Mcdowell Elementary School

421 South McDowell Boulevard

School District

Petaluma City Elementary
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

School Map for Petaluma City Elementary 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 principal on April 14, 2019

I teach at this school, so I am obviously biased. With that up front, I will say that we have a wonderful group of students and staff who make each day a pleasure. Our principal sets a positive energy tone and our students respond so well. McDowell has some special attractions that you may wish to know about. Each student receives PE from a PE specialist each week. There are weekly music classes from dedicated music instructors. Our Spanish language classes, taught by Maestra Hancock, provide academic Spanish for all students twice a week. McDowell's Family Resource Center is just that...a wonderful source of help for all of our families. Other features of our school include before school day care and after school programs offered by the Boys and Girls Club, intervention and enrichment classes after school, frequent field trips to engaging environmental and cultural destinations, and more. I could say more, but best to come visit if you are interested in placing your student into a school in Petaluma. You won't be disappointed. Enseño en esta escuela, así que obviamente soy parcial. Con eso en el frente, diré que tenemos un grupo maravilloso de estudiantes y personal que hacen que cada día sea un placer. Nuestra directora establece un tono de energía positiva y nuestros estudiantes responden muy bien. McDowell tiene algunas atracciones especiales que quizás desee conocer. Cada estudiante recibe PE de un especialista en PE cada semana. Hay clases semanales de música de instructores dedicados. Nuestras clases de español, impartidas por Maestra Hancock, brindan español académico para todos los estudiantes dos veces por semana. El Centro de Recursos Familiares de McDowell es precisamente eso ... una fuente maravillosa de ayuda para todas nuestras familias. Otras características de nuestra escuela incluyen guardería antes de la escuela y programas después de la escuela ofrecidos por el Boys and Girls Club, clases de intervención y enriquecimiento después de la escuela, excursiones frecuentes a destinos ambientales y culturales atractivos, y más. Podría decir más, pero es mejor visitarlo si está interesado en colocar a su estudiante en una escuela en Petaluma. No te decepcionará.
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2018

I love being apart of the McDowell community. I have 2 children who attend this school currently and i am so happy with our experiance here. My 3rd grader has faced several challenges and i have always had great communication with his teachers to ensure his learning environment suites his needs.
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2017

I have two 3rd grade children who are enrolled at McDowell, and have been since Kindergarten. It's a great TK-4 grade school, with a supportive community of caring Staff, involved parents, and thriving students. The PTA is amazing, the Principal and all staff are very approachable, result oriented, and really care about the success of each child. I plan to keep my children at McDowell and I look foward to seeing ALL progress, and more wonderful experiences at McDowell!
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2017

When I read the other reviews on this school I was disappointed and was apprehensive to admit my son for KG, but I am glad I did. My shy and introvert kid is opening up and socializing with friends.
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2017

My older son attended McDowell School and my daughter currently attends and both love their school. All the staff is great ,dedicated and very helpful! They were able to identify right away that my child had special needs and got him the accommodations and help he needed to be successful! THANK YOU to the wonderful principal, teachers and staff that make McDowell the BEST school!
Submitted by teacher on August 15, 2016

Amazing teachers with high expectations!!!!! A brand new principal with a clear vision. Spanish classes for everyone. Love the school uniforms. Hard working students.
Submitted by parent on September 04, 2013

We were asked to remove our seven year old son from his previous school due to behavior issues. He can become anxious and has a hard time sitting still. He did not respond well to his teacher. We were told he would have to attend the home school in our district, which is McDowell Elementary. I was very upset and had so many preconceived notions. Boy, was I wrong. McDowell has been a godsend! My son is doing great and his teacher is very kind and compassionate. She called us after the second week of school to let us know how he was doing. The principal and staff have been wonderful. It is a very diverse school and I like that one of the goals of the school is acceptance and being kind towards each other. I am very happy with the after school care as well. The staff keeps the kids busy and also helps with homework. I would recommend this school and am very pleased. You can't judge a book by it's cover, that's for sure! Karen, parent of a third grade student
Submitted by parent on November 30, 2010

I am a Parent of a 1st grader with Autism that requires additional support in order to get a good education.... and all I can say is : THANK YOU* THANK YOU* THANK YOU to the Principal, Teachers, RSP, & other Staff at MCDowell Elementary!!! He is getting a wonderful education. Along with that he is learning to be kind and non judgmental by being surrounded by a diverse community. My son is Mexican by my side of genetics and Irish/Italian/German by his fathers genetics.... but he sees no issue with the ENGLISH LERNERS in his class....HE SEES CLASSMATES! He learns acceptance, kindness, diversity. As he is getting his education academically he is also learning about accepting diverse ethnic friendships....Hispanic, Black, Filipino, White,etc...He is learning that not everyone learns the same way, the same speed and that nobody is PERFECT! Shame on the parents that would see the English Learner or Social Structure as a negative influence on theire childs education. We want our children to grow up academically strong but also having learned the values of acceptance, equality, and social education. I'm proud to have my son be a student at McDowell Elementary!