Glenwood Elementary School

We used to spend $25k a year to send our son to private school, but when we got into Glenwood, we decided to support the foundation and PTA of this great public school instead. We love this school and consider ourselves fortunate to have such a dedicated principal and staff. The principal actually rallies the kids every single morning and is a bit of a rock-star to the students, which means they respect him. My son adores going to school and we feel good about the basics as well as the extras available here.
--Submitted by a parent

Glenwood is a California public school which only continues to improve. The faculty is first rate, led by a progressive and dedicated Principal. The enrichment and quality of Education is first rate. Glenwood balances a curriculum which is academically focused, and stimulates positive child development. The State BOE should take a close look at Glenwood, as again, this is a California public school that got it right! Cons??.... are you kidding :0) My wife and I consider it a privilege to send our son to the finest elementary school in all of Marin, and possibly the state.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two sons in Glenwood and they have really worked hard to make learning interesting for each boy. One is in Gate while the other is doing very well. Where he has issues, the teachers work to build capabilities. I can not have asked for more out of a school than what Glenwood has provided.
--Submitted by a parent

After almost three years at Glenwood, the pros and cons are sinking in. The pros: Glenwood is a fabulous school academically with test scores time and again among the top among elementary schools in Marin County. A wonderfully dedicated staff makes the learning experience that much greater. Lots of parent involvement in the way of volunteering in the classroom and at fundraising and community building events. The cons: the geographic community from which the school draws its population is itself is very condensed, in places fairly homogeneous socioeconomically, and a bit isolated from the rest of San Rafael. This makes for a very tight community that at times can seem exclusive, particularly if one does not live in the Glenwood neighborhood or in neighboring communities nearby. This can be overcome by oneself becoming very involved, but it can take work to fit in if you do not live in the neighborhood.
--Submitted by a parent

Like a private school, with 10 out of 10 API numbers, huge parent involvement, which is a big reason this school is a Blue Ribbon Credentialed school. Their principal has been around for a long time, and their program are very consistent, and their standard is very high.
--Submitted by a parent

Glenwood Elementary is a safe, loving, supportive school where children are respected for their unique qualities and are challenged to be the best students and community members they can be. The teachers are caring and and dedicated and Kathy O'Keefe the principal is warm, kind, enthusiastic, very approachable and highly respected for her dedication and commitment to the school. The community of parents is welcoming and very involved, consisting not only of families living in the general vicinity of the school, but from the entire city of San Rafael. The active PTA helps fund such programs as: computer, art and science specialists, a week away of outdoor education for 5th graders, fun and educational field trips for all classes, hospitality events to welcome new parents, and fun community-building events like the annual hoedown and ice cream socials. We are so happy at Glenwood!
--Submitted by a parent

Glenwood Elementary is an outstanding school. Every one of the staff memebers is dedicated to providing individual attention to their students. My child struggled with reading, and was quickly put into a free, after-school tutoring program that greatly increased her ability and confidence in reading. There is a wonderful music program with instruction in recorders, reading music, piano, trumpet, guitar, and others. Foreign language programs are offered before regular school hours. Regular PE classes are offered twice a week, and there is an after school sports program available for a fee. Glenwood is a wonderful school for my two children, and we are delighted to have them attend.
--Submitted by a parent

There is nothing about Glenwood that I don't like, except it only goes to 5th grade! The academic programs are geared to the different levels of competence. They are comitted to offering a great music, computer scienc and physical education program. Kathy O'Keefe is on top of everything! I can't believe that the parent involvement is any greater in any other school@!
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent programs and staff.
--Submitted by a parent

This is an awesome school. This is my kids second year attending at Glenwood, and I just can't tell you how much they enjoy it. We moved here last July from the Valley and I will say this, They actually love to go to school. Principal, teachers and parents are great. Just a very organized school and located in a beautiful area.
--Submitted by Terri Perez, a parent