Booksin Elementary School

I’m not sure how they come up with the ratings but we’ve been at Booksin for 12 years now and it’s been great overall. Our kids loved it here and the parent community is very involved in making it a fun learning environment. We are so sad this will be our last year and will always have fond memories. Most of the teachers are dedicated and very liked by the kids. There was a few years with revolving principals as they moved up to bigger jobs but it’s been steady now for the past few years.

I’ve had two kids go through this school and we have loved it. Of course some teachers are better than others, but overall they have been great. The community is very involved, and kids love their school.

This was the best school in my whole life!

We stuck around after a lackluster first year and luckily, we've seen a lot of improvement since then. Since the pandemic closures, many of the burnt out teachers have left or retired which has made room for some really amazing and dedicated teachers to shine. Class sizes are smaller and more manageable and there is also a greater emphasis on character building and social-emotional learning in addition to just academics. School leadership has also improved. Principal Tan is great, she knows all the kids by name and is very hardworking and kind. Booksin is very parent-involved and community-oriented. SJUSD doesn't provide more than the basics so fundraising and heavy parent participation makes some amazing enrichment programs possible - art, music, garden, additional science curriculum... these are all important aspects of a well-rounded education and wouldn't otherwise take place without the support of the parents. As it stands now, Booksin is a gem in an otherwise lackluster school district.

My son is progressing well with his academics as well as socially and got the extra reading help that he needed. He’s had amazing and caring teachers all 4 years and loves his school. There was always a strong sense of community though covid put a crimp in that for now. I am impressed with how they’re managing the pandemic and it seems the kids are all happy to be back. Most of the kids I’ve talked to say bullying is a big no no - just maybe the yard duty people sometimes. Many new young teachers have joined and the class size was smaller last year which is great. It’s unfortunate that many parents love to complain about revolving door principals, who leave most likely because of these complainers. Get involved & volunteer - that’s how you make it a great school!