Hamlin Street Elementary School in Santa Clarita, California

“Hamlin school is very very good . Teachers work reaaly hard to encourage and motivate kids to learn. My kid's teacher always implements new and interesting ways to teach. They have a good librarian who encourages kids to read. But due to budget cuts they will not have this wonderful and librarian and one fantastic teacher. I hope they get their jobs back and the kids will benefit a lot”
This review was posted by a parent.

“School is really good. Teachers and good and caretaking Principal have great leadreship”
This review was posted by a parent.

“love this school i went ther when i was a kid and now my son goes there best school in west hills!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Hamlin provides a good learning environment for my first grader. It has great teachers and a good librarian. The teachers are accessible and approachable. The librarian works hard and provides incentives to kids to motivate them to read. During back to school night, the teachers enacted 'The runaway pancake'. The story set and the costumes were made creatively.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter attends Hamiln Street School, now in the second grade. The school, staff, etc are all amazing. The optio of on site child care is a great advantage as well, Creative Kids has a wonderful staff and my 7 year old just adores them all. Blue Ribbon school for 2009 as well. I am so greatful that my child attends school here.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Like millions of others, I'm a working mom with a demanding job. We all hope to find a school where our kids can get the best education possible and be well cared for. Hamlin's exceptional Principal, Asst Principal, and faculty challenge the kids with learing opportunities with positive reinforcement and an appropriate level of authority. And, although the Creative Kids program requires a minimal fee, it's well worth it. Homework is done, and constructive play is closely monitored by nurturing, qualified care-takers. Our child is getting a quality education in a CA public school. We're thrilled that Hamlin is our home school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Even with the budget crisis, Hamlin continues to go above and beyond! The teachers, principal and staff are 100% dedicated. Every student that attends Hamlin succeeds. We are a proud Hamlin family!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Hamlin is an excellent school with caring, hardworking teachers. The principal is involved and friendly. Hamlin is a 2009 Blue Ribbon School. I love this school and I am so glad my children attend there.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Hamlin is an amazing school. Wonderful, hardworking teachers and principal. This school just earned the National Blue Ribbon Award from the US Secretary of Education. Outstanding!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Hamlin is a great school. Both Principle and teachers working very hard to improve students learning abilities and get parents involved. The only thing is to improve the after school program. I would not mind to pay for if a better after school program is chosen.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Great school. Great staff. Good location. Good neighborhood!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Hamlin is a wonderful school. Teachers who care and students who enjoy learning. This is a small school but it feels like a extended family. We have month PTA activities to promote togetherness. So happy that this is our home school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a fantastic school. Hard working teachers and staff. I saw a complaint earlier about someone not feeling welcome with volunteering. There is a parent center with an endless list of volunteer opportunities, a library, 19 classrooms and at the beginning of every year there is an election for both a PTA board and school/parent councils. There is not a short list of volunteer opportunities for those who really want/can volunteer. Of course I understand that some of us work and can't be there during the day but I am sure if you ask, there are things that can be done from home. I've never been turned away when I asked where I could help.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I love this school. My children were here since they started first grade and now my fifth grader doesn't want to leave for middle school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The school is a great school!! Great teachers-great staff and a principal that takes care of this school to be the best--For the last 5 years we are growing stronger and stronger-- It is amazing that people that complain on here still leave their kids there if it is so bad?! If you want your kid to learn--send them to Hamlin---that will be a blue ribbon school next year!!!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The teachers yell at kids and embarrass them infront of their classmates all the time. My child was begging me to change the school. When I addressed my concern the adminiatration just turned me down. I was amazed and shocked ! The new principal is not responsive to the needs of the parent or the child and she is rude and mean. For your child to receive a lukewarm educational experience and deal with lofty, cold, and rude administration - send them to Hamilin!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We are new to this school and very impressed. Their scores have jumped this last year and show a upward trend for the past 5 years or so. It appears the school is on the right track. I am very impressed with the committement of the Teachers and Staff, they appear to all be on the same page putting the students 1st. This looks like a model school, parents take note.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“A negative review about a school my child attends is to my own surprise. Verbal abuse from students to my child and my complaints have been turned to make me as a parent seem like I'm the one doing something wrong. There is no cohesiveness between parent, child, teacher and administration. I thought that if I developed a good relationship with my chid's teacher, kept in communication with the administration then my concerns would be handled. Most of my frustrations have been brushed off while being subtly insulted by staff and administration. The principal is not responsive to the needs of the parent or the child. The old VP really listened to your concerns and you walked away confident that the situation would be handled in a professional manner. For your child to receive a lukewarm educational experience and deal with lofty, cold administratin - send them to Hamilin!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Despite some of the negative comments about Hamlin, I have to agree with the positive comments. My son entered the 4th grade at Hamlin this year after four very disappointing years at a private school. We used to think that public schools could not compare with expensive, private schools...boy, were we wrong! Hamlin has proved to be a much better fit for him and he loves this school and his teacher. He's doing so much better this year than in the previous 4 years. The only word of advice I can give is what works for one student may not work for another. Don't waste time at one school complaining about its shortcomings...move your child to another school that is right for your child! When you find that school, stay there!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son entered Kindergarten at Hamlin this school year under open enrollment. His teacher, Ms. Skocilich, is a very experienced and dedicated teacher who truly cares about each child. She looks for the best in each child, and gives tremendous feedback to the parents. She is also very consistent in her classroom structure and what she expects from each and every student. A few of the office staff could use adjustment to their attitudes and communication styles, but for every one of those people, there are two who are absolutely a pleasure to deal with. As far as the PTA, parent involvement could be better, but part of the problem is the PTA board members' unwillingness to reach out to parents. I have volunteered to assist on numerous occasions, but have yet to be included, or even contacted. You can't complain about uninvolved parents when you don't let them be involved!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Hamlin has a dedicated teaching staff and caring, capable paraprofessionals. Unfortunately, the principal is not responsive to either the needs of the parents or of the staff. This has caused a great dip in morale and the students cannot help but feel how beaten down and depressed many of most talented teachers are.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Really not very impressed. There seems to be a lack of priority of offences that occurs between student to student, and student to teacher and vc. versa. Some dicsipline issues are made to big a deal of and others that are really an offense are not made of importance. Lack of good judgment in dealing with children seems to be an overwhelming problem.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Great small elementary school. Caring staff that works hard.”
This review was posted by a staff.

“The school has improved a lot since the new principle has come in. The programs seem great. Parent involvement seems good, not great but good. They do have a lot of issues with parking and many people speed through and double park and I feel that there should be more supervision there. Overall I think this school is a lot better than what people have said.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Im very satisfied with this school, but there are a few teachers that just dont have their heart in teaching in the kindergarten side. Not enough patience towards young one. I think the school is strict on the academic level and very happy with that parent. Not much extracurricular activitied that we have been made aware of.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son attended K and 1st grade for half a year at this school. We are so glad to have two wonderful teachers for our son, Mrs. Skocilich and Mr. Delli. They are just wonderful! They love kids, take very good care, get emotionaly involved with the kids, work very very hard for the kids. We had a very positive experience with them. About other aspects of the school, it does not provide a secured environment for the kids in my opinion. During Kindergarten Mrs. Skocilich disbursed the class in a very safe and watchful manner. I did not see that for others. Gates are left open during morning hours and school dismissal times for anyone to come and go or any kid to wander around. It has enough room to improve upon its extra curricular activities.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Great school, my son has a great time.”
This review was posted by a student.

“Hamlin Elementary is not a bad school. They really prioritize a child's education. For instance my son came from Canada where reading is taught in grade 1, but here in kindgergarten I though he would have a problem. But with help of Hamlin's special reading intervention, he has picked up quickly.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is one of the gold ribbon best kept secrets in the west San Fernando Valley! Hamlin Elementary has a history of putting out geat students who perform very well in both middle school and in the local high schools. The goals of the administrators and teachers to achieve higher standard scores has been met for the past 3 years. Hamlin now has one of the most progressive computer labs in any elementary school in the area. Also, the campus wide internet and centralized database for the Accelerated Reading Software is fast becoming the standard for all of LAUSD. The new wonder of Reading Library and Reading Garden give a restful atmosphere for all who visit, parents and students alike. Finally , safety is paramount at Hamlin. I have had three children go thru Hamlin Street Elementary and am very glad that we live in the area for this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My children have attended this school for three years and I have been very satisfied with the teachers and staff. My kids love their school, classmates and their teachers! Hamlin has an excellent library, all classrooms have computers, (and there is a computer lab that each class attends weekly). The school could benefit from proactive, positive parent involvement.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My oldest child attended Hamlin from Kindergarten through 5th grade. My son presently attends Hamlin and is in the 3rd grade. This school is a wonderful place to send your children. It is a small neighborhood school that makes your child feel that they aren't lost in the shuffle. The teachers are excellent! They really care about your child's progress and are always willing to communicate with you. My daughter's elementary school experience was truly positive and she was extremely well prepared to enter middle school this year, thanks to her years at Hamlin. My son would not want to go anywhere else, he's very happy and enjoys attending school each day. I'm so thankful that we live in the neighborhood and that Hamlin is our 'home' school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“There are not enough words or time to express the disappointment that we have suffered through this school. My child has suffered emotional trauma that has cost him time, pain, self confidence. This school needs new administration and new teachers. There are a handful of very good teachers, unfortunately my child did not recieve any of the good teachers for his education, my child will not be attending this horrendous school, I will homeschool or transfer to private. Very disappointing and disheartening.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have to agree with the other parents I have spoken with and other teachers. The administration of this school leaves lots to be desired. My children have been brutilized at this school by other students, they have sustained trauma by verbal onslauts from fellow students. There are a handful of talented and wonderful teachers. Several teachers have embarrassed my child with the schools endoursement of putting a childs name on a blackboard and negative symbols next to it. Then fellow students make fun of the child whose name is on the board. I cant begin to tell you the grief this school has caused my family. The principal refuses to take responsibility for the school misuse of discipline and hurtful words that have come forth from a teacher to my child. This is a very bad school and a terrible administration. Very disappointed. My child is out of there!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have been very disappointed with the administration at this school. There is little parental involvement and for the parents who are involved there is little support by the principal. I am moving my daughter to a different school district out of frustration. The teachers are wonderful. The assistant principal is wonderful! I can not say enough about her. The parents, teachers, and administration encounter difficulty with addressing any of the many problems 'within the system' if it conflicts with the hidden agenda of the principal. I am tired of beating my head up against the wall and as an active parent will move my daughter to a district that will view our children's education as a partnership between parents, teachers and administration not a battle. My daughter's education and will to even attend the 3rd grade has been irreparably damaged single handedly by this stubborn administration.”
This review was posted by a parent.