Burton Valley Elementary School

My son has been attending this school since kindergarten. The elementary program is excellent. How ever, the Jr. High program often lack consists in permeant teachers or substitute teachers, including homeroom teachers and math teachers. PE teachers often sub for math teachers, and they don't have the credentials to teach math. The use of multiple platforms for assignments and grades adds confusion and disorganization. Feedback in writing assignments is rare or completely not given hindering improvement. While there are special advanced programs for some students which there is no clear entry requirements, other students are left without the chance to advance. If your child can improve if given the support an opportunity St. Mary doesn't provide foster that type of an Enviromint which leave no room for improvement. The tutoring program is a complete joke. children with parents or family members working at St. Mary receives preferential treatment and favorite by teachers from projects to awards, even they are not graded harshly as one parent puts it. The lack of organization and favoritism in the junior high program makes it hard to recommend the school, unlike the solid elementary program they have. Furthermore, there's a notable lack of diversity, with only a small number of noon white students. Racism is evident both in the classroom dynamics and in the distribution of awards and responsibilities.

My daughters have attended St. Perpetua since Transitional Kindergarten and we have been blessed to have a solid community of parents, teachers and strong leadership. The teachers keep the students engaged and hold them accountable for their schoolwork and behavior. The parents have an effective fundraising campaign that addresses gaps in the school and St. P's leadership consistently collaborates with different stakeholders. This is a great school and we are fortunate to have it in the LaMorinda community.