Madera Elementary School in Pinole, California

“this is the best public school in west county school district .best teachers,the best parent I ever seen .also the best administraton”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I drive across town so that my daughter could receive a better education then the school we were zoned for, and I am so grateful for all that Madera has to offer. The parents are so incredibly involved, the teachers are warm and motivating, and the school offers so many educational and extracurricular activities that I am blown away by the quality of education my child recieves at Madera. I wish all schools rose to this level of teaching by setting such a high standard of education. I ama former teache rand am impressed on every level.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have two kids at Madera this year (1st & 5th) and can say nothing but great things about it. The teachers are great and in most of the kids they encourage a love of learning. I have also met many great parents, as the PTA is very active and there is a lot of parent participation at Madera. This makes such a big difference in succes of this school. It's a great school and I feel lucky that I was able to get my kids into it.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I find nothing wrong with traditional teachers that know what they are doing! I like the 'firm hand in the glove' appraoch. The faculty is outstanding (despite some of the comments posted). They have many years of experience and plan so many interesting events in their classrooms. Nay sayers should look somewhere else to locate such a fine group of teachers!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have two children in Madera and they have both been there since Kindergarten. I am very happy with the diversity of the student body and the PTA involvement. The school has one of the most beautiful settings with views of the bay. The teachers are pretty traditional, and not very diverse but kids get a solid academic foundation.The PTA also funds the Junior Center for the Arts program many educational assemblies, reading tutor, field trips and many other programs. The prinicipal is experienced and keeps a loving firm hand on the campus. She is also direct and to the point so you can communicate openly with her. Parents can be involved at many levels in the Volunteer activities and they work well with the teachers. I have never felt more part of my community. Madera is a rich slice of the East Bay.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We have a daughter in 5th grade, and one in kindergarten. We've been very happy with Madera these past 5 years, and look forward to another 6 years. It just gets better and better, especially since the school renovations were completed a couple of years ago. Many new families have moved to the area, to go to this school. Unfortunately, there is now room for very few transfer students, because it is filled with residents. Teachers are good -- if somewhat traditional. Parent involvement is incredibly high. After school care, run by the City of El Cerrito, is now provided completely on site -- at least for this year. There are a number of after-school enrichment classes also available (art, carpentry, Spanish, creative writing, guitar, etc.)”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Still love it! We're going on our second year at Madera (5th grade) and I do not regret choosing this school for my daughter. I love that the school has children who are primarily high achievers and that the school promotes active parent involvement and I love its diversity. I just wished that there was someway that they could add 7th through 8th grade at the school; as the pickings for quality middle schools within WCCUSD are seemingly non existent.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We are new to Madera. I transferred my daughter because she is a high performing student and the other WCCUSD school that she was attending didn't seem to be challenging enough for her. So far, we are in our third month and every day I inquire about what happened in school, in her classes. She seems very happy and she says that the kids in Madera are 'just as smart' as she is, which helps us because it challenges her. Madera seems to have a very active PTA and appears to be PTA-run. The one thing that I can say is, she is so, so, enthused with her P.E. Teacher (4th grade). I am just sorry that P.E. isn't an every day class. I hear that he is not your avg. PE teacher; that he teaches life values through PE> So far so good, we'll post more as we experience more.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Great community. Great student body. Great faculty.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Madera is a wonderful school. My daughter has attended since she was in grade K and is now in 5th grade. The PTA is wonderful. This is a place that your child and yourself will feel secure. They offer a variety of subjects not offered in some of the other elementary schools like Computers and science. I wish my daughter could stay on more year!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is a great school but I have found some less than perfect teachers who seem rather old school and hostile towards the children. I think the many extracarricular programs are A+. but they d/c'd the chess teacher who was worth his weitht in gold. I would love to see this teacher come back because I don't have the patients to teach my child chess. Good luck : ) PS: this is just my experience.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Wonderful school with involved parents and high expectations for students. My son Had Ms. Devine for 5th grade-she was structured, creative and help kids to high standards.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Madera provides an excellent environment for students to excell. Academic results are outstanding as is the sense of community throughout the school. Great teachers and staff!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Madera School also won the Governor's Reading Program in 2000.”
This review was posted by a parent.