Witter Ranch Elementary School

My son is in 2nd grade here, and he loves it! The teachers are great, and the neighborhood around the school is very safe. I haven't had any problems with the principal at all, and the administration in the office is very helpful. I've called a few times with questions, and they're always warm. If they don't have the answer right away, they'll find it for you. This is a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have three children in this school and the teachers have always been great. Two of them are in GATE classes and the 3rd is only in kindergarten, so my experience may not reflect the non-GATE classes. Principal has been responsive as needed.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter's been at the school since 2nd grade. The teachers seem to be pretty. The principal is dreadful--rude, cold, and not the least bit service oriented. The office staff is pleasant and helpful. My kid feels safe attending this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to Witter Ranch from 2nd grade until 5th grade, and I loved all my teachers never had many big problems.. My only problem was the principal never took care of behavioral problems, i'm sorry but she doesn't do much period. It would have been so much easier if the person who kind of tortured me was taken care of. Also, all the teachers work hard. I only had one teacher who didn't do much but I still learned. It was just a different type of teaching I guess. To me it's a good school I really loved it

I have had my children at this school for 3 years and this is the first year that I feel the PTA has started really functioning. I am truly saddened by the lack of intrest the principle has in the look of the school and the way the attitude is at the school. It is a safe enviroment. But the teachers have to handle alot of the behavoir problems unless you as a parent call multiple times to get the principle involved. I have been happy with the teachers my children have had. I would not recomend this school to my friends.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughters both attend this school and my oldest is in 4th grade and youngest is 2nd grade. Both have been here since kindergarten, and I can speak highly of all of the teachers they have had at this school. However, I think the principal does a very poor job at handling situations and needs to be warmer and appreciative of the parents who help at the school. She is plain rude to parents in my opinion. Maybe the school would have more support if she was a more fun and loving principal to her students and the parents and people would be glad to lend a helping hand. She needs to get involved with the students as I have seen a fill-in principal do in her absence.
—Submitted by a parent

Granted there are areas that need improvement, over all there are many things that I like about this school for my child than other schools in general. My child's current teacher is great and I have good communication and direction with how my child is doing, my child is very happy there and that is what is most important to me. I see that the principal has a low rating and I am not surprised about that, but hopefully she reads this and motivates herself to improve. I like the environment around the school and it seems that most kids come from a genuine house hold like ours. I like that.
—Submitted by a parent

My son just finished up his kinder year at Witter Ranch. It was a wonderful experience for my son and for my husband and me as parents. His teacher was familiar with the state standards and kept the class on pace. The class went on five field trips and had various extra activities in class that enhanced their leaning experience. I don't think we could have asked for more.
—Submitted by a parent

First and foremost, the principal has no personality and does not allow the children to celebrate any holidays in school. She sends these automated messages on your home phone saying if your child dresses in costume, they'll be sent to the office, sent home, do not send candy to school & no parties. Secondly, while I've had 3 great teachers for my daughter, she has struggled in math and reading and I have yet to get her any real help other than regular class time. I've had to pay a teacher to tutor my daughter just so she didn't have to be held back. The lack of extra-curricular activities is unacceptable and if the principal was not so cold and unapproachable, I think the school would get a lot more parent involvement. I have been to other schools where the parent participation is enormous. The test scores are also unacceptable.
—Submitted by a parent

My son's K teacher was great. She loved the kids and they loved her. Any additional programs only seem to be the ones mandated by the state. It's a school. Not good, not bad, just middle of the road.
—Submitted by a parent

Only 30% of 5th graders are proficient in English Language Arts, and 40% proficient in Math is not acceptable. These same kids are going to be promoted to Middle School next year. It is freightning that half the kids that are graduating are not proficient in either English or Math.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is just starting 4th grade at Witter Ranch. Her 3rd grade teacher was fantastic!!! The teachers work as a team to ensure that the needs of students are being met. The 3rd grade teachers in particular worked to incorporate new ideas and programs with the students. So far 4th grade has been just as good!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter was there since first grade.Until there was Ok.But we have hard time at third grade.The school does not offer any extra curricular activities and the principal does not care about it.The education is poor.I had to take care most alone at home.Only a few parents are involved wich make it even worse.A lot of work needs to be done.
—Submitted by a parent

Communication is very poor between kids and teachers, parents and teachers. The school pays no attention and do very little to kids misbehavior. My child complains everyday. Do not recommend!
—Submitted by a parent

The school is new, but I am not impressed with class size situation. The communication is also very poor. The STAR scores were low in the first year, we will see if they improve. Why is the neighboring Natomas Charter school doing so well, and Witter Ranch is not?
—Submitted by a parent