Walter Woodward Elementary School

575 Tannehill Drive

School District

Manteca Unified
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:24
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 other on October 20, 2024

My grandson came from private school to this school during 8th grade school year, 2023/24. The administration, teachers and office staff were kind and supportive. I highly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on May 31, 2024

I love that this school is very safe and clean. The teachers and office staff that we personally had were always so attentive, personable and involved. I'm so thankful that this school starts from Kindergarten to 8th grade. My kids got to grow up with their childhood friends and never had to switch schools. I personally really liked this school for my kids. I never experienced any of the negative comments that others were writing but I built a good enough relationship with my kids teachers where all situations would be handled. The school gives you plenty of opportunities to get involved.
Submitted by other on October 31, 2023

Although it isn't a great school, it is a better choice compared to other schools in the area. The principal isn't that great, and some of the junior high teachers have not been good either. However there aren't a lot of fights that happen in junior High like other schools, and it is located in a safer area than other schools. As far as I could remember, there is hardly any grass for kids to play on, the curriculums aren't super good, but in reality it could be a lot worse.
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2023

I just read a review stating the bullying issue. My child was physically abused multiple times by the same student! Every time I called to ask if anything was done the vice principle would just say, "I can't say anything, all I can say is that we are doing what we can with the student and it is unacceptable what they did". That is not good enough. The teachers are over populated in the classes as well and have a hard time controlling their classes. They are good teachers but NEED more help. I've been looking into other schools and if I get the chance, and am able to, I will be pulling my child out and putting them in a new school.I was very disappointed.
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2023

This school has a huge bullying problem. Most of the kids here are horrible and disrespectful. Kids have been body shamed and have had pictures of them posted on social media accounts to ridicule them and cyber bully them. The office doesn't do anything about it, and when you ask for an update, they tell you they can't give you any information, but it has been taken care of when in reality, it has not. My stomach is in knots everyday my kids go to school. I have met quite a few other parents that feel the exact same way. If you have the option to take your kids to another school, I definitely would.
Submitted by parent on January 02, 2021

My children are 10 and 11 and have been attending Woodward since kindergarten. As with any school, every person will have different experiences but we love Woodward. We actually made sure that when we were purchasing a home that we stayed in the same district just because we didn't want our children going to another school.
Submitted by parent on July 12, 2019

Woodward is a great school for the younger grades K-6. The teachers are excellent. The Jr High experience is completely different. Students promoting into high school are not prepared academically for math and science. The Jr High math and science programs are a compete joke. The Principal is aware of the problem and acknowledges that her students are not ready academically prepared for high school, but says her hands are tied and is unwilling to implement changes. When talking with the teachers they blame the students, and will not take accountability. The grades are inflated, for example the teacher will drop the lowest test score before grades are due so it appears the students are actually learning the subject, when in fact the teacher is trying to bump up grades to keep parents happy. For the last trimester the science curriculum only had one test, a few assignments and one bottle rocket project. For 3-4 months worth of instruction. What did the kids learn? Our experience in the Jr High program has been terrible compared to the K-6 experience.
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2017

We have had a great experience at Woodward. Both my girls started kindergarten there and have done a wonderful job. Both test well, and have consistent good grades. Teachers and staff have been great. One of my daughter's needed speech due to a birth defect. They were amazing with this.
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2017

The leadership of this school needs to change. Vice principal bullies parents, has no compassion, and shows favortism. Unbelievable school!
Submitted by parent on April 12, 2016

My student was threatened by another student. In a letter that was said I wish they would die and one day they will get these students that were named. Well here's what the teacher did to provide a safe envoirment to our children By throwing away this letter. And taking no further actions.How areyou reassuring these students safety it's very sad. I'm very disappointed how the teacher took this terrorist threat and did nothing about. Way to keep you students safe.
Submitted by parent on April 19, 2014

I will keep it short and simple. It was a good school, never a great school. McParland is a great school and continues to be a great school. Woodward had potential and still does have potential. Also, it is not even close to being a good school. And it all begins with the principal who lost control of the upper grades by losing great 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade teachers and replacing them with less qualified teachers. And I continue to blame the principal who constantly in front of parents like myself has made fun and poke jokes at her own Vice Principal very very unprofessionally might I add... I've read each and every comment that other parents have made and I do understand that some believe it to be a great school that is great until your kid passes the 4th grade then you will sou and feel the way other parents like myself feel
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2014

I have a 1st and 3rd grader attending this year. We are new to the school and I couldn't be happier. There is wonderful communication from the office and the teachers. The school also puts a lot of effort into special programs and activities to get families involved. We look forward to many successful years at Woodward.
Submitted by other on January 10, 2014

I love this school because it challenges kids to learn more than other schools like in stockton where my daughter went 1st
Submitted by parent on December 19, 2012

We are very happy with this school. We have two children that attend here, Kinder and 2nd. Their teachers are awesome, helpful and caring. The office staff is amazing and is always looking out for the safety and well being of the students. The school always welcomes parent involment and I highly suggest getting to know your teachers and school staff to make each year of your childs education a great one!
Submitted by other on June 19, 2012

I went to this school and i hated it.I was bullyed every day i was pushed got called mean names one time somebody told me nobody liked me right in front of a teacher and he did nothing. I use to love going to school but it got to the point were i would beg my parents to let me stay home every single day. I would not send your childern to this school. This is completly my opinion.
Submitted by parent on January 31, 2012

My daughter is in kindergarten and her teacher Mrs Papineau is great.she has lots of patience and my daughter loves her so much and when she gets home she is so happy and ready to share the stories.By reading the reviews doesnt look like they have teachers like her in higher grades.
Submitted by parent on October 11, 2011

Sadly I agree with the most recent review posted here for this school. I have several kids at this school. Most of the lower grade teacher are wonderful, but the higher grade teachers some in 5th, 6th and most of the Junior High teachers. I cannot say the same about them. It just seems they lack the love or passion for teaching that the lower grade teachers have. The administration has never been child friendly, especially after Mr. Goatcher left. He was the greatest and kindest person there.
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2011

This used to be a great school. Not true anymore. The lower grades have retained some fantastic teachers, but the new administration is not child focused, there are some terrible teachers in the upper grades, especially jr. high. Many parents who's children were happy here in the early grades have transferred or opted for home schooling