Jefferson Elementary School

This is an outstanding school, with outstanding leadership, succeeding despite diminishing resources from the state. Fortunately, Berkeley's parcel taxes have helped blunt the impact of state budget cuts. For anyone who thinks great public schools aren't possible, check out this school for a powerful rebuttal to that perspective.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school and a supportive environment. The principal has been very active in creating an academic and inclusive school for all kids and parents.
--Submitted by a parent

Jefferson is a great school.The principal has been very helpful to the kids and the teachers have been teaching the students to always ask questions if your stuck etc.
--Submitted by a parent

Jefferson has a wonderful Chinese bi-cultural program, many great after-school enrichment classes, and fun, special social evening events throughout the year.
--Submitted by a parent

The Jefferson community works really hard to make sure everyone in the school is learning and having fun. From great teachers to invoklved parents to great community celebrations, Jefferson is a wonderful school!
--Submitted by a parent

Jefferson Elementary has superb teachers, a rich and varied after-school program, and many wonderful events throughout the year (courtesy of our very active PTA), and we are unique among the Berkeley public schools for our Chinese bi-cultural program.
--Submitted by a parent

i love this school.My daughter loves it but she never wants to leave.Sshes really sad that shes in 5th grade but she has an awsome tearcher, Rick Kleine
--Submitted by a parent

This school is a great place - the biweekly schoolwide assemblies, the infusion of art and color from parents and children, the community spirit - all wonderful. I was no fan of the prior principal, who in my opinion was the only weak link. Now, with a strong, committed, creative principal on board, the school is only getting better. The teachers are awesome, the parent community is involved and interesting, and the kids feel very safe and nurtured, and they learn!
--Submitted by a parent

We are so lucky to have our kids at Jefferson School. It's diverse. Families are involved. The staff are all extremely talented and dedicated to both providing a strong academic foundation for all students and to fostering creativity and enthusiastic learners. There's a whole lot of love at our wonderful school.
--Submitted by a parent

Our family could not be happier with the teachers, administration and family community at Jefferson Elementary in Berkeley. The principal Maggie Riddle (new principal starting 2007-08 school year, but a teacher there for 11 years prior) is a very hands-on and decisive leader and the teachers and other staff at the school never cease to impress me with their level of passion and commitment. All are united in the goals of nurturing a love of learning and a respect for others in our children. Benefits include bi-weekly school assemblies to build community and expose our children to arts and music from other cultures, an involved parent community, art, music, and science classes offered during the school day and as part of the PTA-sponsored after school classes, a well-supervised playground including organized games by PE specialists and a positive discipline philosophy. These and much more make Jefferson a wonderful school community.
--Submitted by a parent