385 Occidental Cir
Santa Rosa, CA 95401

Having worked at a variety of schools, including high-performing and high-income campuses, I can say Elsie Allen is often misunderstood from the outside. In my experience, it is a strong, supportive school community where students and staff work together and take pride in their growth.Under the (new) leadership of Mr. Cunningham and Mr. Brookshire, expectations for both staff and students are clear, consistent, and fair. They work closely with staff to support student success while maintaining a structured, positive learning environment, with a shared focus on helping students grow through challenges while upholding high standards.Elsie Allen offers strong college and career opportunities for students. The school provides dual enrollment opportunities in partnership with Sonoma State University, allowing students to take college-level coursework while still in high school. Students also have access to optional classes through Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC), further expanding their exposure to college academics and supporting post-secondary readiness.The school also has a vibrant mariachi program that is an important part of campus culture, offering students meaningful opportunities for performance, confidence-building, and cultural expression.Elsie Allen has a strong multicultural focus, and students are resilient, engaged, and full of potential. In my experience, it is a place where relationships matter, effort is recognized, and the community supports its students. Student voice is also included in school decisions; for example, in planning for the upcoming 7th/8th grade structure, students participated in feedback sessions and helped inform aspects of the campus layout and design.

JX WILSON is a neighborhood elementary school that it home to generations of Wizards. There are teachers who have been teaching for 40 years and still love it. The school goes above and beyond to support families, offer counseling, bilingual community liaison, Boosters club raises money to support field trips and class materials- which our government should fully fund, they have a counselor and an intern, they have sports teams, and after school enrichment. Cool School is the after school free program that supports students and families. No school is perfect but I know that my son is thriving and supported at JX and I am glad to be a part of this school.