Joan
San Leandro, CA 94578

This school isn't the greatest school, I mean, some may say that it's improving, but there are so many other schools with better facilities and academic standings that Bancroft simply doesn't have. Plus, my time there wasn't exactly the best, so I would not recommend this school to people I know. My friends who went here say that the community is extremely segregated, with fights happening almost every week, as if that were a normal thing! They were surprised when I told them that the school I had moved to was less like that and had a community where everyone felt welcomed in. Overall, moving schools was the best for me, as I fear continuing my education here would not have brought my education to its fullest potential.

Do not send you child here. Lack of care and empathy is very relevant at this school.

My son’s experience in 9th grade left a lot to be desired. First off, at back to school night ‘for equity’s sake’ we aren’t going to let you go through each class on a schedule and have the teachers present to you, instead you can wander through at your own pace. This meant parents didn’t get to learn much at all about what was being taught. This was pretty appropriate since they typically don’t teach much in the classes. My son’s ninth grade English class consisted of op-ed articles from his favorite biased news organization. All year he taught a section on ‘thug life’ where they studied rap songs and BLM. No real books, discussion, no feedback on assignments. No final, no due dates and no homework. My son’s ninth grade got an A with the least amount effort ever. When I asked the principals why there were no due dates or homework they sang the praises of ‘grading for equity’.That was one of the worst classes. He also had an elective course on college and careers where the teacher told me they learn about what is special and unique about themselves. The entire class is plastered in several sexual identity flags and descriptions. I think every child should be feel safe, accepted and comfortable at school but I really don’t think we need a class for kids to focus on their unique traits and sexual identity. I think a class called college and careers should focus on colleges and maybe even careers. My son’s ninth grade passed ninth grade with great grades since all the grading standards have been lowered in the name of equity. They basically send the message to minority kids that since they can’t do it on their own because the system is against them, they will dissolve all challenges, give them a A and send them on their way. They act like they are against racism when they actually treat minority kids like they are incapable and victims. It’s really unfortunate. At the end of the day, unless your kid is in honors or CP classes (where the teachers are more likely to actually teach) they won’t learn much here.