies, and reach deep into their pockets to save our programs. even tho they may not speak a lick of Eng. AND... We only have one administrator. If u r talking about the teaching staff, there isn't anyone near retirement so I don't know what u r talking about???
Submitted by parent on October 06, 2012

The problem with this school is that, the admin staff is antiquated. Perhaps well intentioned, but they are simply tired. And I don't blame them. The influx of transfer students, the deluge of Koreans - many of the parents dont even speak English and if they do, they're rude and don't respect school rules. The mommies, in their pumps and leotards, yapping and texting on their cellphones... it's a joke. This was once a wonderful school with an incredible program. We're moving out.
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2012

I agree with last post for the most part. Great teachers in lower grades but the class sizes have grown... which is sad for the kids. The school culture does determine social opportunities. I believe parents have valid concerns but don't feel like they will be supported. Again teachers are for the most part great but outside influences are not being regulated by those that could. If you are looking for a school with high academic standards this is a great school.
Submitted by parent on May 16, 2012

This is a good school BUT there are drawbacks. The majority of lower grade teachers are good and caring. When you get to the upper grades the trouble starts. 2 of the 3 4th grade teachers I recommend. 1 of the 3 5th grade teachers I recommend. I recommend no 6th grade teacher. Its not age or experience that makes them sub-par it is the attitude toward the job. The 6th grade teachers are concerned about how they are perceived by others rather than if the students are learning or not. They spend too time on the 6th grade play and little time reviewing for the CST. They berate the kids while practicing for the play that few kids enjoy the experience. They rely too much on student helpers to take attendance, collect homework and grade homework and tests. The teacher who teaches science said that Evolution is a "myth" fine if you are evangelical but not for public school. Beware of the music teacher, she's a bit off and preaches or prays during her lessons. She's a volunteer and not fit to teach. One final issue, the Korean majority. If you're not Korean then your student's social opportunities are limited. They keep to themselves and speak Korean to each other at lunch and recess.