Beethoven Elementary School

This school is a precious gem in Mar Vista. I can venture to say that you won’t find a school this excellent even if you pay for private. The teachers, staff, and principal, are truly top quality. They have the kindest hearts. They each treat the children like they are their own kids, with love, warmth, patience, and genuine commitment to their wellbeing and future success in life. Mrs. Layne (TK) and Mrs Ramirez (K) were such amazing teachers to my daughter that her entire outlook on school and education has been shaped with positive experiences, creating a joyful and enthusiastic love of learning that will stay with her for the rest of her life. They go above and beyond what is needed to make every child and every family feel at home. The curriculum is well-​rounded and rigorous. They even do yoga every day! There is music, art, writer’s workshop, even chess!!! My daughter learned chess at the age of 5! How many public schools can boast that? Most importantly, they truly understand the emotional component of learning. They respond to each child with warmth and compassion, rather than strict, cold rule enforcement. As a result of this, the children behave beautifully and treat one another with love and kindness and respect. I have not experienced any meanness or bullying this year. Last year my daughter had a problem with a girl who was too physical, and the teacher and principal took immediate action, protecting my daughter and talking to the girl and her mother. After that prompt intervention, this girl completely changed and ceased being a bully. This school is amazing. Parents should be lining up at the door to sign their children up here. My daughter looks forward to school every day and cries when she has to go for long breaks because she will miss her teacher and classmates. Beethoven, your school is a true gem, and if I could afford the most prestigious private schools I would sooner donate that money to Beethoven because it outshines every school we have ever seen or tried.

Beethoven elementary is a great school. Teachers that care about the students and an EXTREMELY active parent group. Many great extras like Music, Art, Drama, Running club, Physical education and after school programs.
The Beethoven campus is a fun and safe environment for children learn and thrive.

I just went to Beethoven to get an enrollment packet and I encountered a beast of a woman by the name of Darla French the administrative assistant. Besides her ghetto attitude accompanied by the rolling of her neck and eyes she was extremely rude. I asked for someone else to help me and she goes and gets the principal. Another beast that was unable to help me. I asked her for an enrollment packet and she said give her your address. Did not even think to introduce herself. If i just had an unpleasant encounter with the beast Darla why would they think I would want to continue to speak with her. There was another woman in the front office that totally ignored me. And to think I was about to enroll my child in that school. Darla was staring at the side of my face mumbling things and the principal did nothing to help. I ended up walking out of the office. This will be going to the school board. The front office represents the school and i will most definitely not deal with a school represented by people like that. YUCK! Bad form Beethoven.

I grew up living on Beethoven Street, and although I didn’t attend the school myself, as I was in Catholic school, I did spend a lot of time there growing up. Some of my fondest memories were of the old after school and summer programs, hanging out with friends, playing caroms and making lanyards with Mrs. Blanchard. Beethoven has always been a warm and welcoming environment.
Years later I still live nearby, and decided to send my own daughter to Beethoven. I had heard so many good things about the school, and of course I loved spending time there as a kid. From the kindergarten to now, (my daughter is a third grader) I have been absolutely impressed by Beethoven Street Elementary. They are a California Distinguished school for a reason. The teachers actually care about the kids, and it shows! Test scores for the school are amongst the highest in the city! They also have great art and music programs. My daughter is now in the orchestra and couldn’t be happier!
Beethoven parents are really involved… they make the fundraisers fun and help make the school run smoothly. The principal Dr. Ford is awesome, which makes all the difference too.
Highly reccomended school! At the beginning of the year my daughter literally said to me. «I can’t wait til tomorrow!» And when I asked what tomorrow was, she replied, «I get to go to school!» I’d say if kids are that enthusiastic about going, the school must be doing something right.