Anthony G. Bacich Elementary School

699 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard

School District

Kentfield Elementary
Grade

K-4
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

School Map for Kentfield Elementary 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 October 23, 2024

Our two kids — 1st and 3rd grade — are thriving here. Truly wonderful, empathetic and caring teachers and a very communicative and transparent principal. A great community of parents as well.
Submitted by parent on November 16, 2023

Safety, response and communication are a big issue at this school. The school is so large and there is not enough support for the large number of children. The curriculum is outdated and mediocre and administration just goes through the motions.
Submitted by parent on June 15, 2023

Bacich Elementary School is absolutely amazing and has a fantastic reputation. I have two children that attend Bacich and are thriving. They love going to school everyday. I attribute this to the incredible teachers, the wonderful family community, the enrichment programs, and the administration that works hard everyday to keep our children safe and happy. I frequently visit campus and I see a lot of happy children. The administration is transparent, open, and honest. All schools have problems that arise, the difference is that Bacich is actually honest and pro-active in figuring out solutions. They hold meetings, communicate with the community and all parents are able to get ahold of teachers via parent portal at any time. The teachers are passionate about teaching and are very experienced. There are paraprofessionals in the classroom that allow for a strong learning environment. I know parents of children that transferred from private schools to Bacich. They have expressed that Bacich has an amazing community, strong academics, and supportive staff. They continue to add more amazing programs to the school. It truly is a special place. We are very grateful for the incredible teachers/staff and feel lucky our children are able to attend such a wonderful school.
Submitted by parent on May 16, 2023

Bacich has had ongoing issues with safety mostly at recess but also in the classroom. Bullying and violence has gone unchecked. Cops have been called to come to the campus multiple times this year. Kids have gone to the hospital. School counselor, which is one person and way, way below the state limit, has quit. Teachers and staff have left due to safety issues. Super has other priorities than the best interest of students. Parents have asked for ongoing meetings, many students have left and plan to leave, teachers have pulled their own kids, kindergartners have one strike policies now after years of things getting out of hand. Kids have had to remain in zones at recess designated by administration to stay safe from aggressive kids. Bacich, once with a sterling reputation in Marin, is now one of the least regarded public schools. It will take years to mend.
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2022

My son is a kindergartner and is having a wonderful experience halfway through the year. The teachers are so caring and communicative. The general community support for the school is outstanding as well. We couldn’t be happier.
Submitted by parent on October 03, 2021

Our daughter went to Bacich.It was by far the best school experience. The school has high standards. It was a positive experience and I must say that each friend has continued to thrive.
Submitted by parent on December 20, 2019

Mixed. It works for some kids, but isn’t for other kids. A change in principal would breath new life into the school, which has outdated mentality. Community is wonderful and diverse.
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2019

Our son is thrilled to be back in school. All teachers have been fantastic and the new construction and rooms are great!
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2018

My child has been very happy and successful at Bacich. His teachers have been amazing, and the administrators know him and are personally invested in his well being. He loves going to school and feels safe, happy, and intellectually curious and energized at school.
Submitted by parent on June 20, 2018

The Education and Social skills obtained by my children have been outstanding. That is why it is rated amoung the top school districts in the state.
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2018

Poor at best. Worried about influence of other kids from this community on my child
Submitted by parent on October 13, 2017

My twin girls attended Bacich and received an excellent education. One of the girls needed extra help and received outstanding assistance. The school was sensitive to the twin-issue and always asked us first before they decided to keep them together or separate them. 2nd and 4th grade were critical years and we found the teachers in this grade level were experienced and enthusiastic. A total pleasure to get to know the parents and get involved in the good work of the Foundation and parent's group.
Submitted by parent on May 06, 2016

Our son had a horrifying experience at Bacich. Kindergarten through 3rd grade was fine - overcrowded but decent teachers and an engaged parent community. His 4th grade year, however, a number of factors led to him having some behavior problems. The way the school handled him - from the principal on down - escalated the situation to the point where we pulled him out and schooled him at home for the last six weeks of the year. We were made to feel that something was truly wrong with our child. The principal even said to me one day, "We just don't have kids like this in Kentfield."Fast forward one year. After many hours of tears, testing (there's nothing wrong with him, by the way), therapy, and a new school we finally have our son back. He is thriving and happy in his new environment. No thanks to Bacich and Sally Peck.
Submitted by parent on January 22, 2016

We moved my son from private school to Bacich and we are very happy we made the move. My son loves his teacher and everything about the school. Every day he is excited to go to school and he won't stop talking about all the fun things he did in class and what he's learning.
Submitted by parent on October 13, 2015

I was apprehensive reading the reviews online . But, it is a great school . Teachers are very motivated . Patent community is very involved with out being elitist . There is good diversity for Marin standards. Allin all very happy with what experience . Schoolis very organized . They have music, library, PE. Principal's office is very involved and seem to care . They have a lot of kids and classes . But they are able to keep the ratio low . Having a teachers aid in the class is very helpful .
Submitted by parent on June 15, 2015

We absolutely love Bacich. Each year we have had wonderful teachers and our daughter continues to thrive and love school. She is consistently challenged in fun, innovative ways. We also love the community feeling of this school. The parents and kids are constantly looking out for each other and helping each other out. It's a fantastic school and neighborhood!
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2015

After many years in both Kentfield schools, I have nothing but genuine support and love for Bacich. For those complaining about Common Core, please take a deep breath - our kids are not suffering academically. Our schools didn't wait until the last minute to adhere to these mandated standards - they got out ahead of them and have been working tirelessly to find just the right fit for our students. If your child is beyond gifted, then perhaps a public school is not the right place for you. But my kids were more than above average in math, reading, science, etc. and they have been constantly challenged by their teachers at Bacich and Kent. They have developed a genuine love of learning because of these caring and committed teachers and administrators. Is everything perfect? No, nothing ever is. If your kid doesn't gel with a teacher, teach your child how to adjust to an environment that might not be exactly to their liking. Step back a little and let your child discover different ways of learning that may in fact yield more results than you could have imagined. We have highly capable teachers in our District, and with just a little breathing room, they have the opportunity to help your child become an amazing student.
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2015

I'm passionate about education and couldn't wait for my son (now 8) to attend Bacich. For K & 1st he got devoted, energetic teachers. But his 2d gr teacher was just putting in the time sending us to websites for more math! I heard other parents' complaints and studied Bacich's application of the Common Core curriculum. Hundreds showed up at meetings to contest the low math standards. Read the CCC online. It dumbs down children: schools across the country modify it but Sally Peck refuses. It's totally inadequate given global competition & failing CA schools. But Peck's opposed to ability grouping so the more capable students are bored. After these meetings, Peck's solution: hire a consultant to study the situation. They stopped standardized testing several years ago (convenient for CCC) so there's zero accountability. We parents give over $1M/yr. but they refuse to challenge their brightest kids. Also school lets out every Wednesday at 12:15. Huh? The after school program, Marin Enrichment, is a sad warehouse for children waiting to be picked up. This formerly great school is failing. We transferred to a private school.
Submitted by parent on November 14, 2014

Many teachers and parents are doing all they can to ensure the school stays great even through unprecedented growth (over 700 students in a space built for 450). However, the principal has lost all trust from parents, who describe her as all "Teflon" and "spin." Parent concerns are not directly addressed even when a group of over 100 parents come together to flag an area of concern (eg. Abilities based grouping in math) and attempt constructive collaboration with her. Her behavior has been ongoing for the many years we have been in the district, without clear accountability from the School Board or District Leadership. In short, we moved here for the schools and now regret it and advise others to choose other local districts such as Reed, Larkspur-Corte Madera and Dixie. Note though that no Marin districts offer the GATE program, so if you think that is relevant for your child look elsewhere in the Bay Area.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2014

We just transferred from a private school in Marin to Bacich. I cannot tell you how happy we are with the School. I continue to be blown away by the standards of excellence and education. The community of families are amazing. We are so happy to become apart of it.