Theodore Judah Elementary School

The learning environment here is outstanding. Excellent teachers who are very approachable. Having said that, a few parents from the PTA control the school and Principal which makes for a very unpleasant experience for a lot of families. No real diversity among staff at all.
—Submitted by a parent

TJ is the very best a public neighborhood school can be, pushing the envelope with success in countless directions. With all the funding challenges and students' diverse needs, success is not simple - but that much more special when it happens, which occurs daily. Much relies upon the willingness of the teachers to challenge themselves and the tremendous parent involvement. An unfortunate occasional ill-effect of the volunteerism may be that some parents feel left out. Ideally, we all keep reaching out to each other, learning from each other, healing, and growing sronger together. The opportunity and desire are very much there.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the review posted on 10/7/12. We heard such wonderful things about this school, and at the open house we attended we were told that this school was different from other Sacramento schools in that they don't just "teach to the test." So far our experience could not be more different. High-pressure academics - in kindergarten! - with a focus on eventual standardized tests. Too much homework, too much pressure, teacher who loses her temper in class. If this is kindergarten I can't imagine what sixth grade will be like.
—Submitted by a parent

We had read the reviews on here for Theodore Judah and were excited that our son would be attending school here. That excitement has diminished. The hallways smell like urine and so do the areas around the building. The students and teachers seem to be nice but many of the parents are cold and on the "snobby" side. It's okay but nothing that lives up to the hype.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been very happy with our experience at Theodore Judah. My son had a wonderful kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Marshall, who made sure that he was challenged. And he loves the after school program at the Children's Center with Ms. Gretchen, Ms. Unique and Ms. Irene. All of the parents are very involved and allow the school to offer a lot of enrichment activities that they would not otherwise have the staffing for.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the true neighborhood school that every parent dreams about sending their kid to. Parent / community participation is one of the defining features of TJ as well the quality of teachers and staff. Could not be happier
—Submitted by a parent

My son just began school here 2 months ago. In that short time, he has started reading, watched caterpillars turn into butterflies, tended to his school garden, auditioned for a play, participated in running club and marched in a wonderful Halloween Parade around the school. He has made great friends, loves his PM Kindergarten , and is learning so fast I can barely keep up. When he started in September, he didn't even know all the alphabet! I heartily disagree that this school is cliquish~the activities are all there for EVERYONE to take advantage of and getting involved is important. Like any great school, this one relies on family's making it a fantastic place to send your kids. Parents here are truly passionate about this school. This is public education at its best and brightest.
—Submitted by a parent

This school seems to give preferential treatment to the Caucasian students and families. Very cliquish!

My son just started Kindergarten and he has been learning the Pledge of Allegiance so I'm not sure about the previous posters assertion that this is not allowed. We love the school so far! The principal is awesome!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is good school but we are moving our children out. We are a military family and were shocked that our child was not allowed to recite the Pledge of Allegiance in class. There was also a class room that had several flags of another country hung up yet no American flag. We want our children in a school promotes American pride and patriotism more than this one. The Principal is really nice and the parent involvement is great, just disappointed in the pledge issue and the fact that the teacher was rude when we inquired.
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing community feeling at this school. Off the charts parent involvement that has enhanced the students classroom learning with Art, Science, Garden, Music and Greening the School Programs.
—Submitted by a parent

Outstanding & hardworking team (parents, teachers & staff)
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers, students and faculty are great. It's a great place to learn and for children to thrive
—Submitted by a parent

Theodore Judah Elementary School has endured many difficulties in the past decade that my children have been attending. The school's students, parents, teachers and staff, have come together as a community to not only overcome these difficutlies, but also improve its student scores and the environment as a whole. The school is constantly improving academically, socially, and in its facilities. The one element that stands out for me is the parental involvement that we have at our school. Their positive, can do attitude reinforce, and sometimes enhance, the cirriculum that the teachers and staff present to our children. This is truly a community school, that has excelled because of its teachers, staff, parents, and the children of this community.
—Submitted by a parent

Theodore Judah is a true community school, with much needed enrichment programs supported directly through community and parent volunteerisim, monetary support and in-kind donations. It's also a small community where teachers, parents, and students are responsive to and supportive of one another. It's reassuring to be on campus where the principal, teachers, staff, other parents, and other students know my children by name and my child knows them.
—Submitted by a parent

I have loved this school since I was a student here in the 60's. This has always been a community of very supportive parents and teachers. Most of the staff have been here for 13 or more years. Many of us have graduate degrees and all of us have CLAD or BCLAD certification. We all love our school, the community and our students. Theodore Judah is the best elementary school anywhere, the teachers teach the required curriculum with passion, and the parents through the PTA are very involved in our school with great art, science, physical education,music and garden programs...Its a great place!
—Submitted by Gregory Miller, a parent

We LOVE our NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL. It is community at its best! Very diverse in students as well as in programs. Awesome Science and Garden program, and wonderful Arts program as well. Have been there for many years, and have another kinder ready to start in the fall.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school. My step children when there and now my dughter does too.
—Submitted by a parent

We have a great community of kids and parents who are willing to put in the extra time it takes to make a difference!
—Submitted by a parent

T.J. is a wonderful community for my son. He is encouraged to thirve and be a kind citizen.
—Submitted by a parent