Marguerite Montgomery Elementary School

Our family has had a great experience at MME for the past 4 years. While the school is smaller than other Davis elementary schools, there is an incredibly dedicated corps of parent volunteers, and an amazing principal who dedicate lots of energy to ensuring that students have a positive and rounded experience here. The PTA supports many special enrichment activities, like the annual Missoula Children's Theatre company production, crafts night, a school carnival, several beautiful school gardens, special arts programming with YoloArts, and much more. During the 2012-2013 school year, the campus will begin work on a STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) partnership with UC Davis, through a Bechtel grant, that will strengthen the science and innovation learning taking place at the school. The campus is also lovely. A number of murals and mosaics adorn the walls of the school, and student designed door markers, stepping stones, and benches add to the beauty of the gardens and other communal area. We love that this is our neighborhood school, and that it is a quick bike ride from our house, meaning that it never takes more than 5 minutes to get to school.
—Submitted by a parent

We love MME. Friendly, diverse school; for us much more preferable than more homogenous schools. Excellent Spanish Immersion program. Wonderful families at school to connect with from all backgrounds. Engaged and active principal and parent leaders. Unique Spanish and English classes for parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Marguerite Montgomery Elementary (MME) has wonderful teachers, a good principal, a dedicated PTA, and a beautiful campus! MME is one of the smallest elementary schools in Davis (about 400 kids) and it is a close-knit community. Every school is a work in progress and I think that positive changes have been made at MME this year. The Spanish Immersion program has been expanded and is now a K-6 Program. MME also has a traditional program, but it is not as robust as the SI program at this point. There are a large number of ELL students in the traditional program, but MME has many full time specialists working on campus (such as reading, math and differentiation specialists) to assist the teachers. Not all schools in Davis have this. With class size going up to 31 kids per class this year at all elementary schools in Davis, these specialists will be even more important. MME has been a great school for our kids.
—Submitted by a parent

We miss this school My son was enrolled in the Spanish Immersion program K-3 and I have to say that the dedication of ALL of the teachers (English and SI), staff, and principal were beyond expectations. MME has a the most ethnically and socioeconomically diverse population in the city that makes a lot of the programs challenging, but no one mentions the elephant in the room, especially those from other schools that are not as diverse. It is unfortunate that parents have pulled their children out because of this. The Program Improvement status of the school is directly linked to the large number of non-native speakers that are highly concentrated at MME, and not equally distributed around the city. The support that they receive should be commended. The parental, staff, and teacher involvement is beyond what we have found so far at Chavez. MME's PTA is incredibly involved, with their fingers on the pulse of the climate of the school, and trying to get 'credit' (not the right word) for the challenges that they uniquely face. I wish that we could have continued at MME, having selected to continue with Spanish Immersion instead.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended this school K-3rd, and it was a decision i wish i hadn't made. there was no sense of creativity at all, no teaching of health, and no teachers teaching what they should- empathy, creativity, cooperation, or a general willingness to learn. My slightly obese, awkward daughter often complained about hating sitting and writing all day. She was also constantly harassed by a wicked group of girls. i was enraged when the teachers did nothing to stop it and pulled my daughter out of this horrid school and enrolled her in Waldorf. There, she became envolved in jump rope, horse riding, basketball, and she lost weight and found friends. I am so happy with how content she is now! I only wish I had never put her in Montgomery. The only thing I like about Montgomery is its gorgeous campus and good location.
—Submitted by a parent

Very institutional feel. School caters A LOT to out of town Spanish speakers. Great teachers though, but expect ~30 kids per class. Not a lot of school plays or dances. Biggest after school club/activity is "running club" - kids are told to do laps on the asphalt.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended this school K through 6th grade. It's a nice, clean school with very dedicated teachers. However, parent involvement is not on par with the other schools in the district. This is probably due to the large number of students being bused in from outlying cities. MME seems to have become the destination of choice for ESL students in Yolo County.
—Submitted by a parent

Love this school. Teachers and the principal have been just excellent for our three years here! I feel very lucky to have my both sons in this school.
—Submitted by a parent

One warning about the spanish program here - it may not be suitable for families with more than one child. The kids will be split between two schools by 4th grade and Montgomery's principal does not permit siblings to stay together - families are asked to sign a multi-year contract and the district will honor it. This can be unworkable for families since there are no buses but there are no exceptions. It's a good school but with more than one child Chavez is a better choice.
—Submitted by a parent

Our school has the greatest diversity of students that truly inspires everyone to do their best!! Plus our teachers are the most dedicated professionals around.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter used to go to Spanish Immersion in this school. It was a wonderful experience for her. I had to transfer her to NDE due to commuting reason and she still misses her friends and teachers. It is a small and newer school. It's not as organized but we still love it! Every year the kids have fun with an opportunity participating in the Smokey Bear poster contest supported by the Garden Club. The parents run book clubs through out the summer so kids still somewhat stay connected to school. What a wonderful idea!
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 kids that are attending this school. The teacher and parent involvement is incredible. My kids have had the best teachers here and enjoy everything about the school.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved from a more urban area and Davis schools were highly touted (especially by people living in Davis.) The curriculum is not as rigorous as the area we left but it is good for a small town. Most of the teachers seem very dedicated.
—Submitted by a parent

We have two children at MM Elementary. They and we like the teachers, facilities, and diverse students, from across the socioeconomic spectrum.
—Submitted by a parent

We have two children in Marguerite Montgomery and it has been a wonderful experience. One of our children has a learning disability and the school could not have been more helpful or supportive. All their teachers throughout our three years here have been excellent and the principal has been very hands on and sensitive.
—Submitted by a parent

Our kids love Montgomery. The teachers are great, their investment in special education is superb, the resources are new and innovative. This is a new school but it is progressive and fun. I would refute any claims of unhealthy food choices; our experience for our children at this school has been quite the contrary. We believe this is one of the best schools in Davis.
—Submitted by a parent

Parent support here is incredible. Fun annual events such as the auction raise loads of money to supplement the curriculum with reading, music and arts programs. We will hate to leave this school when it's time!
—Submitted by a parent

This school has an unbelievable parent group. The teachers are qualified and concerned about the children. We love this school!
—Submitted by a parent