Willard Elementary School

1055 Freeman 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 January 23, 2020

Overall, I would definitely say that this school has changed for the better. I have had two children go through this school and I have seen the positive growth.I have been on fieldtrips, sat in classrooms, and volunteered many times at this school. I have seen the kids be completely disrespectful to staff, and at times, my child has been disrespectful. I think we need to not put ALL of the responsibility on the teachers. Parents should TRAIN their children, so that teachers are able to TEACH them the skills they need to successfully complete their grade and move on to the next.
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2019

My son has been here for Kindergarten, first, and now second grade. For Kindergarten and first grade, those were the best years.. Mrs. Spencer (Kindergarten) and Mrs. C (First Grade) were the absolute best. They are so kind, patient, caring, and passionate towards their students. Now onto 2nd grade, it has been very downhill. The homework looks like something that was printed off of Google, NO homework is even graded. So how am I supposed to know how my child is doing? My child hates this school year because of his teacher. Every single day, he's always telling me how she yells all the time, every day in class. Constantly yelling. She needs help or needs to look for a new career because obviously, teaching young kids isn't her thing.I cannot wait until this school year is over, this is the absolute worst teacher I've ever came across.Another thing, the drop off and pick up situation is horrible. No parking whatsoever. Doesn't matter if you arrive 15-30 minutes early. You're constantly having to drive around the neighborhood because there's a motorcycle cop that drives around and tickets people who park their car in the middle of the street. FYI.
Submitted by parent on March 18, 2015

This is my daughters first time being enrolled in public school. We previously had her enrolled in Christian private schools. Putting her in Willard was the best decision I've made. She is truly thriving here. Dr Richards is so wonderful. She is caring approachable and smart. She is making such a difference in the school. Mr Miller is also such a great teach. My daughter always comes home excited about what she's learned. He makes learning fun for the kids and he is also approachable and kind. I would definitely recommend Willard to other parents.
Submitted by parent on October 27, 2014

This obviously isn't one of the best school around and there's a lot to be done, however, at the very least the teachers and principal were supportive and always found a way to assist with a situation involving a student until recently that is. The new principal isn't as involved as the last and doesn't take the time to address things as they come up, she would rather deflect and put it on someone else to do so. I'm very disappointed with this because I was so happy to have a new face that seemed to be there for the well being of the students. Willard needs someone who isn't only doing administrative work, but is also present when the students, teachers, and parents need them. This school could be so much more than it is. It's such a shame when the power of influence gets into the hands of those who are seemingly there for their own purposes, rather than to serve the community and those who are actually involved with their children. I'm very disappointed and would not recommend this school to anyone.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2014

This is my daughters first year here. It's a new principal. She's great. Today I met with the principal and PTA and other parents. So far so good. I will post again once we've settled in more.
Submitted by parent on May 25, 2012

I would never recommend this school to parent. For the last two years, I have not been impressed with the teachers whatsoever. Frankly, I am disappointed that my child has had to endure the teachers that have taught her and we look forward and are counting down the days until our child attends a new school far, far away from this one next school year.
Submitted by parent on November 15, 2011

My son goes there and I can not say enough about being very unhappy with this School. Below average on test schools on multible subjects in every grade. NO PARENT involvement very very low!!! PTA not doing a good job at all of involving parents that actually sign up for PTA! Not a very friendly atmosphere for myself. Some teachers are not very involved either....I could go on and on on how dissapointed I am. I would love to transfer my son out but Im having trouble going about! Hopefully I will get him out of there soon.