Encinal High School

The kids are absolutely amazing...the school is so diverse and it is a true community.
--Submitted by a teacher

This is a great school. The AP program is fantastic, however, the regular classes aren't as challenging. It's a smaller school. What I like most about going to school here is the community. Everyone knows each other and we're close knit. I moved to Alameda, so I didn't go to middle school with everyone, but by sophomore year, I had my group of close friends. Students here are accepting as long as you reach out and try to make friends.
--Submitted by a student

It is a wonderful small high school, great staff, students and parents.
--Submitted by a parent

I went to Encinal for the past two years. It wasnt all that horrible, although sometimes certain teachers and the administration can show favoritism. Also, the school doesnt have all the supplies or tools a student needs to succeed. The only thing I like about Encinal were some of the teachers and my friends.
--Submitted by a student

My two wonderful daughters graduated from Encinal; one in 2008 and one this year. They are very different children, my oldest daughter is very outgoing, involved in leadership and various sports, my younger daughter is more reserved and was involved in a few activities such as yearbook and clubs. Encinal offered something for both of them, they felt very supported by their teachers, but also challenged to reach and exceed their potential. I am especially impressed with the principal who is more involved than any principal I have ever known. The AP program in phenomenal! The teachers are amazing, diverse, and tough and they really take a personal interest in the kids...even those who don't want it. This school is not 'ghetto' or gang laden, these amazing young adults are being accepted to schools like UC Berkeley, Stanford, Harvard, Baylor and many, many more.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been at EHS for 3 yrs. I have very mixed feelings about the school; a few great teachers, many average teachers, a few horrible teachers. My son's opinion is that most of the teachers don't really care that much if the students are successful. I would agree, considering it is common for 2 or 3 weeks to pass before assignments are graded, so it's been impossible to address gaps. For the 1st 2 yrs the feedback we received from teachers was that my son had many missing assignments. This year, w/ School Loop, I've discovered that much of the problem is teachers unable to keep a grade book, because my son can show me the already-graded 'missing assignments.' In the end, my son has decided he'd rather transfer to another high school for his sr yr than stay at EHS. That's the most telling feedback of all.
--Submitted by a parent

Sorry - have to respond to that last one, as it is so inaccurate. The police are not here every day, or even every week, although we do have an officer on campus to keep kids safe, just as they do at Alameda High. As for drug use, studies have show that the richer the student body, the more prevalent the drug use. The Encinal student body, though wonderfully diverse, is not rich. There is no gang activity, although I imagine the writer is making a racist reference to African-American students who attend the school. Academically, Newsweek Magazine has rated Encinal High School in the top 5% of all pubic high schools in the United States based on its Advanced Placement programs. Look it up. Come sit in my classroom for a day and get to know Encinal again - then you won't go on website and make uninformed remarks.
--Submitted by a teacher

My son is a freshman this year at Encinal High. We live in the Alameda High school district but my son chose to go to Encinal and he is so glad he did. He loves the diversity of students and loves all teachers. His math teacher always returns my calls promptly and follows up with me. I am a former graduate of EHS and I am so glad my son made up his own mind about his high school future.
--Submitted by a parent

I just can't say enough about how great Encinal has been for our son and the entire family. Not only have the academics been top notch but my son decided to go out for the Cross Country team. The coach is outstanding and his team mates have been wonderful. We go to all the meets and many of the practices just for fun. Volunteering at Encinal is so needed and so fun. I know some people look at the general stats and think they don't measure as high as Alameda but look closer. The college track classes are much more available to students and look at those numbers.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is just finishing her freshman year at Encinal HS. It has been a rude awakening to the amount of neglect and apathy which exist in this school and the district as a whole. Also they have no control of out of control kids that goes to the school.
--Submitted by parent parent, a parent