Paden Elementary School

444 Central Avenue

School District

Alameda Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:20
Type

public

School Map for Alameda Unified School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on May 11, 2023

We have loved being a part of the Paden community. This year is no different. We were concerned when the former principal left the school right after the school year started that what we love about the school might disappear. The interim principal Mr Flores has made connections with us and other families. The staff is welcoming, the art docent program is amazing, they have a makers space and a library with inclusive books. This school is my only experience with public schools and I am happy to be a part of the Pelican community
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2023

Paden has many cultures and languages spoken at the school, however it makes it very difficult for all of the learners to be engaged. PTA has high involvement. They ask for money donations very often from families. Bullying is really terrible at this school. They do not handle situations and unfortunately it puts students in danger. The school was better before a few years ago for my child, but now it seems time to look somewhere else. This school is good for low income families who have no alternatives, need community support, and free resources.
Submitted by parent on August 02, 2022

The leadership in this school is fantastic! The principal, Mr.Sarratore comes to school each day making decisions based on what is best for the kids. He knows each kid by name and is always smiling and laughing with them. In general, staff here is constantly looking for ways to encourage kids socially, emotionally, and academically.
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2018

Paden is a gem of a school and one I truly wish we could have stayed with. The principal, Drew Sarratore, went above and beyond for our family in the short time we were able to attend. We came into the school with a PG kid, looking for extreme accommodations to match her learning needs. Mr. Sarratore did no bat an eyelash at our suggestions, instead he worked with us to find the best solution for our child in relation to what resources were available at his school. I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to have a school administrator listen to you (the parent) about your child’s needs and respect that while you may not be a professional educator, your opinion of what is best for your child is of great value in the decision making process. Mr. Sarratore listened to our thoughts, offered tremendous resources, including testing, and personal observations, experimenting with different classrooms, etc... Most importantly, he followed up with us every step of the way. Caring communication on a “daily!!” basis was incredibly comforting during this process. Mr. Sarratore is extremely professional, energetic, creative and fun! He is a rarity in the industry and Alameda is very fortunate to have him. Every morning he invites the entire school community (including parents) to join in an uplifting warm-up to the day which includes fun music, dancing and humor, right before giving morning announcements. Keep in mind the backdrop to the campus is a stunning view of the marina. We’re from NYC so perhaps others take this for granted. It’s really quite special. Everyone walks into school with a smile. What better way to start the day! I should also mention that the staff as a whole are exceptionally warm and inviting. Sue, the office manager is so friendly and upbeat. She is great with the kids and parents. Absolutely beats the mean school secretary stereotype. We of course cannot speak for every teacher in the school but my daughter loved Mrs. Kitrena Swanson. Ultimately our daughter wasn’t able to stay due to space issues in grade placement, however, we would move back in a heartbeat if a seat opened up.
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2018

Overall my experience as a PARENT at Paden has been Neutral. I see there is some room to grow, but it's going to take some real commitment from the SCHOOL BOARD (AUSD) and from all of us PARENTS TOO! I think this could be a great school, but it has the potential to fall from good graces as well from my standpoint. I am actively looking at other schools but don't want to move my student without a "sure thing" environment. Effectively this is a place of complacency not ideology.
Submitted by parent on December 14, 2017

We have loved our experience at Paden. The school is academically challenging, with a progressive approach to homework and dedicated, effective teachers (including an award-winning librarian). I love their recognition of the importance of play in educational development (rather than just teaching to get to certain test scores, like many schools in town). I also love the innovative learning plan, focus on the development of character and life skills, and the amazingly diverse community. Our students learn to celebrate their diversity; and with this experience, they will be ready to be future citizens and leaders in a diverse world. I couldn't ask for a better learning environment for my children.
Submitted by parent on October 04, 2016

Paden is a great school- academically challenging, supportive, and diverse. It exemplifies the best of the Bay Area with its rich culture, full of educational opportunities (with fun school traditions around math, music and PE), and imparts the importance of community and stewardship.
Submitted by other on August 27, 2015

My son was kindergarten last year ms Schnetz room B teacher s class.She very great teacher because of her my son love to going class .All summer long he wait ing for his Paden school.
Submitted by parent on August 10, 2015

Our son just attended part of one year in Paden, but we were very satisfied with the school for the most part. We did not find it as impressive as the other school our son attended on the island, but were overall happy with the school. In particularly, we appreciated that the school tried to build an appreciation for nature. The education he received was good. We did not feel his teacher was as invested in him as what we had at the other school our son attended on the island, but we did like the teacher. Communication with parents overall could have been somewhat better.
Submitted by parent on July 21, 2015

Paden is a wonderfully diverse neighborhood school. It has a real sense of community and desire toEducate the whole child. Academics are solid with dedicated and experienced teachers.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2013

Our daughter started K at Paden a couple months ago. I am a teacher, so I took the school search seriously. We looked into several Alameda elementary schools and talked to a lot of people before deciding on Paden. I even attended a PTA meeting at the end of the last year. I was immediately impressed by the diversity of the parents involved in the PTA. The PTA raises funds for teacher to use in classrooms and larger expenditures like computers, keeps a school garden, supplies docents to teach supplemental art classes, puts on community events, and so much more. There is a very dedicated core of parents, and they manage to get nearly everyone involved in something. The teachers are a diverse group in age experience and teaching style. I was really happy to see some men on an elementary school teaching staff. My daughter is in an afterschool program where she interacts with students at all grade levels. The community is truly welcoming and caring. The principal, seems very solid. She appears to be supportive of her staff. I see her interacting kindly with students in all grades. She seems to know everyone, parents and students.
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2013

This is my child's second year at Paden and we are very pleased with the school. The teachers and principal are very involved but, as anywhere (I suspect) you will get the best involvement and support if you actively ask for it. The school is very diverse, both culturally and economically, and there is more transition of students (2 to 4) in out of the classes as the family situation of some children changes and they move into or from the area than you might see at some schools. We like this - diversity is why we chose to live in Alameda in the first place - but parents should be aware that it is TRUE diversity, in culture, home language, and financial means. Paden relies a lot on parent involvement, so some classes may be more enriched than others, based on the ability and desire of parents for that class to volunteer. The principal has worked very hard to develop a sense of community and shared responsibility among the children. To sum up: GREAT school for your child if you have the desire and energy to be involved with the school. If you want the faculty/administration to take care of everything for you, they don't have the resources.
Submitted by parent on April 16, 2013

We love the diversity of the school. Our children are growing up with understanding of many different cultures and people. The teachers are good and, after a rather bumpy start, the principal Ms. Barr has found her footing. Curriculum has strengthened over the past year or two, and new work has started on shoring up school culture, which takes special attention with such a diverse population. There are many adults who really care for the students. As with many schools, there is a core of involved parents working to bring other parents into volunteering. Overall, we are happy here.
Submitted by parent on March 11, 2013

Each parent's perspective is important. When I have brought issues to Ms. Barr attention I found her to respond in a thoughtful methodical manner. Sometimes I did not get the answer I wanted but then I realized she also needs to balance the needs of the children in the class room and the needs of an entire school. Change takes time. And in the two years that she has been at Paden she has been an effective administrator as seen in the physical changes in the school; has sought to support and partner with parents as seen through School SMARTS; and her in formal meetings with parents on the school yard after morning ceremony. Paden is a pretty great place for kids to learn and is made up of committed parents, caring dedicated fabulous teachers, and a strong principal.
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2013

I thought I would like this school, but the principal, Katherine Barr has to be the rudest and most inconsiderate person I have ever met in my life. She is condescending and speaks to me as if I'm one of her elementary school students. I'm not sure if she's just prejudice or just a naturally rude individual. Speaking with her is exhausting and I wish she would be replaced.