516 Albert Way
Petaluma, CA 94954

I teach at this school, so I am obviously biased. With that up front, I will say that we have a wonderful group of students and staff who make each day a pleasure. Our principal sets a positive energy tone and our students respond so well. McDowell has some special attractions that you may wish to know about. Each student receives PE from a PE specialist each week. There are weekly music classes from dedicated music instructors. Our Spanish language classes, taught by Maestra Hancock, provide academic Spanish for all students twice a week. McDowell's Family Resource Center is just that...a wonderful source of help for all of our families. Other features of our school include before school day care and after school programs offered by the Boys and Girls Club, intervention and enrichment classes after school, frequent field trips to engaging environmental and cultural destinations, and more. I could say more, but best to come visit if you are interested in placing your student into a school in Petaluma. You won't be disappointed. Enseño en esta escuela, así que obviamente soy parcial. Con eso en el frente, diré que tenemos un grupo maravilloso de estudiantes y personal que hacen que cada día sea un placer. Nuestra directora establece un tono de energía positiva y nuestros estudiantes responden muy bien. McDowell tiene algunas atracciones especiales que quizás desee conocer. Cada estudiante recibe PE de un especialista en PE cada semana. Hay clases semanales de música de instructores dedicados. Nuestras clases de español, impartidas por Maestra Hancock, brindan español académico para todos los estudiantes dos veces por semana. El Centro de Recursos Familiares de McDowell es precisamente eso ... una fuente maravillosa de ayuda para todas nuestras familias. Otras características de nuestra escuela incluyen guardería antes de la escuela y programas después de la escuela ofrecidos por el Boys and Girls Club, clases de intervención y enriquecimiento después de la escuela, excursiones frecuentes a destinos ambientales y culturales atractivos, y más. Podría decir más, pero es mejor visitarlo si está interesado en colocar a su estudiante en una escuela en Petaluma. No te decepcionará.

My child spent their middle school on the computer. Coming to the school as a 9th grader, in a mask, was really stressful. Casa has a large student body and staff. It’s clear that the administration and teachers are still reeling from the effects of the pandemic, and yet I feel that they are doing their best and providing the kids with a solid education and lots of opportunities for growth outside the classroom. They have occasional lunchtime concerts, countless clubs, sports and activities, as well as a better than average EL program, including an English Learner parent education program (I know because I am doing Spanish language exchange lessons with a fellow parent) that helps non-English speakers navigate the system. Most reviews of the school are terrible- it’s just a shame that the people who are satisfied with the school don’t take the time to write anything, so I thought I would. I think sometimes parents don’t have time or don’t know how to deal with the many issues that plague teenagers today and they expect the schools, teachers, and administration to handle everything. The only reason I didn’t give five stars is that some of the facilities are a little worn.

Our family is VERY happy at Kenilworth! The teachers are amazing and really go out of their way to connect with every student. During distance learning, my family experienced anxiety, depression, and stress. The Kenilworth staff provided so much academic and emotional support which helped my twins be successful with their first Jr. High experience. We are happy to be back in person for hybrid and are looking forward to 8th grade next year! Thank you, Kenilworth for supporting my children and our Petaluma community!