Carlton Elementary School

The success of this school is attributed to both the teachers, parents and staff who have developed a system that focuses on tapping into a child's motivation to achieve. The one major fund-raising event organized by the Home and School Club is such that is able to provide for other school programs (i.e. Music, Reading, Physical Education) that have been cut due to budgetary constraints. The tight-knit community at this school fosters and encourages involvement without the social pressure. There is a good mix of ethnic diversity at this school and the children learn anti-bullying skills that prepare them for middle school. Also, the STAR Testing scores are in the mid 900s!
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are very dedicated and talented. They strive to bring out the best in each student. This opinion is based on 4 years experience as a parent of a Carlton student. Being a former high school teacher, I know that it can be a challenge to motivate students since each student has their own interests, talents and learning modalities, for example. Carlton has a new principal this year (2011) and I have not had enough interaction with her to rate her leadership at this time.
--Submitted by a parent

My oldest is only in first grade, but I have been favorably impressed with our experience at Carlton so far. There is a portion of the parents who are actively involved, and plenty of opportunity for others to become involved. The atmosphere on campus is safe, supportive, and encouraging. The teachers and staff do a great job of instilling a love of learning and encouraging students to participate thoroughly in their educational opportunities. We have considered private schools as well as moving to neighboring districts and have concluded that we can't do appreciably better.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 kids attending Carlton and have been very pleased with the teachers as well as the academics. The teachers have really partnered with me if I have things I need to work on with my kids in very postive ways. I have sensed a general commodore amongst the staff as well as the teachers genuinely enjoying the kids and what they do. In addition I have been very impressed with parental involvement as well as it being a very welcoming place and easy to get connected.
--Submitted by a parent

While I can't disagree with many of the comments below - I can say that the experience for my family has been different. It is difficult to say but I believe it is because we are not caucasian . The community as a whole is quite homogenous and not as open as you would expect - in the bay area. Attitudes of the parents range from indifference to un-inclusive towards the kids. The books in the classroom where race is the theme - have the tone of condescending superiority. Topics like civil rights are taught - from a very specific perspective. These things have the effect of alienating the children (those from a visible minority) and putting more of a divide where there shouldn't be. The teachers and the principal were uncomfortable to discuss this and did not want to take any steps to improve the situation.
--Submitted by a parent

The education at this school is excellent and the students and teachers are very nice.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been at Carlton Avenue since August 2005. I can't say enough about how great the school is. The parents and teachers are great, Ms. Ito is totally awesome. The school helps promote a community environment for the parents, children and teachers. Thank you. I look forward to many more happy years there.
--Submitted by a parent

While I do think the teachers are wonderful, I have been disappointed in the academics. They do help those who are behind or need extra support, they do nothing to meet the needs of those students who are ahead or need to be challenged. I have spent so much of my own time supplementing in basic areas such as english and math. I believe that the state standards are too low which is not Carlton's fault. However I think each child's needs should be met, not just those who are behind.
--Submitted by a parent

My two kids have been at Carlton for 1 1/2 years. I am very pleased by the support from the principal and teachers. I feel that they really listen to ideas that I have to better our school community. We have a media center with computers that the kids use once a week, they also attend music once a week and have concerts per grade level. The parent involvement is good, but like all school could improve.
--Submitted by a teacher

Carlton is a great school. It truly is a little community here. Our Principal Cathy Stewart has been a welcomed addition to this school.
--Submitted by a parent