3513 Morningside 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

Valley View is a fantastic neighborhood school with great leadership and high levels of parent engagement. The Parents Club (PTA) provides financial support for two critical staff members - one focused on campus safety, physical education and mental health, while the other is dedicated to supporting social-emotional learning. The 2021-22 school year was a transition year for the school which has otherwise experienced long stretches of effective leadership. The current principal is a newbie hood resident and former Valley View teacher that is here to stay, and she is an excellent leader. Several years ago the District demolished the original school building and relocated the school in portable’s towards the back of campus. Now the Parents Club is embarking on an ambitious plan to build out a 2-acre, school-based community farm and garden. The fruit tree planting has begun and they plan to build an outdoor classroom this summer for the 2023-24 school year.