Madera Elementary School

8500 Madera Drive

School District

West Contra Costa Unified
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:24
Type

public

School Map for West Contra Costa 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 November 04, 2023

We've been happy with our kid's experience at Madera. No school is perfect, but this one has a lot of great things going for it.1. The teachers we've had have been wonderful and caring. My kid has learned a lot and enjoys showing up for class every day.2. The community funds a lot of enrichment programs, like gardening class, music class, field trips, and special assemblies - along with classroom supplies and extra reading support.3. Principal Ranch genuinely cares about the school, teachers, and students. I was surprised/impressed at how much he cares about getting students' opinions on things that impact their experience there.4. I see a lot of family involvement - there are so many parents in the community who help out with substitute teaching when needed, spend time in the classroom, and also help outside of the classroom (for things like school cleanup projects).5. There's a great after school program that's conveniently on campus, and there are several enrichment programs offered throughout the year (chess, art, science, improv, sports, you name it).
Submitted by parent on May 12, 2023

Thought this was supposed to be a good school, but teaching seems to be hit or miss depending on who you get. Not enough consistency across classes in each grade so some learn a lot and others don't have that opportunity
Submitted by parent on February 28, 2023

My kids attended Madera from K through 4th and K through 2nd. While I believe the new principal, Mr. Ranch, is really strong, the PTA is excellent, and some of the teachers are excellent, my overall rating for this school is mixed. Both of my kids are dyslexic and while the principal and their teachers were supportive in terms of getting a diagnosis, the school psychologist and the district were horrendous and violated my childrens' rights as they did not do assessments until 1.5 yrs after I requested them! I could have sued, but opted not too because the pandamic tired me out and I just didn't have the energy to fight. So if you have a kid who is dyslexic, I cannot recommend Madera as the district violates the rights of children with dyslexia. I also believe that their reading instruction is not adequate as they base it on Lucy Calkins and Columbia Teacher's College methods which does not include proper phonics instruction. The district should be using a method that is based on phonics and the science of reading which helps ALL children read more effectively including children with dyslexia.
Submitted by parent on November 28, 2022

I noticed there's only one review since the pandemic-induced closure of West Contra Costa Unified School District. A couple of major changes have taken place: 1) we have an amazing new principal with an enormous commitment to our students and teachers, and 2) a good portion of the longest-serving teachers at Madera retired during the pandemic and we were able to hire really enthusiastic and incredibly well qualified new teachers. The result of these changes is a strong school community, it will probably take a couple years for all of the scores to reflect these improvements, but suffice it to say that we feel incredibly lucky to be Madera parents.
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2021

Despite a difficult time with distance learning under a global Covid-19 pandemic. Madera continues to be an excellent school for academic, social, and character learning and development. Parent participation is high. A new influx of high-quality teachers has meant that the level of energy, innovation, and enthusiasm for learning and growth continues to be at the forefront of not only the faculty and staff, but also the administration of the little school on the hill. Your child will feel at home in a welcoming environment where children are challenged and supported to succeed, grow in maturity and develop into responsible little citizens. At Madera, school faculty and staff look out for the students not for themselves.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2020

Awful. My child comes away hating school thanks to his terrible experience, the unbelievable lack of concern for the children, the inadequate support for teaching, and the pervasive cynicism and dismissing of parents' concerns and sincere wishes to support.
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2014

Our principle Ms. Makela is really committed and she really makes an effort to connect with the kids instead of spending all her time doing administrative work in her office. Also the PTA here is off the chain! So much energy, love and pride here. A couple of my child's teachers have seemed burned out ... I guess that's better than being young and inexperienced? Anyway we are proud to send our 4th grader here.
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2014

This is our neighborhood school and we are committed to making it the best it can be. So far, after two years, we are pretty satisfied. The new principal (Alison Makela) is stellar and has great vision and leadership abilities. The best is yet to come! The teachers are case-by-case. Many of the older teachers seem very set in their ways and resistant to change or new, more creative methods of teaching. Madera could use some new blood, mixed in with the old, if only the unions/district would allow that. Parent involvement is otherworldly. Madera would be half the school it is without the dedicated parents of the PTA and other committees who fund and staff all of the enrichment programs. The comments about parents being "cliquish" are baffling. I am lucky enough to be a parent who devotes hours of unpaid time to making programs for *all* of our kids, and I say, "PLEASE JOIN US!!". We want everybody to participate and work together. No cliques here. We would love it if more would join. It's the same handful of families providing most of the financial and volunteer support, so why not be part of it instead of complaining? We all have the same goal, let's make it happen!
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2013

My son has been going to Madera since Kinder..He has nothing but positive vibes coming from this school. The principal who originally there when he started isnt there anymore but the new principal is great also! I am very impressed by the homework and how they helped my son along the way these past few years. Special thanks to Mrs. Ruby in the office she has been helpful to us also! My fav part of Madera is the PTA they have enormous help from the parents here! We love you Madera! Akili & Akyla's mom
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2012

I am a Madera parent and and educator of 15 years. My 2 children are starting their 3rd year at the school. I feel compelled to balance the reviews below. While I will agree that some teachers depend too much on handouts, I have also seen WONDERFUL projects, hands on science, computer class, field trips, music, talent shows, cultural events, carnivals and an amazing garden education program. The community is very diverse and welcoming. During a very difficult time for my family, the Madera community was a stable source of solace. Both of my children have flourished including one with special needs that are addressed! They perform above grade level and have developed a deep love for reading fostered by their teachers. The Madera community has faced some challenges including year after year budget cuts and staff turnover but we pull together as a community to continue to provide an exceptional, if imperfect, public educational experience for children at ALL levels. Montessori it is not, but Madera is under NCLB where curriculum is mandated. If you have tolerance for these mandates and want a diverse, safe, public school, then Madera can't be beat! Go Madera!
Submitted by other on July 22, 2012

The recent comments posted here are very disturbing to this El Cerrito resident. From the test scores, Madera is at the top of a small group of successful schools in a notoriously bad school district. If these comments are at all representative of the parents at the highest rated school in the WCCUSD, I beg the school board members to declare bankruptcy, and dissolve the district.
Submitted by parent on July 08, 2012

I hope, but doubt, that the new principal will make a difference. The parent and teacher cliques are very strong. Madera also lost four great teachers this year. As a parent of two students, I find this school disheartening with little hands on work of any kind. There is a high focus on drill paperwork without balance. I am fortunate to have got places for my kids in another district school.
Submitted by other on July 06, 2012

I just want to say, as a former student, that this school is just not satisfactory. It does not challenge a gifted child whatsoever. In a regular class, you will find that 2/3 of the class will be dull minded, and 1/3 of the class will be at the least, average. The other kids will slow you down. This school used to be AH-MAZING, but it all changed after the end of 2010. The parents form cliques, with one of the cliques being the moms who are all on the PTA, and who are always hanging around the school. Even some grades have cliques. The 6th graders ``date`` each other, and try to run the school. Most of this happened because of lack of principal leadership. Teacher quality has declined; principal leadership has declined, and all I can say is that this school MAY just get saved by the new principal.
Submitted by parent on June 20, 2012

Wow I thought I was the only parent that felt this away about this school! A handful of parents might be actively involved but they are extemely clickish. The principal seems inexperienced and unable to manage different social issues. I haved moved from the area and have placed my children in another school. It was the best thing I have ever done. I wish these reviews where here before I had my children enrolled at Madera. I would have thought twice.
Submitted by parent on June 10, 2012

Online reviews are designed to help others. I am a dissatisfied parent like a few others in this thread who have expressed their sentiments which emerge out of FACTUAL experiences and are NOT OPINIONS. With responsibilities of work and raising children, Parents choose their battles. I wish to warn parents on taking 5 STAR rating on "Parental Involvement" with a grain of salt. Parental involvement can also translate into Parental Interference. As reported of cliques operating this site, both the principal and teachers might just be under the influence of a handful of parents. Such political scenarios serve vested interests of a chosen few. I made a decision to enroll my child at this school based on Good School hearsay several years ago. I only wish sites like Great Schools had operated then. I would have SEEN ALL FACTS as they were so I wouldn t have to go through a sad experience back then. A rating of 10 for this school? It won t be a surprise if somebody with vested interest is monitoring the threads here too. Why? We don t even see this school listed on Rate My Teachers !!! Doesn't that make you wonder, WHY?
Submitted by other on June 04, 2012

I have reviewed prior posts about Madera and all that has been read has been parents persoanl opinions and no facts. Yes this school has issues as well as any other school in any district anywhere has issues. I felt as I was in high school again as I read these posts or in middle school passing notes with rumors on them. If people want changes in the policys and feel that thier child is not gettting the best education then move schools! Let's not sit hiding behind a web site and cry and blame everything on the teachers and school staff on a blog. These issues should be brought to people in charge in person or threw the head school district office to higher up's in charge that can actually do something about it. This school is by far not perfect but which one is?
Submitted by parent on May 30, 2012

I would have to say I agree 100 percent with the previous reviewer. This school lacks any creative way of teaching children. Madera also lacks diversity. Extreme racial barriers exist on this campus. Politics and clicks are major players at this school causing the real goal of schools to get lost. I have had children in AUSD and BUSD. I have never seen racial barriers so obviously than at this school. No matter how you put it Madera is still part of WCCUSD. Overall I'm extremely disappointed with the education provided at this school. There is no diversity, little conflict resolution skills from staff and an extreme lack of leadership from the principle.
Submitted by parent on December 15, 2011

If your child is gifted, talented, brilliant with exceptional abilities, Madera Elementary is not for your smart kiddo. Your child will be torn apart amidst the politics and racial biases that plaque this campus. The teachers who strive to maintain high rating for this school, practically serve no good to a student seeking challenge. Strong advice to parents - Please check for an in person reference on teachers of this school with other academic professionals in WCCUSD, BUSD and AUSD. You will see the cliques that operate this site.
Submitted by other on May 10, 2011

Hi i am an official student 4th grader at Madera. 3rd grade was fun. But 4th grade is fun and boring at the same time. This year I HATED the principal because she would not do any when there was a problem. She was too easy-going and would take things easy. 5th grade won't be that fun and will be really BORING. The teachers are strict in 5th grade