Kaiser Elementary School

My daughter attended Berkeley schools (where we were happy) and when we moved to Oakland we made a tough decision to find a new school. Through the options process (our neighborhood school has very poor test scores) we were able to get her into Henry J Kaiser Elementary. Everything about the experience speaks to the needs and expectations of our family. High academic achievement, a diverse collection of families and students, an engaged PTA, a terrific staff and faculty, an arts magnet program. I want to single out one staff member - Amy Haruyama taught my daughter 1st grade and she is a shining example of what public schools can offer our kids. My daughter had a TREMENDOUS year in Ms. Haruyama's class - thrilled to go to school, challenged to reach her potential and happy at the end of each day. The staff at the after school program are also a terrific group. AdventureTime is great and now both of my kids are enrolled and having fun every afternoon. They help with homework, provide fun activities and the staff is just a great group of people. Check out Kaiser - the OUSD was thinking about closing the school but they backed off when the parents got VERY involved. 5 stars!!
--Submitted by a parent

Kaiser Elementary qualifies to be nominated as a California Distinguished School and this continued recognition of the "hidden gem of Oakland Schools" makes us all proud.
--Submitted by a teacher

Kaiser is a school with a strong community from the parents to the staff to a lot of folks from all over Oakland that support this unique school. There's been some upheaval and worry all over Oakland, but Kaiser has weathered the storm and is moving forward with great plans for it's future. We are excited for the opportunity the storm has brought us! The teaching quality is unsurpassed! We spent k-1st with our first child in private and finally pulled her out because she was bored and only liked to go to school because of the great yard, garden and art. At Kaiser, both our children have a great yard, garden, art and they come home immediately going over what they learned in class. All the teachers through the years have been exceptional. Yes, it's a public school and it has its budget woes. But you will not find a stronger, more diverse and accepting, committed group of parents and educators anywhere else.
--Submitted by a parent

Kaiser has recently undergone some changes, but I think it is all for the better! We have a new princapal Darren Avent, who is *amazing*. The previous principal, Mel, had been there for many years. It was sad to see him go, but sometimes new beginnings are a good thing, and this is definately the case. Kaiser is very diverse school and an academically challenging many other classes that enrich the kids. There is also a very active PTA that helps support the school and the kids. It really is a great school!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter enrolled at Kaiser in 2010 and her 1st grade year was simply spectacular. Her teacher was exceptional and her experience in this community was great - tremendous diversity, great parent support and the staff in the after-school program is terrific. This is a public school where kids are learning and high expectations can be fulfilled!
--Submitted by a parent

Sadly, the school in demonstrating a decreased commitment to academics, particularly in the fourth and fifth grade. Academically talented students and families are fleeing the school to avoid the fourth and fifth grade instructors.
--Submitted by a parent

2 Thumbs Way Up! It's a small school and feels like a private school with an awesome staff and great family participation and support!!
--Submitted by a parent

Like a private school, but with two big perks: No tuition and it feels like a family. My kids love. The after school program is great too.
--Submitted by a parent

Kaiser is a wonderful school with great teachers, administrators, and kids!!
--Submitted by a parent

We have been so pleased with Kaiser Elementary School. Both of our children, 4th and 3rd graders, have attended the school since kindergarten. Not only have they been exposed to excellent teaching and innovative curriculum, they have fostered a wonderful community of peers. Our children are engaged and inspired at Kaiser. As two highly creative individuals, they have been encouraged to pursue their artistic drives through the incredible arts curriculum. As a family we have formed wonderful life-long friendships with folks in the community. We are a multiracial family and have also appreciated the incredible diversity of the adults,students and families at Kaiser. This is truly a gem in the landscape of Oakland public schools!
--Submitted by a parent