Joshua Cowell Elementary School

740 Pestana Avenue

School District

Manteca Unified
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:21
Type

public

School Map for Manteca 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 student on November 27, 2015

I am a student who goes here and I like the experience. The teachers are kind and caring to my fellow piers and the principal is spectacular in running the school. Safety is the number one priority here and education is number 2, because safety always come first. It can be noisy from time to time, but most are used to it. I really recommend this school to any students, parents or guardians, and I wish everyone a great day!
Submitted by parent on July 02, 2015

I can't say enough wonderful. positive things about Joshua Cowell Elementary School. It is because of the leadership of our current Principal Bonnie Bennett that we have flourished over the past 5 years. With the knowledge, extreme leadership skills, caring, kindness, and professionalism that Bonnie has brought to a school that was in VERY MUCH need of some improvement she has risen far and above to the occasion!!! Joshua Cowell is a leader in the community, we have our WE Day, we have been given recognition by both local and state officials for the work that is being done at our school. Bonnie has implemented many. many programs to build character in our students, stop bullying, and unify our school as one family! She is AMAZING! I have worked along side many Principals in many years as a very involved parent have never seen such dedication to students by one Principal that I have in Bonnie Bennett. Our campus is like no other in the Manteca Unified School District. Murals have been painted to reflect the pride we take in our school, poles have been erected to displayed the different ways in which character counts and the different languages in which to say hello, these brightly colored poles are a glimpse into the vision of a Principal dedicated to making her school a place where eve4yone feels welcome, accepted, valued, and most of all a safe learning environment to have the tools to success to reach the goals that will get them to the next level. There is a feeling of positive energy as soon as you walk onto the campus. Bonnie is warm and inviting and always ready to listen. The success of each student at Joshua Cowell is a personal victory for her. I am proud to call her my Principal as well as a friend. I appreciate her dedication to the wellbeing of my daughter and all the students at our wonderful school! The folks that have made the comments regarding Bonnie and Joshua Cowell need to take some tine and visit, tour, spend some time volunteering and see what really goes on each day at this fantastic school.....you will be amazed! I am everyday!
Submitted by parent on August 22, 2013

My school is not the greatest. It needs improvements. I have two children who attend Joshua Cowell School.
Submitted by parent on August 01, 2013

The problem with Joshua Cowell Elementary School is the current principal who does not know how to operate administration aspect of the school. The principal does not take matters seriously! She does not follow through normal school operations! Administrative ongoing issues: Failure to contact or report of my child or children was absent. Joshua Cowell School never contacts me of my child or children absent from school. Failure to follow proper suspension procedures. The school staff never informed me that my child was suspended. My child told me that she was suspended. When I called the principal she said that she did but had a wrong number. She mention that Alexis had an ongoing issue with another child. I was never informed. Prior to the incident, I was not informed that there was an ongoing issue with my child and another student. Half of the 7th and 8th graders failed the math and no additional tutoring was provided No previous contact before the quarter if the child is not doing well; until it is too late! The school lacks communication, organization and not looking into the child s best interest and education.
Submitted by parent on March 08, 2013

As the old principal was not very friendly the Jr. High Teachers were great but new math teacher is horrible and does not truly want to teach! How can he if 50+% of Jr. High is FAILING! Somethings wrong with taht picture! I Have children who are now in HS but also at this school and it has gone down hill! No homework! Principal needs to tell teachers what to do! They need to read the definition of "homework". No teacher/parent contact when a child is not doing well until it is too late! Old math teacher was much better and is tutoring and helping my child. The old Math Teacher needs to go back to Junior High. More papers sent home so parents know what their children are going and learning! I too have heard the yard duties are not as nice as prior. Looking to move our child for next year!
Submitted by other on January 26, 2013

The reviews seem outdated, so I thought I'd leave a review myself. I'm a former student, and went to the school during the reigns of both the old and new principals. I agree the old principal seemed uncaring, but she did what needed doing, and left the rest to the teachers. The teachers are amazing people who love their jobs and care about the kids they teach. During this time, the school was lively and fun. Especially the junior high years. Then the new principal came. The year was about the same as before, as she was still getting used to the place. Graduation wasn't great, but we made the most of it. Later in my freshman year, I came to visit a teacher. The school was the about the same, save for a few changes. But a visit in my sophomore year changed my mind completely. The place seemed dull and boring, the atmosphere unenthusiastic. The office wasn't its lively, busy self. I'd even heard that some teachers were quitting; indeed, the ones I saw looked tired. The campus decorations were over the top. I think the principal was so bent on changing the school's image, the people suffered. By the way, every time I went to visit, the yard duties were rude. I miss the old ones.
Submitted by parent on September 30, 2011

my girls really like that school, they are so happy, with the new teachers has a parent, Im so happy with the new principal and teachers.
Submitted by parent on November 28, 2010

I have only recently been introduced to this school, and as the wife and daughter of a teacher myself, I am saddened by the apathetic attitude of several of the teachers. Continually asking for progress reports to no avail and when a student gets a D- on their report card, they have the gall to leave the comment that she is improving. Homework is not given in particular class, so the grade is soley on tests and class work. Perfect, tell me what you do in class. Oh wait, you would have to show up for the parent teacher conference. But they didn't. Told me they other things to do...well guess what....so did I.