Altimira Middle School

Altimira like the other public schools in Sonoma reflects the reality of a mostly non-English speaking population usurping our schools. The vast majority of kids in this school are the children of illegal immigrants. They have huge socio-economic obstacles to contend with and significant language and cultural barriers. The families who are American by citizenship and culture are forced to use private or religious schools as alternatives if they want to obtain quality education for their children. That is the reality of what has occurred in our town. It is very disturbing.

The mentor center is fantastic well established and student oriented.

The students are challenged and encouraged. The principal is caring approachable and fair. My daughter has many friends and is learning every day. She loves going to Altimira.

The school lacks any parent participation which is crucial in any school especially middle school.

This school has consistently gone through many changes. It is hard to keep up. Counselors are not there for the kids but for the school district. my way or the highway attitude. Teachers at this school have been here too long and need new teachers. the emphasis is to teach responsibility so watch out if you have a slow learner their grades may suffer for it.

Academic programs lack creative curriculum and are weak in terms of exposure to more demanding subjects and variety of courses. Extracurricular activities are not available for all students of all abilitites. Parent involvement is scarce or non-existent due to deliberate lack of encouragement by administration.

When I first moved to Sonoma Altimira Middle had a bad reputation with gangs violence and over crowding. I am completly satisfied with the pricipals leadership abilities to turn this school around. She worked hard with the staff to make a safe learning envionment for all students. In the three years that my child has attended Altimira she has only had one teacher that was a disappointment. This teacher did not make it another year. All in all I have to say that this has been a pleasent experience for our daughter to attend Altimira Middle School.

I am an eighth grade student here and I think that its great! The teachers meet everyones expectations and are really nice. Ms. Taylor (Language Arts) and Mr. Larimore (US History) are incredible and make learning one of the most fun things around. The leadership program is great and brings great activities and school spirit to the community of peers. For the last three years I have been going to school here and I have no complaints.

I would like to point out that Altimira was recently awarded the Distinguished School Award for 2002-2003. Also if you are looking at scores their API scores have only increased. Students are very happy there.