John G. Mattos Elementary School

37944 Farwell Drive

School District

Fremont Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:18
Type

public

School Map for Fremont 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 June 17, 2024

As parents with multiple kids attending this school, we couldn’t be happier. Let me share why:Dedicated Teachers: The educators here are exceptional. They not only teach but also inspire. Our children have made remarkable academic progress under their guidance.Inclusive Emotional Care: Beyond academics, this school prioritizes emotional well-being. The teachers genuinely care about each child, fostering a sense of belonging and confidence.Holistic Growth: It’s not just about test scores; it’s about nurturing curious minds, encouraging creativity, and building character. Our kids are thriving in this environment.Community Bond: The school brings parents together. From PTA meetings to school events, we feel like a close-knit family, supporting one another.Safe and Secure: The campus is safe, and safety protocols are robust. As parents, that’s our top priority.In summary, this school isn’t just an educational institution; it’s a place where our children flourish academically, emotionally, and socially.
Submitted by student on March 31, 2019

Bully Zone! Poor teachers! What happened to Mattos, this school use to be a gem. Kids have major attitude! So glad we left.
Submitted by parent on November 20, 2018

Our experience at Mattos has been very positive. The families that we have met care about their children's education and their well-being - not extremely competition-minded like in some uber high-performing schools, and we like that.
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2018

Sadly I have to say that this school is a SCIENCE magnet by name only. The science docent program where PARENTS are teaching science is under staffed (people need to work around here to afford to live)- there is ONE dedicated science teacher for all grades (individual teacher try to incorporate scientific too) and there is literally no ART in the STEAM portion (other than an nation wide PTA art contest that is promoted). The maker space is available but it isn't really being put to good use by teachers and to be honest if teachers are encouraged to only bring up the lowest performing kids and not pay attention to actually completing curriculum there is something seriously wrong here. Also, the PTA is very cliquey and sometimes even pushy- I know I've tried to volunteer here and there and I'm put off by the in-group out-group dynamic. But then again, high school is never over right :D
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2018

I think some of the grades in this school are great. However I have heard a scare story about a teacher with whom the kids/parents struggle. Since the leadership has been in flux, it seems like some problems (like the teacher in question) have not been effectively addressed.
Submitted by parent on March 16, 2017

Amazing. Teachers care for students deeply. Also a science magnet school.
Submitted by other on May 24, 2016

Really good science program, Parents and teacher work closely with kids. My son loves this school
Submitted by student on November 30, 2015

The school is not what is used to be. We have so many great teachers and great families who helped the school a lot with their own time had left the school in one school because of the principal. Parents, teachers, and students used to be able to interact with each other more freely, but not anymore. It is no longer a tight and happy community. Kids are even controlled on who and where they sit to have lunch. Believe it or not the principal is still there even with all the complaints to Fremont Unified School District. I was informed by so many that the reason why she is still there because she is close friends to the Superintend's wife. Wow!!! So many to mentioned but it might take me way too long to mentioned it all. Very sad...
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2015

Both of my children have gone to this school and it is parent involvement and solid teaching that help make it the success it is today. The science magnet headed and run by parents continues to be unique to Mattos, and with its continuing evolution gives our kids an edge that they will need in this globally competitive environment.
Submitted by parent on June 06, 2015

Very poor performing principle who has driven away many of the best teachers Mattos. Families are moving their kids from this school.
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2014

So I am not a huge fan of the public school system in California. It is a over bloated bureaucracy that is beholden to the special interests of the teachers union and not the needs of the students. That said, Mattos is a true gem of a school. It is a smaller, old style neighborhood school where the students grow up together, head to Junior high and high school together. The current principal is a terrific leader committed to uniting her teaching team as much as she is to each individual student. She knows the students names, their dispositions, strengths and weaknesses, and treats them with respect while challenging hem to be the best students and classmates they can be. She is a wonderful leader for the school. The teaching staff this year is focused and strong! There is only one bad teacher at Mattos (a notoriously awful 2nd grade teacher), but the others are all committed, positive, strong educational guides for the students! Mattos has an AMAZING resource teacher, INCREDIBLE SDC teachers, and FABULOUS PE teacher. And the school has tons of parent volunteers and a very involved strong PTA that funds. This school is truly an excellent elementary school!
Submitted by parent on August 18, 2014

Yet again, administration has changed. This time the focus seems to be on monetary gain, $60 for a prepackaged "deal" of school supplies. This supply list consists of single items that can be purchased in bulk at a cheaper price. Not only that, the school is now conducting future kindergarten interviews. When you ask parents what they think of it, they welcome the idea because it would attract parents with a background in science and that it would raise property value. The link I see in admitting a child with qualified parents is the higher income the person has with that type of education which is essential to raising more money. Other parents without a science background can be benefitial too. If there are docents to the music program who do not have a background in music, surely docents in science can be possible if the focus is truly educating the children about science. This is a public school that is supposedly open to all types of children. If there is an issue with funding the school, start with educating yourself about social policies. Make changes in the laws that regulate school funding, not with the background of a child's parent. Exercise your right to vote!
Submitted by parent on May 05, 2014

This is the 4th elementary school I have been aquainted with and our 3rd year at Mattos. I have had a child in every grade except 1st. I am sooo pleased with the teachers and the parent involvement. My children have not experience any bullying. I am pleased with the quality of their education and all the extra curricular activities that are offered. My children are very happy at Mattos.
Submitted by parent on May 05, 2014

Amazing staff , excellent teaching skills and an amazing atmosphere for the kids in encouraging to learn and showcase their talents.....
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2013

We started kindergarten this year, and in less than a month, they moved our child from an AM to a PM class. Not knowing what to expect, except hoping that it would work out for the best since ratio would be much smaller (1:21 compared to 1:30 in previous class), so far it has been good! The new teacher is resourceful and nurturing. Students seem engaged and respectful toward one another whenever I check in the classroom or observe in the playground. The new principal seems interested in interacting with parents and students. I see a lot of parent involvement at Mattos, but I hope the kindergarteners will also get some music and science lessons that they hope to introduce into the classrooms this year.
Submitted by parent on August 26, 2013

We are new parents. We have heard other parents; that the school and the teachers and especially in the science are very good. Thank you,
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2013

Not real impressed with the way the school handles conflict. Bullying has been an issue.
Submitted by other on August 09, 2013

Until this school year, 2013-2014, the Science Magnet program has been non existent. The district has used the title of a science magnet school to increase its attendance. Mattos was slated to be closed due to low enrollment numbers. There simply are not enough families with school age children in the immediate attendance area to maintain it. With a majority of its students residing throughout Fremont you would think the school would embrace being a citywide school. Instead parents and some long time staffers have steadfastly clung to the past and hold on to outdated traditions and values. Mattos is very much a "neighborhood only" type of school, with many parents with "neighborhood only" attitudes. The school has had three principals in the past 3 school years. It has a way to go to bring it in line with current times. Fortunately hope is not lost. Mattos newest principal promises to be its best yet. I'm holding on to the hope that Mattos will rise above during this school year and truly become the school it wants to and claims to be.
Submitted by parent on August 08, 2013

You can get the best from this school if you recognize its key strengths. Teachers are great. They are very gentle yet firm and very nurturing. The teachers, staff and the preschool Director do an amazing job. It's an excellent school in a safe suburb. Students are driven and motivated. The most important thing is that you can be smart at this school and be proud of it.
Submitted by parent on May 30, 2013

this is an excellent source of education any kid can get .my kid has learnt alot from here