Wilkinson School

PO BOX 1059

El Granada, CA 94018

13 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on August 23, 2024

My son attended Wilkinson for grades 1-3 and 6. Difficult to rate, our experience changed so much over the years. 1st grade was 5 stars. Lots of time outside exploring the nature the coast has to offer, which is true for all grades. I appreciate that service is a regular activity, w/seniors and the food pantry. First grade teacher created a fun and safe learning environment and I felt she really cared about him as an individual, though she is unfortunately no longer there. 2nd and 3rd grade were also overall very good. His teacher put an amazing amount of effort and creativity into hands on learning opportunities and weaving students' interests into the class work. Social emotional learning was a strength in elementary years. Small class sizes allow more meeting the child where they're at. I saw older kids helping the younger ones and building relationships across class years, which I loved. Parents are active volunteers and I felt a sense of community early on.My son was the only black child in his class and 1 of 1 or 2 in the school the whole time we were there. I was always the only black mother and am a solo mom. The resulting challenges ripened in 2020. I believe people cared and were doing their best in a difficult time, so I won't go into detail, but the lack of awareness ultimately contributed to us leaving. We returned last year in 6th grade due to a life change and had a truly problematic experience w/the main classroom teacher. There was inadequate attention paid to the kids, academically and in terms of classroom management. She was hostile toward me from the outset and did not respond to emails until I started cc'ing the Head of School. She read aloud the 'n' word in Uncle Tom's Cabin and only stopped because some of the students voiced discomfort (bless them). She then had the class vote on whether she should keep using the word, apparently not caring what that might be like for the one black child in class. She made things up about aggression that no other adult has ever observed, then backtracked. She gave him low grades, then told me it was a mistake when I asked her to explain, but didn't change them until I complained months later. I could go on. The response when I raised these concerns was apologetic and defensive and nothing was really done that I could see. It was terribly isolating. There are many kind people here and we will keep the positive memories, but I walked away feeling this place is not for everyone.
Submitted by teacher on June 10, 2022

Wilkinson provides a very unique combination of truly excellent teachers, small class sizes and community support. Our two kids have been really supported there as individuals. The teachers have identified their strengths and challenges (academic and social) and tailored the school experience to fit them best. It really is a hidden gem on the coast
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2017

As a parent of a child in their second year at Wilkinson, I wanted to take a minute to give my 2 cents on how happy my wife and I are with the school. The classes and the curricula taught at each level so far have been outstanding. Our daughter ALWAYS looks forward to going to school, loves doing her homework (seriously) and wants to contribute as much as possible. The teachers here truly love what they do and it shows in so many ways (they are an incredible asset to the school). Wilkinson offers a rare combination of engaging and immersive coursework, very caring staff, small classroom sizes and high achievement goals that have greatly benefitted not just our little student but all of her classmates. The Wilkinson experience has been rewarding for our family and we are thankful for it.
Submitted by parent on May 21, 2017

The teachers are amazing, the class sizes are small, and the school takes a truly child-centered approach to learning. Most importantly for me, the teachers have done an amazing job of connecting with both of my kids, inspiring them to work hard, and tailoring the materials and teaching approach to each of their (very different) needs; challenging them in areas they excel and supporting them to grow in other areas means they're both thriving academically. I wasn't sure what to make of the social-emotional curriculum and intensive studies programs when we first arrived, but now having seen them in action, along with the garden program, I see that they set this school apart. My kids are not only getting a great education, but I see them growing as caring people who are curious about the world around them. Couldn't be happier with their experience at Wilkinson!
Submitted by parent on May 08, 2017

We have had two children at Wilkinson for the last two years. We are there for the truly amazing and insightful teaching. The teachers have taken the time to understand who our children really are and to tweak the curriculum around them so to support both their strengths and weaknesses. We love Wilkinson. The kids are thriving.
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2017

We were never interested in private, but the public schools along the coast were not great. We fell in love with Wilkinson. I know when I drop off my daughter, who is in kindergarten, that she is emotionally and academically being taken care of. The teachers are fantastic. I love that they all know my daughter. Your child will never fall through the cracks at Wilkinson. It is a wonderful community of parents, and teachers. Its small, but its mighty, and the location just adds to the magic of the little blue school by the sea.
Submitted by other on September 03, 2016

My child has been at this wonderful little school for five years now and together we've experienced amazing and dedicated teachers, kind and supportive staff, and a culture that nurtures a sense of community, student mentorship and the whole child. They've had some challenges, of course, not every teacher hired has been the right fit, but overall it's been a fantastic educational experience. My daughter is thriving there and I couldn't recommend a school higher.
Submitted by other on September 02, 2016

By the time my youngest graduates, I will have spent 12 years here as a parent. When I saw how well my oldest placed at the local HS I felt that deciding to go to The Wilkinson School was the best parenting choice I have made.
Submitted by parent on September 02, 2016

The school has been great for my kids. My older son transitioned into the public school system after several years at Wilkinson and continues to be at the top of his class year after year. One of the many advantages of a school like Wilkinson is that you actually get to know your kids teachers.
Submitted by parent on August 08, 2016

This school has been great for my kids. They are still going through the school and are doing great. The focus on the whole child is important to us. For example, we had some social issues to address with our son and the school was on top of it. They handled it and everything turned out well. Now, I want to address the graduation comment below. That is out of context - I agree, it was awkward but the message was that they didn't care for the teacher but over time got to know her and loved her. Let's not forget that part of the message. I think it was more "I did not like her" than the word "hate" but I won't mince words. The point was, they left with love. Agreed though, it should have been cut down. All in all our experience with the school has been great. It is undergoing changes, but for the better. They are getting a stronger and experienced team together and focusing on making sure the school can run independently. I expect great things this year!
Submitted by parent on March 11, 2016

I have a daughter in 3rd grade and son in 5th, and we love Wilkinson! In fact, I now work there as well. Because of the small size of the school, the teachers and all the staff really know each and every child, both their strengths and their weaknesses. It really feels like a family. It's amazing to see the staff work one on one with the students to resolve their differences. There are so many wonderful enrichment opportunities here. I'm especially looking forward to going on the middle school Intensive Studies trip with my son to the Southwest in April. I have been very happy with the school academically as well. Most of our students test well above the National average in standardized tests, and my understanding is that there several graduates at Half Moon Bay High School maxing out on AP courses due to their preparation from Wilkinson.
Submitted by other on December 29, 2015

The academics are weak. Kids that graduate are not prepared for the local high school, which have a GS rating of 6 out of 10. Teachers are not qualified to teach multi-grade levels. School is non-dynamic and struggling as student turnover is high for a school this size. Teacher turnover is high - this year alone 3 of the 5 teachers are new. I question the open-mindedness, educational level and experience of the Mgmt staff. This does not feel like a holistic school. Its surprising that it has received accreditation - really surprising. Values, such as honesty and respect, are not taught at the school. There is no benefit to this school. Yet the school charges tuition for basically nothing in return.
Submitted by other on November 03, 2015

Wilkinson is now a school with blue tape on the floor, a yellow sign and a bell. Priceless! Wrong direction, turn around! Dude, listen, respect. Go back to the beginning.