Madera Elementary School

If your child is gifted, talented, brilliant with exceptional abilities, Madera Elementary is not for your smart kiddo. Your child will be torn apart amidst the politics and racial biases that plaque this campus. The teachers who strive to maintain high rating for this school, practically serve no good to a student seeking challenge. Strong advice to parents - Please check for an in person reference on teachers of this school with other academic professionals in WCCUSD, BUSD and AUSD. You will see the cliques that operate this site.
--Submitted by a parent

Hi I am a student at Madera Elementary School. I am in 4th this year. I came to this because before I went to a private school and HATED it. I came to this school for 3rd grade on up. I ike this school because there is a HUGE yard for 3rd grade, 4th,and 5th.The teachers are very nice. In 3rd grade my teacher was super nice and loved her.In kindergarden,1st,2nd the teacher are EXTRA EXTRA nice.In 3rd grade the are NICE. But in 4th,5th grade the teachers way more strict, so be aware. Also the district is adding a 6th grade!

this is the best public school in west county school district .best teachers,the best parent I ever seen .also the best administraton
--Submitted by a parent

I drive across town so that my daughter could receive a better education then the school we were zoned for, and I am so grateful for all that Madera has to offer. The parents are so incredibly involved, the teachers are warm and motivating, and the school offers so many educational and extracurricular activities that I am blown away by the quality of education my child recieves at Madera. I wish all schools rose to this level of teaching by setting such a high standard of education. I ama former teache rand am impressed on every level.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two kids at Madera this year (1st & 5th) and can say nothing but great things about it. The teachers are great and in most of the kids they encourage a love of learning. I have also met many great parents, as the PTA is very active and there is a lot of parent participation at Madera. This makes such a big difference in succes of this school. It's a great school and I feel lucky that I was able to get my kids into it.
--Submitted by a parent

I find nothing wrong with traditional teachers that know what they are doing! I like the 'firm hand in the glove' appraoch. The faculty is outstanding (despite some of the comments posted). They have many years of experience and plan so many interesting events in their classrooms. Nay sayers should look somewhere else to locate such a fine group of teachers!
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children in Madera and they have both been there since Kindergarten. I am very happy with the diversity of the student body and the PTA involvement. The school has one of the most beautiful settings with views of the bay. The teachers are pretty traditional, and not very diverse but kids get a solid academic foundation.The PTA also funds the Junior Center for the Arts program many educational assemblies, reading tutor, field trips and many other programs. The prinicipal is experienced and keeps a loving firm hand on the campus. She is also direct and to the point so you can communicate openly with her. Parents can be involved at many levels in the Volunteer activities and they work well with the teachers. I have never felt more part of my community. Madera is a rich slice of the East Bay.
--Submitted by a parent

We have a daughter in 5th grade, and one in kindergarten. We've been very happy with Madera these past 5 years, and look forward to another 6 years. It just gets better and better, especially since the school renovations were completed a couple of years ago. Many new families have moved to the area, to go to this school. Unfortunately, there is now room for very few transfer students, because it is filled with residents. Teachers are good -- if somewhat traditional. Parent involvement is incredibly high. After school care, run by the City of El Cerrito, is now provided completely on site -- at least for this year. There are a number of after-school enrichment classes also available (art, carpentry, Spanish, creative writing, guitar, etc.)
--Submitted by a parent

Still love it! We're going on our second year at Madera (5th grade) and I do not regret choosing this school for my daughter. I love that the school has children who are primarily high achievers and that the school promotes active parent involvement and I love its diversity. I just wished that there was someway that they could add 7th through 8th grade at the school; as the pickings for quality middle schools within WCCUSD are seemingly non existent.
--Submitted by a parent

We are new to Madera. I transferred my daughter because she is a high performing student and the other WCCUSD school that she was attending didn't seem to be challenging enough for her. So far, we are in our third month and every day I inquire about what happened in school, in her classes. She seems very happy and she says that the kids in Madera are 'just as smart' as she is, which helps us because it challenges her. Madera seems to have a very active PTA and appears to be PTA-run. The one thing that I can say is, she is so, so, enthused with her P.E. Teacher (4th grade). I am just sorry that P.E. isn't an every day class. I hear that he is not your avg. PE teacher; that he teaches life values through PE> So far so good, we'll post more as we experience more.
--Submitted by a parent