Fletcher's been a great school since Mrs. Cardenas took over as principal in 2023-2024. For one, in…read morea matter of months during her rookie year, Mrs. Cardenas swiftly and soundly solved all the staffing problems that had affected Fletcher for 3+ years. Also, you can tell that Mrs. Cardenas really cares about the kids. From empathizing with a first grader over chipped nail polish to agreeing to kiss a live pig to motivate the student body, she exemplifies relatable warmth.
I genuinely like the teachers that have taught my daughter so far. Her kindergarten teacher is a miracle worker. In her soft-spoken way, she can calm the rowdiest room of 5- and 6-year-olds and teach them good socio-emotional skills. She devotes so much attention to helping EACH child, from researching resources for the parents to use to notifying parents about little things that affect children's social dynamics. Her observation skills are off the charts! Further, she individualizes education to children's skill levels. She had some kids learning first-grade material and writing 5+ sentence paragraphs all while in kindergarten. Her compassion, dedication, and insight will forever make a HUGE difference in our family.
The first-grade teachers are similarly awesome. They exude friendly fun and nurturing sweetness. And they care so much about their students and are soooo patient with them! My daughter's teacher has even responded to my texts at 10:00 pm and over the weekend to answer my questions! They go above and beyond to make each child feel seen, heard, and oh so special, and they create a safe, enriching spot for each child to grow. One of the most veteran, knowledgeable, and caring teachers at Fletcher is a first-grade teacher there, and her classroom is consistently quiet with all kids on task. When was the last time you heard of a first-grade classroom like that?! First grade also individualizes learning as well, and they cut the fluff that comes with certain elementary school instruction. One of the first-grade teachers won Teacher of the Year this year, and the kids responded with an uproarious cheer and could not stop chanting her name. And my 4-year-old is in love with another first-grade teacher because she really took the time to interact with him when he visited the classroom for Open House. Hence, I love the academic and social environment in first grade!
Lastly, I have to give a shoutout to the amazing PTSA that Fletcher has had since we've been here. They have sooo many great programs for ALL the students and enthusiastically try to get as many students involved as possible. Elaborate trunk-or-treats, dazzling carnivals, animal presentations, assemblies, reindeer runs, Reflections, various holiday celebrations, and art/music/science classes...you name it! There are also fabulous after-school clubs and extracurriculars at Fletcher including running club, esports, math and reading clubs, homework help, Mandarin competition clubs, etc.
However, what I believe really separates this PTSA from many others is their willingness to listen to parents and students and make their visions a reality. For instance, one parent wanted to have a talent show, and some other parents wanted a field day. PTSA listened, snapped its fingers and funded the events, and these events all happened for the first time at Fletcher in a long time. Similarly, another parent wanted to help expose 1st to 6th graders to the higher-level problem-solving and test-taking skills that comes with math competitions. Mrs. Cardenas and PTSA, and some dedicated fifth-grade teachers, found ways to make this happen. I was so impressed! When we told our parent friends from the Placenta-Yorba Linda School District about all the offerings at Fletcher, they said, "Whoooaa! You would only get that at fancy private schools!!"
All in all, Fletcher's a fabulous school. And because of Mrs. Cardenas and PTSA, you can also think of it as a school where your voice matters, a school that WILL take your ideas for change and implement them. I encourage parents who care, who want to make a difference in their child's educational environment, to send their kids to Fletcher. The Mandarin education is top-notch, but there is no difference between how the school treats its MIP students and its students who aren't in the Mandarin program (i.e., don't feel that your kids HAVE TO be in the Mandarin program if they're at Fletcher). All benefit from the unique educational opportunities that Fletcher offers, and I'm so grateful for it.
