Emerson Elementary School

We have had two children at Emerson over 8 years. It has been a completely fabulous experience. Great teachers, a cohesive and inclusive community, and outstanding after school program are the highlights four our family. This year our daughter will enter 5th grade. There is no doubt that come next June all of us will feel a great sense of loss when she graduates. Final thought - the big reason this school functions so well is the principal. She is committed, hard working and has created a great team.
--Submitted by a parent

This small elementary in Berkeley, is a very community-minded, energetic school. The principal is exuberant and the school community reflects that. The Kids World After School program is very engaged and nurturing. The PTA is very active and hosts Cal Football Parking as a dedicated fund raiser every year for all home games. School spirit is strong and the student body is diverse. We couldn't be more happy with Emerson.
--Submitted by a parent

If you want your child to attend a community school, to be involved and work with other caring parents, then Emerson is a great choice. It is the smallest of the 4 schools in this zone (Malcom X, LeConte, John Muir) and feels safe and welcoming. . I volunteer one-hour ever other week in my daughter's classroom so I get to know the other kids and see what's going on. She has cooking every other week, and access to enriching after-school classes like carpentry. For parents who are on the fence between Private & Public: Question: are you really serving your children well by shielding them from the diversity they will experience here? Wouldn't your money be better spent supplementing our desperately needy public schools? Wouldn't you like to make a positive change in your community? If so, great choice!
--Submitted by a parent

Emerson has been the best place for my daughter! I wouldn't send her anywhere else!
--Submitted by a parent

The quality of academic programs is strong. Music, art, and sports/other extracurricular activities is satisfactory to good. The level of parent involvement is high. This last factor makes Emerson a remarkable place. It is extremely socially and culturally diverse and successful at integrating everyone.
--Submitted by a parent

I have had both my children in this school over the past 8 years. It has been a pleasure to see them learn here and be part of this community. This is an amazing school--with very strong commitment by the entire community--ie, teachers, administration and parents, to ensure that the kids get the best education possible--both academically, and as members of a multi-ethnic, tolerant society. There is a strong after-school program that works in conjunction with the school to provide support to the childrens' education. PTA meetings are attended by about 25-30 people, a significant amount given the total student population of about 300 children. PTA works with other school entities (Administration, BSEP, SSC) to maximize the benefits from the resources available. This translates in a school with high academic expectations, that are reflected in the positive results. Kids are also taught to respect and tolerate others.
--Submitted by a parent