John H. Niemes Elementary School in Artesia, California

“I've attended every PTA meeting, since it was reformed last year. I've attended PTA sponsored events(jog-a-thon, movie nights, fund raising dinners). PTA sends fliers home and hangs signs on the fence in front of school to notify parents of these events. I see Mrs. Jimenez all the time, and often talk to her at front gate gate. If this is a concern of your make an appointment ..she is very approachable. I agree the teachers are great.. but the implementation of the advanced readers program deserves some credit (Mrs. Jimenez implemented program), While I wont call you a liar.. as that is classless.. I will say my comments are factual and true.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Last time i wrote a review for Niemes, it was when Mrs. James was principal. I really liked her and i thought that she is doing an awesome job. But i was wrong, she was doing a good job. The new principal, Mrs. Jimenez is doing awesome!!!! Just now i got an email from here and i saw that Niemes school met the API Growth Target (2008-2009)!!! HOORAY!!!!! Besides that she started last year the Accelerated Reader program, which stimulates kids to read more, which i think is a great thing! My kids love this school, the teachers are well trained, involved in kids activities... Mr. Cool and Mr. Z (computer teacher and science teacher) are a great addition to this school.... Really, i'm very happy that my kids are here!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son is in the Spanish immersion program. The teacher's have been great. The science lab, computer lab, nature center and library are amazing, and the staff members are an incredible addition to my son's education. The schools testing scores are on the rise and most importantly my son is happy, he looks forward to going there each day.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son has been at Niemes since Kindergarten and ever since Ms. James( principal) left the school I feel the school has gone downhill. She used to walk around the school and she would talk to the parents even the parents who didn't speak English. She would really put herself out there. We had so many Award Assemblies for the students and even awards were given to the kids who excelled on the CST exams. At every IEP meeting I had with my son and teacher, the principal would attend, not this new principal, the only thing she does do good however is send messages to the home, good but sometimes we get about three on the same day with the same message.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I love the Immersion Program at Niemes. The dedication that the teachers have to each child is commendable. I only wish we still had Ms. James. Her ability to interact with children, parents, and staff was amazing. The new Principal seems to talk more to children, parents and staff through the PA system or 1 of the million voice mails she leaves. I just wish she would focus less on being the 'boss' and more on being part of the team. An example of this is at back to school night I watched Ms. Jimenez circle the classrooms as I waited for my parent session to begin and never once did she say hello to any parent or student. Also instead of going through the door the teacher left open while in an active session she used her key to go through the unlocked door? Perhaps she doesn't know respect is earned?”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school is not thew best choice! Morrison elementary is way better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This year we enrolled our daughter in the Dual Immersion (Spanish/English) program at Niemes and we love it! She is only in kindergarten but is well on her way in acquiring a second language. The school has a new principal this year and so far we are excited about all the positive changes we've seen. Additionally, the school boasts its own science lab and community garden -- both of which are stimulating a strong interest in our little scientist. Although Niemes may not have the strongest API in the district we had heard so many wonderful comments about the dual immersion program that we couldn't pass up the opportunity...and so far have no regrets about our decision!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My daughter has been enrolled at Neimes since K. She is now in 2nd and both she & I have enjoyed it.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Niemes is an amazing school! The leadership of Ms. James is evident in the school's attention to intervention both in and outside of the classroom setting. Our teachers are kind, supportive, and very capable of handling student discipline. The after school programs have been a blessing for my student. he even gets free tutoring during the extra program time.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Niemes is am outstanding school. The community is very supportive and the teachers ans staf really care about the kids. They were just awarded a magnet grant for envirnomental science and technology. Their science lab was just built and opened the last week in March. My child is in a state of the art science lab and works on high tech computers learning power point while learning about environmental science. The fourth grade students are taking an over night trip to Sacramento and applying what they studied about ecosystems on the American river and then visiting Old Sacramento. The school offers a bilingual program and many other great learning opportunities. The also have an afterschool program. I am very happy that my child is at Niemes.”
This review was posted by a parent.