Alvarado Intermediate School

The school just got renovated and the learning environment is very nice. There are many opportunities because of the variety of electives. Overall, this school doesn't have many problems and i encourage all kids to have a chance to learn there.

I cannot see why students should be upset about the dress code. The dress code keeps everybody wearing appropriate clothing and nothing that shows too much skin. The teachers are great. There is also free after school tutoring for students that need help. After school tutoring is also good for the honors students because they help the students that are in tutoring. The traffic has also gotten a lot better. Fights are rare and are broken up quickly and the students do have consequences. The catwalk is convenient for the students who walk and is monitored by the staff to prevent trouble. Overall, it's a great school.

Not crazy about the principal. The traffic to get there is horrible, too. I agree to following from a previous review: "The principal NEVER avails herself to the parents, is difficult to understand in voice messages home, and there is absolutely NO opportunity for parental involvement, unless you are of the majority demograoh(s) of the school." and "The district is aware of these problems at this school and has failed to address them. " When will they get rid of this principal?!
—Submitted by a parent

This is THE worst school that my children have attended. The administration is almost never available, the traffic situation is horrendous EVERY day of the week, the students are NOT well-disciplined like some other reviewers have claimed. In fact, there are MANY fights that occur in the immediate area surrounding the school between students of different races and those that come from the local high school and continuation school to loiter around. The "thoroughfare" walkway near the school is littered with gang graffiti, the school in in an area that is ripe for all sorts of crimes to be committed. The principal NEVER avails herself to the parents, is difficult to understand in voice messages home, and there is absolutely NO opportunity for parental involvement, unless you are of the majority demograoh(s) of the school. The uniform policy is antiquated, at best, and should be updated to reflect the current way that certain "groups" of students dress. The other middle schools in the district aren't any better, in fact they are worse, just as the high school that those others feed into. The district is aware of these problems at this school and has failed to address them.
—Submitted by a parent

Four stars for the school and the wonderful kids. It would have been 5 but the principal (even though she has the kids well disciplined) needs to really interact with parents more. My son has become a very happy student here at Alvarado compared to all of his years in elementary!
—Submitted by a parent

Okay, I am a student at this school now and I like it except for a few minor things. First of all, the dress code is horribly strict. Also, it is dirty and the outside of the school doesn't look very inviting. However, the school's teachers are very helpful and nice and the students there are mostly friendly. If you are a parent reading this review, then I suggest you send your child to Alvarado. If you are a student and you are reading this, then you're cool.
—Submitted by a student

I'm a current student in Alvarado. And I personally think the school is great!During my first day the kids were really helpful and sweet. And the teachers are always there for you, so if you're having trouble keeping up they'll make sure of it you'll understand clearly. The only negative thing I have to say is that the Dress code is kind of a little too strict. But it still doesn't get in the way of how much I love it. :) So if you're a student/parent reading this and wondering where to put your daughter/son go to alvarado! wooo! LOL.
—Submitted by a student

Very strict, bad mascot, not much choices of electives, and strict uniform type code.
—Submitted by a student

This is the best school I have ever heard of! My child has gone from all C's to all A's! Also my child is happy and loveing that amazing school with her kind and smart friends!
—Submitted by a parent

The principal needs to interact more with parents and students. We like the after school tutoring and I have that the teachers really care about the students.
—Submitted by a parent

This school will tell you that they are doing everything to help your child but they are not. What in the hell happened to NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND. My child needs addition help and is not getting it even though the school said they would help.
—Submitted by a parent

i love this school my daughters grades have been improving ever since we moved her plus they have free after skool tutoring
—Submitted by a parent

Alvarado is one of the amazing schools in the county in my opinion. Lots of activities available after school hours. I also love the fact that they call your home daily in the evening and give us updates and reminders. Thumbs up!
—Submitted by a parent

i really am not a great fan of the dress codes. otherwise the school is good
—Submitted by a student

I agree with the parents about the dress code and how the school is pretty old. The schools inside should not show bricks like it is in the outside. The dress code is very strict for I don't have a lot of choices on my clothes. It also makes my parents frustrated because we have to buy new clothes even though even though we don'tlike it.
—Submitted by a student

Traffic is a problem getting into this school. The dress code is too strict and I think they should consider uniforms. Many students-especially boys-if part of their shirt is tucked out get called on. Dress code confusing and frustrating. Academically, this school does well...has many honors classes and elective classes. A summer Earth science class that the students can take before high school is a nice plus. The school is old and needs a face lift. However, the current principal is effective and highly motivated.
—Submitted by a parent

Academic programs seem to be adequate but not top-notch. Class size is fairly large, over 35 in most cases. There are a wide variety of music and sports programs available. This school encourages parent involvement as much as possible.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a great school for education, but for the moral teachings, it does poorly. There are many fights, and the dress code is not the best thing. My child has had trouble with the dress code and was given a referal the first time she did something wrong in the way she dressed. I think they should just give us a uniform and save us the trouble of having to go through the strict dress code.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is very well in the academic area. They have many special programs for kids who are at a higher level academically and slower pace classes for those who are a little slower, which is good. However, they are very strict on their dress code, making it a tough in the morning for my child to pick out what to wear. My child has to take out her booklet and read up on what she can or can't wear. She is very creative and cannot show her creativity at school. Thus, leading her to frustration. In my opinion, Alvarado should get a uniform. Overall, academically, this school does very well, but as far as dress code and standards of clothes, this school does not do so well.
—Submitted by a parent