This is our first year at McKinley and we are so impressed! We love the diversity of the school and…read morethe student-centered and inquiry-based learning. Our child loves all the projects and simulations in class that make learning so fun! Spanish twice a week is such a bonus! The teachers are incredibly engaged and active in all parts of the school and the Principal is amazing. So dynamic and visionary. There is still a lot of work to be done and the Principal has big plans on growing the school and its many programs. We hope to see the new Performing Arts program take off as that is something that we miss from our old school. So much potential to get even better!!!

I would not recommend this school to my worst enemy. The staff and administration seem FAR more…read moreconcerned with potential liability than the overall well-being of the students. And quite frankly, many seem under-qualified for the positions they hold. This school is incredibly understaffed and underfunded - and it shows. To start - my first grader was allowed to walk away with a stranger on the FIRST day of school because his teacher "assumed" the adult he left with was a parent. When I spoke to the principal the next day, she asked me if my six-year-old "knew where he was supposed to go" and stated she did not have a full understanding of the transition process because she was new. She then attempted to place blame on the Boys & Girls Club and my child. When another student's family member mentioned to the teacher how chaotic the first grade classrooms were due to a lack of staffing/support, parents were swiftly sent a notice that they would not be allowing family volunteers back into the classroom until the "behaviors" were under control. Seems counterproductive. When my son's behavior was in question and I had asked to observe in the classroom, I was quickly limited to 45 minutes and had to be accompanied by an administrator. I was told this was standard policy. My son showed no behaviors during my observation time. When I mentioned this, his teacher stated she "didn't think he would show behaviors while I was in the classroom". I brought this up during a meeting with the superintendent, he seemed to question the limitations placed by the school and stated they should be welcoming me to observe if there is such concern. Mind you, he had previously been principal at McKinley Elementary. When my son was sick and asked to call me during school hours, he was told he could not contact me because he did not have a fever. When I questioned this with the teacher/administrators, I was told that the school typically does not let students contact their family members for illness related matters unless a fever is present. A family member of another student had witnessed an adult in the cafeteria yelling at my son for kicking a milk carton and was so bothered by it that she felt the need to intervene by telling the staff member that she was being inappropriate. Though my son's teacher was made aware, she was not the one who informed me about what had happened. I was notified by the family member who was witness to the incident days later. I was also told by my child's teacher that administration had prevented her from speaking to me about certain matters regarding my child and my concerns. We only saw results/change when we went above school administration by notifying the district office and superintendent about our experience. The current principal's exit was announced less than a year into her new position and it's clear to see why. These are just a handful of examples. I have spoken with many families who have shared similar experiences. In my opinion - there are MUCH better elementary school options within the PCS district and within our community. I encourage any family considering McKinley Elementary for their young ones to do their research beforehand, tour other schools, and talk to family/friends who are familiar with McKinley Elementary. We felt comfortable having our child attend McKinley due to their "stellar" reputation and it was a huge mistake. Don't let the awards plastered all over the school fool you. I hope this review helps to inform other families.

I went to Cherry Valley for 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade…read more I have memories of playing Double Dragon on the play ground, I saw a skunk in a hole and got scared, they made root-beer in a caldron for Halloween, Mr. May was my 2nd grade teacher, and I think Mrs. Leno(?) was my 1st and 3rd grade teacher, we used to play wall-ball when the older kids weren't using the wall, I got stung by a bee, I liked to play with dinosaurs in the sandbox instead of learning to read and that's about it. The school wasn't and isn't very diverse. Stats 2007 Number of Studens: 337 Low Income: 14.7% Caucasian: 83.7% African-American: 1.8% Asian: 2.7% Hispanic: 6.2% Native-American: 0.6% I think I had a good time here. My parents pulled me out when my sister went to Jr. High because Cherry Valley has some weird hippie school schedule and they wanted us to all have vacations at the same time.

Wonderful school to send your kids. They have many oppertunities for parents and children to…read moreexplore many of the non traditional school methods of teaching. The teachers are most of the time out of the box thinkers who spend years with each student. They are relly into the envorimental aspect of teaching. The school is what you put into it...like most school they are always asking for money...but that can be a good thing as they go places and teach the kids. It's year round so that's a little different but I have enjoyed it. The Library program with Mrs. Derby is TOP NOTCH!

I have 2 kids that go to Loma Vista. We have been here since TK. The dual language immersion…read moreprogram is impressive. Both of my students have done well learning a new language and culture. The PTA is active and works with the administrators to provide a well rounded fun experience for the students. There are lots of family events to embrace the community. Every teacher we have had has been kind and caring and teaches to the child as an individual.

Kinder parent here! So lucky to have a school like Loma Vista where kids and families from all…read morebackgrounds and cultures are included. The dual immersion Spanish program is close to incredible! Giving my kids the gift of a second language while understanding and experience other culture is invaluable.

Best decision my husband and I made!! We were looking for a place with traditional values and…read morestructure with a strong academic curriculum. When we came to St Vincent's it was all of that along with one big community of like minded, kind people. The schools organization and amazing teachers made my kids feel happier and calmer while at school. What a breath of fresh air! Highly recommend!!

It was a simple decision to enroll our children in SVES over seven years ago. Since Kindergarten,…read morethe faculty and administrators have been unwavering in their commitment to teaching to rigorous academic standards, inspiring a love of learning, and providing a compassionate yet disciplined approach to educating the whole child -- from academic, social, emotional, and safety perspectives. My children absolutely love their school and their teachers and the parent community has been just as wonderful for our family. We are grateful to have such a gem of a school with a rich history in our community.

I went to Cinnabar for kindergarten, 4th and 5th grade…read more I have memories of going to Fort Point in SF to spend the night, camping at Walker Creek, hating my teacher Mr. Chaplin, being kept in from recess because some of us couldn't write a descriptive enough paper on how to ride a bike, I had a crush on Holly Dietrich and gave her math problems as a love note, being the best at shot-put in my class, really wanting to play the drums in band but the teacher not letting me, being made fun of for walking like Fred Flintstone, loving my teacher Mrs. Lewis, getting an A on my Alaska report and playing lots of dodgeball. The school I guess was for the poor kids as noted below. Stats 2007 Number of Studens: 226 Low Income: 45.6% Caucasian: 54% African-American: 0.4% Asian: 2.2% Hispanic: 42.5% Native-American: 0.0% I had a pretty bad time here I think in 5th grade. The next year I went to my 3rd elementary school.

The teachers and principal Kern go above and beyond for the students. I am very impressed. And…read moregrateful that my son is happy here and getting a great education.

I went to SoMo for 7 years, and I super enjoyed it, I loved our past band teacher Mr.Day too, he…read morereally taught me a lot. I now go to KJHS and am going into my 8th grade year, because of Mr.Day I have really excelled in band. So thanks Mr.Day!! One thing I have to say is watch out for bullying, I had been bullied since 2nd grade and never really got resolved, but that could've just been my experience but 100% would recommend!!

W school W teachers shoutout Mr. Yu just let us have phones in class otherwise its pretty goodread more

Our family is so lucky to be at Mary Collins Cherry Valley school. Great teachers. Great principal…read more Beautiful campus.

We were really looking forward to having Ms. CASEY be our son's Kindergarten's teacher next year,…read moreand I was so disappointed (honestly, enraged) that the new Principal, Ms. Saranya, had suddenly changed Ms. Casey's classroom. I am sincerely appalled. Ms. Casey is one of the BEST teachers at Grant, and I am not feeling positive about Ms. Saranya, a young woman appointed as Principal with very little experience in a lead position herself. Ms. Saranya doesn't seem to be a team player, nor does she have any genuine compassion and regard for her best teachers, which she should cherish.

Grant elementary school is an amazing place. The facility is gorgeous, with lots of greenery, a…read morelovely mural and a track! It is very well maintained. The entire staff are kind, professional and compassionate. Teachers are wonderful. Grant is a community - huge level of parental involvement, kids and adults helping eachother thrive. Lots of events throughout the year bring the families together. Love the after school offerings including piano classes, chess club and more. The PTA is extremely well organized and run, and they offer a performing arts experience for each student who wants to be involved. Outstanding! The principal is superb, fair, firm and loving. She understands special needs and how to help our kids. She genuinely cares for each family. Thank you Mrs. H!! :)

We have only been here for six months and feel like we have been welcomed with open arms by staff…read moreand fellow parents alike. All the teachers in the school seem to know our children's names. Parents all greet each other warmly each morning during drop off and will introduce themselves to newcomers. Becoming involved in school programs and committees has been easy. The PTA officers are completely approachable and excited to have new parents get involved. The Kindergarten teachers have a deep understanding of early childhood development and the importance of creative, imaginative play and artistic expression as part of the daily curriculum. The kindergarteners are thriving academically and exceeding state standards in this low-pressure, nurturing environment. We feel that this school is a hidden little gem that needs to be discovered!

My son has attended OA for 3 years. In my experience with the school, I think the teachers and the…read moreprincipal truly care about my son's growth. He has struggled in a few areas and they have worked with him to improve his skills and grades. The only issue I see is student to teacher ratio - initially this started out 22 to 1 and now it is 30 to 1, which is too much for elementary students. Also, OA has a very low student population (~250) which ensures the students are lost in the shuffle of a big school.