Mark Keppel Elementary School

730 Glenwood Road

School District

Glendale Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:25
Type

public

School Map for Glendale 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 August 09, 2023

I think the teachers are caring and have a lot of years of teaching experience under their belts. But, I’m not a big fan of the dual immersion program. While it’s great that students can learn two languages simultaneously, I don’t think it’s beneficial for all. In some ways, I feel like it hinders them from mastering English language arts because they’re spending the other half of the time trying to master the target language.
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2019

Our son has been attending Mark Keppel for three years. He has always had difficulty in school (ADHD), but the teachers and staff have been just wonderful with him and he's thriving here. We are SO fortunate to have a school like this in our neighborhood!
Submitted by parent on March 28, 2019

It's been an honor and a daily pleasure to have our son in Miss Baldwin's kinder class at Keppel.
Submitted by other on December 22, 2018

Mark Keppel is the best school ever
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2018

The teachers we had seem burned out and like they had no control of the classroom. There was no support for more advanced students (other than finish fast & be bored) and no differentiated learning of any kind. The arts are undervalued for a supposed magnet school that specializes in this, primarily because the leadership does not seem to care. My concerns were addressed with either rudeness or not at all. Our family was very disappointed because we live in the neighborhood and had high hopes for the school.
Submitted by parent on May 15, 2017

This is a very good school. My oldest son attended this school, and not my middle one is in this school. Teachers are very professional. I don't understand those giving 1 star to this school. What else they want from the teachers? We never had a problem with any teacher, they all are very kind and listening. I would definitely recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on March 15, 2016

I LOVED Keppel when my child entered kindergarten, but over the years I've become less and less enamored. This school has gone through three principals in 6 years, and some of the teaching staff are ineffective -- and worse yet, some seem to dislike children and yet continue to cling to their jobs to get that pension. My child has had GREAT teachers every other year: in kindergarten, second grade, and fourth grade. But TERRIBLE teachers in first, third, and fifth. Consistently get one to two hours of homework per night, but I am told the assignments should take my child "30 minutes, tops." What elementary school kid can be relied on to read 5+ textbook pages and answer six questions for social studies; complete two math worksheets full of algebraic equations most of us didn't learn until high school; and study for weekly spelling and vocabulary tests -- all within 30 minutes? And don't even get me started on the Common Core, though that is not unique to this school. One positive: communication between school administration and parents has improved some over the years.
Submitted by parent on August 13, 2013

My child just finished kindergarten here and started 1st grade this month. My husband and I have been very happy with our son's experience. The teachers we have gotten to know, as well as the administrators, have all been welcoming, kind and gracious. I am a very involved mom at school, and so far no question I have asked or comments I have made have been met with anything other than respect and courtesy. My son went in to 1st grade reading and loving school. The parents, especially the PTA and the foundation, work SO hard to raise funds for the school and host a variety of fun events. There are plenty of ways to get involved in the school. We applied to Keppel as part of the magnet program; it is not our neighborhood school, so we had a lot at stake if it didn't work out. So far, we are absolutely delighted and look forward to the coming years. Mrs. Sondergaard is a great principal, and she and Mrs. Ouweleen (asst. principal) care deeply about the school, the kids and their staff. It's obvious that they realize a happy "family" includes all stakeholders. The teachers and other staff seem happy to be there. What more can you ask for?
Submitted by parent on July 25, 2013

This is a terrible school located in a lovely neighborhood. The teachers are terrible & completely out of touch with modern education. The parents are suffering from a mass delusion that the school is great. The front desk administrators are very rude. Do not send your child here if you think your child has any chance of going onto higher education. Principal only cares about the teachers not the kids.
Submitted by parent on September 06, 2012

The best school ever...Excellent teachers. We are extremely happy and feel very lucky to have our child going to this school.
Submitted by parent on October 23, 2011

Mark Keppel is truly an outstanding Elementary. It is now a Magnet for the Visual and Performing Arts which is even better! Dr. Mason worked very hard on this grant and we are ever so grateful! The PTA here is strong, and involved. This helps everyone to see that even the parents are supportive of all the handwork of the teachers, principal and staff members. MKS, a fund created by the parents, help fund intervention teachers. Truly a wonderful learning environment for our children. Keep up the great work!!!!!!
Submitted by parent on October 04, 2011

This is an AMAZING school. I love that they incorporate dance and art now that they are an arts magnet school. The principal is absolutely great. Teachers are great. I have nothing negative to say about this school. We are extremely impressed and feel very lucky to have our child going to this school.
Submitted by parent on July 12, 2011

We came from private school and are so happy at Mark Keppel The school offers so many extras in the arts that both public and private schools are cutting. It is a wonderful caring environment with great parent involvement. Our experience with the teachers and especially the principal have been outstanding.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2011

I love this school and my kids do as well. It's in a beautiful and and safe environment and my kids love everything about it. Glendale is a great city overall, and this school is one of the better ones.