Berkeley Parents Network: Henry Haight School

Berkeley Parents Network

Henry Haight School

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > K-12 Schools > Alameda Public Schools > Henry Haight School

January 2006

I feel silly asking this already since my son is only two, but I seem to have moved to one of the only bad elementary school districts in Alameda, Haight School. The online parent reviews are awful and all the other schools have mostly great reviews. My question is this, does anyone know of any K-6 Charter Schools in Alameda, or has anyone had experience petitioning to have a child attend a school out of your area? I am one block out of the Edison School district which is where I would love to have my son. There are at least four schools I would happily petition to attend. If anyone has had any experience in this area I would love the advice. Thanks! Better to be prepared believer. Leslie

Hello Alameda Mom, I have a child who is currently at Haight school. He has attended the school for 3 years and is currently in the 5th grade. We have had a great experience at the school. My son has had 3 awesome teachers and made many friends at the school. We live right around the corner and love being able to walk to and from school.

That being said-I do not recommend Haight school for k-2 grade. The Kindy program has had many staff changes and is lacking in parent involvement. I would apply during open enrollment to attend Edison or the other schools that you like. But keep in mind that during the next year major construction and school wide improvements will occur at Haight as well as staff changes. By the time your child is ready to start school it might be worth revisting! Good luck!
Haight Parent

Leslie, There are no charter schools in Alameda, and open enrollment is being phased out. But don't be so quick to judge Henry Haight school. It is a big school; this does have its own drawbacks, but it offers the advantage of having a choice of teachers. There are many good teachers there, and a new, positive principal. It's also incredibly diverse. You should try to meet some Haight parents, especially involved ones, and get their perspectives and recommendations. (I'm not a Haight parent, but I live in the attendance zone and know a number of the teachers. When I moved to Alameda, I was in the Paden zone, and my children went there.)
Michael

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