William G. Paden Elementary School

This is my child's second year at Paden and we are very pleased with the school. The teachers and principal are very involved but, as anywhere (I suspect) you will get the best involvement and support if you actively ask for it. The school is very diverse, both culturally and economically, and there is more transition of students (2 to 4) in out of the classes as the family situation of some children changes and they move into or from the area than you might see at some schools. We like this - diversity is why we chose to live in Alameda in the first place - but parents should be aware that it is TRUE diversity, in culture, home language, and financial means. Paden relies a lot on parent involvement, so some classes may be more enriched than others, based on the ability and desire of parents for that class to volunteer. The principal has worked very hard to develop a sense of community and shared responsibility among the children. To sum up: GREAT school for your child if you have the desire and energy to be involved with the school. If you want the faculty/administration to take care of everything for you, they don't have the resources.
—Submitted by a parent

We love the diversity of the school. Our children are growing up with understanding of many different cultures and people. The teachers are good and, after a rather bumpy start, the principal Ms. Barr has found her footing. Curriculum has strengthened over the past year or two, and new work has started on shoring up school culture, which takes special attention with such a diverse population. There are many adults who really care for the students. As with many schools, there is a core of involved parents working to bring other parents into volunteering. Overall, we are happy here.
—Submitted by a parent

Each parent's perspective is important. When I have brought issues to Ms. Barr attention I found her to respond in a thoughtful methodical manner. Sometimes I did not get the answer I wanted but then I realized she also needs to balance the needs of the children in the class room and the needs of an entire school. Change takes time. And in the two years that she has been at Paden she has been an effective administrator as seen in the physical changes in the school; has sought to support and partner with parents as seen through School SMARTS; and her in formal meetings with parents on the school yard after morning ceremony. Paden is a pretty great place for kids to learn and is made up of committed parents, caring dedicated fabulous teachers, and a strong principal.
—Submitted by a parent

I thought I would like this school, but the principal, Katherine Barr has to be the rudest and most inconsiderate person I have ever met in my life. She is condescending and speaks to me as if I'm one of her elementary school students. I'm not sure if she's just prejudice or just a naturally rude individual. Speaking with her is exhausting and I wish she would be replaced.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in a special needs class and the program is great for her. The atmosphere at the school is inclusive and welcoming, and I love the focus on good values. The principal even came to my daughter's IEP.
—Submitted by a parent

Our experience with Paden has been very positive. The Principal enthusiastically leads a morning ceremony each day where kids, teachers, and parents gather on the schoolyard to hear announcements and to start the day in a positive way. This is just one example of how Paden fosters a real community feel. There is a strong group of involved parents who really work to make the school a better place. I highly recommend it!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter just started at Paden this Fall. So far, we have been very pleased by the quality of the teachers and the participation of the parents. The Principal is enthusiastic and really seems to care about the school and the welfare of the kids and his staff. I highly recommend Paden!
—Submitted by a parent

We had excellent teachers at this school and an overall great experience. There was a bad scare one year we had a really horrible teacher that was getting shuttled around the district. We pulled my son out for that year and went to Lum. A very good school as well. This teacher was an anomoly to an otherwise perfect elementary expeereience. That being said there is one teacher theere to be avoided but otherwise great teachers and staff and an active parent involvemnt
—Submitted by a parent

Very good elementary school, with combined first/kindergarten classrooms. P.E., Music, and after-school enrichment offers are also good features.
—Submitted by a parent

This's my daughter's second year to paden. Most teachers are nice and patient to students. Principal is an enthusiatic person with high caliber in leading the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Paden has a wonderful curriculum. Parent involvement is very high. They have a full time music teacher! They offer enrichment classes for afterschool. The school focuses on community and life skills.
—Submitted by a parent

Paden has attracted students from all over Alameda since it re-opened over 10 years ago. I was impressed with its focus on child development and core values (such as responsibility, friendship, cooperation, etc) that are built into the curriculum. It has a very supportive group of parents and an active PTA that creates a wide variety of after school enrichment programs for students, and raises money for interesting field trips and assemblies. It's location is spectacular, with wonderful views of the Bay from the attractive playground. Parents are also obtaining grants to expand the Bay Trail and create a park area and observation deck next to the school. The students are ethnically diverse and the teachers are experienced and accessible. The Principal, Ms. Goodwin, is the best principal I've ever met. She not only knows all the students (and their families) by name, but treats everyone with respect and fairness. She is firm but kind while reinforcing core values. She is present and available and has her finger on the pulse of the school at all times. Judy Goodwin is a marvel!
—Submitted by Jillian Saxty, a parent