Marin Elementary School

The best school in the East Bay. Outstanding teachers, great students, excellent science/math/chess/music programs, and involved parents.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has a sweet community and dedicated staff who try really hard with the limited funding available. Unfortunately, there has been unnecessary administrative turnover and the district seems to have an agenda that I believe is not in the students' best interest. However, in terms of public schools in the east bay, any of the 3 elementary schools in Albany are still a great option.
--Submitted by a parent

I think that the third grade is the best because the teachers are the best and I love the computer and card club in Room 3. All the teachers are great and I love the playgrounds. I also love that my friends at Marin come from countries all over the world. Happy Marin Student

I love Marin school because the teachers are wonderful! I couldn't ask for a better community of parents and kids. My child is so happy to be attending Marin school.
--Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately, Marin and Albany schools seem to have a better reputation than they deserve. We've had 2 kids at Marin, including one just finishing up there. We think the quality of the teachers is uneven - there are some great teachers, and some pretty poor ones. With the great ones our kids had pretty good years. With the others, those were the years the kid hated going to school. We've also seen that if a kid is ahead of their grade in something, there's not much the teachers do to keep them interested - they mostly teach to the 'average' kid. For such a small district there seems to be some nasty politics sometimes, like with the debate going on about the crazy schedules in K-3. The school community is OK, though compared with what we hear from other schools and districts there's a lot more interaction between families elsewhere.
--Submitted by a parent

Marin Elementary is a wonderful school. The teacher are commited to the students. My daughter, Julianna, had a very positive experience during the three year she attended this elementary school. The teacher were very focused on helping her succeed at her studies. Ms. Kubicki and Mr. Schauffler, her fifth grade teacher also kept each parent informed of class studies and activities thru monthly newsletters and emails. Ms. Wong, the science teacher, made science interesting this year for Julianna. The art teacher had her work displayed at a nearby Art Studio which really boost my daugher's self esteem. The visual performing arts teacher helped develop each student's public speaking. The new principal, Ms. Hornada, assisted me in helping my child receive academic assistance. Also, the school secretary and office staff have been very kind to my child. I would highly recommend this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree 100% reviewer from June 2003. We had a similar experance. We have not had a very positive experience at all with the whole Albany School District.
--Submitted by a parent

From the teachers to the principal to the volunteers, this is a wonderful program. I picked Albay after a divorce which found my ex-wife relocating to Berkeley. I did all the research I could and landed in Albany as a result. I do wish they had a little more in the area of sports but am planning on helping out to get something going when my little guy gets a little older. High marks all the way!
--Submitted by Jeff, a parent

Excellent school. Academically strong, teacher involvement high and music program excellent. Parent involvement similar to private schools - lots. Although it is public it feels like a private school with all the support both academically and parent/teacher.
--Submitted by a parent

Marin Elementary is a wonderful school. Our daughter has been a student there for three years and we feel fortunate to be part of the community. The teachers are dedicated and nurturing, and the academic standards are high. Our daughter is engaged in learning. She enjoys school and is challenged by the work. The parent community is active and creative, and the student body is diverse and international. The teachers make an effort to include experiential learning in the curriculm via field trips and class projects. It is an all-around terrific school!
--Submitted by a parent