Point Fermin Elementary School

3333 Kerckhoff Ave.

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 April 25, 2022

Pt Fermin is truly a gem and we are so happy with our experience so far. My son is really thriving at the school and the school community is supportive and nurturing. Even through the pandemic, the leadership was always very transparent and I felt like my child was safe but also still having fun and getting a real school experience. Any concerns I've had, I felt were addressed promptly and thoroughly. The teachers and administrative staff really value parents opinions, which is very nice to have. The school does a pretty good job at providing extracurricular activities for students, although it would be nice to have more regular art and music classes, but that is more on a district level and not something the school as that much control over. The PTO is really great and is always coming up with fun activities and theme days for the students. l really and so happy with how well my child has been able to transition from an entirely play based preschool to kindergarten. My only complaints would be that there is a lot of paper/worksheets used that seems like the school could be more proactive in using less paper and becoming more environmentally friendly and/or digital. It would also be nice if there were more "grass/turf" areas instead of so much black top. There is only one small yard but during recess and lunch the children don't have access to it. It would be brilliant is they could turn the large blacktop into a turf field! Overall, LOVE this school!
Submitted by parent on March 10, 2022

My daughter thrived at Point Fermin Elementary school! Her teacher, Mrs. Karen Cass, was instrumental in instilling her love for reading. I had the honor of volunteering in Mrs. Cass's classroom, and I watched her teaching methods and learned so much from her on how to my help my kids with their homework and overall learning. Even through the COVID crisis that hit that March, Mrs. Cass still successfully taught the children remote and engaged all parents to make sure the students had the best opportunity to complete their kindergarten curriculum. Further, the school principal, Mrs. Demi Aguirre, welcomed us into her school, encouraging parent participation and taking the time to get to know all the children. My mother passed away a week before school started -- Mrs. Aguirre happened to pass by the classroom and saw my daughter upset, so she took her for a walk and helped her calm down and return back to finish her school day. That is the empathy to expect from our administrators and our teachers -- and beyond all that, the school is fun! The art work projects, and the various festivals ... it's good to see the schools finally reopening, and getting parents back in to support our children and our teachers.
Submitted by parent on March 09, 2022

We love Pt Fermin and my sons experience in kindergarten has been wonderful. Mrs. Wong the principal is amazing. She really cares about your concerns and is so warm and kind. All of the teachers really do a great job making sure students are learning and having fun in a safe environment. The school also has an amazing PTO which hosts really fun activities and experiences for the students.
Submitted by parent on March 09, 2022

Absolutely flabbergasted with what a wonderful tight ship they run at Point Fermin. Communication has been clear, concise, cheerful and proactive since we first started looking into applying. The importance of starting kindergarten on the right foot can not be overstated and Mrs. Cass hit it out of the park. We have been consistently impressed with her structured yet personalized approach to learning. Interpersonal skills are seamlessly integrated with the curriculum. Staff and PTO genuinely care, supporting a safe, upbeat and supportive environment.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2022

I couldn’t be happier with my son’s education at Point Fermin Elementary. The staff are genuinely caring and kind. His teacher goes above and beyond to teach not only her kids but others as well. This school is a family. When one of us needs help, we all band together. As a relatively small school, we have the ability to reach out more and give each child the one on one attention that they need. The principal is out every morning checking daily passes and greeting the kids and parents cheerfully along with other members of the staff and PTO. It really is nice to feel a sense of community and know that it’s possible to work together to make the education for the kids the best it can be. Everyone wants the best for the kids.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2021

We came to Point Fermin when our son was in 1st grade and it’s been a welcoming and inclusive place ever since! There is a sense of community here at Pt. Fermin, and we enjoy the diversity of students, staff, and families. I’d have to say one of the most unique things about our school is it’s Edible Garden, wherein students plant, learn about, and eat fruits and vegetables. There are also Garden Lessons available to each of the grade levels, taught by PTO volunteers — it’s such a wonderful experience for the children! Point Fermin Marine Science Magnet is a special, wonderful, and welcoming place to be. We’re so thankful we found this “little school by the sea”.
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2021

Very good school indeed. My child has been there for at least 3 yrs and we never had a problem or issue with any of the curriculum. I’d recommend anyone to send their child there if they are really concerned about their child learning everything they need to know to succeed. Very impressed for sure.
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2020

very grateful with the teachers ans staff we have. excellent comunication and we love school offers PE, music, science storytime, bedtime story time, STEAM(excellent program),aquarium virtual tours .
Submitted by parent on October 15, 2020

Overall, our experience at Point Fermin has been very positive. My children have had great teachers and have enjoyed the many opportunities to learn in fun and creative ways both inside and outside the classroom. During their time at Point Fermin, my children were active participants in many projects and programs that made a big impact on them and their community such as helping to paint tiles for the mural at the school entrance and helping on planting days for the edible garden and butterfly habitat. Through these projects they learned about community and working together to achieve common goals. Today, they enjoy walking our dog around the school to keep tabs on the gardens and mural they helped to create. They also enjoyed all the movie nights, harvest festivals, STEAM nights, and book fairs that not only fostered creative learning but also brought our school community together. All these great learning and community experiences have helped to set them on a positive path to becoming lifelong learners that will serve them well in middle school, high school and beyond.
Submitted by parent on October 02, 2020

Excellent! Parent participation is encouraged and supported, students feel welcome and challenged. The location and charm of the school is wonderful and the teachers are the best! Highly recommended!!!!
Submitted by parent on October 01, 2020

I adore this school , and I volunteer in many ways . I am extremely happy and recommend it’s to everyone who asks . It has a 3000 sq foot Edible Garden , a Native Habitat , enrichment arts programs and so much more ! I give it a 10 !
Submitted by parent on September 30, 2020

Our school is small and parent involvement is key to making it great; we work together and help our students, teachers and staff to be always improving not just ourselves, but our classrooms and our campus
Submitted by parent on September 30, 2020

The overall experience of Point Fermin is amazing from the teachers, principal, office staff, other parents, and students . I’ve been fortunate to have three children attend and will be sad to leave when my youngest culminates in a few years.
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2019

Poor communication. Though there is diversity at the school amongst the families, the principal was not so embracing of it. The staff were cool.
Submitted by parent on April 01, 2016

Such an amazing school and as a very involved parent it is sad to see another parent post 8 negative opinions who never helps. The district gives zero funds for gifted and this is known to all who attend a are public meetings. However my son was given a seperate ciricuium because he was so advanced and I worked together with the teacher. All gifted children are clustered as well. There is Columbia writing and partnerships with so many organizations in the community. The students go on so many field trips it is amazing. If the school is not a match for you, please quit trying to destroy what we are building at Point Fermin. Both of my children attend this school and it is exceptional. The extra funds from Titke 1 allows for computers and resources that are priceless. Be part of the solution instead of creating a problem. Point Fermin is a fantastic school with high level teachers and a wonderful new principal.
Submitted by parent on March 29, 2016

This is my daughter's second year at this school. In those 2 years the Great School rating has dropped from an 8 - the reason we chose this magnet school - to a 6. She was also tested gifted this year and absolutely NOTHING is being done about it. She already attends science class in a classroom 2 grades above her 3rd grade class.. This leaves no room for improvement as there is no higher class for her to attend next year. She often finishes her homework in the car on the 15 minute ride home. This school is starting to feel like most of the LAUSD schools that are just getting their students by. She has a great teacher this year, but unfortunately there are problem students in her class that require most of the teacher's attention, often leaving my 8 year old daughter to her own devices for education or tutoring other kids in the class. I would be FAR better off home schooling her, but the LAUSD requires you to have a teaching certificate to do so. Just shows they are not interested in your child's education, only that they show up so the school can get it's money. Well it looks like it's time for another school to get our money.
Submitted by other on February 18, 2016

This is a great school despite it's API scores. I reviewed other higher local schools, but believed this was a good fit for my son based on his interests. A child can be a high acheiver if parents advocate for them and making certain that collaboration takes place with teachers and staff. All members are very responsive when contacted. The PTO does an excellent job in fundraising, and creating fun activites. There is much volunteering for students to have art classes and dance classes. The curriculum is challenging and rewarding when you visit your childs class and see their hard work. Student 3rd-5th grade select a science topic of interest and get to work with different teachers and interact with different grade leveled students. The campus is small and very clean. Unfortunately, the playing apparatus is small and there is limited space to play. However, the students have several local field trip locations to visit, such as the Cabrillo Aquarium, Angels Gate, The Mammal Ctr, Bird Ctr., and the Korean Bell. My son is transitioning well at his new school thanks to everyone I had the pleasure in making thus happen.
Submitted by other on June 01, 2015

This was our first and only year at Point Fermin BUT we had the best first year of school a parent could ask for. My son was is Mr. Cima's class and he is a fantastic teacher. The rest of the staff is great too and all take huge pride in the school. The marine science magnet program is like icing on the cake too. We are moving out of the city or we would have stayed through 5th grade for sure. All the field trips and extra stuff the school does is great and a lot is funded by the PTO using lot of fund raising money. How could you not like a school that has a pirate picnic day for the families?! So freaking awesome! I love you Point Fermin and I am sad to leave you.
Submitted by teacher on May 22, 2014

Point Fermin is a special school. The teachers are smart, dedicated, and caring. The administration works hard to keep things running smoothly. There is an active PTO who continuously are running fundraisers and sponsoring activities such as Art to Grow On for the school. The charming, beautiful school is newly painted and sits on a green hill overlooking the ocean and the port. As a marine science magnet, the students go on science field trips to the Cabrillo Aquarium and other locations throughout the year. The school is gated and safe, and the students are interested in learning, happy, and generally well-behaved. I am one of the teachers who was out on illness this year. I assure you that I was not taking advantage of the Union, deeply care about the students, and am appreciative of all the good Point Fermin has to offer.
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2014

Point Fermin is an awesome school! We are so pleased with their marine science program. My daughter has attended many exciting fieldtrips that other schools don't provide. Her teacher is always willing to give extra time to speak with me. The Principal has helped my child with a problem, found a good solution, and provided me with follow-up. We really were happy when our child was excepted into this stellar magnet school and have not been disappointed. The parking is difficult, but the very active PTO has a valet program, all volunteers!