Anza Elementary School

21400 Ellinwood Drive

School District

Torrance Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:22
Type

public

School Map for Torrance 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 August 25, 2023

My kids came from a local school way behind. Within a week in school at Anza my one kid had 2x a week speech and reading AND math help (something I wish had been offered prior). She now no longer dialogues for reading because of the awesome group getting her up to reading standards. My son is fast catching up too. Very impressed with Anza as a whole. My kids wish they didn’t have such a particular hard noon side at recess and lunch but that’s MINOR. We found our home.
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2021

My son has been going to Anza for since 1st grade. He loves it! What kid loves school? haha. During COVID-19, his teacher was amazing. It took some time but it was amazing seeing his teacher learn how to teach a class of kids via online-only. Kudos to the staff and teachers all around. It doesn't seem like he missed a beat at all and learned a lot in the past year and half.
Submitted by parent on June 20, 2021

This school is OK. If you have a basically average kid, they’ll probably do fine. If your child has special talents, special needs, or both, consider looking elsewhere. Most of the complaints I have are related to the public school education system in this country—the focus is on grades and test scores and on making all students fit into the same “box.” Class sizes are 25-30. The former principal said she wouldn’t know kids’ names, but she’d know their scores. Arts, music, etc. are pretty minimized. Eg, classes have “art” 6 times a year, and it’s taught by a well-meaning parent volunteer, not someone with any experience or training in eithe rart or education. There is a new-ish science lab, but our teacher was reluctant to use it as it would take too many “instructional minutes” to bring the whole class to the other end of campus and back. They do have some nice enrichment activities like an international fair. There is on-site aftercare from YMCA and some other extracurricular opportunities after school. Torrance Unified does not have a great reputation for supporting students with disabilities (there have been lawsuits). Eg, there was one boy in my son’s class who clearly should have had a personal aide, but did not; the result was the teacher spent a lot of time focused on helping him at the expense of other students getting attention. When I told the teacher my son would be missing a bit of class to go to occupational therapy once a week, she told me he’d be considered truant (not true, but a doctor’s note was required any time we missed class to ‘prove’ the need to visit a dentist or whatever). We moved elsewhere after kindergarten and are happy with that decision.
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2020

There're a few great teachers who truly shine, but lacking in all other extra curricular areas such as music, art, etc. No leadership, everything needs to be run by volunteers and PTAs and private funding/donations.. putting most burdens on parents.
Submitted by other on October 12, 2019

This school has helped create a unique community environment and we are so grateful.
Submitted by parent on December 18, 2018

great experience my son Joshua already graduate and my second one Jacob is going to Graduate this year i wish the school has higher grade they were at school since kinder and they give the teacher hard time but they were always loved and cared for
Submitted by other on October 07, 2016

My son has been at Anza since Kinder and he's in 2nd grade now. All of his teachers have been great and he loves the school. Love the fact that homework has been optional. I personally don't opt out because I'm worried about my son falling behind but it's nice to have the option given all the studies showing that HW can be detrimental. Great school. Safe and fun.
Submitted by parent on June 08, 2015

My experience with Anza school have been nothing but positive!! I have three children to attend and one in the WCDC preschool and words cannot express our gratitude and appreciation for such a wonderful school and a prestigious district ..Our 5th grade teacher is amazing and our daughter is beyond ready to attend Jr high school her math skills have developed in ways we couldn't even imaging..Third grade teacher is on point and gives great communication.. The principal is so hands on, We see her almost every morning greeting parents in the parking lot with a smile (and bull horn) .. We had a couple of concerns in the beginning of the school year and she gave us great assurance that our children will be fine and this have been a tremendous year!! The principal gave us numerous follow up calls through out the year and we could not have been much happier with the safe and nurturing environment that she provides for families!!! The preschool is great as well all of our kids were prepare for kindergarten ... This school and teachers and especial administration is truly a blessing!!! THANK YOU
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2013

First, the person answering the phone in the main office is very rude, this has happenned to me twice. Second, it is a joint effort of the kids and the teachers that maintains the ratings of the school, so why is the staff so stuck up......
Submitted by parent on May 19, 2013

The Principal, teachers and fellow parents make Anza a great school. The EEA organization is also critical given how large class sizes have gotten. Test score improvements are a testament to how the EEA's Intervention program helps the entire school improve. In addition, Anza has a large group of highly dedicated parents that work tirelessly to make the school even better. Regarding the review about Ms. Wood not caring about her students, I would strongly disagree. After volunteering in her classroom, it is evident that she definitely cares about each of the kids in her class. She is patient, calm and kind to her students, which is not always easy with 30 rambunctious kinders. While the caring that she shows to her students may not always come across in her parent interactions, she's still a great teacher nonetheless.
Submitted by parent on May 03, 2013

We have Mrs. Smith for our second grade teacher this year. My daughter and her friends in the class absolutely love her and so do we. I have spoken to many of the parents in this class and we all agree that this teacher is doing a wonderful job.
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2013

Great School. Great people. My son tells me he "loves his school". As a parent, that means a lot.
Submitted by parent on September 09, 2012

I only have experience with Anza through the pre-K ('preppy') program, but I cannot say enough wonderful things about my son's experience and his teacher. Definitely more kids in the class than I would've liked, but parents pitched in to help out every day in class so that kids could get individual time with Mrs. G. Her approach was so incredibly wonderful. Where so often now it seems there is an ever-shrinking tolerance for children's individuality and creativity - she celebrated every child and their unique talents. She treated the pre-K kids like they could achieve SO much, and the kids really rose to the challenge. I was incredibly impressed and thankful.
Submitted by parent on June 14, 2012

I am very happy that this is the LAST year and only year my child will be at this school. His teacher was extremely unorganized, and sent out last minute emails for supplies and goods. As a working parent it was frustrating because I had to miss so many fun times because I was not notified on a timely manner. The parents are very clicky and feel that they run the school. The secretary is rude and not helpful at all. The verdict is still out on the principal.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2012

I am a fairly new parent of a child attending this school. I love the school and the Principal. But unfortunately there seams to be ongoing problems between the PTA and the Eagle Education Alliance group. I am not aware of what the problems are, but I feel the parents and the members should be working on ways to resolve the conflicts. This is not a secret and has been ongoing for several years now.This is becoming an embarrassment for this otherwise wonderful school.P.S. I also LOVE Annie the secretary.
Submitted by parent on October 04, 2011

The school is great wonderful PTA and awesome Teachers. The only bad part is Annie the Secretary very difficult person to deal with.
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2011

Mrs. Marks is AWESOME, the Eagle Alliance is fabulous, the PTA is magnificent and the teachers are wonderful! My daughter started at this school last year and I can't express how grateful I am to God for blessing us with such a great neighborhood and school. What else can I say? 914 API...
Submitted by parent on September 02, 2011

Wow, in response to the "Ms. Wood..." post, I have to say I strongly disagree with what was said. My son had Ms. Wood and I have to say that I never experienced what that other parent wrote or have heard anyone else express feelings like that. Ms. Wood is an exceptional teacher that cares deeply for all of her students. She worked on things that Kindergarteners really need and went beyond my expectations.
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2011

*I gave my 5 star teacher review in regards to our specific teacher, not having experience with the others. We also had Mrs. Lee for Kindergarten and she was phenomenal. My son has some special needs- both slowing down and an accelerated curriculum. She was amazing at providing for all of his needs and making school a safe and predictable environment. She also cultivated an environment of kindness in her students. The office staff has been excellent to work with as well as the principal. Newsletters and emails have kept us informed. They have fun positive reinforcements school-wide as well (student of the month/week, "caught being good" stars at recess and lunchtime, etc.). We have loved our experience at Anza.
Submitted by student on October 08, 2009

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