Evelyn Carr Elementary School

3404 168th Street

School District

Torrance Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:18
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 March 12, 2024

My children attend the dual language program and it’s amazing their growth in navigating two languages. They love their school and as a parent that is the most important thing, for your children to enjoy their education and want to go to school.
Submitted by parent on January 19, 2024

I do not like this schools teaching methods. They seem to focus on being on track with the curriculum and not on the child's progress. With both teachers my son has had they make it okay for him to not finish his classwork and they just move along. When I was in school we were all assigned paperwork and we all had to finish and have a basic understanding of it before moving on. In this school it seems like they just tally off work but don't care for the work, if that makes sense. That is why they have a low equity score. They are focusing on quantity to say they are on track but not on the quality. My son is in the Dual Immersion program and although it is a good idea the program is a mess. The program is for kids that know some Spanish and now want to learn to read and write it but it is not for kids that don't know the language. I think the program needs to have a Native Spanish course and Spanish course, just like high schools tend to offer. The staff also gets along with some kids and are glad to see them and talk to them in a 'buddy buddy' way but don't make an effort to have that happy, joyful attitude with everyone as a whole. To top it off they also take away from the fun of school by not allowing you to bring treats for birthday's and Valentine's. Those may be insignificant things but in reality they are what add that spark and fun to the school year. I saw a comment left by someone else as well about bullying and I can also agree there they take care of problems in an uneven, weird way. I have to tell my son to defend himself instead of using his words because his words and staff were useless. Safe to say my child will be attending another school next year.
Submitted by parent on December 22, 2023

Great school with dedicated teachers and administrative staff and supportive PTA ; my first grader enjoys going to school everyday and enjoy learning another language from the Dual Immersion program. Will definitely recommend this school to the community.
Submitted by parent on July 13, 2023

We love this school! While the school is growing with the Dual Immersion program, it is still small and the staff and teachers really get to know the students. The parent involvement is strong and welcoming. The PTA is inviting and our kids are thriving. We've faced our challenges along the way, but they have been meet with sincere care and accessibility. The councilor is AMAZING. Nothing but things to say about Carr Elementary
Submitted by parent on December 12, 2019

This school is great! So many opportunities for learning, teachers care and the dedicated staff really want students to succeed.
Submitted by other on December 24, 2018

I attended this school from 1953 until 1958 [K-4th) when Yukon Elementary was built. I loved my teachers. Nobody stopped bullying in those days and at age 70 I believe it still has a negative effect on me. Fortunately none of the bullies came to Yukon. I came to this site hoping to learn who Evelyn Carr was. No info online to answer that question. Maybe the school site could add something about its namesake.
Submitted by parent on December 08, 2018

I attended this school in the mid fifties. It was at that time equal or better than a private school. Teachers were dedicated to their vocation.
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2017

My kids have really thrived at this school. The teachers are amazing and my kids have developed a real love for reading and learning here. I also really love the diversity of the students. As a white family, I want to raise my kids around students from all different ethnicities and backgrounds and Carr has been such a wonderful environment for this. My children have met wonderful friends here that they not only go to school with but now also are all on the same sports teams. We love Carr!
Submitted by parent on June 15, 2017

Great School. Teachers are all very nice & have a great teaching approach. The teachers & staff all try to educate & bring up our youth in a positive way.
Submitted by parent on June 01, 2017

Carr is the best kept secret in Torrance. The teachers are excellent. The small size of the school means every staff member basically knows every kid by name. There is a sense of community among the staff and and the families. The administration and teachers are accessible and open to hearing from parents. Both of my children have diverse learning needs that fall outside the scope of what the state considers special education, but the teachers, principal, and support staff at Carr went out of their way to make sure both of my kids got the support they need to be successful in the classroom.
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2017

Worst. No visible efforts to help students with weaker learning abilities. Bullying is major problem not tackled in an effective way. More partial to Hispanic & ignore their bad behaviours like bullying.
Submitted by other on November 01, 2016

The worst school ever, in need of a major revamp.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2014

The fact that you haven't personally seen it doesn't mean it hasn't happened. I have spent over three thousand hours (you read that correctly) volunteering at this school over the past 6 years. I don't expect a moment of recognition for this but I do think it has given me the right to have an opinion even if that opinion differs from yours. This school has some big problems and the fact that you haven't heard about all of them is a testament to the lack of communication between the administration and the parents. It is in their best interest to not tell you these things so unless you see it with your own eyes then you will never believe it since an honest review from another parent obviously means nothing. If your mission is to vehemently dismiss any negative reviews then I wonder why you use this site. Do you have something to gain by trying to suppress opinions that differ from yours? If you had a great experience then I am glad someone did. Ours has been awful. We are moving across town in hopes of finding a better learning environment since Carr has gone downhill steadily. That is how bad it has been.
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2014

I'm surprised to see the ultra negative comments and outright misrepresentation of the school. There are so many great teachers, yes there area a few quirky ones, but on the whole very good ones. I've never once seen a kid just walk off of campus. And nearly all Torrance buildings are run-down which is why we passed bond measures years ago - to get funding to revamp. Carr does in for its updates in 2015. The comment about drill sargents is silly - they are simply reinforcing school rules and they aren't trying to be warm and fuzzy because these are kids who are well aware that they need to lower their voices, not run, stand in line, etc. Having been on that campus many times, sweet and gentle doesn't work all of the time - sometimes you have to be direct and call it a day. I won't say that Carr or any school is for everyone. I personally love the diversity, the teachers, the PTA, and the small community feel.
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2013

There are some outstanding teachers in this school. There are also a few mediocre teachers. The most painful part is that by and large Carr kids are great, but there is always some neighborhood drama leaking onto campus (alcohol bottles, theft, etc). Parent involvement could be a little better, but I think our parents try to be present as much as they can. This is our second year at Carr and it wasn't the best, but that has a lot to do with the teacher. I can only hope next year will be better.
Submitted by parent on April 18, 2013

I am the parent who wrote the review asking for feedback about Carr. My children have been at Carr for a year and I can now say that my worries were completely unfounded - Carr has been a great experience for my family. We have been fortunate to have 2 wonderful teachers who have helped my kids learn so much. I have spent time volunteering in their classrooms each week and can personally attest to the positive energy, the high quality of the lessons, and just how well run the classrooms are (despite the large numbers of students). The principal, Mr. Peterson, is very accessible and happy to discuss issues with parents anytime. The PTA is active and parent involvement seems quite solid to me. In TK there were at least 6 weekly volunteers and 3 in Grade 2. The campus does need a face-lift, but the grounds are green and shade trees abound, all kept immaculately. My one wish would be for a greater number of after-school activities, as only chess and art are currently offered. Yes, the student population is diverse (economic and ethnic), but when did that become a negative thing? We have met so many lovely families - neighbors, give Carr a try, you may be pleasantly surprised.
Submitted by parent on March 19, 2012

Congratulations to all the students and staff at Carr Elementary for receiving the California Distinguished School Award this year!!!
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2012

I think this a great school my two children attend here and they have been nothing but helpful and cooperative with helping my son not stay behind, they really have great teachers!!
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2011

My son went to carr and he has autism and the staff was eager to learn about autism. The staff was great. I will be sending my other kids there.
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2010

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