Fairmont Elementary School

Caring environment, teachers who care, a principal who does the right thing for her students. Not everything should be based on API scores. Fairmont is improving because of the dedication shown by principal, faculty and staff. Parents are involved with their children and it shows everywhere you go on campus. Good job Fairmont!
--Submitted by a parent

Fairmont is a very unassuming school, where my kid can focus on learning, and not have to worry about test scores or the latest gadgets. The teachers are caring and experienced, and are wildly popular with their students. Fairmont's diverse student population reflects El Cerrito and Richmond's demographics. It is a real place, where my kid learns that different folks have different philosophies, lifestyles and priorities, and may look different, but that what's important is how an individual makes you feel as a person. The school has music lessons and a sports program for all grades, and starting in 2007, a very affordable onsite afterschool prgoram. Fairmont parents in general are not very involved in the PTA, but there is a group of committed souls who tries its best to keep up the school spirit and make sure that there's always money for the important programs at school.
--Submitted by a parent

We like Fairmont. The principle knows her school and the teachers we have dealt with have been excellent. The demographic ratio is a bit slanted and on site afterschool care would be nice, but there is also a new budget that will allow for building upgrades in 2008.
--Submitted by a parent

I will try to briefly give a review of fairmont but it will be quite difficult. Fairmont is a very caring, community based school. The teachers hold some of the highest credentials in the area and most importantly, the children come first! no, the school doesn't look it's very best from outside, but the inside can not be matched. I highly recommend fairmont to those parents who put their children first!
--Submitted by a parent

Please help the PTSA and the El Cerrito community in defeating the closure of Fairmont Elementary School. Fairmont is not only the first elementary school in El Cerrito and has educated our children for over a decade it is also the only elementary school that serves the residence along and between the San Pablo Ave. and Carlson corridor. I have been a parent of Fairmont for 23 years, my 3rd child is in the fourth grade succeeding 2 brothers. Teachers at Fairmont are experienced, dedicated,tallented and are quite knowledgeable. Diversity at Fairmont covers the world; including Special Ed.,ESL(in 2 languages), on-site after school care and a no-fee sports program supported by the PTA. This school is a wonderful example of how to live in 'harmony'. The teachers are all well versed to educate all children. THEY are our future.
--Submitted by a parent

Caring teachers, good principal. Close knit school - everyone knows each other. Starting to see more unruly students. Greater emphasis should be placed on respect for adults, other students, and the school- taking responsibilty and consequences (notifiy parents, suspention for repeated offences). Bad behavior should not be tolerated in the learning environment. Needs to be taken care of before it gets out of hand. Disruptions make it harder for the students who have good manners and know how to control themselves. They should not be punished with apprehension and fear, but rewarded with the confidence and security of knowing they are safe and in control of their school. Overall a good school, great students- great staff- great parents. We've had no bad experiences, K-4th alot of good times and touching memories children need to be more challenged.
--Submitted by a parent

This scholl's administration is disorganized and sloppy. Children wander around the grounds aimlessly and sit in the admin office with no attention from the staff. I was given conflicting information in enrollment every time I contact them, and then they misplaced the forms. I requested a transfer and would home school before I would send my child there.
--Submitted by a parent