Fremont Elementary School

4000 East 4th Street

School District

Long Beach Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:25
Type

public

School Map for Long Beach 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 October 26, 2021

I feel so very grateful that my kids have both been fortunate enough to attend this school. It feels like a family. There is such a strong sense of community, and the staff seem very approachable. This is the 9th year that my family has been at Fremont. Along the way, we have addressed a couple of small issues that have been promptly resolved. All 3 principals that we have gotten to know in the 9 years have had different strengths, and all very capable with great leadership. My kids and I have made life long friends and will forever be grateful to the relaxed setting that made this possible. The academics have been rigorous with intention... no busy work, but quality work. I love Fremont!
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2021

What can I say, Fremont is a public school and it is one of the best schools available in the district. It's not perfect and doesn't always have the best teachers or staff but that is more of a personal preference.The secretary has been apart of front for year's and I would encourage every parent to get to know here as she is a cake once becoming acquainted. I have been apart of Fremont for 7 years now and have to say yes there are complaints but throughout the years Fremont has become a home. I am not apart of pta, in my opinion it is a job for the tenacious parents. My family is much more laid back and willing to chip in and help when needed but not get too socially involved as this tends to stir up Real housewives behavior. Mrs Richardson (former principle) was the best thing that happened to Fremont as she brought in acceptance of the diversity at Fremont and opened the doors for many families to feel welcomed and accepted, especially in gate classes. Some of the teachers can be a headache especially with Politcs and religion. Fremont is more of a liberal environment where you are free to be who you are just as long as it is not religious. This fine by me and my family, we love all, but opinionated political teaching is not a place for elementary school. I can not tell you how many times opinionated politics have been discussed on my child's zoom yet as well as numerous times through out the years my oldest has attended Fremont. any mention of religion or faiths is unacceptable but this is a public school so a Respectful behavior is what I have taught my child to obide by and we simply turn the other cheek. Speaking of Cheek, Mrs. Cheek is a doll! She is tough but a doll who love the presence of her students after school!All in all Fremont can be clique oriented with pta but if it's not your thing simply stay away. Teachers do their best and because Fremont is a small community it's easier to get acquainted with everyone. This school is also very big on the test scores. It prepares them for Rogers middle school who is also big on test scores. You will not get much elecetive fun from either of these schools as they both aim for intellectual achievement. don't be discouraged it's only public school and of course you'll have to teach your own children from time to time as one should, bit Fremont is very much laid back just adjust your perspective to a positive outlook and you'll learn to appreciate Fremont.
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2019

The teachers and administrators at Freemont are fantastic! Our child has grown as a learner and has made many friends. The school and teachers rarely communicate to the families and the vast majority of communication comes via parents. The parent Association at the school has been unwelcoming, unhelpful and hostile with parents who want to help and volunteer their time. These parent volunteers think they run the school and choose who they let in this inner circle. For several years now, the PTA parents have not been in anyway open to new ideas or to trying to make Fremont a more welcoming, inclusive and safe environment for it students and families. My experience so far at this school has been very poor.
Submitted by parent on May 08, 2019

The school is a wonderful place where you will get amazing teachers and administrators. The community of the PTA is not very welcoming, being such a tight, very well organized and non-communicative group unless you are part of the group. Plus children can get in and out so easily as any other adults but you can't take pictures of your own kids when you bring them to their Bday party as you can't take pictures either of the other children on the ground. There are no sense of community if you come from another state. The Belmont Heights moms are very competitive and so many do not pay any taxes for California like we do.
Submitted by parent on February 16, 2017

I am so thankful for the 4 years my daughter has spent at Fremont so far. The staff and the student body, along with the families, seem to collectively embrace everyone. It's a small and supportive school, and my kid is thriving! I can't wait for my 4 year old son to start kinder here! lucky to have been placed at Fremont!
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2015

This school is amazing. Most of the instructors care for the students like they are their own. To the other reviewers complaining, switch schools then! On the first day here is a packet sent home the lists all of the rules INCLUDING tag not being allowed. You signed off that you reviewed it with your child. Who's fault is it really that your child received a pink slip? My daughter has never received one in all 5 years here, because as her RESPONSIBLE parent I discuss the rules and her conduct with her. You child is obviously one of the ones that doesn't follow rules because you have made him/her feel too entitled to. Now Fremont does have a problem with entitled parents/children, but I have no problem side stepping those people, I do feel for the staff and teachers for having to put up with it. The crazy comments that come out of the parents sometimes make my head spin!Also to those making comments about race, my daughter is biracial and has only had great experiences. Perhaps your child just didn't cut it for GATE and you need an excuse. This is a GREAT school, those who have these little comments are obviously not involved or overly entitled.
Submitted by other on July 03, 2015

Wow, some of these other reviewers really need to get in touch with the reality at our public schools. You really think that there are resources for teachers, playground supervisors, school staff to address every conflict that happens at an public elementary school? You might get that kind of focus at a preschool, where you are paying tuition but our public schools just do not have the resources & the reality is, 70% of the time no adult actually saw what happened in a "conflict". Still, Fremont teachers & staff do an AMAZING job working with what little resources they have. We've had one student attend K-5th there & another still in attendance. Our experience has not been perfect & yes, there are "cliques" which exist EVERYWHERE, at every school! - get over it & be an adult. Step up, be an example for your kids & get involved for your kids' sake!! And for the record, there IS "free play" - but there are also rules in place to protect anyone from getting hurt. If you want to attend a school where you don't have to show up for anything, and you want the teachers & staff & school district to make all the decisions for you, then Fremont is not the place for you. It's the only school in the entire district that still has certified teachers in fully functioning technology AND science labs. And the only reason that has survived all the budget cuts & lack of funding is because of the parents & students stepping up to fund raise to keep these two labs year after year. It's really a pretty amazing school and an amazing experience for our kids to see what power and effect they can have on their circumstances if they choose to get involved. Again, if you do want to be involved - probably not the place for you. As for the comments on racial and class bias, elitism & competition among the well-to-do...completely inaccurate. I wonder if this parent has actually spent much time on the campus & talking to other parents & staff. Fremont is truly a "village" that is trying to do the best for our children with the resources they have. I don't know where else you're going to find a better school!
Submitted by parent on July 28, 2014

I just have to say that I agree with the post below regarding the Principal (have not experienced the other stuff regarding class bias or whatever, etc). When kids get in trouble for playing tag, there is something wrong with the system. Way too strict for Fremont. Also when kids have conflict it should be a teaching moment, each side heard, so they can learn. Yes I agree with the prior poster that free play and games such as tag are so important (it's not all about academics) in the development of children.
Submitted by other on July 24, 2014

I just have to agree with review below, about the free play part. When kids aren't even allowed to play tag, among other things noticed at this school that there isn't time to go into, there is something wrong.
Submitted by parent on July 18, 2014

I found that the 'community' was based on exclusion with cliques, racial and class bias, with fierce competition among the most well to do. Partly this was due to the ''accelerated' PALS class where there were more resources and even separate field-trips. This elitism grew and deepened over time. The 'other' classes were unbalanced to the point where there were more unruly kids and desperate measures. PALS class is traditionally 2/3 female; if you missed the chance in kinder, tough luck. New Principal has some skewed priorities and is strict about them. Pink slips issued to children playing tag for example are targeted and told to choose a structured play activity during breaks. Yet free play is great for developing a child's self direction. There were a couple of great teachers but there are a few awful ones that have emotional difficulties, lack of boundaries or simply mistreat children and parents who complain.
Submitted by parent on August 16, 2013

my son went to kinder last year at fremont we had a wonderful experience.. the parents were very nice. My son was in Ms. A class she was a great teacher with all the kids.. I hope he has a good teacher these year also.
Submitted by parent on August 08, 2013

As recent immigrants, this school was the best decision we could possibly have made, the close knit community that is its secret to success, has also proven to be ours. The parents are overwhelmingly supportive of the school, its programs and their children. Our daughter has been at the school since first grade (now almost ready to start fourth) and her experiences have been exceptionally positive, aiding in her development as a student and as a person. In her first year she had Mrs Driskill, who helped turn a shy South African girl into a confident, enthusiastic american student. Last year she was lucky enough to get Mrs Chung, who has this amazing ability to connect with all her students on a unique and personal level, no matter how many individuals end up in her room. Every one of these teachers has something special to offer, and is dedicated to providing their students with the best possible all round experience. The support staff is also just that, supportive. Total win.
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2013

I can only review Kindergarten, and only Mrs. A's class. I almost shed a tear when my son graduated because she was such a committed teacher. All the kids loved her, all the parents too. The parental involvement is what keeps this school great despite heavy state cuts. I was never there a single day without parents volunteering.
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2012

Our son just started kindergarten at Fremont, and so far our experience has been overwhelmingly positive. You can feel that the staff share a common goal with the parents--to have the best learning experience for the students. His kindergarten teacher goes above and beyond her duty and spend her own unpaid time to give each student individualized attention. We certainly feel very fortunate to be a part of Fremont.
Submitted by parent on March 20, 2012

This is my 7th year as a parent at Fremont and I love it. The teachers are fantastic and the PTA is wonderful. I know schools are suffering from budget cuts but we are lucky to have so many volunteers in the classroom which helps to allow the teachers to focus on teaching. Also, what other school has a science lab and a computer lab? Not to mention an amazing drama program! It is a wonderful, nurturing school, with approachable teachers and down to earth parents. My children have been fully supported, and any concerns I have had have been dealt with immediately. The teachers and the school address bullying, and have even implemented the Peacebuilders program to teach the students about what bullying is and the importance of acting kindly and respectfully. I would not want my kids at any other school!
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2012

I have been a parent at Fremont School for 10 years. It is true that it is suffering due to budget cuts like most schools. The impact has been considerably softened because of a professional staff and an amazing community. The PTA continues to be amongst the best and has not only increased volunteerism, but has continued to fund the Science and Technology labs and has recently started funding teacher aides. They have additionally funded technology upgrades in every classroom in an effort to help the teachers face the challenges of increased class size and decreased budgets. Fremont continues to be the among the best in the district.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2012

While I've had some very positive experiences with this school's community prior to the 2011/2012 school year, what I witnessed this year is that the school is experiencing great difficulty in dealing with the state budget cuts. I will be shocked if the school remains at a "10" after this school year. If it does, then this rating system is flawed. Fremont may have been a jewel within the public school system of Long Beach, but this doesn't fit at this time. AND I hope that it can return to what I've heard it was.
Submitted by other on January 12, 2011

Fremont school is AMAZING! I'm in 4th grade now and this school is totally gate. The teachers are awesome, the programs Fremont provides are excellent. And is healthy, for it has a Days of Taste program, which teaches me to be careful of what I eat, also it has a SALAD BAR! For all of you parents out there I hope you attend your kids here. GO FREMONT FALCONS!
Submitted by other on November 30, 2010

I was a student at this school and i can say that it is the best school in the west! I am now an eight grader at Rogers Middle School and going on to high school. This school is amazing, the teachers show so much support toward the students and the Drama program is terrific!!!! I highly recommend your child attending Drama although it has a small fee, but your child will have so much fun and gain courage as they are rehearsing on stage. The academics here are amazing and are getting better and better each year! Although the campus is small compared to Lowell elementary it is enough to enjoy during recess. THe PTA helps heaps to make the school better with all the parents joining. They have a smaller kindergarten playground and a nice field of grass so students could play soccer. This is a great school and i hope that your children would attend it. Heaps of Love from a proud former falcon!