Don Benito Fundamental School

We are coming in to the home stretch of our kindergarten year at DB and could not be happier. The quality of instruction, the challenging and nurturing atmosphere, the high level of parent involvement, have all been a terrific match for our son. He is thriving. We love the incredible diversity of our community too. The principal is a wonder and the PTA leadership has their heads screwed on straight. If your child gets in here--go.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has special needs in academics. The staff has been very supportive. Mrs. Carlson has guided our family to receive the assistance my son needs. She has also tutored him. Ms. Turbull is awesome. Mrs. Hernandez, Miss Bell, Ms. McPherson and Ms. Bendikson.....all wonderful! I am very happy we are a part of Don Benito.
--Submitted by a parent

Don Benito is an excellent school with highly qualified, dedicated teachers. There will always be complainers, but remember, one person's "mediocrity" is another person's favorite teacher of all time. It's ridiculous to expect every teacher to be a perfect and personalized match for your child's extra-special specialness. The principal is outstanding, and it's clear that she cares about every child. Your child will be friends with children from a wide variety of racial and economic backgrounds, in an environment where everyone is safe and everyone is valued. If you're looking for a homogeneous, upper-middle-class "public private school," there are other PUSD options. But if you're looking for a real public school where your children will get an outstanding education, this is the place to be!
--Submitted by a parent

I have been a proud parent and volunteer of Don Benito for the past 6 years. I rate the school and the staff 5 stars, for their excellence in teaching, strangth, leadership, challenging programs and outstanding achievment in bringing parents to be a part of their childs education and having excellent amout of parent envolvement. I high recommend Don Benito to all new families. Most of I would proudly rate our Don Benito principle with an extra 5 stars, for being the most an outgoing, dedicated, strong and excellent leader to all the Don Benito kids, parents, families and friends. The Solano Gonzalez family, loves you all.
--Submitted by a parent

This is the first year our child attends Don Benito, I have to say that we are very impressed with the school so far. The teacher( Mrs. Huezo) is an excellent educator, she encourages the kids to learn in a fun atmosphere! Parent participation is very good to say the least. We look forward to having our son join the school in few years as well.
--Submitted by a parent

I have very mixed feelings about Don Benito. The atmosphere there has improved dramatically since the new administration took over last year. However, we have had about a 50% satisfaction rate with teachers; We have had some excellent teachers who convey warmth, intelligence, and a love of teaching. We have also experienced flat, uninspired mediocrity from some of the staff. California public education seems to be hamstrung by the standard requirements placed on teachers. It takes a very special educator to work with and around those requirements while still making learning a good experience. For us, it has been hit-or-miss at Don Benito.
--Submitted by a parent

Don Benito has experienced so many wonderful improvements this year with the new principal. She's a wonderful leader with a can-do attitude. The teachers respect her and the children adore her. She has pledged to continue high standards for learning despite budget cuts and no doubt, she will keep her word. Our experience with our child's teachers has been nothing but positive. There are high expectations for learning and clear-cut disciplinary policies. Also, teachers facilitate many extracurricular activities such as Odyssey of the Mind, Jumprope-A-Thon, and Literacy Night. They're a dedicated bunch. We're extremely happy with our child's progress and look forward to the time his siblings will attend. We're fortunate to be part of the Don Benito Family! p.s. The buses WILL continue next year!
--Submitted by a parent

Don Benito is struggling to survive and keep afloat within PUSD. There are many wonderful things that happen at the school and a great deal of parent involvement. The district enrollment is dropping, bussing will be stopping next year and it appears unclear if Don Benito will continue to succeed academically. Will there be large gain in API scores this year, under the current leadership, it will be a challenge to say the least. Schools are judged by test scores not by lines of parents.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a child in first grade and one that has recently graduated. My children have had very positive experiences over the years and love learning and get very high marks. The new principal is a great improvement over the previous one. I believe she will bring Don Benito back up to where it once was.
--Submitted by a parent

Every teacher my children had at Don Benito was fantastic. My kids love to learn and I give the teachers credit for that. The previous principal threatened the teachers, lied to parents and put a dark cloud over the school so we left. A previous principal has now returned and I hear that people and teachers are very happy with her. My kids are now in a very good private school and they had no problem adapting to the new schools curriculum.
--Submitted by a parent