Peabody (George) Elementary School

Hi, former student here! I'm now in high school. I want to say that George Peabody has given me so many memories that always make me smile whenever I think of them. It is tremendously terrific school because everyday was a day of learning and everyday was a day of fun. Your child will love it, I know I did. (5th grade teacher Mr.Gelfand is awesome! I wonder if he still has silent lion, the class pet!) -former student

It's no secret that Peabody is referred to as a public private school. If you are lucky enough to have your kid(s) attend this school, you also know you must assume responsibility to ensure its success continues. About 8 years ago, parents got together, determined to make Peabody what it is today: a small school with an incredible principal, fantastic teachers and has a community of parents who commit to raising over $200k/year. And the fundraising is from bake sales every few weeks, but by simply writing a check to the school for at least $1000, and often much more. Giving even $10k a year is still cheaper than a private school, and knowing all the other parents are also giving the most they can in time and money to the school means you get to send your kid to a school of devoted, grounded families who become your friends and community, who share your same educational values and provide the school with the resources and support it needs to ensure our children receive the best education possible.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at Peabody. What a fantastic school! There is such a great sense of community here. There is alot of parent involvement. The teachers are dedicated. The students are engaged, happy and learning. With less than 300 students for K-5, this school is on the small side, but it is all to the benefit of the kids.

My son is really enjoying kindergarten at Peabody. He actually gets out of the car every day and runs into the playground -- he's so excited every day to learn, to play, to see his friends. Peabody was our first choice because of its small size, small class size, community feel, its reputation as a really good school, and Principal Vroegh, who sets a very high bar of excellence, pride, dedication, and caring. Peabody is a place you just want to be part of. It's down to earth and fun and we feel really lucky to be a part of the community.
—Submitted by a parent

we loved this school for the year my son was in kindergarten 2009-10. we moved to walnut creek, not because of any problem with the school. because we wanted better real estate. anyway, i know i will miss it. it was our first choice in the lottery and it was a great year.
—Submitted by a parent

Peabody is a real beacon of learning. We live across town, and got a spot at Peabody by accident. Accident or no, we could not be happier. Our daughter's teachers are engaged, responsive and the principal, Mr. Vroegh, knows every child. She is thriving as are her friends and classmates, no matter where they are on the learning spectrum. And the parent community is active and positive. There are just wonderful families there - people and kids you are happy to know, and know better every year. I feel confident that my child (and our younger child following behind her sister) will be well-educated, supported and seen at Peabody.
—Submitted by a parent

It's a small public school with a fantastic principal and teachers. My daughter has learned so much in the past 2 years at the school and she loves school. The PTA is extremely strong which supports many after school classes, such as piano, spanish, yoga, art, sports, tree frog trek, chess and many others. We love it
—Submitted by a parent

This school has be absolutely wonderful and an amazing transition into kindergarten for our daughter and our family. The principal is outstanding and very actively involved, we love our daughter's teacher - she comes home with stories and pride in what she's absorbed each day. Everything from the garden, wonderful Coach Mary, Ms. Wong, Ms. Wanda, Ms. Tam, Nori caring for our kids on the play structure - the library, inviting PTA and absolute sense of community, we truly feel blessed to be a part of this school.
—Submitted by a parent

A wonderful place to work. Parent and staff working together to make a joyful and educational environment. The curriculum goes above and beyond the california standards with amazing ties to the arts and sciences.
—Submitted by a teacher

George Peabody is a school that develops community among its children, parents and staff. The leadership of the principal, Willem Vroegh is outstanding.

When we started at George Peabody two years ago, I was a little concerned because it was such a small school. I wondered if it would have the resources to be a truly great school. The PTA president at the time told me the size is actually an asset. It is much easier to turn a small boat than an ocean liner. In just 2 years we have seen remarkable additions to the school: a new play structure, a new learning garden, and unique after school enrichment offerings (from drama, to Tree Frog Treks to lion dancing). The teachers and the principal are fantastic. The parent participation and enthusiasm put added shine on this gem.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a current parent of 2 boys grades 7 and 10. This school has a very positive atmosphere and a feeling of a closeknit family. Much better than private schools, IMHO. :-)
—Submitted by a parent

My child is in their final year at peabody. After 6 years here, I think it was a good place for him most of the time. There were some rough times I don't feel were handled properly, and I would not send younger children here in the future while certain staff remain. Overall though I feel my child got a good education, was able to particiapte in some great activities like the LEAP Sandcastle competition in Oct, the rebuilding of the school playground in Nov, being part of painting & beautifying the school the past 4 years. The teachers are good at getting the kids that need extra help the attention they need. Challenging the ones that need it. And helping the ones in between excel on their own terms.
—Submitted by a parent

This is our second year at George Peabody and we are very happy that our child is here. His kindergarten teacher was so experienced and I am continually amazed at what he was able to achieve under her leadership. We love the small community. The principal knows most everyone and is very involved as are most of the parents. The only drawback is lack of green space, but you can only fit so much into a small urban school yard, and plans are almost complete for adding a learning garden next to the new play structure.
—Submitted by a parent

We are a new Kindergarten family at George Peabody so we're only a few weeks into the school year but we have been incredibly impressed with the school so far. It's small enough that very quickly our daughter felt at home. The Principal knows every child's name and is a constant presence around the school. The after school programs have been amazing and the parent participation is very active. Our family has felt incredibly welcomed in our new school.
—Submitted by a parent

Peabody is a very small and unique school that is special in its committment to excellence and detail. The Principal is an excellent leader and is open to new ideas. The PTA is strong, providing a variety of extracurricular activities, after school classes, and weekend events. I feel the school is a little bubble of peace and security for my children to be. They are both thriving and happy. I feel my 5th grader is well prepared for middle school. With few exceptions, the teachers are great! I wish though the public scool system left for time for things like science fairs and special projects, but the curricullum is too full for this. I have found parent participation is key to the success of the children's grades. I highly recommend GP for any prospective parents with young children.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent principal. We've had excellent teachers and okay teachers. This year many students and parents have had problems with this teacher being unfair and keeping the children in for lunch and 10-20minutes late every day after school to do work because she does not budget her classtime well. There are a lot of extra-ciriccular activities but some families feel forced to participate so the school can justify funding them all. But my child is happy and thriving, doing very well academicaly & socialy, and that is what is most important. I may or may not concider sending a future child here.
—Submitted by a parent

When I began the process of finding the right school for my daughter, I was convinced that I needed to get her into one of the 'alternative schools'. However, after touring George Peabody and speaking with some of the parents, I realized what a great little school it is. In the short time that she has been in Kindergarten, I have been thrilled with the quality of her education and the overall learning & social environment. Peabody provides a great integrative arts program, physical education and solid academics. It's warm and nurturing and small enough to provide individual attention to all the students. Most importantly, my daughter is learning and excited to go to school every day.
—Submitted by a parent

Our kindergartner is thriving here! Her teacher is outstanding; the Principal is incredibly engaged and committed; the PTA is welcoming, hard-working, and down-to-earth. We loved her school in Palo Alto, but Peabody offers even more to kids in the way of sports, arts, and even languages despite its fewer material resources. Peabody reflects many of the city's Asian and Eastern European cultures (though I wish there were more African-American and Latino/a students -- come join us, families of color!). One of our favorite features of the school is the Splash Award program. Teachers and staff give out these awards to students whom they 'catch' doing the right thing -- acting responsibly, caring for others, trying their best. The principal reads the names of the kids at the brief assembly each morning before school. We're so happy to be living in the city as part of the small, vibrant Peabody community.
—Submitted by a parent

We feel lucky to have our child at Peabody. Our child has communication challenges and is shy but is thriving. The speech staff, teachers and principal seem to know how to help. The small school size seems to help our child feel comfortable.
—Submitted by a parent