I am interested in hearing from families with kid(s) attending Emerson elementary in Berkeley. While there are some posts online, only one is recent. How is the parent community? Teachers? How about the after-school program? What do you like and dislike about the school. Thanks for the input! sue

Re: John Muir or Emerson Elementary School in Berkeley
I have a second grader at Emerson and a fifth grader in private school and I can't say enough good things about Emerson. My child has been academically challenged and nurtured throughout her three years there and has had consistently outstanding teachers. The teachers in the School are very collegial and close and the principal (who was a teacher at the school for many years) really has the trust of the teachers and staff. The school is small enough that the children really know each other across grades and have lots of opportunities for interaction. The Librarian is outstanding and has done some great reading programs with small groups of children in various grades--last year my daughter got to do a podcast book review! I would encourage you to tour the school and contact some current parents! Happy Emerson Mom

Emerson? I'm looking to switch my 2nd grader (next Fall) from private school to public. I didn't start him in our local schools because, frankly, I couldn't stand the discipline problems there, and I wasn't terribly impressed with the programs. Education is very important to me. I have two very bright kids who currently like school. I'm afraid that they will not be challenged enough and that they will be distracted by the discipline problems in the public schools. I'm willing to be a very active parent, I believe in public education, and it's a struggle for me to afford private school. But is it worth taking the risk? Could I get more of our neighborhood kids to go to the local school in order to increase the parental and financial resources? What could be done to improve these schools? I'm ready to campaign.

What has struck us most at Emerson is how dedicated the principal, teachers (and staff) are, they truly go the extra mile to create a strong, spirited and welcomed community. The teachers actively practice teamwork both in the classroom and out. They work together within grade levels, put on musical performances at school gatherings, attend the fundraising events, etc.

The three teachers we have had have been excellent. The personal contacts we have had with the principal and teachers have all been met with respect and quick responses. Getting involved as a parent at Emerson is not a problem! There is an active PTA as well as teachers who are willing to incorporate parental involvement in numerous ways.

Academically, the education seems like a perfectly fine balance, our son is challenged and excited by what is going in the classroom, and always happy to go to school. As for discipline problems we honestly have not been aware of many -- if there are problems, I think they would be dealt with in a swift and serious way. The hallways at Emerson are quiet and the teachers and principal are all well aware of who is who and what relationships and personalities exist. Lisa