4399 Nelson Dr
Richmond, CA 94803

Crespi is great! I have two boys who are in 8th grade, and as we approach the second half of their last year at Crespi, I am more pleased than I ever with the education they are getting. The teachers, principal, and staff are dedicated, energetic, and they really do care about the kids. My kids haven't encountered any difficult situations with other students. I think there are no more than 600 kids enrolled, so it isn't as crowded as I've heard it was in decades past. We sent our kids to Crespi because there are certain things that are deal-breakers for our family in terms of an acceptable education. (1) We support public education, and honestly, our kids have had better teachers at our local public schools than friends have had at private schools. (2) We want fully trained and credentialed teachers (check it out – you aren’t necessarily getting that at charter or public schools). (3) We wanted to make sure that our kids had access to classes that meet their needs. Crespi has classes that serve kids ranging from special education through advanced, and they serve them all well, so far as I can tell. For example, there is program for kids who are reading significantly below grade level, which has miraculous results. At the other end, if they are academically ready, kids can take advanced English, advanced history, advanced science, algebra (7th)/geometry (8th), and a full year of language (which counts towards both UC and CSU application requirements) in both 7th and 8th grade. There are also electives such as band, and art. There isn't a gang, drug, or violence problem at Crespi, and the kids there behave just like middle school kids do everywhere else. Crespi has a great ethnic mix, which sadly I think may scare some people off, but I can tell you, quite sincerely, that my two, mild mannered, white boys have made wonderful new friends, from all backgrounds, which continues to enrich their lives and will help them grow into well-adjusted adults who appreciate the diversity of our community.

the new principal is terrible. i do not feel safe

Outstanding school. Great principal, teachers and staff. Morale amongst staff is really high and the culture at Sheldon is really positive and accepting. We’ve been so happy having our son here for the past two years.