Baldwin (Julia) Elementary School

Read the review below and feel compelled to respond. First it's a South San Jose School not Los Gatos or Campbell were money flows freely but where ethnic minorities can barely make their mortgages and do not often contribute to their child's education . Ever heard the phrase "Focus Student"? If you feel the school needs more money make a financial contribution to your child's classroom and make a difference. If you feel the school needs supplies donate supplies to your child's classroom and make a difference. How about donating your time in the class and on the playground. Now we're talking. Takes very little effort to complain. Takes more effort to become involved/engaged and this is what really matters. A parent who is actively involved at school is demonstrating to their child the importance of education; they're leading by example. Do ALL parents know the standards for their child progressing to the next grade level and are they actively involved in their child reaching this level? If you are not aware of these standards and are not actively working with your child's teacher on them at every grade level you are on a long/difficult trip w/ an unknown destination!

I was excited for my son to go to Baldwin. Unfortunately that excitement turned to disappointment after he started. We liked his teacher but she has 28 students and no teachers aid. We felt like we were going back wards from what we had in his preschool. He was bored. The majority of his class mates did not know the alphabet numbers or how to write their names. I blame the parents for that but in a class of almost 30 students he was not getting the attention we wanted him to get. It seems like this school is stuck in a rut. They need new ideas to bring in funds supplies and get some teachers aids for goodness sakes. The teacher student ratio is just sad IMHO. I think they need to look at the "Charter School" models for ideas on how to better run this school more efficiently. We felt compelled to remove him from this school and place him some where that was going to give him the attention and stimulation he craved and that is exactly what we did. I know of 3 other parents from his class who felt the same and believe me this is a toned down review. Sorry Baldwin there is much room for improvement.

My son is attending Kindergarten here. I love their lesson plans my son started level 20 books in just 4 months. Teachers are very helpful and the principal is always cheerfl.

My daughter is in her second year of attendance at the special education pre-school program. I can not express to you the patience inteligence and love that these teachers give every day. When my daughter first came to baldwin(3yrs old) she was saying very few words and could not follow simple directions or even tell me if she was a girl or a boy! Within 6 months of being in the program she was clearly communicating more and I was finally able to get to know the little girl that was just waiting to come out. She still has some work to do but I can not imagine where we would be without this school. The spirit of this school from the secretary all the way up to the principal is pure love. Thank you Baldwin!

I have four children ranging in age from 6-20. I have never been more impressed with a school! The principal is wonderful helpful firm but super friendly. It's evident in how many student love to come up to her and give her a hug. The teachers really do care and the parents are getting more and more involved.

My son is in the Pre-K at Baldwin. It has been amazing the changes I've seen in him. His speech has improved as well as his social skills and behavoir. It's amazing and I would definately recommend this school to other parents.

This school has excellent programs for its students. I have seen Baldwin change over the years. I have had 3 children attend Baldwin from K-6. I currently have 2 children attending Baldwin this year. I am glad that they attend this school however I do not agree with how the new principal Mrs. Wright runs the school. I think she is taking out the fun my children had at this school. A lot of old Baldwin traditions were stopped due to what Mrs. Wright believed. All in all I am really proud to have my students attend Baldwin. I just hope we can get those test scores up.

I have two children that go to Baldwin one is in Kindergarten and one in 1st grade.Baldwin is a school where the children come first. The children are encouraged to do their personal best without being labeled as the smart or dumb kids. The entire staff works hard to bring out the best in each child. The principal my kids teachers front office secretary are wonderful with my children its a blessing to have you all here with our children. She is a great example of a leader. Thank you for all the great support the staff has given my family.

My son started Kindergarten this year at Baldwin. I am happy to report that all of the K teacher's here are great! Eventhough he just turned 5 he is already reading. I look forward to his continued success.

Julia Baldwin is a large school where children are kept safe. The principal is warm and friendly. The student population is quite diverse. The connection with students' families is not as strong as it could be. Overall there is strong community involvement.

I am disappointed to hear that Baldwin's API score has declined from last year's especially since 90% of all schools improved.

I currently have a child at Baldwin and another who attended k through 6th. For the most part I have been extremely happy with the school programs (like music and science fairs) and delighted with the teachers. Ms. Ross the current principal was an excellent addition to the school. Ms. Ross is firm but kind with the students and responsive helpful and friendly with parents. One thing that I'd like to see change is the 'common dress' concept. The children are forced to wear over priced and often undurable dress. The rules keep adding more color options which makes the common dress much less distinctive than uniforms. What is the point if they don't look common any longer? Also as another parent mentioned I am unhappy with the limited playground use as my daughter is in the upper grades now. She tells me that upper graders can no longer use the playground equipment which we find terribly unfair. I'm also unhappy with the lunch staff as I feel they rush children too quickly as they're eating.

I have been very happy with Baldwin. My children have always had wonderful dedicated and caring teachers. The one thing I dislike about the school is having the primary grade and upper grade students alternate use of the one playground structure. Children should have a playground to play on everyday not just every other day!

Regarding leadership development the Principal and teachers do an excellent job. The fun activities promote self confidence mind development and human potential.