Baldwin (Julia) Elementary School

This school doesn't have the staff or budget to teach children. Each year I donate $500 or more in supplies. I don't mind the buying of supplies but my daughter falls more and more behind each year. Classes are chaos with almost 30 students per class and no aids. The principle's solution to this is uniforms because normal clothes distract children. I hate switching my daughter's school but it has to be done. "Julia Baldwin students are bound for college." But only if they don't need any extra help with learning.
—Submitted by a parent

My child's kindergarten teacher is awesome! Not only does the teacher make sure children are ready academically, but also helps them make good decisions. I was told that the teachers do Positive Behavior Intervention Support. She was reading at level one before November. My child's teacher is patient with the different children's stage of development and abilities. I have observed other teachers and they are consistent with their expectations. I watched an assembly today and saw the principal encourage respect, responsibility and safety in between students groups' transitions. I am glad my child is here. They even have a preschool starting at age 3. Some afterschool activities include Young Rembrandts for grades 1-6, the Academy for children who need support with literacy, and ballet folklorico for the Cinco de Mayo festival. I was told the school has a basketball team in the spring. We are proud to be a Panther family! After school activity buses are available if the child is regularly bussed into school. The school staff, including the school secretary, health clerk and yard duty is amazing! There is a home and school club, site council, Latino and Koffee Klatch for parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Baldwin is a very good school with caring and supportive staff. My son has been attending this school since kindergarten and is now in third grade. He simply loves it !
—Submitted by a parent

Read the review below and feel compelled to respond. First, it's a South San Jose School, not Los Gatos or Campbell were money flows freely, but where ethnic minorities can barely make their mortgages and do not, often, contribute to their child's education . Ever heard the phrase "Focus Student"? If you feel the school needs more money, make a financial contribution to your child's classroom and make a difference. If you feel the school needs supplies, donate supplies to your child's classroom and make a difference. How about donating your time in the class and on the playground. Now we're talking. Takes very little effort to complain. Takes more effort to become involved/engaged and this is what really matters. A parent who is actively involved at school is demonstrating to their child the importance of education; they're leading by example. Do ALL parents know the standards for their child progressing to the next grade level and are they actively involved in their child reaching this level? If you are not aware of these standards and are not actively working with your child's teacher on them at every grade level, you are on a long/difficult trip w/ an unknown destination!
—Submitted by a parent

I was excited for my son to go to Baldwin. Unfortunately that excitement turned to disappointment after he started. We liked his teacher but she has 28 students and no teachers aid. We felt like we were going back wards from what we had in his preschool. He was bored. The majority of his class mates did not know the alphabet, numbers or how to write their names. I blame the parents for that but in a class of almost 30 students he was not getting the attention we wanted him to get. It seems like this school is stuck in a rut. They need new ideas to bring in funds, supplies, and get some teachers aids for goodness sakes. The teacher student ratio is just sad IMHO. I think they need to look at the "Charter School" models for ideas on how to better run this school more efficiently. We felt compelled to remove him from this school and place him some where that was going to give him the attention and stimulation he craved and that is exactly what we did. I know of 3 other parents from his class who felt the same and believe me this is a toned down review. Sorry Baldwin there is much room for improvement.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is attending Kindergarten here. I love their lesson plans, my son started level 20 books in just 4 months. Teachers are very helpful and the principal is always cheerfl.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in her second year of attendance at the special education pre-school program. I can not express to you the patience, inteligence and love that these teachers give every day. When my daughter first came to baldwin(3yrs old) she was saying very few words and could not follow simple directions or even tell me if she was a girl or a boy! Within 6 months of being in the program, she was clearly communicating more and I was finally able to get to know the little girl that was just waiting to come out. She still has some work to do, but I can not imagine where we would be without this school. The spirit of this school, from the secretary all the way up to the principal, is pure love. Thank you Baldwin!
—Submitted by a parent

I have four children ranging in age from 6-20. I have never been more impressed with a school! The principal is wonderful, helpful, firm, but super friendly. It's evident in how many student love to come up to her and give her a hug. The teachers really do care and the parents are getting more and more involved.
—Submitted by Jennifer Vazquez, a parent

My son is in the Pre-K at Baldwin. It has been amazing the changes I've seen in him. His speech has improved as well as his social skills and behavoir. It's amazing and I would definately recommend this school to other parents.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has excellent programs for its students. I have seen Baldwin change over the years. I have had 3 children attend Baldwin from K-6. I currently have 2 children attending Baldwin this year. I am glad that they attend this school, however I do not agree with how the new principal Mrs. Wright runs the school. I think she is taking out the fun my children had at this school. A lot of old Baldwin traditions were stopped due to what Mrs. Wright believed. All in all, I am really proud to have my students attend Baldwin. I just hope we can get those test scores up.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children that go to Baldwin one is in Kindergarten and one in 1st grade.Baldwin is a school where the children come first. The children are encouraged to do their personal best without being labeled as the smart or dumb kids. The entire staff works hard to bring out the best in each child. The principal, my kids teachers, front office secretary are wonderful with my children, its a blessing to have you all here with our children. She is a great example of a leader. Thank you for all the great support the staff has given my family.
—Submitted by a parent

My son started Kindergarten this year at Baldwin. I am happy to report that all of the K teacher's here are great! Eventhough he just turned, 5 he is already reading. I look forward to his continued success.
—Submitted by a parent

Julia Baldwin is a large school where children are kept safe. The principal is warm and friendly. The student population is quite diverse. The connection with students' families is not as strong as it could be. Overall, there is strong community involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

I am disappointed to hear that Baldwin's API score has declined from last year's, especially since 90% of all schools improved.
—Submitted by a parent

I currently have a child at Baldwin and another who attended k through 6th. For the most part I have been extremely happy with the school programs (like music and science fairs) and delighted with the teachers. Ms. Ross, the current principal, was an excellent addition to the school. Ms. Ross is firm but kind with the students and responsive, helpful, and friendly with parents. One thing that I'd like to see change is the 'common dress' concept. The children are forced to wear over priced and often undurable dress. The rules keep adding more color options which makes the common dress much less distinctive than uniforms. What is the point if they don't look common any longer? Also, as another parent mentioned, I am unhappy with the limited playground use, as my daughter is in the upper grades now. She tells me that upper graders can no longer use the playground equipment, which we find terribly unfair. I'm also unhappy with the lunch staff as I feel they rush children too quickly as they're eating.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been very happy with Baldwin. My children have always had wonderful, dedicated and caring teachers. The one thing I dislike about the school is having the primary grade and upper grade students alternate use of the one playground structure. Children should have a playground to play on everyday, not just every other day!
—Submitted by a parent

Regarding leadership development, the Principal and teachers do an excellent job. The fun activities promote self confidence, mind development, and human potential.