New K-8 School Opens in Porter Ranch

There were lots of hugs and kisses at on Tuesday as children poured out of classrooms from their first day of school.

Porter Ranch Community School is a brand built below the foothills at the end of Mason Avenue where 550 new students will attend Kindergarten through 8^th grade.

Nikki Ohlberg said when she dropped off her two children in the morning there was an incredible buzz.

“Everyone was so excited,” she said.

Ohlberg says she’s happy to have the K-8 school as an option.

"I like keeping both of my children here through 8^th grade. I like not having to move them (until 8^th grade),” Ohlberg said.

Most of the children came from neighboring schools like Castlebay Lane Elementary School in Porter Ranch, in Chatsworth, Frost Middle School in Granada Hills and in Chatsworth.

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• Daily News: New school opens in Porter Ranch

Ohlberg said she and other parents expect the same excellent education at Porter Ranch Community School as they received at Castlebay Lane School where she graduated.

Lisa Gilder, who moved one of her children from Castlebay Lane to Porter Ranch Community, said it’s like having a choice between UCLA and USC.

“Which one do you choose?” Gilder said. “The education here will be as good as at Castlebay. We wouldn’t expect anything less.”

Both women said the principals at Castlebay and Porter Ranch schools are working together to make the transition easier on the students.

Nathan Ohlberg said the first day was full of excitement.

“We were just having fun the first day. We did Math,” the 3^rd grader said.

Nicholas Ward, also a 3^rd grader, was excited when he greeted his mother, Ani, at the end of the day.

"No homework this week,” Nicholas announced. “It was a fun day.”

is one of 20 new LAUSD campuses to open on Tueday. It sits on 10.34 acres and features science labs, performing arts classrooms, a library, a multi-purpose room and a gymnasium.

On Monday, the administration held a “Meet and Greet” day. Students met their teachers and learned where their classrooms were in order to make the first day less traumatic.

While the administration cannot force uniforms on the students, a majority of the community has opted for an “Outfit Policy,” which includes collared, 3-button shirts and khaki or navy pants or skorts.

The school also offers a Korean/English dual language program to all students whether they have prior knowledge of Korean or not.

Celine Kim said her children went to Korean school on the weekends and by having the option at the new school, it will free them up for other things like playing sports.

For more information, visit http://www.porterranchcommunityschool.org