Edison Elementary School

Edison is a wonderful school and a center for activity in the neighborhood. There is a sizable amount of parent participation in supplementing the curriculum, from PTA sponsored events and activities (fall carnival, multicultural potluck...) to the art docent and garden docent programs to extra monitors at recess. I have trouble understanding the 9/20/10 reviewer's interpretation of the school... I have two kids there and our teachers have been hard working and devoted to the students. As for the parents, the majority of those I know balance work and some degree of volunteering (moms included... I am really baffled by the "stepford wives" remark...?) I should add, some parents may not be able to volunteer at all and that is ok too. There is definitely a feeling about the school and surrounding neighborhood that we all watch out for each other's children... everyone has the kids' education and well-being as a top priority and it just doesn't get any better than that. Edison is a true neighborhood school and the glue that binds our community together.
--Submitted by a parent

My family sure has had a different experience than the 9/20/10 reviewer. Edison has been a terrific place for our kids, with outstanding teachers, a dedicated principal, a welcoming environment as a new family, an accepting student culture and lots of parent involvement. Hard to ask for more than that.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school for stepford wives. Not great for regular people. I know of two families in the neighborhood who pulled their kids from Edison because of bullying. The PTA is a gaggle of stuck-up stay-at-home moms. The teachers were just okay. The principal should be fired and the office lady is a tyrant. When we moved to a less "excellent" school across town, we were pleasantly surprised at the excellent teachers we found. Our kids were so much happier. Sure, they're not all white, like Edison, and there's a lot of esl bringing the test scores down, but my kids are getting exposed to more multiculturalism and less materialism. Edison has a lot to learn.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has been at Edison 4 years and I think it's important for parents to be aware of some 'lacking' areas. The test scores are stressed to the point where teaching isn't always the focus. I have to supplement a lot of teaching at home to catch my son up to speed. Maybe my philosophy on education is just different compared to today's world but I think children should enjoy school. If a child get's benched for running at recess then I think we have missed the point of kids being kids. There is a point where things can be too PC. More hands on learning should be encouraged as well. Anyways, I write my review not to discourage you from Edison but in hope that you will consider other aspects of your child's needs. Having the highest test scores does not imply your child has truly learned the material.
--Submitted by a parent

My 8 yo twins started at Edison this fall in 3rd grade. They were at a great school in Oakland and I was really worried that their new school would not measure up, but I had nothing to fear. Edison welcomed us immediately and my kids had a seamless transition. One of my daughters is in speech and they got her going right away and even made up for time that had been lost during her transition. The principal is really involved and actually called my house to give me some positive feedback that she had heard from my daughter's teacher about how well my daughter was adjusting to the new school! My girls say that 3rd grade is the best year ever.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent Neighborhood School. High quality education. Students are encouraged to be respectful of faculty and each other. Good PTA involvement. Homogeneous school, lacking diversity.
--Submitted by a parent

Where else can you get kids who like to go to school, parents who actually walk their kids to school and volunteer every week and teachers who actually like their jobs? It's just a feel good place all around. Getting a '10' rating on test scores is icing on the cake!
--Submitted by a parent

Great school. Parents a very involved, academics are overalll quite good. Music program is OK. PTA runs a fabulous art docent program. Lots of afterschool enrichment classes are offered through the PTA and Alameda Education Foundation.
--Submitted by a parent

Academically this school was very good, but I didn't agree with full days for kindergarteners and haven't seen it in any other districts I've dealt with.
--Submitted by a parent

In my opinion, Edison is the best elementary school in Alameda and not just because it has some of the best test scores. It has a unique combination of involved parents (who are not obsessed with their child's level of achievement), warm and caring teachers, community involvement all in a fantastic neighborhood. Of course, if you don't live w/in the Edison boundries it is near impossible to get your kid in.
--Submitted by a parent