Lake Don Pedro Elementary School

Poor leadership, very political, Not very qualified teachers. If your child need extra help this school is not for you.
--Submitted by a parent

When we moved to the Don Pedro area and wanted to enroll my son, I was told there was no room for him and I would have to take him to Coulterville (the school was not going to provide transportation). When I reminded the school of their legal obligation, they took him but isolated him from the rest of the students. He likes the teacher but the principal has a lot to learn about children, disabilities, and bullying.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a 3rd grader and a 7th grader at this school. My children do very well, and love their teachers. Especially Mrs. Dietz, all the children love Mrs. Dietz. I am extremely excitted about the education my children are recieveing, and I love the programs avaliable to them. My third grader get's the help she needs in math, with one program and the praise she deserves in reading with another program. The Principal Mr. Panetz has done a fine job pulling this school into shape and the staff is just top notch! I am very proud to say my children attend Lake Don Pedro Elementary School. Mrs. Sebold
--Submitted by Donyl Sebold, a parent

Friendly and interested in every student's education personally.
--Submitted by a teacher

Both my kids attend LDPE. I highly recommend kindergarten at this school as Mr. McDonald is one of the best teachers around. Both my kids were reading very well by the end of the school year. This teacher is very calm, relaxed but fun. The kids love him! Beyond that, unfortunately the teacher situation has been less than great. Job security is lacking and the teachers have changed or been moved around a lot. (Both of my kids have had multiple teachers within one school year.) You never know who you might get. The teachers I have met though have all been caring and sweet. However, there needs to be more consistency and commitment towards the children.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is in real need. The teachers seem to be in their own little world and not receptive to parental concerns at all. The principal, being new, definitely has his hands full...it seems the turnover may be really high. I would highly recommend any parent who has a child in this school...be really on top of all issues. The teachers seem to often take too much for granted and make inappropriate decisions w/o parental involvement or concern for parental involvement. Watch for red flags and be vocal...otherwise, things will never change.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has only started last year and the kindergarten teacher is awesome so far the school has been good.
--Submitted by a parent

This school has a very strong K-3 program and a strong junior high program. However, it is lacking in the middle. The turn over of teachers is high. This school is located about 50 miles from the school district, due to this it is lacking in help from the district. This could be a great school with more parent, teacher and district involvment.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent and employee of this school, I love this close net community. The kids all have the opportunity the get to know one another and form a bond at all grade levels. The staff are hard working and dedicated individuals. My children have attended this school since kindergarten and have excelled academically. Our very involved parents club is outstanding and always working towards helping with budget shortfalls. Our principal is continuously working towards better student rewards, consistent discipline patterns, parent contact and communication are an absolute must. I feel the kids in this school are very fortunate not to have to battle some of the everyday occurences in larger schools and more fortunate to have the community support that is provided here.
--Submitted by a parent

I had my child at this school and like many others I know, pulled him out. Even my real estate professional couldn't put her child into this school. Principal seems to care about fiscal resp. more than children; last two principals have been beaurocrats, not educators. Teachers are OK, but can only accomplish so much within this school and school system. Parents' efforts seem to lie mostly in their own social functions and children's interests are lost in the adults' concerns. Kindergarten students must attend all day because it's easier for many of the parents in the community.
--Submitted by a parent