website: http://www.peraltaschool.org/

There is a possibility that our child will be in the K/1 class in Peralta Elementary. Can any Peralta parents share information about this class (pros and cons, comparisons with regular K classes at Peralta ...) and about the teacher, Miss Thomas? The assignment process is a bit of a mystery to us, and we are not at all familiar with any of the Peralta KG teachers. But we're thrilled to be in Peralta and our child too is quite eager to begin KG.
Cautiously Excited Incoming Peralta Mother

She's a strong and experienced teacher, recruited to Peralta b/c of her impressive resume and credentials. She's very loving and runs a well-organized, calm classroom. The kids love her. When you hear a negative comment it's generally because of minor cultural differences with sterotypical Bay Area parents. (For example, she's mentioned God in the classroom -- not so you think she's proselytizing, just such a major part of her life that it was mentioned in passing. Now, my kids knows more Buddhists than Christians, so I'm happy for them to know that there are people who believe in God. Part of diversity and all that.)

When my second child is entering Kindergarten, I'll have my fingers crossed for an assignment (either for K or 1st) in Ms. Thomas' class (although I probably won't make an actual request - I trust the Peralta administration to make good decisions about these things.) Welcome to the Peralta community!

Our son got into Peralta Elementary (Oakland) starting in Fall 2009. We have favorable impressions from our school tour but not having had a chance to speak with parents with children in school right now (most comments are not so recent), we'd love to know how people feel about the school. Has the financial crisis impacted in any way? parent of pre-K boy

It's an amazing school: The community involvement, the small size, the excellent teachers, the diversity of the families, the amazing principal, the extra-curricular programs (first graders are working with the San Francisco Opera, for example), the wonderful gardens, the focus on the whole child and not just the Open Court curriculum. It's a gem in OUSD, and you should be thrilled that you will now be a part of such an amazing school.

Pleased Peralta Parent

We are considering moving to the Rockridge area, and I'd love to know how people feel about Peralta Elementary School. I've seen postings, but they're pretty old. And some information I find about the Oakland schools makes me think there's a lottery system for school assignments. Is this the case? I checked out Peralta's website, but it hasn't been updated since December 2007 when they were dealing with a crisis and had to change locations. Is it back to the original school location now, and is all okay there? Any recommendations about other schools in the area? Thanks for any information! Carolyn

There was no crisis in December 2007 that I'm aware of, so I don't know how to respond to that. There was however an arson fire in March 2007 and the school finished out the school year at a different campus last year. (And you should have the seen the Peralta community in action the weekend before school started this year--getting the campus ready for students!).

As far as moving to Rockridge NOW, I'm not sure how the enrollment process works--everyone has already been assigned their school, so I don't know what new neighborhood kids are supposed to do. This would be a question for OUSD.

Good luck with your decision. You won't regret choosing Peralta. Proud and Pleased Peralta Parent

We are a truly diverse community, ethnically and socioeconomically. Our familes come in all kinds of flavors. We are a lucky bunch. If you have the chance you could be too. Make sure you are aware of OUSD admission policy. 100 families put Peralta as their first choice for elementary school. We only have spaces for 40 incoming Kindergarteners. Nicole

I'm wondering how Peralta Elementary parents feel about the after school program there?
Looking Around

There are some lovely enrichments, especially for first grade and up (Kindergarteners are separated). The greatest advantage, from my perspective, is that kids are not segregated by family income. They get to know the other kids from their school. Everyone appears happy, engaged, and well-monitored. Some families (non-CDC) send their children to the JCC program, arguing that for about the same price, there are more enrichment opportunities. I would urge you to consider signing up for the program at the school. There may be less funding per- child but it does not impact the basic level of care. Sending your child away from your school does weaken the link to his/her school and classmates. To the extent s/he is with other Peralta kids at JCC, it's only the economically advantaged ones. Children form relationships, especially during the less structured time in afterschool. To me, it's not worth the occassional bells and whistles that may be available elsewhere. Thanks for your interest Anne

I've been looking at both public and private schools for my daughter who will be starting kindergarten next year. Our neighborhood school is Peralta in North Oakland and it seems great--I can see no reason whatsoever to send her to a private school. Except that I'm a lesbian and the private schools, such as Berkwood Hedge and Park Day, sound really supportive of queer parents and their kids. It would be worth it to me to send her to private school if I thought she was going to get a hard time or teased in public school, or if the ciriculum at a private school was that much more ''alternative family- friendly''. Has anyone had any experience (good or bad) at Peralta that might help me figure this out?
Public School Fan

Hello friends: I have a son starting kindergarten next year (Fall 2005) and I am planning to try intradistrict transfer. My question is for those of you out there who have considered intradistrict transfer to either Chabot or Peralta. Why did you choose one over the other? Are there pros and cons for each I should be aware of? Also, I'd appreciate any information about how you actually did the transfer process. Thanks-- Kate

We're districted for Peralta Elementary School in Oakland. My son will be entering Kindergarten in September. I'd like to hear from parents whose children attend the school, particularly the lower grades? What do you think of the school. Frances

1. Rosette Costello, Peralta Principal - An incredibly dedicated educator who literally lives at her school. She is a fighter for her school and her staff and does it translate!

2. Calvert Hand - Teacher - Mr. Hand, like Ms Costello, practically lives at school. He is unquestionably a great teacher. The kids absolutely adore him. You cannot believe how many kids come up to talk to him when he is out in the yard. They actually seek him out to have a chat! When does that happen? Mr. Hand is also the reason Peralta looks the way it does. He works tirelessly to make Peralta the beautiful place it is.

3. Three Kindergarten teachers in each Kindergarten class. Yes, itms true. My son has 3 teachers in his classroom! That doesnmt include all the parent volunteers we have.

4. The campus - the campus is really sweet. Gardens and art everywhere you look.

5. Emphasis on Literacy q There is a huge emphasis on reading and writing. Words are everywhere at Peralta! My son has started to read to me these days. And just last week he wrote his first sentence, ''tmmmrrwwegoto conrhse (translation - tomorrow we are going to Conor's house). He sounded out ''tomorrow.'' Amazing!

6. Art - I love that my son goes to a school where teachers and staff think art is an important way to teach kids about their world and themselves. My son will have the chance to work with really amazing artists while a student at Peralta. Ex: each week he has music class with Bonnie Lockhart, musician extraordinaire.

7. Peralta students really care about their school. They take pains to keep it clean. I think that speaks volumes.

8. Peralta's small size - With just about 200 kids & 8 teachers, the school is very cozy and small. All the kids (K-5th) I have met are simply great - kids I would like my son to be friends with. The parent community is creative and hardworking and undeniably dedicated to making Peralta the special place it is.

That is a very short list of why Peralta is as good as it is and why our family feels so blessed to be there.

One last note about test scores. Test scores are based largely on socioeconomic factors. If you take that into account, Peralta is ranked a perfect 10 when compared to similar schools. This high ranking among schools with similar demographics is evidence that there is outstanding teaching going on at Peralta. You will not find any better teachers anywhere.

nicaruda

Considering your options for Kindergarten Fall 2004? Peralta Elementary is a small Oakland public school located at 460 63rd Street in the Rockridge area. Peralta has dedicated teachers, an active parent community, strong academic instruction, and vibrant programs in art, music & gardening. Come find out more about our unique school!

Parent Forum Wednesday, November 19, 6:45 p.m. This will be an opportunity to meet current Peralta parents and discuss their experiences in the Peralta community.

Kindergarten Open House Thursday, January 29, 6:45 p.m. Meet our principal & kindergarten teachers and find out more about Peraltams instructional programs.

School Tours Tours are available on Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning in October. Call the school at 879-1450 to schedule a tour date.

For more information, or to RSVP for childcare for evening events, call Susan Killebrew at 655-2737.

Check out Peralta's website at www.geocities.com/peraltaschool/

suchard

I'm a parent of a first grader at Peralta Elementary School in Oakland (near Telegraph & Alcatraz) and would like to recommend this school to any parent looking around for a school for their children. Peralta is no longer a year round school, having changed to the regular schedule last year. It is a small school, under 200 kids in grades K-5, with a very cohesive and active parent community that helps out with funding for art, music, garden and mentoring programs. The teachers collectively have years of experience in the classroom.

For those interested in the numbers, Peralta kids have excelled on the standardized testing. We've increased the API numbers by over 90 points in the last 3 years. In the last year, our number jumped 36 points to 731, though the goal was only 5 points! Last year we were invited to apply for a distinguished school award.

There will be a kindergarten open house on January 23rd at 6:45 pm, for prospective parents. Tours guided by current parents can be arranged by calling the school at (510) 879-1450. Also, please check out our new web site at http://www.geocities.com/peraltaschool/ Steven

Just an addition to list of good Oakland public schools: Peralta is a K-5 school with a modified year-round calendar (although the year-round status may change starting next year). It's near Alcatraz and Telegraph. Good teachers, a great principal, lots of parent involvement, and relatively small (about 240 kids). There is also on-site extended care, which is really helpful for parents who work full-time. Nancy

My 2 sons both attended Peralta School and had a good experience. The teachers that my oldest son had were excellent. The weakest part of the school is community involvement. The active parent's group members seemed to be in my oldest son's class. He attended up until 5th grade (he's now in 6th). Kathleen