P. A. Walsh Elementary School

353 West Main Avenue

School District

Morgan Hill Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:19
Type

public

School Map for Morgan Hill 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 May 13, 2023

Am a student and it is the worst school ever they wouldn’t even let us play tag they have bad food and kids say threats to people like Josiah in room 17 and am in 4th grade it’s just a band school
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2022

When I told my neighbors my child would be attending P.A. Walsh, they warned me that it was a "tough" school, and my sensitive son would be "eaten alive". Our experience could not have been more different than that warning. My son has made wonderful friendships with children of many different backgrounds. P.A. Walsh is a warm and supportive environment where diversity is valued by staff, students, and the entire school community. My son is also challenged academically and consistently reads 2 grade levels above his own. We are now in our fourth year at Walsh, and my preschooler will be attending TK next year. We are so happy and proud to be a part of this community.
Submitted by parent on July 28, 2020

Like many parents basing their initial opinions on test scores and outdated reputations, I was hesitant to give this school a try. I even initially filled out a transfer. I am so glad I decided to give it a try. This school and the whole school community has been a huge blessing to my whole family. My children have really grown from their experiences here and my incoming kinder already feels so at home at this school. I believe that fostering a close relationship with all the staff members and teachers is important at any school, and doing so has made my children feel connected to the community here in ways I never would have anticipated. This school has amazing heart, the teachers work so hard to give student a the best possible opportunity, and families pitch in and really care about each other too. I am so glad I didn’t move my children. They have had an amazing experience at this school.
Submitted by parent on January 08, 2020

Overall, our experience at PA Walsh has been so much better than first anticipated. We were unsure if we were going to allow our child to remain at this school when we first moved here, especially because of the current school rating. However, we are beyond happy that we chose to keep our child at PA Walsh. Our child has grown and thrived in many different ways. It can be confusing for many when you are exposed to a schools negative rating. But in our experience, if you ACTIVELY work with your child to ensure they understand what they are being taught and that your child consistently remains on top of their studies...then as an individual student, your child should do well. If your child is still struggling, like ours was at the beginning, then effective and consistent COMMUNICATION between the parents and the school will only help your child to succeed.
Submitted by other on December 26, 2019

The new administration is making a very discouraging and poor experience at this school.
Submitted by parent on December 09, 2015

in his heart. He looks forward to go to school every day thanks to the teachers especially Mr.Olson. This year has been the best! Valerie and Dusty have done an outstanding job. Making students feel like someone cares other than family makes them want to keep wanting to learn more and do their best every day like Ms.Burkhart. Everyone.. the Principal, the front office, the teachers and the custodian...they make you feel welcomed. My son has been lucky to go
Submitted by other on December 08, 2015

PA Walsh is an amazing school. I come to Walsh weekly with my SDC class. We work at this campus to learn valuable job skills. From the moment we arrive at the office to sign in, we are greeted with a smile. They have a beautiful garden where students have been taught many valuable skills. There's a very warm and welcoming art room on site, serving students of all grades. The librarian is warm and inviting. The positive school climate is evident as there are school Spirit posters up advertising various spirit days. Best of all, the Principal is supportive of all students, regardless of ability levels. She is a proponent of PBIS and explicitly teaching students what is expected. Overall, it's my happy place and my students, para and I all treasure our Thursday's at Walsh when we get to work there.
Submitted by other on April 14, 2015

The school looks wonderful! Fresh paint, new carpets, a science lab, an art studio, plus drama and chorus after school, wow. This STEAM Academy put a computer in every child's hand. Kids are happy and learning. All the students went to the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco. I love reading about the schools in the local paper and this one is often highlighted.
Submitted by principal on August 17, 2014

In the summer of 2014 our school was beautifully renovated. A science lab was built as well as an art innovation room. Wifi is available throughout the campus, which is perfect for using the Chromebooks the children use. Our highly qualified teachers have chosen to work at this site and dedicate themselves to providing a quality education for all students. We have partnerships with The San Jose Museum of Art and the Disney Family Museum Foundation. Artists will work alongside our teachers in creating exciting workshops for students. STEAM focuses Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. We are on track for the future.
Submitted by parent on September 10, 2012

As a new parent to this school I agree with the previous review one does research for the best schools and we do get caught up in the numbers. I must say I was hesitant in sending my child here, but after almost 3 weeks of classes my husband and i can honestly say we were pleasantly surprised. The welcome from the teachers, volunteers and the involvement from our principal is to be commended. I can see the commitment to success. We are proud to be part of this community....Way to go P.A Walsh! The community is watching and cheering you on... A special recognition to Ms. Miller....we couldn't have aked for a better teacher for my child.
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2012

When a parent looked at schools to send his/her child, that person will value 2 things 1) API scores and 2) Great School' s Scores. Aside from having a "3" rating, P.A Walsh also has a consistently LOW API score of mid to low 700's since the year 2000!!! Please STOP kidding yourselves by thinking/saying/posting "how great Walsh truly is...." You would need to prove it by increasing your API scores to match that of your "wonderful and glowing" reviews!!!
Submitted by parent on March 25, 2012

Don't be fooled by this school's low rating. The principal is a great leader and has full support of a very committed group of teachers. They are all working hard for our children. My children have been here a number of years and they and I have had a great relationship with all of their teachers. They have been challenged to be the best that they can be and enjoy going to school everyday. The little engine that can is a great description of our school!
Submitted by parent on December 22, 2011

PA Walsh is a great school for our small town community of Morgan Hill. It is a place that nurtures students and supports families while pushing for academic excellence. Students make great gains each year. My son is in his second year at Walsh and is thriving in their care.
Submitted by parent on October 26, 2011

Amazing school. The principle, teachers, and staff are all attentive and very sweet people. My son's teacher pays attention to every detail and the classroom size if perfect.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2011

This school is the little engine that CAN! Our principal and the teachers are wonderful! We have faced many challenges as others have around the state, overcrowded classrooms, less funding and joining with a closed school from the district. I have to say this has made our school stronger. The joining of Walsh & Burnett has been a plus, we gained some amazing teachers. Keep up the good work. If you are a parent you need to be involved with your child's school & teacher! Great job Walsh Teachers & Students
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2011

P.A.Walsh is a good school. Great Principal and teachers.I think the parent in one of the other postings should be ashamed, how can you say kids hate America and "fair" colored people . Don't be fooled by this scary parent . This is California,with great diversity That is what makes America Great I think some people .forget that.. P.A. wash is a good school that gets a bad rap. My son has went there since kindergarten , he now is in 5th grade. Great teachers every year , always challenging the kids. Good kids!
Submitted by parent on May 30, 2011

The teacher and the principals are good, but there's too many kids that hate America and hate fair skinned people. The kids are allowed to act like animals. The classes are over crowded (I think above the legal requirements). The district needs to mix up the races, offer free English classes to parents, move some of the kids to other schools, hold parents accountable for repeat offenders. (There are MANY fantastic kids and families) but way too many "bad apples."
Submitted by teacher on June 02, 2010

There have been a lot of changes at Walsh over the past few years. To compare it to what it was even 3 years ago, you would not recognize it. And for the better! The staff is doing whatever it possibly can to tackle huge issues one by one. Next year promises to be even better. Test scores are raising, and attitudes are improving all around. I'm proud to work at PA Walsh.