Washington Elementary School

I have two grandsons currently enrolled in Washington. Both teachers have been extremely helpful in giving my boys the best education possible. They, along with the ELD teacher, are making sure the boys progress as much as possible for their skill level. Thank you to Ms. Shaw, Ms. Sans and the ELD instructors.
--Submitted by a parent

My son just completed Kindergarten at Washington. As an educator, I fully understand the pressures and realities confronted by low performing public schools and was anxious about our decision to send our son to Washington. He ended up having a really wonderful year--he adored his teacher and always looked forward to going to school, excelled academically, and really felt comfortable in the school community and close to his diverse group of peers. I am part of a growing active parent group at the school and have enjoyed being part of a group of parents so committed to improving the school for all. We have a great new principal who is pushing the school in good directions and I believe that the school is getting better and better each year.
--Submitted by a parent

Up until the first day of school, my husband and I were questioning our decision to send our daughter to Washington or to try and transfer to another school. Our concerns dissipated immediately. She had a truly talented and caring kindergarten teacher who worked well with the wide variety of students in her class. By the end of kindergarten, our daughter had a solid foundation for reading and was doing subtraction and some abstract math concepts. Her first grade teacher this year is amazing! With over 25 years of experience, she has created a calm yet enriching learning environment for kids. This year the school has before and after care for kids which is helping working families and is offering Spanish classes four days a week! The school is also adopting an environmental theme that the teachers and the students are excited about. Bottom line, we're glad we stayed.
--Submitted by Morgan Mack-Rose, a parent

Overall our experience at Washington was great. The teachers are very open with parents and readily available for parent/teacher conferences. The academic programs are some what limited in that they do not flourish with tons of extra curricular tutorials; however, they do provide many multi-cultural activities, art classes, and school performances that keep the kids active and stimulated. The parent involvement was great. There were a core group of parents spending quality time for the school each step of the way and other parents volunteering for other services. Washington has a family-like atmosphere and if we had to do it again my daughter, who is graduating from the 5th and attended since the 1st would go again. Note: the student/teacher ration is high therefore, reiterating school work and extra homework was necessary. Again, great teachers!
--Submitted by James, a parent

My son's experience at Washington Elementary School has been very positive. Mrs Perlman's class jumped right into thing's from the start and in a short time there was already a noticeable improvement in my son's writing,reading and mathematical abilities. He really surprised me when he was doing subtraction problems by Christmas, He expresses his newly found knowledge proudly with self confidence which I directly attribute to Mrs. Perlman's teaching style. She really has been a big player in his development of high self esteem. The overall faculty of the school really seem like they care about the students and it shows when you see them interact. One thing that really stands out are the billboards for each class, where the students work is displayed. That really helps the students feel proud of their individual accomplishments. I think Washington School is successfully building a strong scholastic foundation for their students.
--Submitted by Brent Sacrey, a parent

My son is a Kindergartener at Washington Elementary. I am happy with the overall school enviroment. I was not sure upon entering, but after the first week I was content and have been since even more satisfied with my sons education and school community. I am impressed by the teacher and her ability to find time to do alot of one on one work with the students. She is always willing to listen and give and take input on how to help my son comprehend something he may be struggling with. I also like the fact that she uses artistic means of teaching to the class, being all five and six year olds this has proved to be a very effective way of keeping their interest and attention.
--Submitted by Elizabeth, a parent

My son is in Kindergarten at Washington Elementary. We love that it is a small, neighborhood school that represents our diverse community. The teachers are wonderful, and it is so great to be able to walk to your local school. I only wish more families would check it out for themselves, rather than transferring to other schools or going private before giving Washington a chance.
--Submitted by Whitney Walker, a parent

Washington Elementary School in San Leandro is a small school with wonderful staff. The teachers are great and really care about the children. It schows.
--Submitted by a parent

Washington Elementary school is a wonderful school with great caring teachers. Although it took some time, our new 2005-2006 PTA President Alicia Sierra has set the ground work to make the meetings quicker, more effeceient, and more fun to attend. The PTA is evolving into an indispensible resource to Washington Elementary School. It could be even better with more parent involvment. I am sure next year will be even greater.
--Submitted by a parent

We transferred from a private school to Washington when our daughter entered third grade. (The private school was one that runs from preschool through second.) We're happy that we did so. The small school size, the friendly families,the diversity, the dedication of the teaching staff and the principal are all gratifying. No, this is not Head Royce, but my feeling is I want my kids to live in a world of diversity of all kinds, not only among families just like ours. The payoff is knowing we are participating in, battering our neighborhood school. It's a great feeling! Transfering out or staying private would have felt like an abandonment of our own neighborhood and friends. I look around and see so much talent and energy in our area, so many kinds of families. Our local elementary school should reflect our neighborhood! Think how great Washington can be with *everyone* here!
--Submitted by Patricia Bidar, a parent