Palm Crest Elementary School

5025 Palm Dr.

School District

La Canada Unified
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:23
Type

public

School Map for La Canada 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 February 17, 2024

This is very high performing school with a lot of emphasis on students’ academics. It’s not for everyone. Students think they’re entitled because of their background. This school lacks diversity, equity, and transparency.
Submitted by other on June 09, 2017

Classroom experience good, but administration(principal & conselor) could be a lot better. Academic performance and pressure level can be unhealthy for students who aren't well above-average.
Submitted by other on April 27, 2016

My children have had exceptional learning and social experiences at Palm Crest. The teachers and the principal are accessible, enthusiastic, and work hard to ensure that all students succeed.
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2016

We appreciate reading the reviews on GreatSchools.org. Palm Crest is an awesome school, has excellent teachers, and an amazing educational foundation that supports the school. It has a supportive community of generous parents and neighbors. For us, the highest ratings on each dimension. LC is a great place to raise our growing family. Thanks! :)
Submitted by other on February 01, 2016

Excellent school, just love Palm Crest! So much positive, going far beyond their outstanding test scores. Great teachers and environment. Our son and daughter are happy and smiling after each day. Glad we made our family move to La Canada, and this gem of a school has been a huge bonus for our family. Thank you so much, and great to be part of this wonderful community.
Submitted by other on January 14, 2016

I completely agree with the last review, such a wonderful, caring, and top rated school district in Calif. We moved into the area, and Palm Crest was a very easy, and positive transition. Our kids love school and their teachers, and have made great friends there. The teachers really care, are supportive, and love their students. It made our relocation to the area very positive. We so appreciate living in this area of La Canada, and feel fortunate to be here. Our kids are energized by the experience, and show more enthusiasm for learning every year. Keep up the great work!
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2016

We had 2 children go through Palm Crest, and found the environment very positive and supportive. Our kids really thrived and were happy, and it was the perfect balance of a thoughtful and challenging elementary school experience. Wendy (the current district superintendent), used to be the principal there, and seems to really appreciate the teachers and their efforts. We give the school our highest rating, and the neighborhoods around the school are awesome. Our kids always walked to school, and just loved it! :)
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2013

Incredible school in every way, from the kids to the teachers to the parents to the principal.
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2013

My wife and I have been thrilled with our experience at Palm Crest. We currently have 4th and 1st grade children attending. What sets Palm Crest apart from other top schools is the level of parental involvement. n addition to the music, art, drama and Spanish that is available to all students there are numerous after school classes offered included band, strings, chess club, robotics, tennis, GATE enrichment classes. The Palm Crest PTA also sponsors music and art docent programs (LA Philharmonic parent) and View the Stars night involving telescopes (run by NASA parent) There is a Dad's PTA, a Panther Partners (new families welcoming program), a thriving Science Fair, a summer reading program among other things. There were times in my son's kindergarten class last year where there were 4 parents volunteering in the class at the same time. The PTA sponsors events for parents and children that encourage folks to really get to know each other which makes the environment feel like a close-knit community. Palm Crest just received the California Distinguished Schools Award two years ago. This is a school of exceptional teachers, parents and students like none other out there!
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2012

Palm Crest has fantastic new and veteran teachers, a spectacular principal, and believes in teaching beyond the tests. It's in a beautiful area away from the exhaust and congestion of the city. The kids are vibrant, creative, and engaged. Best school in the area by far.
Submitted by parent on June 15, 2012

A really good public school with caring teachers (for the most part) and a very hands on Principal in Mrs. Hurley. Palm Crest has a warm, caring environment, a good program for kids with special needs, and an active PTA. As at any school, there are a few less than steller teachers and our daughter had one in 4th grade. But for the most part the teachers are committed, caring, and dedicated.
Submitted by other on April 14, 2012

I loved Palm Crest! Mrs. Healy was the greatest English teacher ever! Mrs. Endicott taught science in a way that was fun and allowed students to absorb more than traditional, dry, fact-based jargon. Of course, this was 17 years ago...
Submitted by parent on August 19, 2011

Great school! My son excelled when coming to this school. His teacher was awesome and constantly kept open communication with us. Love the environment of the school and the families. The principal Karen Hurley is awesome and always makes sure to provide you with answers when needed. Love it and would recommend it! May not have the nicest campus, but that's secondary to the education my son is receiving at this school. Looking forward to my other child starting Kindergarten this year!!