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

As a 1994 graduate who's gone on to participate in collegiate athletics and graduate academic studies I found the foundation and opportunites provided by Encinal more than satisfactory. The life skills provided by growing up in such an ethnically diverse student population have far outweighed anything I might have gained at a wealthier school with 'better' academic stats.

As a teacher at Encinal, I see every day the power of our dedicated principal and talented, professional teaching staff. Encinal has the most wonderful, amazingly diverse, close-knit student body one could imagine, and I am proud to work there. Moreover, Encinal is a school constantly seeking to improve, and we are working hard on programs now to improve the literacy and overall success of all our students.
—Submitted by a teacher

Encinal High School is one of the best high schools I have seen in a long time. My son is currently a Junior at Encinal and will soon be a Senior this coming fall 2006. I am given much notice by the This is the only high school in this day and age that doesn't lose a child in the shuffle or label the child as just another number. Besides Mr. Sonneman was the principal of my son's Middle School and he's got a great rapport with the students and I have to agree with one of the other parents' review about this school being one of the disadvantaged schools due to the budget cuts, etc. I feel that even with the limited resources this school has--the Principal as well as the staff, are doing the best they can for the students; which they truly show genuine concern for their students!
—Submitted by Maria, a parent

Encinal was a wonderfully diverse school that truly prepared my child for the real world.This school doesn't ask the question wether a child is or isn't going to college but really prepares them to. Programs like college fairs and the college and career center are provided for the children starting at grade 9. The Encinal community felt like a family for me and my child. And most of if not all of my childs teachers 9-12 grade were eager to help after school if ever she or any other student needed it, and that was very important to me.I highly reccomend this school to any parent looking for a school that really enhances and works with all of your childs abilities and truly helps them to soar.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this is a school with great potential and with a large disadvantage due to funding problems which seems to be a problem with the schools in this area. Teachers and Principals are very close to students and the sports and music programs could have more assistance from the government. I have 2 kids at this school and they seem to adjust very well, though. We are contemplating on getting a house in the Pittsburgh/Antioch area and would like to know a bit more about making the change. By the way, people said that when the Navy was here everything was 'different', not sure what that meant.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has an IEP (Individual education program). She has an auditory/visual processing problem. A form of dyslexia. At Encinal I have been very happy with thier evaluations and true to life expectancy to problems or concerns I have had concerning my daughter. She has one class specifically for her to get help if she needs it. To help her find different approches to how to study, and get answers to her questions. In this class she almost always completes her homework from her other classes. It makes her feel great about herself and that she really can do any task she is faced with. The teachers have been very encouraging. The school has a very diverse student body.
—Submitted by Wanda, a parent

My daughter is now a JR at Encinal. I have been very happy with the education that she is receiving at Encinal. The AVID program is also a great program. I think that what makes the school is the leadership, Mr Sonnerman.
—Submitted by a parent

Though Encinal is my alma mater, it failed my own child. Though it has some quality resource teachers, it is not equipped to assist students with special needs. The goal seems to be to move these students quickly into the mainstream, which appears to be motivated primarily by budget. The different constituents of the school don't communicate well. As a parent of a special needs student, it was clear that the school security, vice principals and school police were not made aware or didn't care that some students have special needs. Students are quickly labeled at this school, and can't shake the label. Resources, especially staff, is in short supply. School psychologists, speech therapists, etc. are very part time. Deadlines for assessments, referrals, meetings are not kept. The school may be fine for mainstream students, but has harmed my special needs student.
—Submitted by a parent

Encinal is a school on the move. Students who formerly chose private or parochial high schools are instead coming to Encinal because of its strong academics and great programs. Encinal sends its graduates to UC, Brown, Stanford, Georgetown and other top universities. If your student seeks a demanding academic program combined with drama, sports, and clubs, Encinal is the place.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has a very supportive staff,whom works to support all students. Encinal is built up of a very diverse student population,wich hosts many cultural events and clubs. Encinal offers a Good athletic Dept. in wich the likes of 'Dontrelle Willis, Willie Stargell, Jimmy Rollins have participated in. The teaching staff at Encinal is dedicated to seeing that all students reach their ultimate potential and sucessful graduation, and offers tutorials for students for students who need such services.All in all Encinal is a very comfortable environment for students to reach their ultimate educational success.