California Middle School

My son attended Cal for 2 years. Not a good school overall. there are some very good teachers and some very incompetent teachers. Many students feel as though they can do whatever they want without consequences. There is little in the way of discipline - there were plenty of stories floating around about drug and alcohol abuse by the students. On the surface the school seems great, and there are some redeeming qualities, but a closer analysis shows the bad far outweighs the good. The API is not high and, while this is not the entire story, keep in mind that the test is a way to show the percent of students meeting or exceeding expectations on a very basic skills test. Cal does not perform well on this basic test. Before you send your son or daughter to this school, examine all options carefully.
—Submitted by a parent

this is a very good school the teachers and staff are very helpful the school is very clean all my kids have attended this school
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a student at Cal, and though many people seem to love it, I don't. I can't say that we move at the same pace as Sutter, and I often feel like they'll be more prepared for HISP. The history teachers are sub-par at best, and science isn't Cal's best department. The language arts teachers are better than science, but I don't always feel like we learn as much as Sutter. The math department, however, is quite excellent. I went into middle school hating math, but now, as an eight grader, Algebra B is my favorite class. When I visited Cal as a sixth grader, the VP seemed to know everyone's name, but I learned that they only know the names of the students who don't behave well and have to spend time in the office. I feel like the administration has a sort of hostility towards the students that I do not appreciate. Overall, I wouldn't describe Cal as a great school, it's an okay one, at best. It's music program is weak, but the speech and debate team is fabulous, for the most part. The PE at Cal is also a great class, and everyone likes all the teachers, for the most part. However, I really don't feel like Cal has that much to offer.

Both my children attended Cal and it was not only an easy decision to send them there but it was the best decision. They made new friends when their old friends chose Sutter, and they were prepared for the riggors that CKM's HISP program has been dishing out. I was never concernd for their safety and the small, tight-knit campus environment ensures that everyone (parents and students) know that they belong, that they are important, and that they contribute an overall fantastic school community. The principal, VP, staff, teachers and the PTSA are all amazing and 100% committed to your children. With open enrollment, everyone has choices and needs to make the right choice based on your student. Visit Cal and check it out for yourself.
—Submitted by a parent

as student at california middle school i believe cal represents the best in public school because we are able to have fun and work hard at the same time. Mr.davvis is my world history teacher and he makes it easy for each student to learn at the same pase, Mrs.Franzella is a Lang. Arts teacher there and she is the same way, ahe also connects with each student so he/she can't understand something she will explain it in a way he/she can understand and last but not least Mr.Apodaca he is not my teacher but he is a very cool person and he knows just about every simgle person there and will help them in any situation. California Middle School is the BEST school i have went to and i wish i could stay there forever no other school is like Cal. I thank you for taking your time reading this.
—Submitted by a student

I'm an alumni of Cal Middle, and I absolutely loved this school. Mr. Dell, the 8th grade algebra teacher is the best teacher I've ever had. Mr Holt both coaches Speech and Debate, and directs a Shakespeare play every year. I think I recieved more from my two years at Cal than my 7 years in elementary school in both academics and friendships.
—Submitted by a student

California Middle School represents the best in public school education, serving students from all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Located in one of Sacramento's most desirable neighborhoods, Cal boasts a beautiful tree-lined campus with an 'old University' feel. Within its walls brews some of the most enriching social and academic interactions imaginable. Cal provides rigorous academics for all students, from those needing special education to high-achieving university-bound students. Cal provides a small, nurturing environment during the challenging adolescent years. Cal promotes the open-mindedness that is only possible when students of different backgrounds come together under one roof. Academic achievements in 2007-8 are numerous; yet, as long as Cal serves all neighborhood students, it may not look great on paper. Parents able to look beyond the API scores and accept diversity as an opportunity will recognize that Cal is a gem. Keep an open mind. Come to Cal. Your child will thrive here.
—Submitted by a parent

This has been an excellent middle school for our family. My son has been a part of the Gate Program at Cal and has excelled academically, socially and athletically. Mrs. Elizabeth Vigil, the principal, has made a concerted effort to reach out to the neighborhood children and encourage parents to send their kids to Cal. I believe her efforts - and those of her key staff and faculty - made a world of difference. My son recently competed in the National Competition for Speech and Debate. Our school came in first place in the nation. That is incredible! Mr. Michael Holt, Gate Language Arts teacher, has been an absolutely outstanding speech and debate and drama teacher. Actually, an outstanding teacher in every area that he touches. There have been a number of outstanding teachers and a handful that were only so-so. All in all, we are extremely pleased to have chosen Cal.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is the best school I have ever been to! I wish I could stay there forever! I'm so proud I went to Cal!!!
—Submitted by a student

My child is in the 8th grade at Cal and it has been a very good experience. The teacher and staff really care about the kids and the amount of problems have been very small.
—Submitted by Candie Saldana, a parent