James Dougherty Elementary School

Pleased with progress after kdgn and 1st grade. School selected as one of the Distinguished Schools. Reserving opinion this year. Some changes, some concerns--time will tell .

My son went to Dougherty only for kindergarten. So my opinion is only for a year and should not have the same weight of other opinions. My son was assigned to a classroom with a teacher with two great defficiencies. First, she wasn't a nurturing teacher. Second, she had the habit of speaking very fast. She had some other good qualities, but the two problems above can make a lot of damage in a K-student, especially when English is not the language spoken at home. We tried to fix this issue by bringing it to the attention of the principal, who clearly took the position of the teacher. That's fine, that's her job. What really bothers me of the whole thing is that the burden of the proof was placed on us. No follow ups about the teacher's peformance. No performance improvement plan for the teacher, despite the fact that she, in my opinion, is not the best qualified teacher for that age range. Maybe for older kids. I didn't get the feeling that the school's community is as strong as others. Best of the school: the extended day care program has very commited and nurturing teachers. Thanks to Mrs. Colleen, Miss Kathie and Miss Amy.
—Submitted by a parent

The new principal is a tyrant. She is uncooperative and is forcing great teachers to leave Dougherty. She does not get along with the parents and despite being a so called advocate of anti-bullying policies is herself a BIG BULLY that treats her staff like.... well, a bully! Unless this changes Dougherty and the children there will have a questionable future. Concerned Parent.
—Submitted by a parent

my son completed k-5 here and is at Fallon. All the 6 teachers we had here were super dedicated. Awesome parent community. Fallon front desk has been very helpful to me just like the folks at dougherty.
—Submitted by a parent

One of our kids is a K-5 graduate of Dougherty and the other is still at Dougherty. This is a school that has a very enthusiastic principal, dedicated teachers (you can see teachers come by on weekends/holidays for class preparation). There is a very active parent community both at the classroom level and at the school level. The school has seen its API stats reach new levels - it is one of the top schools by API scores in the trivalley area.
—Submitted by a parent

Where to begin...Dougherty is a high achieving school. If your child is strong academically, then I think Dougherty is a good school. If your child has any problems with learning, Dougherty will not be a good fit. This school caters to the higher functioning children. The school offers minimal service to the students that really need help. It is very disappointing that you have to pull teeth to get any type of help.
—Submitted by a parent

Regular education at this school is good. If your child needs any type of special ed service, this school is not a good choice.
—Submitted by a parent

The administer Mrs. Yvonne Jacquez is very helpful. She is very nice to everyone. This is the first year my daughter come to this school transfer from another school. The teacher here are great. Fallon front desk has a attitude. Helpless!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. Great teacher. I can not think a better place for my son.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been in Dougherty s Kindergartner program for the past two semesters. I am very happy with the teacher s quality here. They are well trained and prepared. They know how to discipline and challenge the kids and organize the classroom in a very creative way. For example, during Thanksgiving, kids got dressed up in very simple and creative costumes made from paper as Indians or Pilgrims, pretended having dinner together. I love the homework pocket my son brings back every week. It is always very interesting, well related to what he has learned from the classroom and also challenges him at the right level. Compare to some other enrichment program, surprisingly my son always refer to his main classroom as always has some interesting stuff to do, never get bored.
—Submitted by a parent

I have my son going to this school for the past 4 years.I wish the school is more academic and I am disappointed that the API of the school is not really going up as one would expect. The 4th/5th grade kids have lot of potential but are not being pushed to their level best.Teachers are reluctant to do this. School definetely needs to do more academic (in Science, Math and English)related stuff.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my daughter's second year at this school. I have 3 kids and have had many different school related experiences - both private and public. This is one of the best experiences we've had so far. The teacher we have this year is outstanding. It took her 2 weeks to understand exactly what my child's specific academic needs are and it is clear that she understands and treats the kids as individuals. Parents are also very involved at this school and I like the Arts and PE programs.
—Submitted by a parent

My husband and I debated between private schools and public schools - we struck gold when we gave Dougherty a try. It is the perfect size school (smaller for the elementary level) and has a layout that promotes parent interaction (as is event by the smiles and hellos you get everyday dropping off your child at school). The quality and enthusiasm of the teachers and staff is outstanding. They are dedicated to assisting each student succeed - which is not an easy task because needs differ so greatly. One look at the consistently high test scores and you can see this school is succeeding with their children. The PFC is very generous with their time. Many parents donate time and money in support of the classroom needs and in providing many extracurricular activities at the school (Fall Festival, Science Program, SouleShoppe, etc.)
—Submitted by a parent

Dougherty seems to be good academically for those children that are average to aove. Not so much for those kids that might be lagging. You have to have an individual teacher that takes an interest as opposed to the overall school itself. Parents have to dig deeply to find out what's available for those children.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Dougherty Elementary school. This is my son's second year (he's in grade 1)and the school, teachers, atmosphere and culture are all awesome ... really great school.. I have only praises for this school. Thank you.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the third year for my son at Dougherty. I have nothing but praises for the dedicated teaching staff. With a strong PFC staff, and increasing number of Parent Volunteers, Dougherty can only get better. My son enjoys going to school and am happy to have found this school, which is one of the top school in the area.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my kids have gone to Dougherty. What a fabulous school, with amazing teachers. I could not ask for a better place to educate my kids.
—Submitted by a parent

A good school, very helpful teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Dougherty Elementary is a very good school. I like the way the teachers challenge the kids. The school has a very good library, and computer facility. 60-70% of the parents volunteer thier time, for diffrent actviites in the school.
—Submitted by Raghu Hanumanthaiah, a parent

Great school with dedicated teachers and amazing number of parent volunteers. My son enjoyed his Kidergarten last year and eager to start his 1st grade.
—Submitted by Bhaskar, a parent