Graham Elementary School

8407 South Fir Avenue

School District

Los Angeles Unified
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:21
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 January 14, 2025

I'm giving Graham 5 stars because the teachers and staff care deeply for the students. Is there room for improvement? Of course. Education is grossly underfunded in California, and many of the teaching and behavior modification practices in use around the entire nation are based on an understanding of child psychology and the psychology of learning that was already outdated 30 years ago. These are not Graham-specific problems (though it would be wonderful to see them leading the way). There's a supportive, multi-generational community surrounding the school, and student performances and celebratory events are well attended by families and loved ones. The staff go out of their way to make sure students who are having a hard time getting to school can connect with resources to help them. I think some of the negative reviews here are outdated, which should be taken as a win. Apparently, before we got there, there was parent displeasure with an administrator, and the parents organized to make that change. That's another example of ways in which the strong community is invested in their kids' school experience.
Submitted by other on February 22, 2024

This school is very nice, it has nice teachers, nice and clean classrooms. I went to this school for a few years and I can say that all the staff here is nice. The food here and the location is very nice.
Submitted by other on June 07, 2017

The principal fosters nepotism and bullying of those she wants out of "her" school. Will even resort to dishonesty to achieve her immoral motives.
Submitted by teacher on May 24, 2013

I'm a teacher Graham Elementary and have been teaching there for well over a decade. I can honestly say that Graham teachers care about their students. Teachers at Graham have had several principals in the last ten years and despite that fact students test scores continue to rise. Graham has offered Saturday school and extra tutoring for students to get that extra help needed for the last 7 years. Like stated previously from another teacher there are teachers who get to Graham as early as 6:30 a.m. to prep their classroom. There are also teachers such as myself who stay there late in order to get work done. I've noticed that parents who complain about our teachers are also those of our problem children in the classroom. I've also noticed that our outstanding students are those whose parents make them accountable for following rules, being respectful, and turning in homework. I can only agree that our office staff in the past was at times tough to deal with but now that has completely turned around and we hope to have our current Graham office staff for a long time. We recently hired a new principal who has a positive outlook in helping Graham reach its full potential. Go Bulldogs!
Submitted by other on April 04, 2012

I'm someone that attended this school, back in 1994. I thought that the teachers were excellent and the schools education was amazing. I can say that I learned so much there and I honestly have so many fond memories now. I don't know how much the school has changed, but the rating of this school makes me a tad bit sad. I guess that's how much time changes a place. I'll forever keep my fond memories of Graham Elementary school. Also, if there are any teachers still working there from around that year; please get in contact with me. I'm still such a kid, missing a few of my favorite teachers.
Submitted by parent on March 16, 2012

i have 2 kids going there kinder and second grade the teacher of my second grader was harrassing my kid he use to pick on my child for no reason i made multiple complaints and was ignored by the principal he told me that i was over reacting. i tried switching classes and the principal mr valles told me "NO" until my kids teacher ate my kids lunch apple and told my child its was cause he was my kids teacher. then i complained once again to mr valles and he looked like oh no not another law suit then he changed her with no questions...
Submitted by teacher on April 27, 2011

Graham Elementary is not bad as some people try to make it out to be. We continue to make academic gains year after year. Yes, we have our problems, but remember, nothing is perfect. On a daily basis, the majority of the teachers work very hard to help their students achieve success. Some teachers arrive to work very early, others stay very late, and others work during their break time and/or lunchtime. Many of us continue our work at home as well. However, sometimes our hands are tied because we have to follow certain timelines and procedures, which inhibits us from taking the adequate time need to really teach a concept, as well as being able to step back and reteaching a concept so that every student understands it. With the programs that we have, students will either sink or swim. Last year we made great gains in our CST scores and we are prepared to make gains again this year! So let's go Bulldogs!!!!!
Submitted by parent on April 27, 2011

I can honestly say the school isnt the greatest but its also not the worse. I have 2 children that have attended Graham since Pre K & are now in 4th & 6th grade and are both enrolled in the gifted/high achievement program...sorry but teachers cant do all the work, parents also need to get involved. Thank goodness my kids have had great teachers every year but there is one thing i agree with, the office staff can be alittle more professional & not be so rude! As for Mr Valles....two thtumbs up
Submitted by teacher on September 22, 2010

Coming from actual experience from this school, it is very bad here! The new principal favors some employees and the office staff are terrible! Security desk is a joke and so is the supervision people! This school needs to be shut down they do not treat employees right here! & children are not learning anything but watching movies and having p.e. (fun time). Office staff takes lunch all together when they feel like it and just come and go when they please. Principal and their staff blame t.a's and supervision aides for faults that could have been prevented with more staffing and organization!
Submitted by parent on May 28, 2009

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Submitted by parent on August 18, 2008

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Submitted by student on August 28, 2007

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Submitted by parent on June 28, 2007

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