Ledesma (Rita) Elementary School

It has an unbeatable location. The safe neighborhood with no passing traffic literally embraces the school. Quiet and calm. No junior/senior high schools / commercial zone are within the neighborhood. So this keeps kids safe from any unnecessary external factors. It is surprising to see big variations in the reviews. The building is relatively new - maybe 13 years old. I went to the info session, and learned about the coursework. The coursework is more focused on the academics. I know some parents want more play time rather than academics - to me, I prefer the emphasis on academics considering the pretty low California performance compared to the national average. One disadvantage I noticed about the school is, it does not have nice big trees that serves as natural shading in the playground. So kids can easily get tanning - if you like.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is now and is in the 6th grade and has been attending Ledesma since kindergarten. She came home on the first day, asking me to teach her addition. Boy, was I surprised. She told me she had found several students much smarter than her and wanted to improve. And so she did. First grade, she learned and memorized multiplication and division. Second grade, it was all fractions and decimals. I couldn't see why she should stay in the same grade. I tried to get her to go into 3rd grade, but she just plain refused. There was another girl, smarter than her still, and to this day, she is still trying to beat that same girl. Both of them, at age 11, are taking algebra 1, although they both know all the way up to geometry. They are straight A students, no, rather straight A+ students. A+ on every subject of their report cards. I think this is the result of a loving atmosphere, that makes them anxious to go to school everyday. Ledesma has made these two girls nearly geniuses. Also the school has a nice setting. Green grass and a good track. Easy to run on, especially during the annual Walk-A-Thon, which is very popular and the follow up carnival the same day. Ledesma is amazing.
--Submitted by a parent

The new principal of this school Ms. McEntee is very pleasant, professional and nice.She always finds a way to call back the same day or the next day if you leave her a message with any kind of concern. She tries hard to resolve the issue right there and then. This school might have a better future with her leadership than the past principal.
--Submitted by a parent

For the parents who are claiming that their kids went from an F from another school to an A to this school, you better check up on your children because the quality of the education that this school provides is actually very low. My daughter came from a different public school while we were living in another county. This school being in the bay area and in a nice neighborhood, we had high expectation but to our dismay the teaching quality and the education itself was below average that's why everything was so easy for her. We had another teacher analyze the school works that they are sending home with my daughter, some of the works are designed for the lower grade level that she is on.
--Submitted by a parent

I am parent of a third grader at Ledesma. Reading the reviews I am saddened by the misinformation that is being shared about the principal. Raising a child in such a complex world is hard enough, so when you find a school & individuals that deeply care about students, it's like finding a diamond in the rough. Ledesma and it's WONDERFUL principal are just that to my daughter and I. She absolutely ENJOYS the school and seeing her come home happy with so much to tell me about what she learning, that's an indicator that they're doing something right. I have personally spoken with the principal and she has gone above and beyond to help us. I have seen her interact with staff, parents, & kids, and have never witnessed her act in the ways described. She treats the kids with the outmost respect, deeply cares about their learning and is willing to help in any way she can. She prioritizes the learning of kids and takes care of her community with a RUTHLESS COMPASSION that is admirable. So, my challenge is: parents get to know her...ask the children what they think, I'm sure they'd agree with me and will probably be embarrassed by their parents lies and actions on this site, I know I am!
--Submitted by a parent

Wow, I am shocked to read the negative reviews posted by a couple of reviewers. I work closely with the principal of Ledesma and have NEVER witnessed any of the behaviors and attitudes ascribed to her. She is accessible, warm, caring, and accountable. Trying to ruin her reputation on a forum like this is unkind and shameful. My recommendation to anyone who has a problem is to simply talk with her about it. My bet is that you will find her to be the wonderful person I know her to be.
--Submitted by a parent

The two people who wrote negative reviews regarding the principle could not be more wrong. Our kids have attended Ledesma since 2001 and it has been the best Elementary School experience we could ever dream of for them. The currentl principle is the best the school has had. Fair, honest, accessible, extremely appreciative of the partents who volunteer and always looks out for the best interest of the students. If people have a problem with the school or principle they should contact her directly to discuss the matter. She will absolutely listen and work with them. Blasting her in a forum is childish.
--Submitted by a parent

I love Rita Ledesma Elementary great teachers! great school! great principal! my oldest son went there my daughter still goes there i can't wait for my youngest to start at Rita Ledesma . thumbs up for Rita Ledesma !
--Submitted by a parent

Both my kids attend Ledesma Elementary school. My son is now in 6th grade and has been going to Ledesma since Kindergarten. Ledesma has excellent and caring teachers. The curriculum is challenging and effective. t Parent volunteers are unified and community support is outstanding. Go Ledesma!!
--Submitted by a parent

I am shocked to read a Ledesma parent saying such a negative comment about the new principal. She is the warmest and kindest person and leads the school in such a positive demeanor. The teachers are so happy because of her leadership and the school has gone up 20 points on the API. My daughter loves her and I am a very involved parent who feels she has done a great job of reaching out to the community. A+ for the Principal!!!
--Submitted by a parent