Germain Academy for Academic Achievement

I transferred my child to Germain Street Elementary School from a private school in third grade. He is now graduating and I have nothing but good things to say about the school. The teachers are excellent! The staff is very helpful. The principle knows a lot of the kids by name and can be seen around the school regularly. Another thing I love about Germain is the ethnic and cultural mix of the students. With all this, it s understandable why they have received a California Distinguished School Award.
—Submitted by a parent

Germain is a California Distinguished School, which is a high honor based on the the school's high API, approval of the school's application and two signature practices--"Targeted Intervention Program," and "Depth and Complexity is for every student," and a visitation to validate the school's best practices.
—Submitted by a teacher

I don't know what prompted the previous writer's remarks, but I have always found the staff at the school to be professional, courteous and helpful, even when dealing with circumstances that may not be under their control. The staff has been cut due to the budget crisis, but those that remain are working hard to give the students a great education and make them feel safe and comfortable at school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been at Germain for the last 4 years. There are a number of teachers that are completely dedicated to the children, and have taken the time to become positive role models and teach the children not only required subjects but what it takes to become a productive member of society. Let me also mention that there happen to be a few bad apples in the staff. I have encountered multiple staff members who are rude and should not be working in an elementary school.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have only been at this school for a month and so far so good! .I'm impressed with the involvement of the whole community with this school it's absolutely wonderful!! ..
—Submitted by a parent

No matter what the situation of the Nation and the effect it is having on the teachers and school budget for supplies; this school stays true to form in the quality of education and care for the students. I still see teachers staying past their time preparing for the next day so the children will have the best they have to offer. The Principal is on top of all concerns and trys her best to give attention to who require it, that goes for teachers, students, assistants and most definately parents. This is no easy task, and she always does it with a somle on her face and to what I beleive is the best of her ability. This is also one of the cleanest schools I have ever seen for a public school. The assistants are aware of all their surroundings and of the children even when just out of sight. Here out of sight is not out of mind, I've seen aids check on a child too long in the bathroom, often sending another child in to see if they are alright. With all the cut-backs you would think them to be depressed, but no, I see smiles for the children and for their peers. And it's so clean outside and in.

As a teacher at Germain, I appreciate our wonderful students and families, and our hard working PTA and volunteers. They are great!
—Submitted by a teacher

Parent involvement and fundraising is great, keeps programs and field trips for the students despite budget cuts.
—Submitted by a parent

Three of my grandchildren went there and one is still enrolled (4th grade}

I am a parent of two children at Germain. I couldn't be happier with the staff and the parent involvement. My children also attend the after school program at the YMCA, they have a new director and a great new program, the girls are so nice! I would recommend Germain to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

Our school continues to improve on our state tests and have been above 800 for the past 3 years. The teachers really do their best with what they have been delt with all the budget cuts and lay offs. The PTA makes a lot of things possible for the students that would not be available to them if it wasn't for them. Our school is free of vandalism and our students are good at following the rules. Our school is definitely a safe school zone.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a teacher at Germain. It is a great school. Our new principal is very good, the staff is very dedicated and hard working, our parents are very supportive, and the students are great kids! We have a computer lab, a good arts program, and a 'School For Advanced Studies' program at our school. I would recommend Germain to anyone considering sending their children here.
—Submitted by a teacher

I have seen a noticable improvement in the school under the new leadership. My child also attends the afterschool program at the YMCA on campus and the staff at the Y are very professional and caring toward my child. I look forward to many summers and school years at Germain and the YMCA!
—Submitted by a parent

This ismy first year at Germain. I have a 4th grader in GATE and a son in Kinder. I love the school. Love the GATE program. And I cannot say how pleased I am that the principal has left. I thought she was rude and embarrassing to the school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended this school since 2nd grade, and he is now in fifth grade. I wish I can say that there are caring teachers and staff members in the school. This really disappoints me because the other three years that my child has spent at this school have been very successful, and now I feel that this school is not fulfilling its obligation as a school.
—Submitted by Rakesh, a parent

My daughter has attended this school since kindergarten, and is now graduating 5th grade. This is an excellent school, with intelligent caring teachers and staff, and a high level of parent involvement. I have been happy with all aspects of the school, from the grounds, to the academics, to the social activities for the students. There are plenty of extracurricular activities, a YMCA after school program, homework help, a new World of Reading Library, Chorus, and above all the kind of encouragement for students to do the very best they can from a group of dedicated teachers and staff.
—Submitted by Debbie Ryan, a parent

Great teachers who are highly trained and often to the the gifted conferences/training.
—Submitted by a parent

My second grader has been there since kindergarten. We are totally pleased with her teachers and her learning experience. Also, the area is very safe and parents and teachers really look out for the kids. The kids in her classroom have to tell the teacher by signing a board whether they are staying for an after school program or are being picked up. That way, there is accountability. The teachers/staff are very friendly and have always been readily available to discuss our child or any other issue. The parental involvement in the classrooms and PTA is strong, overall. There are plenty of after school programs available, and many invitations from the principal for parental 'coffees' to discuss issues. You can tell that the administration really cares. Everyone seems to look out for one another we feel lucky to have daughter at Germain Street School. We'll stay there for the duration.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school with fabulous, creative teachers. PTA helps raise money to provide for art & music programs which are great. More parent involvement would make it even better.
—Submitted by a parent

Germain Street Elementary School is a great place for kids. They have many different programs in additional to a rigorous academic standards based instruction curriculum. There is a School for Advanced Studies, music, art and computer classes.
—Submitted by an administrator