While Ivanhoe Elementary has the stellar reputation, in a better world Silverlake parents would not have to: 1) Spend $200,000 to move two blocks  2) Lie about their gas bill  3) Worse to have a lovely local elementary to send their children.  So consider thinking outside the box.

For instance, our dear magenta-haired, rabble-rousin’ friend Dorit has her daughter Liberty at Micheltorena and they love it.  While Micheltorena has more of a conventional Title One demographic (which some LA parents consider a plus), aside from rising scores, Micheltorena boasts:

1) An SAS (School for Advanced Studies) program

2) FREE before and after school enrichment programs for students of working parents

3) A computer lab

4) A science lab in progress (as well as a new playground project in progress)

5) A growing and gung-ho PTA and Friends Group

Even more amazing, Micheltorena’s principal Susanna Furfari will respond personally to prospective parent questions!  

(323) 661 2125 school telephone number

susanna.furfari@lausd.net (principal’s e-mail)

* NOTE: Micheltorena “Back to School” night is Tues., Sept. 16, 2008 from 5-7 p.m.  Prospective parents are warmly invited to meet Micheltorena’s principal and visit the classrooms.

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In addition, while we always recommend you visit your home schools first (we hear, for instance, that Elysian Heights Elementary has a growing group of active parents), we note that as of last year, an 8 magnet point school in the Echo Park area (see Highland Park page for an explanation of what this means if this is your home LAUSD school) is:

Allesandro Elementary

And note that the MacArthur Park area, as of last year, 8 magnet point schools also included:

Esperanza Elementary

Gratts Elementary

Harrison Elementary (closer to Boyle Heights)

Hobart Elementary (closer to Koreatown, but note this school is also home to superteacher Rafe Esquith (“There Are No Shortcuts,” “Teach Like Your Hair’s On Fire”–google him!)