George C. Marshall Elementary School

My twins are attending this school in Kinder, I've never been so disappointed. The school lacks discipline, structure, and underfunded. The classroom smells horrible and the kids are coming home with the inclass homework blank. If parents don't volunteer than the teacher can't get the kids to do their work? If I can't get them transferred then I am going to homeschool.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is underfunded, understaffed, and way overrated- more like a 3, not a 7. I've had it and we will not be returning to this school next year. Caution to other military families- please send your child elsewhere or homeschool. Our school isn't "poor" enough to receive many of the programs offered to other schools in the area. The school suffers because our free lunch program hovers below the 50% that schools needs to get extra help. So we suffer! If you do send your child here, be prepared to spend 10-12 hours a week volunteering so that you can know what's going on in the school. There is no communication and it is VERY disorganized. And be prepared to be one of the 8 people who do all the volunteer work to keep the school afloat.
--Submitted by a parent

I was very disappointed in this school. As a Monterey Bay native I had high expectations for Marshall. My child had very bad experiences here and we have left the entire district due to the lack of response of the principal and the school board. I would not recommend this school to anyone. The teachers are good for the most part but I just didn't feel that my children were safe there.
--Submitted by a parent

We chose this school for the dual language program and I have been somewhat pleased with the academic outcomes our child has achieved; however, we are very disappointed with the overall experience. Our child has done well because we are so actively involved, but we are concerned for the other families that don't have the same involvement.The school environment is not inviting and the school philosophy is not expressed. It makes us very sad that it didn't work out for us and we are thankful that we have found alternate program, but we sincerely hope that the dual language program succeed. It's a great program, but it needs a lot more support and more effective teachers.
--Submitted by a parent

This school definitely doesn't deserve a 7. Maybe a 4 and that's generous! Should've listened to word of mouth. We waited until the end of the year for these comments to be fair and objective; I'm afraid in this case we can't be..It would be easy to point the finger at the principal, the teachers, other parents, etc. but the reality is they're overcrowded, under-funded and under-staffed. Additionally they don't have/make time! We didn't pay so, we got exactly what we "didn't pay for" a repeat year for our child since she's now far behind her peers! Time lost that will never be replaced! We'd have been better off home schooling or investing the $6000 per semester at the local Catholic school. Never seen it this bad in 16 years in the military. In terms of education, Marshall elementary is right on par with another local school that was shut down during the school year for being so terrible! It could use a complete revamping inside and out. I can't believe the military funds this dump should've known when we were greeted by the school dumpsters- yes right in front of the school!! Caution parents research 1st. Hate to do this because I'm sure the staff tries but...still bad!
--Submitted by a parent

True that the Principle is sorely lacking in leadership skills, but also there are issues with some parents. One parent claims the teachers aren't good enough. Evidence shows she is on the internet attacking & trolling messages boards using multiple screen names. She should be more involved with her two children & their school work instead of using the time to troll online & neglect them.
--Submitted by a parent

This school need to have a better leader in order to put the school at their best. Principle does not enforce discipline enough especially for trouble student, who doesn't know any better.Budget cut from CA State make it worse. My suggestion, if you have any other choice, Marshall would be your the least desirable one.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has been at Marshall for 2 years, both years we have been extremely pleased with the teachers. Every teacher I've met at Marshall really seems to care and to do their best. There seem to be a lot of complaints about the principle on this website, the truth is that he cares about the kids and I believe he's doing his best given very tough circumstances. Could he be a stronger leader? Yes. Year in/year out, the PTA is wonderful, they work wonders supporting the school when budget and personnel shortfalls cause problems.
--Submitted by a parent

The Principle: lacks the leadship and motivation necessary to run a school under so many challenges. I truyly believe the principle cares but his action fail miserably in comparison to his words. He has made promisses and has failed to follow through. He is forgetful and at times dismissive. When busing funds were limited and no busing was to occur within 2 miles of the school, the principle took little to no action in making the drop off procedures safe for students. In the first week I brought ideas and solutions to the problem and his response was a 'wait and see' approach. After making calls through the school district and military I saw no less than 4 of my proposals utilized but it took children nearly being run over and a host of other traffic issues before anything was done. there is so much more but not enough space...
--Submitted by a parent

If you send your kids to Marshall, be ready to be extremely active in the education process of your children -- if you want them to have a quality education. The principal is forgetful, indecisive, and misleading. He needs constant oversight from parents or he won't do the things he promises to do. Teachers are generally pretty good, but some fall in to the Union mentality-- 'it's not in my contract' -- so parents have to fill those contract gaps to make things happen. Be active and involved and the kids will benefit-- despite the obstacles the administration, budget and policies present.
--Submitted by a parent