Junipero Serra Elementary School

8880 Halifax Street

School District

Ventura Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:23
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 April 11, 2024

My child has been at this school for the last five years and has been doing very well. The kindergarten teacher was a bit strict, but she has since retired. Every teacher we have had contact with has been great, adapting teaching styles to the various needs of the children, and really trying to understand and adjust after the children returned to in-person learning after the pandemic. There have been at least three different school counselors in the time my child has been there, making it a bit difficult to get some consistency in support, however the last two have been great and created a fun/safe environment for children to feel supported or even just take a break. Mrs. Belitski is always so cheerful and engaged with the students. School staff have always been kind and my child often talks positively about yard duty, the custodian, and cafeteria staff. The ladies in the front office are always very helpful and happy to answer any questions or provide support as needed. We also love the convenience of the on-site after school program (LPCC), which my child enjoys so much that even during breaks from school my child is excited to attend the LPCC camps.
Submitted by parent on August 03, 2019

We have 2 kids in this school, and love it. Zillow shows a “7” rating, but it feels like a “10” to us. Both kids enjoy going to school and are thriving. LPCC on-site after school program has been excellent for us too.
Submitted by parent on February 03, 2018

This school is great in every way. Love it
Submitted by parent on December 11, 2015

My son is in TK and he loves his teacher. Mrs. Strickland is a Godsend! I would recommend having her as a respected and caring teacher. Her techniques are encouraging and fun. My son is learning so much in her class that he wants to learn because it is fun not just educational.
Submitted by parent on September 11, 2015

An unpleasant, non teaching type of school. My child attended kindergarten and had a horrible time, mostly "fluff" taught in class with loads of work sent as homework. Teacher seemed more like high priced babysitter than an "educator", who nagged/berated children that needed help. Principal was useless, reviews praising sathers are suspect. This school was terrible, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who cares for their child and genuinely wants them to begin their academics on a positive note. Unpleasant is the best word I can use to describe the tone of this school.
Submitted by parent on November 24, 2014

Our daughter attended K-5, our son is in 2nd. We highly recommend this learning environment & are so happy that we "choiced" into Serra. Under the leadership of principal Jim Sather, the school offers a quality education for all learners & a comfortable, happy social atmosphere. Parents are involved as volunteers in the classroom & with PTA. Families enthusiastically support school-wide fun events like the Jogathon. Serra had a x-country team this year, which met twice weekly after school, & traveled to Ventura meets. The annual Spring Art Night is Open House, showcasing amazing art projects. Special events have included: Kindergarten holiday show, 1st Grade songs & dances around the world, 2nd Grade patriotic show, 3rd Grade hoedown, 4th Grade missions projects & Gold Rush living history event, 5th Grade science fair. Three 5th-grade teachers work together to prepare students for middle school doing daily "rotations," so students can have different teachers for different subjects (Language Arts, Math, Science), developing organizational skills. Serra is fortunate to have onsite before- & after-school high quality child care available through Las Posas Children's Center.