Aspen Elementary School

Posted: July 16, 2026

A sweet little school, our favorite of all the schools our kids attended. We all have fond memories of the caring teachers, the assemblies, and the way it feels like a community in the middle of a bustling city. Highly recommended!

Posted: July 16, 2026

Posted: July 16, 2026

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Posted: July 16, 2026

Posted: October 13, 2023

Bad school! The teacher of the initial class is perverse and bullies the children. This behavior is only possible because the principal is silent and complacent.
Don't let your children have such harmful experiences, especially in an environment that should welcome and teach about respect, equality, fairness, inclusion...
I'm sorry for all the children who went through difficult situations at that school!
We have to protect our children.

Posted: October 13, 2023

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Posted: October 3, 2023

Great school. Both of my kids went to Aspen and its a great school. We are lucky to have such a great school in the area and really great parent / teacher engagement. The head master has been there now for a enough time he's starting to really make a differences. Improvement has been evident over the years and its only getting better. They embed great values into the everyday aspects of the school and put the student first.
I cant say enough about the school as a current student parent. Special need program is good if you are a parent that can navigate the system. Just wish I had the opportunity to go to such a great school to start my learning careers.

A great California distinguished School. Go Roadrunners !!

Posted: October 3, 2023

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Posted: June 4, 2019

Posted: June 4, 2019

Posted: June 4, 2019

Posted: June 4, 2019

Not good at all. Son was bullied horribly and other discriminated against due to ADHD.

Posted: June 4, 2019

Posted: June 4, 2019

Posted: June 4, 2019

Posted: May 16, 2019

Posted: May 16, 2019

No academic differentiation; they do not know how to deal with kids of different learning abilities.

Posted: May 16, 2019

Posted: May 16, 2019

Posted: May 16, 2019

Posted: May 16, 2019

No follow up after we brought something to their attention.

Posted: May 16, 2019

Can't get out of here fast enough, not the right fit for us. Ok for the average student.

Posted: February 25, 2016

I'm not sure what interaction the last parent had with the ladies in the office, but they couldn't be more wrong, in my experience. We have been with the school for a number of years (multiple kids going through the school) and have seen different office people come and go. Yes, there have been some challenging people in the office, but the last couple years have a been great. I'm sure like all people they have off or challening days, but they have been wonderful and helpful and kind...and more than that they truly seem to care about the students at the school and I know my children really enjoy the office staff. They have a truly challenging job at times (I've seen how some people treat them!) and they always seem eager to help and offer a welcome when I or other parents I've seen walk in. Some of them might be a tad friendlier than others, but sometimes it's a personality difference. We love Aspen and have some wonderful teachers and some more challenging teachers, but I truly believe that the staff (especially the office) that is there now cares about their students.

Posted: January 25, 2016

The office staff is rude and unfriendly. I mean, you work at an elementary school, perhaps you should try smiling at least once in a while. Like another parent said below, what's with the God complex? Definitely not a warm and friendly environment. Overall, I think it's true when they say that this school has a "Westlake attitude without the money."

Posted: August 14, 2015

Posted: August 14, 2015

Posted: August 14, 2015

Posted: August 14, 2015

We have been a part of the Aspen community for almost 5 years and we love it so much. The teachers, aids, front office staff, and parents are the best! Go Aspen!!

Posted: October 15, 2013

When my son was in Kindergarten he was diagnosed with ADHD and we also learned, after taking him to a neuropsychologist, that he had an overall memory learning difference. We decided to school choice our son and were granted permission for him to attend Aspen Elementary after his Kindergarten year. We are so very happy we did this and our son has come a long way. Aspen has an excellent resource staff and we have had a very positive experience with all his primary classroom teachers that have worked to make a comfortable learning environment for our son. We looked at most all the schools in our district and found that they either didn't have the right mentality or culture to teach my son because they were either too focused on Star Testing results or their were too many children that needed equal or more help in their regular classroom setting. Aspen has proven to be the best choice for us and I would recommend this school for any child in the CVUSD that is raising a child with ADD or LD issues.

Posted: August 28, 2013

I'm so excited about this coming year at Aspen. There are a lot of new people at the school, but still some "old-timers" too. My son always looks forward to school and seeing his yard duty friends. I can't think of a better place for him to learn. Thank you Aspen staff and vonunteers for making my childs school life great

Posted: August 28, 2013

Not a great school I had my children there for only one year We moved from Seattle wa. And it look like a good school I was very disappointed now there at acacia and I couldn't be happier !!!!

Posted: August 28, 2013

I school choice my daughters to Aspen because I am so impressed by the faculty and quality of education at this school. My daughters are in 1st and 5th grade. Every teacher we have had has an obvious love of teaching and for the children. I also appreciate how involved the families get in the education of our children.

Posted: March 21, 2013

We love Aspen! We had our child at a private school so that is our comparison. Aspen hands down is far better in every area than the private school we moved from. The teachers are concerned and give great feedback on progress. The principal knows all the children by name and they love her. She is a terrific administrator and has always been quite friendly to us despite some things I've read on prior reviews. The academics are wonderful. There is high degree of parent involvement in planning events and fund raising in order that the children get extra programs like dance, science, etc. and computer equipment. Now for the bonus. Our child wakes up excited to go to school. We are very happy here!

Posted: August 27, 2012

I have been involved at Aspen for 35 years+!! My two now adult children thrived at Aspen and my daughter is now a School Psychologist. My son has his own business and is the father of our three grandchildren, all of whom were at Aspen last year in grades 1, 2, and 5. I teased my then 4th grade grandson about going from Aspen directly to college and he said that he had so many great teachers at Aspen that he wouldn't want to miss any. He will begin 6th Grade on August 29th, reading at above a 12th grade level and skipping 6th grade math at Redwood MS going into 7th grade math directly from Aspen. His male 5th grade teacher was wonderful, challenging his students every single day. My then 1st grade grandson left 1st grade reading at a 5th grade level. All three grandchildren love school and Aspen. I have been helping first-graders at Aspen who are having difficulty reading for the past two years and can't wait to start again this year. (It's "pay back " time for me !!. The office staff is very friendly and courteous to all. If you're tempted to blame teachers for problems at Aspen, try reading to your child at home and having them read to you. That works wonders !!

Posted: August 16, 2012

We joined the Aspen community in 2004 and continue to be VERY happy with every aspect of the school! My children have all received an above average experience with exceptional teachers and two wonderful principals. The elementary school experience is what you make of it, as in any situation in your life, so don't sit back, get involved and make it a great experience for your entire family! When we moved to Thousand Oaks in 2004, we were all very excited for our neighborhood school and what it would offer our children. The teachers & specialists are fantastic, the techology offered to the children is impressive and providing programs to the students continues to be a top priority! We are so pleased that Aspen continues to only have two main fundraisers each year to help support the specialists and technology and eco programs. We couldn't be happier with our elementarty school and we look foward to many more wonderful years as our "baby" starts kindergarten this fall!

Posted: August 15, 2012

Reflecting as my daughter begins her 5th and final year at Aspen, I look back and so pleased that I made the decision to move her to Aspen from another school in the area. School is a place for learning, not only for students, but for the teachers, faculty, principal, and parents. My daughter's journey has been a difficult one given the fact that she has learning disabilities; however, through the years, I have experienced a sense of 'teamwork' and 'community' from the principal and the teachers in supporting her success and growth. Every faculty member on campus greets my daughter by name. My daughter knows she can always visit the principal or front office staff whether she is having a bad day or just wants to say 'hi!' We learn as we grow... No one is perfect but the fact that the Aspen staff, led by the principal, continues to learn alongside the students? THAT is what makes Aspen a GREAT school. As well, the PFA works tirelessly to assure the students have phys ed, arts, music, dance, and the latest technology - even in the harsh reality of budget cuts. My daughter will graduate from Aspen this year ~ sad to be leaving ~ but well-prepared for the next phase of her journey!

Posted: June 12, 2012

I don't even know where to begin. The review I read about the school having "the Westlake attitude minus the money" was dead on. Altercations at drop off is one of the minor issues ( which happens frequently). I have been bullied by a few teachers. My concerns have been dismissed. The office staff is rude ( except for poor Tracy) and they have a God like complex( why?????). The Principal, God bless her, is not a leader. I only believe the negative reviews on this site. The positive reviews are from staff or PTA favorites that have won the popularity contest. Not a warm and fuzzy place at all. The parents have way too much work and I don't understand what is going on in the classroom. Any other parents that agree, please nicely suggest another school within a 15 mile radius. On a positive note, we had one very nice teacher, but it was obvious she wanted to be at another school.

Posted: June 3, 2012

Aspen is a small, community school with outstanding teachers that evolve and provoke our kids minds. We are proud to be part of the pfa and enjoy all the school does. It is unfortuante and very sad to see a couple of the poor reviews on this sight. I would urge anybody considering the school to take a tour and meet some of the great faculty -hey, we have yard duties and caretakers that could make you change your mind!!

Posted: June 2, 2012

I think it's typical that the majority of parents who are happy with the school don't think about coming to this website, while the few who are disgruntled, get on here and grunt. Sure, any school has its issues and all schools have to deal with a lot of challenges, but my family's experience overall has been very good, my kids are at the top of the testing charts and as an involved parent I am on a first name basis with all the teachers and principal. The only eye rolling I have seen has been done in jest. When you volunteer at the school a lot, you see what the principal and teachers do all day and how much they invest in each kid there. It's an exhausting job. And as far as being hounded for money...wow. A school I guess, is supposed to have the quality of a private school yet on a continually reduced state budget, without doing fundraisers? Without fundraisers and the volunteers who run them, the quality of any school would be hit extremely hard. Stop complaining, jump in and be part of the solution. It takes a village.

Posted: June 2, 2012

When I read the poor reviews I wondered if we were talking about the same school and principal. I disagree! My now 7th grade child attended Aspen since we moved here in her 1st grade year. She flourished and is now a straight A student in honors classes at the middle school. She was more than prepared! My son has been through Jr K and Kinder so far. We are extremely pleased at the quality of the education he is receiving. I am heavily involved with volunteering and I see first hand the hard work and dedication of the staff. Our principal is dedicated, hard-working and VERY FRIENDLY. She spends countless hours supporting our events and is not above any task. I believe she is doing everything in her power give Aspen students every advantage. Our hard working PFA group is amazing. This all volunteer group has raised funds to support our teachers and help them keep our kids on the cutting edge of learning and technology. We are blessed to be here. I agree with the parent who suggested it's the grumblers that bother to post. I guess the rest of us are too busy giving our time to make things better. When I saw this, I had to set the record straight. Aspen Rocks!

Posted: May 20, 2012

It must be said,I believe the school would do much better with a new principle. Principals are the patriarchs of the school. I remember the principles I had growing up. l loved them because they engaged me and had an interest. And yes, I feared them a tad. I have approached the principal many times as a parent for a simple "Hello, how are you?" and was flat out ignored. She made eye contact then quickly moved along as if she did not see or hear me. Trust me, I have made my self annoyingly obvious and never have I gotten a mere "Hello". Is this someone that I want as a leader for my children's education? A "Good Morning", or "Good Afternoon", is all I ask. Have I mentioned how she roles her eyes at award assemblies and thinks no one can see her? If she can't engage the parents on a social bases, how can she engage students in an effective educational manner? Please CVSD, give Aspen a well spoken & dedicated principle who loves his/her job. One who gets everyone excited about teaching, learning, and school spirit. We are paying these people in this position over 100K. Lets make it worth our tax dollars and hire someone that has passion, respect, & and excitement!

Posted: February 9, 2012

Wish we'd left this school years ago. Couldnt be happier we are gone. My kids were not able to live up to their full potential at this school. Two of my children had their lifetime love of learning destroyed while attending Aspen. Many of the teachers are bullies not only to the children but the parents as well. The staff and parents were not welcoming to our family. The school was constantly hounding us for money to support all of their extra programs. Aspen's GATE program was a joke. My above average children got dumber every school year because they had to wait for the rest of their class to finish their work so they could move on. If you have above average kids- skip this school.

Posted: July 13, 2011

Aspen has a wonderful faculty and an incredible amount of parent involvement. Their extracurricular activities, especially chorus, are almost professional level. A lovely, warm and safe learning environment.

Posted: April 20, 2010

Aspen is a public school that acknowledges the benefits of dance,art, and music programs.Their special education program allows every student to be successful.

Posted: April 5, 2008