Lafayette Elementary School

2445 Chestnut Avenue

School District

Long Beach Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:23
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 May 01, 2023

Lafayette Elementary is like the beginnings of a promising food forest. It’s nowhere near its potential, because growth in some areas takes time. The school relies heavily on parent involvement (parents are watering the garden). The counselor pulls the weeds. But there are many areas where the weeds have taken over and we need 3-4 counselors for the heavy workload. Children do well here because there’s a real sense of “community”. If we see every child like our own (and not as a competitor which sadly is the nature of this country) then we become willing to activate our schools as community centers designed by the community for the community. A space where real education, empathy, and compassion take place. Your children and my children are in this world together. It is our responsibility as parents to become truly our child’s first teacher (you decide what seeds you want to plant) and hold schools, staff, and teachers accountable for planting the seeds of real education and compassion. In hopes that school staff are efficient at pulling the weeds. Parents do a lot of talking with our students (the counseling and teaching) at home. And that’s why resources for parents by the school and the school district are important. Parents need support. If you work full time and cannot volunteer your time, make time to ask questions. Make time for after work hour involvement. Children grow fast! How they grow is up to you (us). Don’t expect your child to be at grade level or proficient in reading, writing or math if you drop your child off at Lafayette for Kindergarten, then pick them up at 5th grade graduation without never having read to them, talked to them or participated in any school event! Parents, you decide how successful you want this school to be. Parents with education and resources (who live in the neighborhood) often choose other schools because they don’t think the school is “good enough” for their petunias. But research shows that students (without that advantage) in the classroom do better when peers (with educated parents) learn along side them.It’s not about competition. It’s about cooperation. And community building. For the success of our children and our community.
Submitted by parent on March 23, 2023

I switched my children from another elementary school to this one two years ago and I am pleased with this school.My children are in the DI program and have learned so much and are always happy and eager to go to school.Teachers have been great so far, they communicate via classdojo and respond quickly to any questions or concerns .overall , I'm happy I made the switch.
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2023

This school is dirty. The principal just walks around but always seems lost. He does not even acknowledge students when they say hi. Keeps walking and barley waves. Teachers, recess staff and cafeteria staff always yelling at kids. They watch a lot of you tube in the classroom in kindergarten. The yard barley has anything for kids to play with. My child barley gets to finish their lunch before being rushed out of the cafeteria. No PTA. Just a boosters club that only meets once every 4 months. No programs. Classrooms are cluttered and messy. They send tons of worksheets home. Might as well home school my child.
Submitted by parent on August 22, 2020

We love it. We have had a great experience thus far.
Submitted by parent on March 07, 2018

This is a great school with lots of resources. My daughter is supported and doing well.
Submitted by other on December 06, 2013

While talking with a parent, I met the principal of Lafayette and witnessed their interaction. I was impressed with the principal's knowledge of the parents and students, her warmth and her obvious drive to help her students be a success. Being a former teacher, I know that a good principal sets the tone for an entire school, and that principal is setting the bar very high for her staff. It's the students who will benefit.
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2013

This school has exceeded my expectations. They have achieved an API score of 860. My daughter is in the 4th grade, excel program and absolutely loves her teacher Ms. Gault. I happy that she is enthusiastic about learning.