Peralta Elementary School

A great arts focus, dedicated parent community and a lovely campus. Kids here have a very strong community and show a level of kindness for each other that is truly touching.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree the post below is odd. The principal has also contacted me for small matters, in a very caring manner.
—Submitted by a parent

The post about the principal seems odd. The leadership at this school is very solid and the teachers are very involved, caring, and regularly communicate with parents about their child's progress. We are new to the school, with two children attending, and have been very pleasantly surprised with how strong the community is and how dedicated the teachers are. The curriculum not only emphasizes strong academics, but also art, music, Spanish, and social-emotional learning. Great school!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I find the below post curious. It mentions "current" principal which seems to infer that this is not the same principal that has been in place for probably the last 8-10 years. I also find it curious as I have been informed of the most mundane occurrences (student pushed my child, or hit with a jacket - in neither case was my child hurt). The principal is unique and is not going to bow down and cater to every whim - and if she said that she did not want to be held "liable" it seems like perhaps there is more to it - and being in a litigious society perhaps it does not fall into "her job as principal" and there are others better equipped to handle the situation.
—Submitted by a parent

Good teachers but current principal is awful. Principal did not do anything to inform me of a horrible incident that occured to my nephew in school nor help resolve it. She was too busy; couldn't help and "didn't want to be held liable or responsible" for explaining it to me, ie doing her job as a principal. This is a good school if you NEVER need to interact with the principal or depend on her "professional" experience.
—Submitted by a parent

Don't judge this school by test scores, or stars, or any comments- (especially anonymous). Go to the school and (with permission) observe the interaction at pickup time, between students, parents, teachers. This place is like Cheers-everybody knows everyone's name, but they get together to learn (not drink). Kids here develop a fondness for learning and a respect for others in their class. It's a cooperative environment. Everyone who is there is very glad to be there. -- ask around. -lh
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a first grader at Peralta Elementary. The school is great and the teachers are very committed to their students. Parental involvement is high but not stifling. Trolls who write reviews based on a tour and then tout the benefits of private education should find other ways to occupy their time.
—Submitted by a parent

As a North Oakland family with young children, we toured this school back in January and I have to say for an OUSD school it's one of the better ones in the district. It's a quaint little school with a lot of parent involvement, but when you compare it to some of the private schools in the area, like Park Day for example, you realize just how inferior OUSD schools truly are, including Peralta Elementary. For the first couple of grades up to 2nd you are not going to notice that much difference, but when you get into 3rd grade and above it's like night and day. All in all, Peralta is an okay school if you have to settle for the OUSD.
—Submitted by a parent

Administration and staff are committed to the students.
—Submitted by a parent

The principal and the teachers are all dedicated to the education of the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son has been a student at Peralta since Kindergarten. He is now in 5th grade and will be graduating from the school. Our whole family loves the school and appreciate our son's good fortune in being able to attend this school. The teachers are all terrific, the staff really cares about the children. Rosette Costello is an outstanding and hardworking principal. The diverse community is close knit and devoted to the school. It is a little utopia where children receive an excellent academic and social education. Peralta should serve as a model to other schools.
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic teachers, staff, kids, parents, murals, gardens, space...I'm happy our family can be a part of it.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Peralta because my grandson is doing so well there. He loves arts and Peralta incorporates art into its curriculum.

Great principal, dedicated staff and teachers, great family participation.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in 1st grade at Peralta and we LOVE the school. The teachers and principal are experienced and committed. The parents are actively involved in the school and in the community. The school reflects the rich diversity of the Bay Area--my daughter has made wonderful friends from all different backgrounds. The grounds are full of gardens and beautiful murals made and maintained by the school community. And a few more highlights: excellent focus on the arts, small, tight knit school community, sport-4-kids program and conflict resolution program. Go Peralta!
—Submitted by a parent

Beautiful campus, beautiful garden, beautiful kids beautiful staff. Beautiful school.

It is full of great families of all kinds, has great teachers and a wonderful principle and the community has made a beautiful environment for the children.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a wonderful community of parents, teachers, children, and artists that make our school an urban gem!
—Submitted by a parent

Peralta is a warm and fuzzy place where everyone knows your kid. It also appeals visually with colorful murals and plants everywhere! Not just a cement block of classrooms. Ms. Costello, the principal rocks!
—Submitted by a parent

It's a wonderful little place where the kids can learn and thrive in a diverse environment.