Kenilworth Junior High School

800 Riesling Road

School District

Petaluma Joint Union High
Grade

7-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:21
Type

public

School Map for Petaluma Joint Union High 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 26, 2024

This school was very wonderful at the start. Then, disaster struck. My sweet child was at kenilworth for 1.5 years and was very happy until there were many threats of violence. In the spring of 2024, the week before spring break many students threatened to bring guns to school and even one went as far as to set off a firework in the boys restroom toilet. My child was very stressed after this painful experience and I have spent many restless nights calming her anxiety and 100’s of dollars on therapy sessions for her but nothing seems to work. After this traumatic experience the very ill-mannered teachers of this school made it even worse for my sweet angel by piling on more work for her to do. Over all the community and environment of this school was very negative and traumatizing for many students and I STRONGLY suggest to never send your child here.
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2021

Our family is VERY happy at Kenilworth! The teachers are amazing and really go out of their way to connect with every student. During distance learning, my family experienced anxiety, depression, and stress. The Kenilworth staff provided so much academic and emotional support which helped my twins be successful with their first Jr. High experience. We are happy to be back in person for hybrid and are looking forward to 8th grade next year! Thank you, Kenilworth for supporting my children and our Petaluma community!
Submitted by parent on September 10, 2020

Both of my kids had a great experience. It’s a big school so the adjustment in the first year was a challenge but in the second year they were comfortable and took advantage of activities and leadership program. They both always felt safe.
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2019

If I were not relocating to a different area I would have taken my child out of the school after I attended Parents night. The math teacher's presentation was very negative explaining to parents how a child will be disciplined or kicked out of class. Instead of focusing on how parents can support the child to succeed. The main presentation from the principle was in the school gymnasium which was so over crowded they could not be heard. The planning of parents night was terrible and again, if we were not already leaving the area we would have pulled our child out after that ridiculous night. There are only two Junior High Schools in Petaluma and from what I have heard from parents at the other junior high, the school is not much better.
Submitted by parent on May 30, 2018

Maybe a 3. I give the highest ratings to the campus itself - which is fairly modern, spacious and clean. Unfortunately the poor leadership, firing of qualified and well loved guidance counselor and a couple of sub-par teachers knocked this review down. 3 is as generous as I can come up with, unfortunately.
Submitted by other on August 17, 2014

The school was amazing and i wish I could stay there forever. The teachers were amazing and very helpful.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2011

Kenilworth is the best middle school in Petaluma. My child is enthusiastic about going to school and has succeeded academically and socially. As a parent, the most impressive aspets of the school are the band and PE programs. Mr. K is the band program director and his groups could compete with most high schools. More importantly the kids really learn how to play their instruments well and learn to love music. The PE program is consistently getting kids into great shape and teaching them how to take care of their bodies. One negative would be the student to teacher ratio. It's difficult to get teacher time and it's a hit or miss depending on the teacher. Some teachers are very responsive while others might reply to an e-mail a week or two later. Overall Kenilworth provides a good environment for learning and expanding a student's academic and social horizon but to really enjoy success there, he/she has to be organized and willing to work hard.
Submitted by student on August 03, 2009

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