All my child's 7th grade teachers are organized and on top of things. My son is finding the academics to be challenging and the librarian is great. He is taking drafting as an elective and enjoys it. He also likes P.E. He has a lot of friends in the school and hangs out with them during lunch and
... Read more walks home after school with a few friends. Over 40 parents volunteer for 'yard duty' before and after school and during lunch so there are lots of extra eyes and ears around. The PTSA sponsors activities the kids can participate in at lunch too. It's an older school but a group of parent led by the new custodian did a big campus clean-up day just before school started so the place is looking a spiffier. I appreciate the weekly phone updates from the principal too. She is very open and accessible to students and parents. Read less
Posted by a parent on 09/11/09
I'm a mother of an 8th grader at Portola and while this is our first year at this school, I'm pleasantly surprised with how well it's going so far. I'm excited to see all the parent support and the PTSA is wonderful, very involved. My daughter is taking drama and just loves it already. I'm looking forward
... Read more to the afterschool program and many other activities planned for the year. Parent support is key to sucess! Read less
Posted by a parent on 08/28/09
As I sit here reading the reviews, it's more clear that people are not taking the problems at Portola very serious. It's easy to sit back and say well my child has fallen victim to this or that, but what about someone else's child. My daughter is very outgoing, friendly bubbling personality, very popular..
... Read more We live in EC and have lived in some areas not so good, but I've never had any problems with my children - until my daughter began at Portola in the 6th grade. The classrooms are so disruptive, teachers won't send the problem children out of the class, the principal or vice-principal won't do anything as far as kicking them out of the school. Don't sacrifice my childs education... It's unfair! Portola is the worst school and should be condemned. I can't wait for them to close it. Read less
Posted by a parent on 12/03/08
My daughter is a student here, in 7th grade. At first my husband and I were very apprehensive of the school because the site looks old and dirty; but I don't regret having my daughter there. She has very dedidated teachers that constantly challenger her and show that they care for her learning. I'm
... Read more very happy with the school and the administration. Read less
Posted by a parent on 12/02/08
This is a good school with a strong music program, some very fine teachers, and some engaging electives including art, drama, and drafting. It's not for everyone but for a motivated, focused student, it works.
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Posted by a parent on 06/25/08
We just received our star testing back and were thrilled! I was told that the advanced teachers at Portola have seniority on which classes they want to teach. Request the AP classes. Our son was challenged the two years he attended Portola. He has learned what to expect amoungst your peers by attending
... Read more this school. Wake up people, this is our community. Portola prepared my son for high school in a real life social enviornment. He feels well prepared and is so happy to be with his friends at El Cerrito High. He has learned how to take responsibility for his studies and apply himself. He scored profieicent in all areas tested. We are pleased to report this, when there is so much negativity surrounding circumstances at our own neighborhood school. Read less
Posted by a parent on 08/31/07
Portola i believe is better looking and has better teachers this school i recommend to all those parents who want a great education for your children
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Posted by a other on 06/23/07
Had my nephew enrolled here two months ago(I'm his legal guardian) because it was convenient for me. Feeling ultra guilty now. If your child is friendly, courteous, mild-mannered..etc., watch out. Rather cavalier attitude about safety by the higher ups. I've spent time at the school, and in some classes,and
... Read more wasn't impressed by what was expected out of the students. Granted, many teachers are up against it,and a school ultimately reflects the attitudes of the parents, but you've got to put your foot down somewhere! All out of class areas(Lunch room, outside, and especially the putrid bathrooms) are a crash course in survival. The kids are out of control here. Read less
Posted by a parent on 05/21/07
My son currently goes to Portola Middle school.All my children went to Castro elementary school in El Cerrito.My son is having so many problems at Portola, especially when it comes to safety.I know how to correct the problem. I think that El Cerrito students should be given first priority! Then, if we
... Read more have room,Intradistrict transfers can be given to students who do not have a history of suspentions,behavorial problems and so on.Then we can address the issues of the West Contra Costa Unified School District! Read less
Posted by a parent on 03/27/07
Portola is turning into a nightmare. There seems to be lots of violence there. My daughter told me she was scared to go to the bathroom. If you want your kid to get an education, avoid Portola at all costs. I'm taking my kid out at the end of this year.
... Read moreRead less
*The resources listed are programs that the institution is staffed to support. Staffing for a program does not guarantee that it will be offered. This content is provided by the institution and may be incomplete. The institution may offer programs not listed here. Please contact the school directly for additional details.
Advanced Placement
AP classes are college-level classes offered at the high school level. Once a student completes an AP class and passes a final comprehensive examination conducted by the College Board, the student earns college credit for the course. AP classes are specific and not to be confused with other higher-level classes such as honors classes.
Before/After School
"Extended day" programs where the school day is extended before and after school to accommodate working parents. These programs should not be confused with common after school clubs or athletic activities.
Gifted and Talented
A school system may identify 10% to 15% or more of its student population as gifted and talented. A brief description of each area of giftedness or talent as defined by the Office of Gifted and Talented:
general intellectual ability or talent - high intelligence test score (usually two standard deviations above the mean), and high levels of vocabulary, memory, abstract work knowledge and abstract reasoning;
specific academic aptitude or talent in one area such as mathematics or language arts;
creative and productive thinking, the ability to produce new ideas;
leadership ability, the ability to direct individuals or groups to a common decision or action;
visual and performing arts, special talents in visual art, music, dance, drama, or other related studies;
psychomotor ability, such as practical, spatial, mechanical, and physical skills.
Vocation/Technical Curriculum
Vocational and/or technical courses offered within a comprehensive school, usually a senior high school.
Special Education Classes
A school or program within a school that provides services and training to students with moderate to severe mental and/or physical disabilities.
Adult Education Classes
Programs offering GED or equivalent courses for adults within regular schools, whether classes are held during evening or daytime schedules.
English as Second Language
English language classes for students whose first language is not English.
El Cerrito schools — Portola Middle School is located at 1021 Navellier St, El Cerrito CA 94530. 1021 Navellier St is in the 94530 ZIP code in El Cerrito, CA The school district for Portola Middle School is the West Contra Costa Usd. Portola Middle School is a Public school that serves grade levels 6 - 8.
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Test Score Ratings
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this school scored better than 70% of the students in the state on the same tests. We have indicated below which tests
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experience, academic programs, extracurricular activities, resources for special needs students, etc. These ratings are
not provided by the state Department of Education, which may have their own rating systems.
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