Berkeley Parents Network: Fairmont Elementary School (El Cerrito, CA)

Berkeley Parents Network

Fairmont Elementary School (El Cerrito, CA)

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > K-12 Schools > West Contra Costa County School District > Fairmont Elementary School (El Cerrito, CA)

http://fairmontschool.googlepages.com/

August 2009

I'm looking for info - good and bad - on WCCUSD and Albany Kindergarten teachers. We are moving out of state in the next year or two, so grades beyond K don't matter, but we are going to enroll my son in K here, just in case. We currently live near Fairmont, so I'm particularly interested in the class(es) there. Anon

If you are in the Fairmont neighborhood, you are lucky! The new principal is Galen Murphy, who was the principal of the excellent and award-winning school, Castro Elementary School. One of the kindergarten teachers from Castro will be moving to Fairmont. She is super! Fairmont has a fantastic PTA, community support, and a stellar staff. Choose Fairmont! Happy in El Cerrito PUBLIC schools!!!!

Unless you are an Albany resident (or teach in the Albany schools), it is not possible to enroll your child in an Albany kindergarten class. The district has become very strict about enrolling students proving residency with good reason -- the schools are crowded. With class size going up due to state budget cuts, teachers and resources will be increasingly stretched. anon

December 2003

Fairmont Elementary is our neighborhood school (and the one I attended in the 70's!). Now I feel like I know nothing about this school! The posts on Fairmont are almost 2 years old and I was hoping to gather more recent, detailed information.

What is kindergarten like now? Are there two classrooms (like when I attended) or are they down to one now? Do they still play in their own yard? I remember we each got a small carton of milk (if your parents paid extra for it) in the late morning to go with our snack; do they still have this service?

Way-back-when, we went to the school library once a week, on field trips once a year, and had daily hot lunches in the multi-purpose room (if your parents bought you a lunch ticket). I also remember music class once a week, too. Does the school still do these things?

I understand the school has a new principal... how is she working out? Is there a sense of community among the parents? Thanks for any information you can give me! Linda

Both of my children have attended Fairmont from Kindergarten through 6th grade. My daughter is currently in 6th grade and I am on the PTA board. I cannot say enough good things about the teachers and the quality of the education both of my children have had. It is a very nurturing environment with many experienced teachers who really care. The advantage of having your children at a school within walking distance of home should not be underrated. Both of my children are in the GATE program and have had curriculum enhancements. They both test at the 99th percentile on all standard tests. Children still can get milk from the school lunch program for a small fee and a hot lunch for another fee but served in the classroom at the Kindergarten level. The Kindergarten class does have its own playground and they have their own bathroom adjacent to the classroom. There is a new principal and she has done a lot to encourage parent participation and to foster a sense of community. Come to see for yourself. Golda

Jan 2002

My daughter attends this school. This is her first year there (4th grade), and she loves it. They have a new principal, whom I had worked for at another school. She is Great! She loves the kids, and respects the teachers. The teachers have been there a long time, and this is a good thing! They only have after school day care (no AM care). Good luck. Ina

To Leah: REF: Richmond Annex Schools: Fairmont Elementary Hello, my grandchild has been attending Fairmont Elem. Kinder. and now 1st grade. The teachers are caring and very devoted to the children, and the principal is kind and dedicated. I suggest either Fairmont or Harding Elem on Ashbury Ave. in El Cerrito - both good schools. Thanks, Lucy

From: Molly

We bought a house in the Annex almost three years ago. Great neighborhood. Nice neighbors, homey feel, friendly. We send our son to private school though - I didn't hear much about Fairmont School - I actually know someone who teaches there - we just wanted to send him elsewhere. Good luck - love to hear what you find out. -Molly

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