Oak Hills Elementary School

Reviews

• Submitted by parent on August 31, 2022
  We pulled our child out during the summer before her 3rd grade year. She started at Oak Hills in Kindergarten. Her first and second grade teachers were great. They were both effective at teaching the material, had good classroommanagement skills, and were warm and approachable with both the kids and parents. Her kindergarten teacher, on the other hand, was unkind and generally unfit (temperament-wise) for teaching such young children. Overall, we found that the school did not meet our child’s needs and our family’s standards for whole child learning. We think that the school as a whole has a culture that lacks depth when it comes to nurturing the social/emotional needs of its students. This became clear after kids came back to on-campus learning after the pandemic, many of whom needed extra support. Academically, this school stands out. There’s no doubt about that. Unfortunately, there is little to no art/music and quite honestly it just wasn’t a very fun place to be, at least for our child. We’ve moved on to a school that doesn’t perform quite as well academically, but the trade off is the deep commitment they have to educating the whole child - not just in principle, but in practice. Parents are treated like collaborators, art and music are valued and taught year round, and the energy on the campus feels like childhood at its best. Oak Hills works well for many families, but our experience there did not live up to our expectations.
• Submitted by parent on March 03, 2021
  In theory, the school is great. Teachers overall are amazing and the campus is wonderful. The principal is in way over his head. He is an amazing person to have on a field trip, but lacks severely in leadership and management skills.
• Submitted by parent on August 27, 2020
  It's a very sweet school, but it's a nontraditional education. I just want people to make sure they know that. A few years ago they bought into the Reading Writing Curriculum (Lucy Calkins - look it up); it's controversial among educators, but Oak Park admin really believe in it. The children just have reading & writing and math classes. There are no separate social studies or science classes. They have no distinct spelling, grammar, or vocabulary instruction. The Reading Writing Curriculum believes children will absorb that content automatically through reading. Oak Hills doesn't really teach a lot of "content" -- they focus on skills and "strategies." It's an interesting philosophy, and maybe right for some families, but I would never send a bright student to this school and I would pause sending a good student here. My children have been to a few other elementary schools and Oak Hills is the least academic of all. I think it's a wonderful, warm environment for students who may struggle academically or who are wiggly. Teachers are great, the campus is lovely, and children are inclusive.
• Submitted by parent on February 28, 2020
  Wouldn’t change elementary schools - very happy with the faculty, staff and families at OHES
• Submitted by parent on June 11, 2019
  So far it is definitely not the school it was when I was going there in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade. Obviously Tony Knight is no longer the principle and Eric Warren makes sure to stand by his teachers side. But without actually knowing who his teachers are, and understanding what his teachers do in the classroom. Unless you actually sit inside the classroom of all of your teachers you may not know how they teach and how they influence your students. I recommend a year of walking into the teachers classes, and seeing how they teach when they are least expecting your presence. Unless you actually sit inside the classroom of all of your teachers you may not know how they teach and how they influence your students. I recommend a year of walking into the teachers classes, and seeing how they teach when they least expect xfyour presence.
• Submitted by parent on January 02, 2019
  In my opinion school is average. School rating dropped.
• Submitted by parent on April 25, 2018
  Exceptional, especially principal of the school. PTA and staff members work really hard.
• Submitted by parent on January 30, 2018
  This is our second year at Oak Hills and we could not be happier. So far each of our teacher placements/experiences have been phenomenal. The teachers are so supportive of the students and helping them reach their full potential. The curriculum is very educationally forward...technology, new reading/writing program, take very hands on approach to all subjects. Very active parent involvement at the school, and the kids get an opportunity to partake in so many different experiences throughout the school year.We could not say better things about our school and the staff.
• Submitted by parent on December 08, 2017
  We are having a terrible experience at the school. I hope this review helps other parents decide to select a different school so that you may have a pleasant elementary experience. Ours has been awful and we cannot emphasize enough: pick a different district. The “10” rating is a PR campaign, not at all what it’s like from inside.
• Submitted by parent on August 11, 2017
  Disappointing - there is much potential at the school, but the leadership sets a dismissive tone of bullying, and accepts no input from parents. If you want to attend a school that tackles bullying and where your student's safety is the first priority, do not attend Oak Hills.
• Submitted by other on June 03, 2016
  My son will be going to 3rd grade in 2016 - 2017. He had a great year in 2nd grade. In the last 3 years, 2 of the 3 teachers were really good . They really knew the potential and what he was capable of. I do feel that homework is pretty basic . Also, since the class size is big, teachers rely on parents to evaluate tests and homework . I have seen that some of the evaluations are incorrect. I think the school/ district needs to invest in additional teacher aid to support class sizes of 28/30 kids. Good side is the projects that the kids do are really interesting and truly makes you think. Overall I believe it's a good school .
• Submitted by parent on February 11, 2016
  I moved my children from a Charter school and a Magnet school respectively to OHES after reading numerous reviews and talking to many parents already involved with this school. I am very glad that every one of their teachers at OHES so far has mirrored the guidance I provide at home, hence my kids get a balanced and unified outlook on learning and behavior. I have very few regrets in moving my children to this school. The class sizes are somewhat large, but it teaches the children to focus better. OHES has a good balance of project vs. workbook based curriculum - the projects are designed to nurture presentation skills which will undoubtedly come in handy regardless of which area of higher education the children specialize in.
• Submitted by parent on November 02, 2015
  We love this school! Came here from another district and notice a huge difference in structure and academic offerings. My daughter is really excelling and needed more of a challenge. The Principal and staff are amazing here and it seems like such a small, tight knit group. Glad we made the switch!
• Submitted by parent on July 08, 2013
  Amazing school. We have 4 children and moved specifically to Oak Park for the wonderful, public education offered here. Oak Hills Elementary is ranked #1 in all of Ventura County and offers a stellar academic prep. The only detriment is that so many people want to attend here and class sizes are increasing tremendously with statewide budget cuts. We have now average 27 children per class up to 30 in Grades 4 and 5. The teachers are all tenured and have been at Oak Hills for 15-20+ years and have outstanding reputation. They sincerely care about the children's education and the school is made up of a tight-knit community of well-educated and involved parents. We absolutely love it here.
• Submitted by parent on January 12, 2011
  Oak Hills is a great school. My children have gone there for the past 7 years. The teachers, students, parents, office staff and principal are wonderful. Children who are "gifted" are always challenged to learn at higher levels and do more. Children who need extra help are given the help they need. I feel extremely fortunate that my children have been able to attend this school.

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