403 Cola Ballena
Alameda, CA 94501

We have loved being a part of the Paden community. This year is no different. We were concerned when the former principal left the school right after the school year started that what we love about the school might disappear. The interim principal Mr Flores has made connections with us and other families. The staff is welcoming, the art docent program is amazing, they have a makers space and a library with inclusive books. This school is my only experience with public schools and I am happy to be a part of the Pelican community

Encinal High School provides a welcoming campus to all; its community is like no other.

Wood middle school faces frequent discrimination within the student community that frequently targets large racial, religious, and LGBTQ groups. During my prior experience at Wood Middle School, I have seen fights, Nazi drawings, trashed/flooded restrooms, have heard plenty slurs, on a day to day basis. Lots of teachers at this school do not provide thorough teaching in class and often default to worksheets, and or low quality online resources. Also, in my experience as a student at Wood middle school, I have heard a teacher frequently use the N word in class without any punishment, which shows the incompetence of the faculty to stop this school wide discrimination. I have also observed the work ethic that students receive from going to this school, which (if summarized) boils down to "I don't care about my grade / just do the bare minimum." Overall, I would not recommend this school whatsoever, and if given a choice to enroll somewhere else, please take that opportunity.