Castle Heights Elementary School

9755 Cattaraugus Avenue

School District

Los Angeles Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:22
Type

public

School Map for Los Angeles 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 September 29, 2024

Both our kids (one graduate + one 5th grader) have had a great experience in the Spanish World Language program. Although it was established just a few years ago, the addition of the WLP has turned what was already a very good neighborhood school into an absolute gem, bringing in even more invested, passionate, and engaged families and sponsoring cultural events and programming that benefit ALL students. Unlike 99% of other schools that have multiple tracks (residential school + magnet or dual language program), where each program is completely siloed and separate, at CHES, the WLP and residential/ SAS program are fully integrated into a single, unified school community: from academics (teachers collaborate across grade levels) to fundraising and social/ community events (Campus campout, Valentine Rock, Dia de Metros, Dia de Niños, Astrocamp, etc.). We also have a deeply committed, motivated, and award-winning staff. The principal, Dr. Linda Beck, was recently awarded the prestigious Cahn Fellowship and she is loved and respected by parents, students, and teachers alike. We have also recently had two LAUSD "Teachers of the Year" and were selected as a Cotsen Art of Teaching School, with 8 teachers participating in the mentor/ fellowship program. There are few schools in LAUSD with a teaching staff this motivated and committed to their professional development and to serving ALL students. Overall, CHES provides a well-rounded educational experience, while exposing kids to a diverse community, and leaving them with great friends and fantastic memories.
Submitted by parent on August 09, 2023

CHES is a hidden gem! It is a wonderful school. The teachers, principal, and staff are all welcoming and friendly. The principal is responsive and open to parent involvement. She hosts town halls regarding IEP's, social emotional support. She is very knowledgeable and is always available. The teacher we had in K was beyond amazing. The best part is the community. CHES has a wonderful community and it is lovely to experience. Parents really care about their kids education. The booster club works very hard to raise money for the school to provide enrichment programs we would not have otherwise among many other things. There are tons of events (free and fundraising) We are very happy with this school!
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2023

My child is currently in 4th grade at Castle Heights Elementary School. We started in 2nd grade so this is our 3rd year there. My child LOVES the school and the community and the facilities - the playground is awesome with lots of grass, a play structure, etc. The staff and principal are great and care about and are kind to the kids. The community is wonderful and welcoming thanks in large part to the many parents who dedicate their time and effort to create and foster the community through activities and events. I cannot speak to special education resources but, based on my experience with school leadership, I imagine CHES strives to meets the needs of the children who need alternative support. As with every single school everywhere, the experience each year is nearly 100% dependent on the teacher you get. Two of our three teachers have been great! Most of the educators have been at CHES for 10+, 20+, and even 30+ years. This can be great or can in some cases be a downside. The contemporary thinking around and what we now understand about early childhood education has changed quite a bit in 30 years. But, not all educators have updated their approach and could be considered "old school". If you are interested in a "traditional" educational environment (i.e. what we experienced as public school students 30 years ago) then this is a GREAT school to consider. You won't necessarily find the current buzzwords around education here - "progressive", "project based learning", etc. Some kids do great in with a traditional approach, while others are better suited to a less traditional learning environment (think OPEN Charter Magnet). There is an emphasis on "social emotional learning" at CHES which is awesome but, again, it all comes down to each individual teacher. Not all teachers participate in some of the social emotional learning programs the school offers. Overall, CHES has been a wonderful experience for my kiddo and our family and I would recommend the school to many families we know.
Submitted by other on September 01, 2021

Castle Heights teachers and staff support students in every way they can. Those with learning differences as well as those without. I would recommend this exceptional school to anyone interested in enrolling their student.
Submitted by parent on August 16, 2021

We love this school! The teachers are caring and attentive, and really focused on what’s best for the children. Class size is small. Principle Beck is outstanding! We also love that the yard is huge, so there’s loads of space for the kids to run around and play outside. And the Spanish immersion program is awesome! We feel very lucky to have this school so close by. I also have to say that learning during the covid-19 pandemic has been seamless, and so well thought out in such a way to keeps the kids on track and safe!
Submitted by parent on November 21, 2020

I really wanted to like this school, and in a way, I still do, just not the teacher. The teacher doesn’t accept feedback no matter how positive you make it, closed minded, and retaliates passive aggressively by ostracizing my child. I have seen other children ask innocent clarifying questions in class, and the teacher rolled their eyes at them!I would speak to the principal, but it would be the same, where the teacher would know we tried to give feedback, and then would retaliate. So as a parent, I feel like I have no other avenue to give feedback, except apparently here.
Submitted by parent on September 12, 2020

Both my daughters go to Castle Heights and they love it. The community feel of the school is fantastic and the teachers are all intelligent and attentive to the needs of the students. We couldn't be happier.
Submitted by other on June 16, 2020

I went to Castle Heights from first grade to fifth grade, and my experience there was impactful. I learned how to be confident, open-minded, and a good student. All of my teachers were very supportive and nurturing to my growth. Even though, I was in a class with several other students, I felt that I received the right amount of one-on-one attention.
Submitted by other on September 28, 2019

Great programs supported by an enthusiastic fundraising body of parents. Unfortunately the affluent school board tends to dominate the school which creates an atmosphere which does not favor minorities or encourage difference. A lot of the teaching tends to be old fashioned.
Submitted by parent on March 04, 2019

Lots of resources for students and parents alike. Parent involvement is encouraged and really adds so much to the overall experience. Great after school care program, too.
Submitted by parent on March 09, 2018

We love Castle Heights. Parent involvement is high making for the school feel like a real community. Students thrive and generations attend.
Submitted by parent on August 19, 2016

I was impressed with the parental involvement, my child's teacher was great, and I really like how they kick-off the year with a full campus overnight for the students and their families. I would highly recommend Castle Heights Elementary.
Submitted by parent on June 01, 2016

We are just finishing our first year here with our kindergartener and we loved it! The teachers, the principal, and the office administrators have been supportive, understanding and beyond helpful throughout our first year. And the school librarian goes above and beyond - she takes the time to know each child and her love for reading is infectious.
Submitted by parent on November 22, 2015

This school has caring teachers, an involved principal and great parent and community involvement. It also has a good after school program, Star.
Submitted by other on October 26, 2015

As a parent in this school i'm shocked at some of the things I see written below. Someone foolishly posted that enrichment programs were cut. But none were. Despite the fact classes sizes have dropped in all but one grade. Someone else posted that the school was losing good teachers, but the few that left, frankly, were substandard. They were replaced with better teachers. The teacher pool here has improved dramatically in the past seven years. Im not sure what happened on May 30 2015, but it sure looks like several people with a fear of change, and an axe to grind, decided to speak up all at once.
Submitted by other on March 10, 2015

This was one of the best schools I have ever been to. Castle Heights made me the person I am today.
Submitted by parent on December 06, 2014

This school is great. My daughter's kindergarten teacher is so energetic and caring. The children are learning and growing. But they are also taught a sense of community and care about all of their friends. The school also has a great community among the families. Most children walk to school with their parents. In the fall the whole school camps out and spends the night on campus. The kids have so much fun they usually don't want to leave. You see many playing in the front lawn after school while the parents visit with each other. It is a beautiful neighborhood school.
Submitted by parent on December 06, 2014

We're a permit family who have two kids at CHES. Great experiences! Dedicated teachers, great programs, prepared kids. So thrilled to be a part of Castle Heights!
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2014

Castle Heights has provided an excellent educational experience for my children. We were fortunate, and all of their teachers were awesome. The school provides many programs, such as art, music, science, computer lab, gardening, and PE due to its active PTA and high parent involvement. Lots of fundraising opportunities in order to raise money for the school. Most LAUSD schools do not offer these programs, so it was a blessing to have my children here. Clean and well kept school.
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2014

This is an AMAZING school, with dedicated teachers, principal, librarian and parents. The STAR Program is fantastic and the level of parental involvement is fantastic!