Freedom Elementary School

Great teachers!!! Having 3 children transition from private school to public was made easy by the teachers. Teachers are well educated and organized. They care about the student as a whole and not just the academic part. I am very pleased with this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Freedom is a great school to be a bully in. Bullies can get away with most anything here. I was helping in my sons first grade class when his bully asked me how old my son was, I told him that he was 5 and the bully laughed and said "I'm 7 so I'm going to kick your son's a@#"!!! This bully beat up the kids ( including girls) everyday and swore all day long and the only punishment he ever got was going up to the office. In first grade the teacher was very mean and yelled at the kids all the time. She also yelled at the parents and grabbed my moms arm when she was helping in the class one day. I'm so happy that my son is at a great school now where he is happy and treated with respect.
—Submitted by a parent

Kindergarten and 1st grade for both my kids allowed them to succeed and move on. Parents who get involve at school inspires your child to do better. Get involved whether at school or at home, you won't get that chance again at that level and make a big difference in their growing little minds.
—Submitted by a parent

I have one child who's attended Freedom from 1st to 5th grade. I have watched things deteriorate over that time. I would no longer choose this neighborhood or this school (although I was happy with those choices for most of the last five years). 1)The level of discipline on the playground has deteriorated, possibly a function of fewer yard duty personnel and an increase in rowdy kids. 2) There are more children with worse behavior, in and out of the classroom. Most classroom time in the fifth grade seems to be occupied with maintaining some semblance of order, and children who have been multiply suspended are still there to harass and disrupt. Good: some great teachers, a very accessible principal (although not the same one who won Distinguished status for the school), amazing PTA and parent involvement, great music program, a school nurse and a school psychologist.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a son who attends Freedom, I could not be any happier that he attends this school. I have only experienced very organized and caring teachers. The principal is very concerned and makes sure that the parents are constantly informed of the events occuring at the school (i.e. pre-recorded messages). Reading other reviews, it is not neccessarily the fault of the school that children use foul language. I am there everyday to pick up my son and three other children and I dont see any problems with fighting or bullying! I also volunteer and the children in all grades are very respectfull and follow directions very well. I do wish that there would be more parents volunteering thier time and coming on to the school grounds to really see what occurs!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children that attend Freedom, and they have been bullied. There is also a lot of inappropriate language and behavior. The students just are not held accountable; the disciplining is very poor. Some teachers just ignore bad behavior and let the students continue making poor choices.
—Submitted by a parent

my grandson attended freedom.We also had trouble with bullies [children and staff].there are some great teachers ,but many of the schools policies stink.luckily some of the staff will be different next year.
—Submitted by a parent

My son in in kindergarten and we are very happy with his progress. He is reading, writing, and doing math...the teachers are great and encouraging. I do think in general that there is a lot of emphasis on academics and not enough unstructured play time. Overall Freedom is a good school and I always feel welcomed and appreciated when I volunteer.
—Submitted by a parent

The quality of academic program is great. I would like to see Spanish taught at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our third year at freedom and we could not be happier with the school! from the incredible and dedicated teachers, and the best principal any school would be lucky to have. We have had only positive experiences at freedom. Coming from modesto city school district and sonoma elem, we think freedom by far is a better quality school, and interested in all aspects of the learning experience, not just going for the high test scores as we found at sonoma. But I have no doubt someday freedom will not only pass sonoma, but will be the best in modesto!.....Mrs wharf and her staff should be proud of the job they have done and continue to do daily! My only frustration is with parking, as with all schools, its a hectic way to begin and end the day. Prinipal/vice principal usually make the effort to be out there, but it's just nuts.
—Submitted by a parent

Great School, but a little small. wonderful staff.
—Submitted by a parent

While this is my daughter's first year at Freedom, I am impressed with her rapid progress in reading and math, compared with her sister's 1st grade year at a 'California Distinguished School' in San Jose. Homework packets are very well organized and cover all the essentials for academic growth, thus allowing more free learning time to my child at home. No complaints from this parent. Keep up the excellent work!
—Submitted by Matt Crudo, a parent

My daughter had problems with the children at this school in regards to bullies. Many children get away with alternative aggression ie... Girls who bully were the most subversive group.
—Submitted by Jamie, a teacher