Carl B. Munck Elementary School

11900 Campus Drive

School District

Oakland Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

public

School Map for Oakland 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 August 09, 2023

I have three children in this school and have been apart of the school's community for 5 years and counting. Initially, I was a bit leery of sending my son to the school because of their state test scores, however, I quickly learned the school's value does not lie in its test scores but rather in the staff's commitment to providing a safe, caring environment where students can thrive. From the time students arrive at the front door to the time they leave the campus, they are supported physically, mentally and emotionally. In the morning, staff stand outside and escort students from their cars into the school making sure to greet the parents and the students alike. Once inside, students have the choice to eat breakfast or socialize or both in the cafeteria. Staff, from the principle to teachers to support staff, set expectations for behavior while holding both students and parents accountable for their actions. Academically, teachers work to support students' needs and celebrate their achievements.Students are routinely assessed to determine their academic strengths and weaknesses in an effort to address and correct deficiencies while also looking for ways to challenge bright minds. Last year, additional math and English workshops were provided to students during the school day to strengthen students' foundational skills in those particular subjects. Students regularly visit the library and computer lab where they build their technological skills. Overall, this is school has been a gem for our family. Our boys love going to school and have very few worries while there, other than having the occasional kid disagreement on the playground. They have gained and are gaining new skills in the afterschool program as well.Pros:Small schoolStudent's receive personal attentionFamily environment -- many sibling groupsCaring staffLow staff turn overSafe locationSupport for students with disabilitiesDiverse student bodyOpportunity for growthCons:Lacks an official program for advanced studentsParent engagement could be better
Submitted by parent on January 12, 2023

Fantastic teachers, parents and afterschool program. This community really cares about the kids. Small school so each child gets the attention they deserve. Very diverse too. Wonderful school
Submitted by parent on December 11, 2015

First the classes are over crowded then they have mixed grade classes. The teachers are overwhelmed and cranky all the time. My child has a behavior plan and his teacher did not even bother to read it. The teacher was not in compliance. When I wanted to discuss some things with the school it was nearly impossible to get a reply back. Had to send certified letter. They never miss a chance to ask for money though. I am really disappointed at this school. I can't wait for my child to leave this school.
Submitted by parent on October 28, 2015

The class sizes are too large. The mixed grade classrooms are pushed onto teachers who don't want to do it and are not prepared to do it properly. The incessant bullying causes additional outbursts from kids that would normally be okay. They claim that your child needs help, but they won't bother to evaluate your child. I have taken mine to several doctor's, all of who want the school's evaluation (typically an IEP or other similar type evaluation) to appropriately be able to help, only I can't get the school to do one.My child writes most of their numbers and letters backwards, reads was as saw and the school doesn't care. "We don't worry about that yet." Apparently not until they fall so far behind that catching up is all but impossible. Every day is I hear "So and so took my lunch again today mom." "So and so was taking my things at recess and I tried to tell a teacher but they wouldn't listen." "I am starving"...."I couldn't have a snack from my lunchbox. The teacher wouldn't let me. " My child is far from overweight. This should not be happening. This year started off with a large but more reasonable class size of 27 kids, until they canned the teacher (because the classes weren't large enough) and threw my kid in an already full classroom where the teacher was not even present for the first 3 weeks of the transition and instead they had multiple subs teaching the class. Lets be honest. I saw the classroom before they added more kids. I have no idea how they got more desks in the room. They are squished in tighter than sardines in a can. My child has come home with the same set of homework pages on more than one occasion. My child's excitement for going to school that was present after meeting the first teacher this year has turned into dread. My excitement to be at the same school again this year was high until they pulled the teachers, rescheduled back to school night, then had no teachers at back to school night to participate after I flew from my child's extra circular class to make it. I had the new teacher talked up and "sold" on me then tossed out and told how great the new super strict one is. My child was flourishing with a teacher that encouraged kids to be kids and now she is under military rule. I can hardly wait to pull my child from this school.
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2015

Day after day my child comes home crying. She is afraid to go to school every morning. She describes a war zone created by 3 boys in her class who fight, throw trash, flip desks and run around the classroom. When I questioned her teacher about this awful behavior, he said the principal sends the rule breakers right back to his class. There's a suspension freeze apparently. Because of that the good students who are there to learn suffer the consequences. We will not be back in the Fall. I'm moving both of my children out of this violent, scary, frightening, disorganized environment.
Submitted by other on April 04, 2015

I know Carl B. Munck to be a great school. Ms. Burroughs and Ms. Mastin are very supportive while being professional. The demographic of the school has changed considerably in the past 2 years with very little if any additional funding for the specific needs of the students. My grandchildren have attended for the past 4 years and yes there may be some instances of negative behavior but overall the staff do an excellent job in handling these episodes. We must remember they are there to educate not raise our children. The door is always open for parental involvement.
Submitted by parent on March 27, 2015

This school needs work I strongly recommend a new principle it's a war zone kids are running wild with no structure it's so sad if parents will take the time to really sit and watch what's going on they will have a different perspective on what they just see it has special need kids and they are not getting that special help from the school the behavior problem is through the roof needs a new administrator
Submitted by parent on December 02, 2014

Iove this school. My three step kids, all which have different talents and challenges attend this school. The teachers have been wonderful, and Mrs Burroughs (the principal) is incredibly supportive and had a great sense of commitment and purpose. My youngest is 1 and I hope the same teaching staff is there when it is her turn to attend. Thank you to Mrs Burroughs and the whole Carl B Munck team for showing our family support and patience during these hectic elementary school years! Ms Jackson, Mr Miyamoto and mrs Harrison and Ms Dowell are particularly great and our kids love them.
Submitted by parent on November 03, 2011

I'm having a problem with my sons teacher Mrs. Harrison, I have request four times to have my son's seat changed and she has not done it. My Son was having problems in that class he used to come home sad and say stuff like "I'm not smart anymore" or he would say "I'm not your good boy". I was so worried about his overall behavior in class I meet with his teacher Mrs. Harrison, we discussed his behavior in class and his overall performance. By the end of our meeting I was lead to believe that his seat would be moved, after requesting. That was two weeks ago and still nothing. Im planning on having a meeting with the Principal next week. I will keep this site updated.
Submitted by parent on March 25, 2011

This is our first year at Carl Munck. My daughter is in Kindergarten and we came from a unique situation. She attended preschool - and I thought she was learning at a normal pace, but to my surprise, when I enrolled her in K, she was far behind and not to mention, she was a younger 4 year old starting kindergarten. I can't tell you how pleased, thankful, and incredibly grateful for my daughters K teacher! The amount of time that this teacher spends with her students and going to the extra mile to ensure that my daughter and other students are learning and understanding the material is beyond itself a great deed. The parent involvement is incredible, all the parents know all the names of their child's classmates, there's a dads club that is very active and also plans a lot of the schools activities. I was so worried about my daughter's first year in K, but I was easily put at ease once we got to Carl Munck. I highly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on November 12, 2010

Good school. I have two children enrolled in the 1st and 3rd grades. Both are learning very well and I have seen improvement over the last 4 years since my son (3rd grade) started in Kindergarten. There is an overwhelming feeling of community and as a parent, a great sense of responsibility to be more involved. Mrs. Burroughs (Principle) has encouraged parent involvement as she understands that children's education doesn't start or stop at school, but at home. The Dads club at the school has a large number of Fathers there that are involved as well. This really is a good school.