Urban Mamas

The principal is very nice, and I'm sure he would be happy to answer questions or arrange a tour if you would like to see the students in action... .

we were wait listed for Chief Jo a couple years ago and got in....I have been so happy with the school. For me, it has the perfect feel for kids entering a big school for the first time. So far all his teachers have been awesome and I am constantly blown away by Mr Galati's passion and energy for the school, his staff and kids. Hopefully you get in!

Thanks to all of you for your recommendations. We just found out we are waitlisted at Chief Jo, so hopefully we'll get in!

I have not seen the article but I assuming it is referring to a drug overdose that happened last summer. Partially in response to that and partially to build community a foot patrol has formed with Beach School neighbors and parents.

The foot patrol goes out a couple of times a week in the evening. You can easily spot the foot patrol in their snazzy red jackets donated by Adidas.

We live in the Beach neighborhood, and the current neighborhood newsletter ('Overlook Views') has a cryptic article mentioning a body found on the steps at Beach School. I couldn't find anything about this incident online. Do any Beach families have more information about this incident?!
Thanks!

We love Beach. We have been involved with the school since my eight year old was two and the changes over the years have been huge. The parent participation is high and the principal is really great and responsive to parents. We love being part of the Beach community.
My daughter is really challenged academically at Beach, she is in the immersion program but she is also challenged in general which was something I was concerned about. All of her teachers have been able to meet her needs and really understand where she (and each child) is at. The teachers all (community and immersion ) work together to and you can really tell.

I have a daughter in the Beach Spanish Immersion program, and we have been very happy there. The children aren't confined to desks and have plenty of room to explore their classroom environment. They have an active PTA and lots of community activities (bike rides, etc). They also have a great after school enrichment program. The principal is very nice, and I'm sure he would be happy to answer questions or arrange a tour if you would like to see the students in action.

chief jo is a fantastic school! our girls are in kindergarten and 2nd grade there. we couldn't be happier with their teachers, curriculum, after school activities, etc... the thing that sets our school apart is the parent involvement. we are new to this school, so i was just blown away by the support of the PTA - something that was definitely missing from the last school that our kids attended. i now realize that having a growing/thriving school, where kids feel encouraged and motivated, largely depends on not just a fantastic group of teachers, but also parents who are willing to give their time, energy and support.

Mr. Galati is the most involved principal we've ever had - he's outside in the mornings and after school to greet parents, talk with kids, and remind us about Cup of Jo with Joe - a once a month morning meeting where we can talk about upcoming events and just socialize a bit. not a school day goes by when i don't see him going this way or that in the halls - getting everyone motivated for the day - he genuinely cares about the well being of our children.

we recently finished up a 3 month after school art/science program - it was offered to every child at cheif jo - with classes ranging from art, music, movement and science. our kids loved it - and we really appreciated the outside support that made it happen, too. we also have our Kelso Kids - they are a small group of 3rd -5th graders, picked once every 2-3 months to be mentors for the younger kids - they help them with certain types of social/playground problems, run errands for teachers, take turns being crossing guards before and after school and are just a great example of responsibility to the other kids at school. we love it here and couldn't ask for more in a school!

go cheif jo! :)

Astor is very academic, has a good community. Pretty traditional public school.

Beach is fantastic! Public schools lack funding for many things and in my opinion school should be a place to learn social skills and gain knowledge outside of what parents can offer. That said, we chose Beach for the Spanish program since that is not something that our children can learn at home. We have been pleased with the teachers and community. The parent involvement and new Principal have made a huge difference and great changes keep happening.
Due to funding and I suppose politics as well, we are stuck with less then impressive music and art teachers and find myself utilizing the great resources in the after school program and at Ethos to make up for what is lacking.

There will never be the "perfect" school and each year and each teacher offers something different, good and bad. If the community is strong and the principal is supportive things will only get better.