Marshall (Thurgood) Elementary School

I had a different experience with my child's 2nd grade teacher. She was very negative and didn't do well with kids who were spirited. I think she should be teaching upper grades, not lower grades. Also, they need to take the children out to PE as much as is required by the state. I found they would skip PE sometimes because they had other things to review....math, language arts,etc. PE is very important for our kids. Especially boys. And be careful if they try to label your child ADHD....it is not unusual to hear this complaint from many moms who have wiggly, talkative children.
--Submitted by a parent

Im a student at Thurgood Marshall Elementary and i really like this school because you learn more than other schools, every single teacher thinks that their whole classroom as family and that welcomes everyone to be nice to eachother and it makes us feel not uncomfortable. Im in 5th grade and i really like my teacher, but im afraid to go to 6th grad because i will be leaving her and she's almost family to me.

As far as the negative comments on this school - are you serious! you may want to look at the californian school system in general - before you blame marshall school for curriculum issues. Our family came from another state and can prove this state is seriously lacking in all areas of its curriculum and extra activities like music and sports. Most schools in california are looking to cut those programs now anyway due to budgets. Marshall school is actually a very good school. The californian school system is ranked one of the lowest in educational standards all 50 states. And as far as marshall school glorifying mediocrity, i think you will find it is a sign of the times at all schools in the us. Marshall provides a safe atmosphere and good overall basic public school education. If your seeking more - try private schools.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a member of the second grade at Marshall Elementary. We could not be happier with her teacher, Mrs. Watkins. She is always helpful and interested in our daughters success. She is professional and a joy for my child. Mrs. Watkins continues to overperform. Thank you. Thank you.
--Submitted by a parent

Glad Mr. Matz is gone. Just seemed concerned with student testing. Not concerned with student overall progress. Teachers are nice, but that's it. Not very helpful.
--Submitted by a parent

Nice teacher and a new dedicated personable principle does not make up for the poor curriculum. Most reviews seem to be about how nice the teachers are...that is not why we are sending our kids to school. It is to learn, to be educated with knowledge. On this measurement, it is lacking. After half way through the school yr, no science (did learn the continent song), no music, no art, no PE. It's just reading and math. For the upper grades it is the same, barely covers history/geography , no science (yet), no music, no art, no PE, still told to print work. No directed reading material just let kids pick there own books then sit in front of the computer and answer questions. Very minimal directed - teacher lead reading. Grading is based on a 1-4 system that is not clearly defined.
--Submitted by a parent

excellent school for elementary grades! Teachers are wonderful and they instill discipline to their students.
--Submitted by a parent

We love this school for our daughter. The teachers have always been excellent and Mrs. Oneal who runs the office is exceptional. They lost their long time principal, Mr. Matz to retirement and that gave us some short lived concern. The new principal, Mr. Gunnett is just as caring and helpful. We could not be more pleased. The 'Gate' student program isn't all that much, but they are trying to improve it, each year.
--Submitted by a parent

Marshall Thurgood offers stracture, discipline and academic excellence. My daughter is so proud to be in this school.
--Submitted by a parent

The start of the school year was absolutely fabulous for our family. The school looked great! The principal and his team did a great job of controlling the traffic on the first day of school. This was the best opening day for traffic since I have been there. There are some new programs at Marshall this year that I am glad are there, most especially the 'Be A Buddy, Not a Bully' program. The principal is really on top of what the school needs to remain safe for all kids. I love the new district calendar sent home for our family. It is so much nicer than the calendar of previous years. Marshall is just an all-around wonderful school.
--Submitted by a parent