Corpus Christi Elementary School

An amazing community with dedicated educators and staff. We have been blessed to have two daughters go through Corpus Christi, and they have enjoyed the academic rigor and familial quality of the school - my oldest refers to her experience even in college. The principal Katie is an angel and leader - no better in the educational world - reaching beyond school bounds as a consistent pillar of strength and inspiration. We are a better family and better individuals because of Corpus Christi
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great gem in Oakland, and a great value private school. The principal has been leading for over 23 years and has a great record of supporting and retaining staff. The teachers are very effective, each class has a teacher's aid, so students can get the attention they need. The citizenship and spiritual leadership is a big part. Older grades are really involved in helping younger grades. The facilities are dated, and some extra curricular activities are lacking (no art), but what they have has been a great fit for my son
—Submitted by a parent

Great School, Great Community - After a year in public school, we started looking for a school that promoted the same core basic values that we really wanted our child to learn - like respect, and social responsibility. These values and more are a part of the culture at Corpus Christi. The academics standards are high and while the class size seem large, there are so many teaching resources that when core subjects are taught, the class sizes are quite small. I especially like the personal attention that our principal gives to me and my child. She is always willing to listen and create academic plans when appropriate. I also appreciate the focus on technology. Besides all of this, the Extended Care is affordable and fun - my child never wants to be picked up. They focus on doing homework, then fun with Lego, sports, and even Stop Motion movie projects, and Improv. The parent community is involved and fun. They support one another in so many ways. I am extremely glad we found Corpus Christi !
—Submitted by a parent

Corpus Christi has been a great school for my two children. We have enjoyed the welcoming community and their desire to make the school a better place. Parent participation in all aspects of the school are second to none. My children enjoy coming to school every day and continue to grow and learn. The teachers challenge my children to grow in many ways from fostering their ability to speak in public to encouraging their academic abilities. My children have participated in the excellent sports program, from volleyball to basketball and cross country. Participating in these programs has fostered a sense of teamwork inside and outside the classroom. Overall we have enjoyed our experience and are glad we made the Corpus Christi choice.
—Submitted by a parent

My wife and I were faced with the problem many parents have in Oakland: Finding a good school. The Oakland school district wasn't able to accommodate our requests via lottery, and our local school wasn't up to our standards. We looked at all options, and after touring many schools we fell in love with Corpus Christi. We're an agnostic family but were still welcomed with open arms. Never have we felt out of place for not being part of the congregation. The cost is reasonable, the parent involvement in fantastic, the teachers are first-rate, and the administration is not only skilled but loved dearly by everyone. It's a wonderful school and would recommend it to all prospective parents: Believers and non-believers alike.
—Submitted by a parent

Corpus is a great nurturing school that helps your little ones grown body, mind and spirit. It take a very holistic approach to learning. Not just academics. Although, their academics are very strong as well. I would recommend this school to anyone who wants to give their kids to a great Catholic based education
—Submitted by a parent

We stumbled onto Corpus Christi School by accident 10 years ago and have not have one single regret! Our children, ages 10 and 12, have blossomed at Corpus Christi. The staff is caring, thoughtful and concerned about each child. The principal is FABULOUS, I still don't know how she manages to learn every child's' name before the end of the first month of school? The community of parents are friendly and welcoming and work very hard to keep the tuition low by volunteering at fundraising events. Corpus Christi is truly a wonderful place and we are sad that our time at the school is coming to an end.
—Submitted by a parent

In my opinion there is no other choice for a K through 8 school in the Oakland and Piedmont area. The greatest part about Corpus is the community. The school fosters learning with both guiding discipline and care. Corpus is one large family and each child is a member of a school family. All of the kids know who every parent is and vice-a-versa. It is wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent

A strong sense of community. Good supoort for the kids and parents. The focus on giving back to the community surrounding the school is excellent. High morals and academic standards.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school. The principal knows every child and checks in with them all. I have one child who is in a highly-competitive high school now and was very well-prepared at Corpus. The classes are large, but there are full-time aides in all of the elementary classes. There is a lot of support for students who learn differently, 2 resource specialists for one school. Technology is constantly being upgraded and used as a tool within the curriculum, not as a separate add on. The best part of the school is the community. People come together when your family or your child needs it, with rides, food, or just a shoulder to cry on.
—Submitted by a parent

Given my husband was raised in a fairly serious Catholic family and I grew up with very little religion at all, I initially had my doubts about sending my children to a private Catholic school. I would be taking them away from all of the friends they knew and more consciously introducing them to a world that I was less familiar. Both of my boys were also the ones typically crying at the 'goodbye window' at every pre-school drop-off made for as long as I can remember. However, that all changed with Corpus Christi. I quickly learned how open, warm and accepting both the school and parish staff were of EVERYONE to cross their doors -- even incorporating some surprisingly diverse teachings into the curriculum. Additionally, neither child (my youngest, who is now in Kindergarten; and oldest, who is now in 2nd grade) has ever cried once when dropping them off at school. They never looked back and are truly eager to return to school each and every weekday to be with all of the amazing friends they've so quickly made there. I could not be more pleased by our choice of school for our boys.
—Submitted by a parent

We were accepted into Corpus Christi for the 2010-11 school year and I cannot adequately express in words how happy that news made me. There are so many things to like about this school, but what I like best is the strong sense of community. The older kids actually look out for the younger ones and there is no bullying. The morning assembly in the courtyard makes me wish I were a kid again; you can tell these children are being groomed for higher education. As teachers go, I know there are a lot of good ones out there, but I can't imagine any better than Ms Halkias, our daughter's kindergarten teacher. She is very experienced and a natural with young children. This is truly a great school and we feel blessed to be a part of the community.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been a Corpus family going on three years. My son is doing great - he loves this school and loves learning. As a single Mom I feel huge relief and assurance that he is safe and happy and well-cared for. To me, Corpus is like an extension of our home. From an academic perspective, the school is fully accredited and in 4th grade now we have 2 fully credentialed teachers for 32 kids. We have just started the year, but I can comment on 2nd and 3rd grade, which had terrific teachers. Someone else wrote about the aftercare. I believe the current Aftercare Head Teacher has been there 3 years, and both she and her crew are dedicated, imaginative and caring. My son enjoys the experience, and again I am very grateful for a safe, fun and affordable place for him to go after school while I work.
—Submitted by a parent

Corpus Christi has everything it takes to be a great school -- strong academics, dedicated teachers, excellent enrichment programs, extraordinary leadership, and a caring community. We have had 5 years at Corpus Christi, and each year we are more appeciative of our decision to choose a k-8 catholic school over much more expensive private schools. Respecting yourself and others permeates the school day, and the kids are taught life skills that will help them mature into responsible, balanced adults. Corpus Christi gets an A+ from us!!
—Submitted by a parent

Hugh standards and a resl sense of family and community
—Submitted by a parent

The staff and principal are wonderful and caring. It is a safe, warm, school with a great program!
—Submitted by a parent

Katie Murphy is really great ! Warm envirionment for the children and people care! Feel lucky to have been part of it!
—Submitted by a parent

Quality of teachers has varied from excellent (third grade)to signficantly below average. School leadership is rigid and unimaginative, but rules are strictly enforced. School administrator at the front desk is superb. Day care is marginally useful if one has no other choice. Yard safety is excellent; however in the afternoon pick-ups are unnecessarily time-consuming and cumbersome. Parental involvement is high, mostly because of Parish connections and encouragement. Fund raising continuous throughout the year. Quality of students is high.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our third year at Corpus and I have to say we love the principle Katie Murphy. We feel that she is really in touch with the parents and the students.
—Submitted by a parent

High level of community involvment. Great Kindergarten. Good basic education along with religious content.
—Submitted by a parent