Berkeley Parents Network: El Cerrito High School

Berkeley Parents Network

El Cerrito High School

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > K-12 Schools > West Contra Costa County School District > El Cerrito High School

March 2003

We have been considering El Cerrito High for our son as a freshman next Fall. I am very concerned with the changes I hear are coming as a result of the major budget cuts . I understand that this is the reality for all schools and in our already underfunded district the changes could be very fundamental. From parents who have experience at El Cerrito, would you start out a freshman there next year given what is likely to happen? What I know of the changes so far are the ending of the block system and the letting go of many teachers, starting this month I understand. Is there anything other than working through our representatives etc that we can do to address this situation? Any input in general about El Cerrito would be appreciated as we need to make this decision asap.. Thank you, Jennifer

We've had two daughters in ECHS. Both are high-achievers and we've found the education there better than any public school in the area, even public schools known for their excellence, and on a par or better than most private schools.

Of course, it's not perfect. As with all schools, some teachers are better than others. ECHS seems to have a high percentage of very caring and talented teachers. We've known Vince Rhea, the new principal, since was vice principal there and he has always been hard working and supportive. The counselors are over-worked and have, in the past, been unhelpful -- however, the current group of counselors seems much improved.

The down side of ECHS is, unfortunately, its facility. It's depressing to see how the community has allowed a place of education to deteriorate so badly, and it's a credit to the teachers that they are able to teach so well despite the poor physical conditions there.

The looming budget cuts are a serious problem. All public schools face them. Although teachers have received lay-off notices, they have not been laid off yet. The decisions about budget cuts have yet to be finalized. We all need to contact our board of education and state representatives and governor to let them know that we will not tolerate any cuts in education.

October 2002

To the family asking about El Cerrito High and schools outside of Berkeley and Albany:

In our family's experience, ECHS is excellent. It is half the size of BHS. As at most schools, there are both good and bad teachers. Generally, the science, math, history, and English faculties are topnotch. French is good. Spanish can be problematic. There are excellent music, dance, and drama programs. The debate program has been nationally recognized, although it's undergoing changes since the wonderful coaches retired. The community is very excited about the new principal, Vice Rhea, who had previously been a vice principal there.

Which school is better depends on your student. ECHS seems to meet the needs of a broad spectrum of students. It has a full program of advanced and AP classes, and also receives special assistance from Cal and other programs.

About middle school, although Portola has had problems in recent years, it has a new principal who seems to be well- liked, and its size should be decreasing since a new middle school is opening in Richmond. I don't think it's necessary to live in Albany to get a good education in the area. Good luck!

To the family asking about El Cerrito High and schools outside of Berkeley and Albany: My son is a junior at ECHS, and my opinion of the school is much less glowing than the former one. My son is bored in nearly all his classes, but we don't have the money to send him anywhere else. The school on the outside looks nice, but the halls and classrooms are reminiscent of the fact that the West Contra Costa school system was, if not still is, bankrupt. Granted, nearly all kids have to be outwardly motivated during these years, but the motivation is not there with my son. My son is smart enough to be getting A's if he were motivated to do so, and the fact that he's getting C's is not making us happy. I am disabled and do not think of solutions to problems readily. I just wanted to present "the other side of the picture."

Dec 2001

Does anyone have anything to say about El Cerrito High School, good or bad? How has the block scheduling worked out for your children? I was really surprised to see that there were no entries at all for ECHS on the UC Parents website. Wendy

See replies about Block Scheduling

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