O'Melveny Elementary entered 2025-26 as the highest-performing neighborhood elementary school in LAUSD's San Fernando cluster, with math and reading proficiency placing it ahead of the other four LAUSD elementary schools in the city. Under Principal Henry Vidrio, the school runs its Kids Heart Challenge and student clubs alongside the core academic program. Parent reviews in 2024-25 described teachers as going "the extra mile" for students and highlighted the administration's focus on keeping learning "academic, meaningful, and fun" — a phrase that has circulated across multiple independent parent reviews of the campus.

Q1. What is the Kids Heart Challenge at O'Melveny Elementary?

Ans. O'Melveny Elementary runs the Kids Heart Challenge each year — a school-wide event that combines fitness activities with fundraising to support children with heart conditions. Students engage in cardio challenges, gaining knowledge about heart health, and the school leverages the event to foster community spirit throughout the entire student body.

Q2. Does O'Melveny Elementary offer any after-school clubs for students?

Ans. Yes. O'Melveny Elementary offers a Cub Scouts program for boys in grades 1–3 and a Do-It-Yourself Club for girls in grades 4–5. These are organized after-school clubs that give students structured activities beyond the classroom. The school also celebrates Dr. Seuss's birthday each year as a school-wide reading event.

Q3. How can families get involved at O'Melveny Elementary?

Ans. O'Melveny Elementary has a strong tradition of parent and staff partnership. Parent reviews consistently highlight teachers who go the extra mile for students. Families can reach the front office at (818) 365-5621 to learn about volunteer opportunities, school events, and committee involvement throughout the year.

Q4. What is the GATE program like at O'Melveny Elementary?

Ans. O'Melveny Elementary offers a Gifted and Talented Education program for qualifying students. The referral process follows LAUSD guidelines. Families who believe their child may be eligible should speak directly with their child's teacher to start the process.

Q5. What school does O'Melveny Elementary feed into after 5th grade?

Ans. O'Melveny Elementary students typically move on to San Fernando Institute for Applied Media at the middle school level, located just 0.6 miles away at 130 N. Brand Boulevard. San Fernando Senior High School is the most common high school destination, situated 0.2 miles from the elementary campus.