W. R. Nelson Elementary School

A growing Title I school that is testing high. Teachers actually care. Great kids, no violence/bullying!
--Submitted by a teacher

Nelson Elementary School is a fantastic school! They have a great group of teachers who are hard working and knowledgeable with all the latest information on how to raise student test scores. There is a wonderful well liked principal at the helm of this school. No surprise! Every well run school has an efficient, sharp, and personable person running the front office. Paula runs this very busy office with nothing but cool, calm, professionalism. We love Paula!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

Nelson is a wonderful and supportive school overall. Mrs. Poellnitz is the most amazing teacher I have ever met! I wish that I could clone her. She gave my children a wonderful foundation. The only reason I could not give Nelson 5 stars is because of Paula, the receptionist. She is the rudest thing and she should not be the one to greet visitors to the school. She is not bright and there is always a miscommunication. I can't wait until she retires, hopefully soon! Other than her, I am happy with the education that my children have received at W.R. Nelson.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers at Nelson are great! They cater to every level of learning in their classes. Each grade level works together to give every child exactly what they need to do their best. I have two children at Nelson and I'm more impressed every year. As a parent I feel welcome to come to my child's class to watch or volunteer.
--Submitted by a parent

Nelson continues to be a great elementary school and neighborhood asset. Leadership is good. Teachers are supportive and focused on learning. Our two boys could not have had a better foundation than what they received at Nelson. They and their friends are in college or headed for college--and well prepared for the challenge thanks to the great start they got at Nelson. Go Tigers!
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is halfway through her kindegarten year at Nelson, and both ehr dad and I are BEYOND happy with the school. We feel involved and engaged with the process on a daily basis. Mrs. Poellnitz is one of those rare and amazing teachers, a woman who cares and loves those kids beyond belief. I am floored; every morning when I drop off my dautghter, kids from the older grades flock around mrs. P to brag about their great test scores and how well they are doing. She's always got a smile, a high-five and a word of encouragement for them all. If you're not happy at Nelson, it means you're not involved. I'm a full-time working mom, too, but I do what I can, when I can. Your kid's education is not up to someone else--it takes YOUR active and engaged particiaption, as well.
--Submitted by a parent

It's so refreshing to see such great reviews posted about a great school! I have had such a wonderful experience at Nelson and I think the staff goes above and beyond their call of duty. In addition, a recent article posted by Bill Gates states that its not the school your at but the teachers you have. The good news is that Nelson is both a great school with great teachers. The teachers at this school make a difference everyday in my childrens lives! Thank you Nelson..
--Submitted by a parent

I'm glad there are still a few holdouts left at this school that have kept it from sinking completely. California schools are deteriorating into a morass of third world stature and Nelson is among the victims. Title I means that a majority of the students qualify for free meals, it is not my rule but traditionally lower incomes do not mean higher education standards. Nelson provides 'free daycare' for many, many families. The teachers are wonderful but can only do so much. Are you willing to let your child slip between the cracks? Thank God for Paula the secretary, she runs the school and gives us a glimmer of light. However the tide has turned against us and we will have to do like so many others in our neighborhood and pay for private school next year.
--Submitted by a parent

I just read that Nelson is one of only 200 schools out of 6000 in California to be recognized as a 2008-2009 Title I Academic Achievement Award School and a CBEE 2009 Honor Roll School. This along with having been named a California Distinguished School in 1997 and 2004 says it all. They have also been recognized for their Response to Instruction program TEAM Time. This is definitely a school that works toward the high achievement of all students. Students are happy and working hard. Parents are supportive and active in volunteering in the school. It is one of the hardest working staffs and principals that I have ever seen at one school.As I read some of the reviews here, I can only say that you can't please every one. As for me, I feel truly blessed to have my children attending W. R. Nelson Elementary
--Submitted by a parent

My child went to Nelson for 2 years before I took him out. I volunteered to try to do my part to help this school. However, it was always the same people doing the help. I'm not raining on the parade for this school, but there's only so much the same help can take. I was not happy with the leadership of the school (and lack of). There were a handful of teachers whom I just love and yet others who just didn't seem to be there to teach to the fullest. I have seen the problems fellow parents discuss (busing in, translation of lessons, English speaking students not getting the same one-on-one time). When a school is stuck in a rut, a dedicated parent must make a decision on how to help broaden their childs future and put them in a place were education is taken seriously.
--Submitted by a parent