Elmhurst Elementary School

5080 Elmhurst Street

School District

Ventura Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:21
Type

public

School Map for Ventura 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 June 23, 2023

My son had an amazing first grade teacher who treated each child as an individual and was approachable and FUN! The special education class intermingled regularly with the other students and even joined on their field trip to the zoo. I thought this was pretty great, because I got to see how well all of the students knew each other. The school involved parents on a regular basis and we're pretty good at resolving conflict as long as the kids are good at communicating... Bullying/child interactions are tough to catch sometimes.Anyways, overall... We thought it was a pretty great year.
Submitted by other on June 15, 2023

Elmhurst is such a special school. Definitely a hidden gem! In my opinion, it's located in the best location for an elementary school..a quiet, quaint neighborhood. The school feels so safe. The teachers are all so amazing and supportive. This school has a dedicated librarian and a library that is open, every day, all day. This is very unique in this school district. Also, a 5th grade music program! Don't let the rank scare you away. These online rankings are skewed. Your child will thrive here!
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2021

Best Kept Secret...It’s interesting reading the prior reviews regarding Elmhurst Elementary School. The review from September 2018 said it perfectly. Often there is a misconception about this wonderful school and frankly I don’t understand why. We have been at Elmhurst for three years now and just absolutely love it.Principal Baczek really tries to do everything she can to take care of the students and has done a great job hiring an amazing staff. Tim in the front office creates a fun and refreshing environment for the students everywhere he goes. The teachers at Elmhurst are second to none, it’s such a relief to say “I don’t care which teacher we get next year, they’re all amazing.” and really mean it. What is so special too, is that last year when students were shuffled around with in person and distance learning, they took in students from other schools and truly treated them as their own. Parent involvement could be better, but considering we’ve been in a pandemic the past year and a half, I can’t hold that against them. The PSFO did a great job of trying to bring a smile to everyone's faces, including the community around them. Between the drive-thru events and the butterfly garden we can’t wait to see what they come up with next. Lastly, something else to keep in mind, we love that this school is surrounded by a good, safe neighborhood. I feel very comfortable knowing my children aren’t around any questionable areas or busy roads. In short, anyone not attending Elmhurst might just be missing out on a very special opportunity, don’t let the few rants deter you.
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2021

One of the best schools with awesome caring teachers. My daughters love elmhurst!
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2018

Yes! Go with your neighborhood public school. Don't let the lower score scare you away. This school is improving by the minute. Teachers are strong and caring, principal is involved and dynamic, PTA works hard to create fun student events. Elmhurst has lower test scores than nearby schools because it has a larger group of students with disabilities and students from low-income families. Lower test scores don't make a school, and the extra diversity is invaluable for kids to make friends from many different walks of life. My children are receiving a strong academic education, making friends in their own neighborhood and enjoying going to school. Instead of looking at charter schools, lottery school, inter-district transfers, pick your local school and get involved. From volunteering in the class to joining the PTA, there are so many ways you can make Elmhurst even more wonderful.
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2018

My kids love school, which really says everything that needs to be said. Teachers are great and committed. There's fun school spirit events. New STEM lab and garden are being built. My kids are learning and making friends in their neighborhood. I appreciate how the school sends so many reminders about what's going on and keeps parents up to date. Everyone is really friendly, haven't had any bullying issues that you hear about elsewhere.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2017

I'm writing on behalf of my kids since they are the ones attending Elmhurst. My daughter has been there since Kinder and now finishing 3rd and my son has done TK and now graduating Kinder. My daughter looks forward to school EVERYDAY and she is not looking forward to summer break she wants to keep going to Elmhurst. She has 1-2 best buddies, she loves Elmhurst because she feels safe and most importantly LOVES to learn. My son on the other hand has days were I have to drag him out of bed but never the less simply adores his teacher. He is engaged in his classroom and has many friends. The parent community is warm and friendly. My kids are great students and I thank the teachers at Elmhurst. The principal loves his job and goes the extra mile to show his passion and pride for Elmhurst Eagles. I'm beyond stoked to have my children learn and prosper here at Elmhurst!
Submitted by parent on January 17, 2017

I am writing, as I was really looking for info into schools when we were looking and I will offer some advice. This school does not have a family feeling. There is A LOT of bullying especially among the girls in upper elementary. The principal will do next to nothing about it, unless you go to school board. Now I know if he is local and is really nice. He is totally not a jerk, approachable, but not a strong leader. He does not hold pep rallys (once a week morning meeting) like many other schools. He does not like confrontation, so does not handle bullying well. Our one experience I heard that both parties were called into Principals office, but the other mom knew nothing of it months after. I had a kid crying for weeks routinely, and he never called the girls mom. - This school has no Christmas or Spring sing. There are no school plays, No talent show. There are a couple of dances a year which are fun. - One good thing is Mrs. B the secretary. She may seem a little gruff, but she grows on you. - Other smaller things bug me, For example if I forget to call in my kids absence, the nurse of front office won't call me - they just marked as unexcused absence. - This may have nothing to do with the school, but many teachers are slow (many days / couple of weeks) to reply to emails. Frustrating. This past year our family was so confused about multiple projects due in same week - lots of tears and yelling - no reply from teacher when I asked twice for clarification - and then it was like no big deal, he only glanced at and never graded! - What I do like are the teachers. Very happy with the teachers. One of ours is not the best fit for my child's personality, but that is not to say teaching is sub par. - The parking is ridiculous. Parents are beyond rude and park in the no parking zone all the time as they must be so important. It is so frustrating. Remember the non confrontational principal, he just sends out a letter stating parking policy. Twice this year kids have been hit on the main street getting to car - just last week I almost hit a kid running in front of my car to mom who was calling to to run across the street. - There are no crossing guards - and NOT EVEN STOP SIGNS at 3 major crosswalks. I would love for my kids to walk home, but I think it is very dangerous. And the cancelled extra reading help this year. No extra support.
Submitted by parent on September 14, 2013

We couldn't be happier. This is our third year at Elmhurst and we love the principal, teachers, and staff.
Submitted by parent on June 12, 2013

This is a wonderful school!! The teachers and office staff are amazing. After a very rough first half of the year at another school I placed my daughter at Elmhurst and we love it!