Meadows Arts And Technology Elementary School

Posted: August 22, 2023

Great school with extraordinary teachers! The teachers here really care about the students. They take the time to go over progress and concerns with parents and make individualized suggestions based on the same. The scores and academics speak for themselves in that arena. Grateful to be part of this school community!

Posted: August 22, 2023

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Posted: March 6, 2020

Overall, the school looks great -- music program, arts in the curriculum and above average standardized test scores, but in many respects, it's a stripped down version of a district school. Sure, it has won some awards, but it's not because they care about individual students. They'll tell you at every opportunity that they don't get as much funding as a district school, and they don't have the resources. What does that mean? The parents need to pitch in more than they would in a district school -- both in terms of donations and volunteering -- and kids need to fit the mold or find themselves struggling. This school also prides itself on technology -- upgrading to smart screens and having a computer class where every kid has their own machine. On the other hand, educational experts will tell you that using a spelling program doesn't teach a kid how to spell as well as handwriting the word and practicing its use. You will find that your kid has several logins to different web sites, but the only "benefit" seems to be that the teachers don't have to put in the effort because the kids are supposed to be doing so much independent work with their technological study buddies.

Posted: March 6, 2020

Too much homework for kindergarten and first grade

Posted: March 6, 2020

Teachers rarely voice serious concerns about a child's academic progress. They seem more concerned with making sure every child fits into a cookie cutter mold for behavior.

Posted: March 6, 2020

Posted: March 6, 2020

Posted: March 6, 2020

Kids with learning differences must go elsewhere for assistance. As long as they are "meeting standards," this school doesn't care if they struggle with the standard methods. In short, it doesn't matter if they "thrive" or not as long as they can advance to the next grade.

Posted: March 6, 2020

Posted: September 16, 2019

They had no clue what was wrong with my son. I had to do my own research and present it to the teachers who got offended and listed out their credentials as if to prove they had it under control while my kid suffered. I persisted and was able to get some minimal cooperation to implement some support strategies, none of which were suggested by the teachers. Well I did agree to some of their suggestions bit none worked, like a map with velcro that the kid moves their character when they make an accomplishment. This does not address sensory needs! They were clueless.

Posted: September 16, 2019

Posted: September 16, 2019

Not good, I would expect more from a school of this caliber. The parents need to get off their high horses and figure out how to be more supportive of the kids, not care so much about their own popularity! The teachers need more training, especially on how to support kids that are not the norm. They need a new director that will bring some positivity to the school and be more supportive to students in need and parents. High test scores is not the only thing that makes a school great. We are glad we are no longer there and our new school has all of the above. We didn't notice how bad Mates was until we left for something better.

Posted: September 16, 2019

Too much homework and insufficient explanation to kids on what to do.

Posted: September 16, 2019

Kindergarten teachers are the worst, they do not know about how to support special needs, or even identify them. They are quick to hold back students because of reading difficulty even though the first grade teachers say kids are not expected to know how to read until end of first grade! 2nd grade was good for us then 3rd grade pair of teachers were mean, automatically says kid has adhd when it was just anxiety because they are so mean and yell at the kids!

Posted: September 16, 2019

The patents here are very much trying to have a popularity contest, they form clicks and exclude low income, non-English speaking parents and and highly competitive people. These attitudes filter down into their children. For those that are down to earth and mellow, they end up feeling left out and just not wanting to interact with the gallery of the parents trying too hard to be popular. The kids pick up on this energy, and reflect it. The dynamic is very unhealthy and toxic.

Posted: February 5, 2019

Grade appropriate and reinforces what they are learning in class.

Posted: February 5, 2019

These teachers are all very dedicated, highly credentialed, and truly care that the kids are achieving their personal best.

Posted: February 5, 2019

Posted: February 5, 2019

Strong executive director who operates the school with the highest integrity. She cares about the long term finances and the annual operating and achievement goals. She is great with the kids and has managed to keep a great staff year after year.

Posted: February 5, 2019

Posted: February 5, 2019

Posted: February 5, 2019

We’ve had an amazing experience at MATES and consider it a privilege to attend. I know our child is getting a great education and is being prepped well for middle school and beyond. The spirit of the MATES community is hard to capture in words but felt deeply on campus. This is a tight knit school, and one of the best elementary schools in California.

Posted: August 17, 2018

Stayed for one teacher. The rest of elementary was a major dissapointment.

Posted: August 17, 2018

Students distressed with the homework given. Explanation of subject in class was insufficient

Posted: August 17, 2018

There are new teachers every year. Teachers follow the principle's example playing favorites. None of the specialists are returning this year.

Posted: August 17, 2018

Nope these students are pushed out frequently.

Posted: August 17, 2018

Glad to have graduated and left the bullying fishbowl behind. Will not miss it.

Posted: August 15, 2018

MATES seems to really do the performing arts well. Teachers seem caring. Sense of community is also strong, but beware if you dare share a concern-even if warranted. As for the rest, well, it’s just average. Technology devices are often outdated & ideas & techniques to use technology lack innovation. Teachers lack resources & support to meet the needs of GATE, SPED & behaviorally challenged students. There are many building issues that need to be addressed: unsafe drop off/pick up zone; dirty classrooms/student bathrooms; lack of outdoor shade structures for students are just to name a few. As other reviewers mentioned there are deep ongoing issues within administration: lack of integrity and professionalism; poor decision making; inability to effectively and respectfully communicate with parents; and not putting students’ needs, health and safety above all else. It’s truly surprising to me that the school chose to “renovate” its administrative offices and lounge with large funds raised by parents (intended for students) rather than addressing some of the above-mentioned areas of need first. MATES is stuck and is in desperate need of honest, student-centered, positive leadership that parents can trust and feel confident in.

Posted: August 15, 2018

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Posted: June 3, 2018

Parents are told how to do the kids homework. Too much homework sometimes.

Posted: June 3, 2018

Most aren't great just following the schools basic stuff. My son did lovehis 1st grade teacher though and especially times he would leave a parent in charge when he left the room to speak with other teachers or get supplies

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Posted: June 3, 2018

especially if your student is popular because they will get the heart of eagle

Posted: June 3, 2018

Leadership is great if you are a parent who has time to be there all day you will get listened to
donating helps you to be heard.

Posted: June 3, 2018

Yess if kid has learning disability the school will keep you out or suggest a better school so you don't interfere with the other kids learning or take away time from teacher

Posted: June 3, 2018

The school has a good approach in letting the bully handle it with their victim. They stay hands-off and the victim gets stronger or shuts down and stops complaining . that way they don't disrupt learning.

Posted: June 3, 2018

Pretty bad. But some leadership tiems like when the kids got to clean up after the rats that came into the class over night. they didn't even have to leave the room or wait for the janitor.

Posted: May 10, 2018

The executive director is the biggest bully on the campus.

Posted: May 10, 2018

mediocre. We have only stayed because of friendships made. There is much nepotism on the campus starting with the executive director giving preferential treatment to families who donate a lot of time and money to the school. This school would fare better if it had new leadership.

Posted: May 10, 2018

With the exception of a few teachers at the school who should retire, most of the teachers are young and enthusiastic. Mr. Taylor is by far the best teacher at the school!

Posted: May 10, 2018

The executive director does not demonstrate integrity, compassion, or respect; subsequently the MATES atmosphere follows the lead of the executive director/principal.

Posted: March 25, 2018

Military style school with awful support to student whe bullied harassed or inappropriately touched by other students. Told to handle themselves. Thankful we left when we did.

Posted: March 25, 2018

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Posted: October 16, 2017

Apply if you are interested in music as the teacher and program seem wonderful. This school’s focus is more on performing arts. Surrounding schools have outcompeted them in the area of technology and there really is no acknowledgement by the school of their need to improve in this area. The teachers are better than average and appreciate/encourage parent support and involvement in the classroom. School administration perceives any concern, feedback or inquiry as a threat which upsets the school climate and ultimately the students. There always seems to be a school wide drama that could have been easily avoided if effective leadership were in place. As a previous reviewer mentioned, change is long overdue and greatly needed if the school wishes to continue to thrive and attract a large and diverse student base.

Posted: October 16, 2017

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Posted: November 17, 2016

My daughter attends MATES and loves it. She is excited to go to school every day. All the teachers I have encountered have been very passionate and engaged with the children. I'm so thankful that my daughter is receiving a well-rounded education with lots of art, science, and music. We are extremely happy with the school.

Posted: November 17, 2016

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Posted: April 1, 2016

This school has a program called " Heart of an Eagle" that teaches children to be kind to others, to do what is right, show respect, be hard-working and honest. The students are acknowledged by staff members at monthly assemblies and are rewarded with heart stickers and certificates!

Posted: April 1, 2016

Loved this school!!! My children were there when it was Meadows and fully supported the conversion to a charter. The teaching staff is exemplary, the support staff are friendly and helpful and the executive directors are very dedicated to the students, staff and success of this charter. I would not have chosen any other school in the Conejo Valley. The academics are challenging, the music program is like none other (thank you Mr Laguardia) and the parent volunteerism is outstanding. Every person that works on this campus is friendly and really care about each and every student. So glad my children will have memories of such an amazing elementary school experience. They still go back and visit their old teachers!!!

Posted: August 14, 2015

Posted: August 14, 2015

Posted: August 14, 2015

The kids know what's expected of them and they thrive in this environment. The Heart of an Eagle is very important to the school and students.

Posted: August 14, 2015

I was blessed to get my twins into this school! I wish it went up until 8th grade. The teachers, parents, and principal are wonderful. The values they help teach our children will take them far in life. I love the small class sizes and all the parent participation. The music dept is amazing too! Mr Laguardia is the best music director around. MATES is such an amazing school.

Posted: September 23, 2013

I would not send my children to any other school. In fact my husband and I have discussed relocation but refuse to do it as we do not feel out elementary school student would have a more well rounded education anywhere else. Kudos to this school for their excellent teachers, wonderful executive director and the fabulous music, band , and chorus teacher.

Posted: August 28, 2013

MATES is a refreshing example of what happens when parents, teachers, and community work towards common goals for students.

Posted: June 16, 2013

My child has spent the last 6 years at Meadows and MATES. He s now on his way to middle school with a great foundation laid out by the TEACHERS and the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR at MATES. I can say with confidence that my child is completely ready for his upper level education. I realize that when this school became MATES, I had a choice to stay or attend our district school, which was a difficult decision. Knowing that five of the founding teachers gave up their very long career with the CVUSD because, they truly believed in the magic of MATES, helped me to make my decision. They took a leap of faith with their careers, and four years later, this school is past outstanding, it is AWESOME! I like the fact that MATES is a school of choice. If I was unhappy for any reason with the direction the school, its teachers, Executive Director or Board of Directors was taking, we can return to our home school. Honestly, the negative comments only come from a few vocal parents, if it s that bad, I invite you to return to a district school.

Posted: June 16, 2013

My daughter just finished Kindergarten and now is going on to first grade! She needed help this year in a few areas, and the teacher recognized this early on. The school formed a team to help her grow in the areas that she needed help in. They had her evaluated by their wonderful speech teacher and found that a lot of her issues came from the fact she needed speech therapy. The speech teacher is so great! Once this plan was put in place my little one grew and grew all year and went from being "at risk for retention" to having a great report card and moving onto first grade! So, to the folks on this site who said special needs children are "targeted", I think you need to get real and see that they are only trying to help move your child forward and help him or her succeed. Without support at home, this will never work right. I too found some days emotionally trying, but if you truly want the best for your child, you need to listen and help the school, not fight and insult them. I can't thank Mrs. Priske, the Executive Director, enough for all the support she gave me through this year of growth with my little one.

Posted: June 14, 2013

MATES is a fantastic school. My son has attended since it was Meadows and was in first grade when it became MATES. This is hands down the best elementary school in Conejo Valley. Don't let the few negative reviews fool you. There is very little doubt who those parents are because THEY are the ones that gossip and spew negative comments incessantly. Everyone has heard their tales of woe directly from them repeatly, not because the teachers and staff gossip. The teachers, staff and principal have always been friendly and professional from my experience and believe me, almost every parent at this school would agree. Those the are complaining are doing so because they want the rules bent and special exemptions for their children. As you can see, those parents have no problem airing their arguements in public and constantly complaining rather than working to find a solution.

Posted: June 12, 2013

MATES is a superb school. Their use of project based learning infused with the arts makes learning fun and yields excellent academic results. The school has a terrific culture of parent envolvement and volunteerism. MATES has been a fantastic experience for our child. She has been there since it opened and has just completed her fourth year. Simply put, she loves going to school. Today I happened to walk past the 5th grade culmination practice and half the kids (including boys) were balling their eyes out. What a testament to the culture and atmosphere at MATES.

Posted: June 3, 2013

The school & the teachers are amazing. Unfortunately, the principal has no communication skills or willingness to listen to the children or the parents. Could be a really great skills.

Posted: May 29, 2013

It seems as though the teachers and staff isolate children who need a little extra attention. Nothing is confidential about your child at this school. If one teacher has an issue with a student, they all know about it, and talk about it, and report to eachother. It is important to take into consideration that many families that attend this school are friends, family, work together, or are neighbors, etc. The gossip that goes on with the teachers and Ms. Priske in this school needs to STOP. These things DO get passed on, and are extremely hurtful. Ms. Priske is difficult to approach and does not include parents in decisions made regarding students.Ms. Priske completely backs up her teachers and will not listen to the parents concerns. The only next step a concerned parent can take is to address their concerns with the Board of Directors. There is a problem with this school. There needs to be more professionalism. Mr. LaGuardia, the music teacher, is what makes this school worth while. If only he could be the principle too!

Posted: March 13, 2013

This school has wonderful programs in art, music, and technology. The music teacher is the real gem of the school. I agree with the previous posters that the principal is the weakest link in an otherwise great program. In addition, the school lacks a sense of community.

Posted: December 10, 2012

Attending the school was just "ok". The principal does not open her door to suggestion or concerns. She is defensive and unwilling to listen to constructive criticism. The office staff are unfriendly and unhelpful. The teachers are hit and miss due to the principals gossiping and lack of concern for the kids. If your child is slightly "outside the box" then they will be targeted. The principal was bad mouthing a new family attending the school in a restaurant at a teachers lunch and was overheard by teachers from another school in the district. This is not uncommon behavior from Ms. Priske.

Posted: July 23, 2012

What a fantastic school! As a parent I say that this was the best decission we made for our only child. My child was upset when summer started, she wanted back to school, every time she gets a chance she goes on internet and looks at the school website for updates. It is amazing how dedicated and awesome are all people who work there! Office staff, nurse, teachers, coaches, and absolutely everyone else-- they truly care for your child and kids are respectful and all parents support discipline... I wish I could go back to school, this would be the school I would choose! Thank you all for a wonderful expierevce, cant wait until we go back to school.

Posted: August 30, 2011

Couldn't be happier with this school, the new API scores for 2011 were just released - another increase from 910 to 926! Way to go M.A.T.E.S. students & teachers!! Such a proud Mama!