Pros/cons of Crocker Highlands Elementary?

I have two children attending the school and it has been a great experience.  Crocker has a lot to offer due to the tremendous amount of fundraising and parent involvement at the school.  We have amazing teachers and also a very active and caring principal.  The main con I see right now is that the school is overcrowded, a situation solely created by OUSD as something I perceive as a means to keep students in the district.  This has impacted space at the school over the last several years, as a portable on the playground is now being used a classroom.  Traffic around the school has been extremely challengin.  Because of the increased enrollment, there is also more demand for afterschool enrichment programs which has been impacted by space constraints.  Many programs are often filled within the first 5-10 minutes registration is open.   Having said this, I realize that we are very lucky as a school community as many OUSD schools are not even able to offer enrichment programs at their schools.

I think your main challenge will be getting a lottery spot at Crocker since the school is very popular.  Many families have moved into the neighborhood with the intention of sending their children to Crocker.  Other families who move in after the enrollment deadline will get priority on the waiting list over those who are first time K parents looking to get into the school from out of the neighborhood.  It can be done, however, if you are patient and willing to wait even up until the first week of school.

You didn't mention which is your neighborhood school or whether you have toured it. Crocker is a desirable, high demand OUSD school. They have tremendous parental involvement, fundraising capabilities, and thus more programs/support/etc. There are a number of other good OUSD schools, that may not have the same levels of support but do well with what they have and could benefit from support from neighborhood families. I'm surprised how many people dismiss certain schools without having stepped inside. So, if you haven't already, I'd suggest you tour your neighborhood school and talk to current families. You might be surprised. If you have and it's not an option for you, good luck with the OUSD enrollment process.