Caroline Wenzel Elementary School

During the blending of Caroline Wenzel with Bear Flag Elementary, emotions and frustrations were high. However, that was over five years ago and our school has morphed into a wonderful learning environment. Our students are engaged and happy. Our staff is dedicated and caring. Creative, innovative and thought provoking activites are always taking place. The surrounding neighborhood and park provides a lush, positive playground experience as well. I feel very fortunate to be a member of our Caroline Wenzel team.
--Submitted by a teacher

The best thing about Wenzel is the principal, Judy Montgomery. She's very hands-on, proactive, and sincerely cares about the children's learning. The downside is the lack of parental involvement and almost no extracurricular enrichment activities (GATE, band, chorus, computers, etc).
--Submitted by a parent

This is my first visit to greatschools and I was appaled at some of the comments made about Caroline Wenzel School. My children transfered here from Bear Flag when the schools were combined. I found many of the original Wenzel parents to be rude and judgemental about the children from Bear Flag. They often refered to them as "those" children. Principal Montgomery has been working hard with her staff to meet the changing and challenging demands of an economically and ethnically diverse student and parent poulation. She has had to make some tough decisions, including addressing some very inapproriate, rude, and disrespectful parents that feel they are entitled to be above the expectations for behavior. My kids love the teachers and the principal. Learning is fun at Wenzel and the expectations high. Principal Montgomery is not afraid to handle issues head on as she is fully commited to supporting an environment that is inclusive of all children and one that promotes ethical development as well as academic development.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter started Kindergarten here this year. While I think her teacher is amazing, and Principal Montgomery is very congenial and easy to speak to, the front desk staff are NOT. If you don't need anything (like a volunteer sign up sheet or a place to park while you deliver water to your daughter's class while you are pregnant and in need of assistance or a cart or a spot to pull up closer), you are out of luck with the main clerk. She's unhelpful, non-collegial, not forthcoming, and likely to raise an eyebrow that you're making any sort of request, and you'll give up. Additionally, the assistant in the front office last Spring sent me back to Kaiser 2X to get my daughter's vaccine records up to date....WHEN She just couldn't READ a record. Teachers, principal and 4thR=great. Can the staff.
--Submitted by a parent

My own children went there and now my grandchildren are attending. This is a fantastic school with caring teachers.

I interned at this elementary school in the Healthy Start Resource Center, and it was a great school. Some really awesome teachers, and very sweet students. I found the principal to be very approachable and professional.

Principal Montgomery and her staff of teachers have done a wonderful job in constantly improving the quality of education at Caroline Wenzel. Recent test scores are proof of that. I've observed the teacher student relationship to be outstanding. As a parent I would encourage all parents to get involved as much as possible to support the effort.
--Submitted by a parent

Great Principal, Awesome Teachers and Staff and involved parents is what makes this school great! My daughter has done fantastic and is advanced in all subjects. She is happy and loves her teacher. My son is in Kinder and loves it! He looks forward to going to school everyday and learning. They both do! That's the kind of feedback that matters the most! They hardly go on any field trips but at least the school is still open! With all the budget cuts you have to count your blessings.
--Submitted by a parent

The Pricipal here is very rude and short on comments when asked about certain problems in school. She does not seem like a caring principal more like an employee working for a check! They do have a very sweet and caring teacher there name Mrs. Marshall she loves those kids truely! We need more teachers and principals like that!
--Submitted by a parent

My dughters started at this school when they were in 1st & 2nd grades. They are in 5th & 6th now. Our principal is wonderful and she works her butt off along with the rest of the staff. They have very hard jobs and have to deal with a lot on a daily basis. So I tip my hat to everyone at Caroline Wenzel :)
--Submitted by a parent