Wilson Elementary School

3775 Bodega Avenue

School District

Wilmar Union Elementary
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:19
Type

public

School Map for Wilmar Union 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 parent on February 22, 2024

This school is amazing. Older negative reviews seem to be related to the old principal. The current principal and administration is excellent. The culture here is inclusive and welcoming. Academically my daughter is supported, pushed, and thriving. I love that social emotional learning is part of the curriculum and since it’s a smaller school, the teachers and principal really know each student individually and work to support them where they are and then exceed that. The ideal primary school experience in my opinion.
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2017

My overall experience at this school has been amazing! I read a comment where the teachers are gossip-ish. I haven't had to deal with gossip-ish teachers and I've been there since 2010! I don't get too much involved in the gossip so maybe that's why I never had the experienc with it. I just involve myself with the "necessities." Whatever the teachers need help with and just keep it at that. I recommend this school to parents who has Wilson on their list for potential schools for their kid(s). I know of 2 sets of families that changed schools TO Wilson due to their previous school having no structure. Go Wildcats!
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2016

Unhappy with the school. Of course there are a few good teachers, though overall they lack ability to have a outside the box thinking. Principle backs bad behavior from bad teachers-gossipy. Curriculum -common core is shoved down the kids throat. Way to much homework. Bringing out the best in the student and creating a environment where they can look back at there years and elementary and said they enjoyed it. If principle took a engaging approach instead of school scores to get more funding they would actually keep students wanting to go to Wilson. Very OLD Age thinking.
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2015

Wilson School is a hidden gem in Petaluma! The teachers and principal are committed 150% to each students' education and are attentive to each individual students' needs. My son has attended this school since 2011 and we've been very happy with the education he's been receiving. I would highly recommend this school to any one who is considering it. The bad reviews you might read about this school are just not true in our experience.
Submitted by parent on May 19, 2014

I put one star because you had to rate one... I didn't feel it was deserved. The teachers are gossipy and belittle the students. One of them even swears when yelling at them. I have overheard the teachers talking in the hallways and calling their students dumb and stupid. The principal has nothing good to say to the children and backs his teachers rude comments. I would highly recommend sending your child to a different school where they are built up instead of shot down.
Submitted by parent on June 12, 2013

My daughter was in the transitional kindergarten program-kinderprep. This is an amazing program!!! I owe it to Mrs. Korbel, and Wilson for allowing my daughter to excel by offering this program. Mrs. Korbel has the outmost patience needed for working with kids to prepare them for first grade, but preparing them for Kindergarten. Everyone has love in this school.
Submitted by parent on January 22, 2013

Mediocre, Disappointing and a huge let down is how I would describe this school, with the exception of their new third grade teacher who is lovely. The principle lacks any ability to perform any aspect of their job. Disheartening is the word that best describes the day to day management of discipline. Teachers put down students, and fail to treat all of them fairly. If you are school shopping please consider your choice carefully.
Submitted by parent on December 07, 2012

Our family absolutely LOVES Wilson school. We drive our two children 30 minutes both ways every day so they can go there and I can honestly say its worth it! (gas prices and all) My oldest son has been to three different schools and no other even comes close to the quality of education that Wilson provides.The principal has done a phenomenal job in shaping the school into the perfect learning environment it is today. The teachers truly love what they do and are very nurturing, inspiring and creative. My kids are being challenged to their full potential but are gently guided when they're struggling as well. I also think that its great that even with so many budget cuts to schools, Wilson is still dedicated to offering as many enrichments as possible. They offer accelerated reading and math, kinder-prep, computer lab, library, music class, band, gardening, PE as well as weekly in room art lessons. I really cannot compliment Wilson school enough, keep up the good work. (:
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2012

Disappointing, is the word I would use to describe this school. Teachers are extremely unprofessional, especially the upper grades with an emphasis on fourth and fifth grade. The leadership by the principal is far below average. The school teaches to the test and only cares about scores, they do not care if they leave a child behind in order to race through curriculum for STAR testing. The teachers have an issue with confidentiality and the meaning of it. PTA is a joke, it is a group of women who are unappreciative, unprofessional and gossipy. Children are allowed to bully other students and there is absolutely no followup of discipline. Teachers play favorites and teach children unfairly. The staff shares confidential information with the PTA members and other parents, completely unprofessional. I would advise anyone looking to send the child here to strongly reconsider.
Submitted by parent on August 28, 2012

We had a fabulous lower grade experience but the upper grades have been lacking in academics. The school district changed the math program and the kids are not responding well to it. The teachers appear to only be teaching to the test, they rush through curriculum to cover it before STAR testing only to leave students without complete knowledge and understandings of the whole concepts. Staff is gossipy and unprofessional, discussing students personal issues with parents. There is a lack of leadership by the administration. Yard duties allow children to swear and call classmates names on the playground. There is a "do what I want and get away with it" attitude in the classroom. There is a high percentage of parent involvement if you can withstand the PTA and their need to bad mouth volunteers, and the lack of appreciation for your help with projects or events. My child has found a happier place elsewhere as I suggest you do for yours as well.
Submitted by parent on August 16, 2012

This is a great school if your kid is a cupcake. Teachers are lazy, staff is rude. The overall appreance of the school really needs help. Definatly would not take my kid to this school
Submitted by parent on August 16, 2012

We are going on our 5th year at Wilson with 3 children and this school rocks! Your child's learning experience is one of the most important decisions a parent can make and this school has friendly staff, teachers that go the extra mile, parents that work together and proven results for its academics, which create a fabulous learning formula. Parent involvement is key to the education of children and this is a community that works together providing a great experience and environment. It's a country school, that is striving to always be its best and constantly working together to upgrade its years of Petaluma history . . . I'd take this highly rated, country school any day!
Submitted by parent on August 16, 2012

For the most part this school is average, 2/3 of their teachers are good the other 1/3 could use a touch up. PTA seems to be rising to the occasion and leaving behind their clickiness. I've had one child go through elementary here and if I had it to do all over again, I'd rethink that decision. I actually think I might have to side with cupcake down here But with anything in life you live and you learn. Best of luck!
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2011

While one will never find a perfect school, Wilson is just about as close as you can get! A small town environment just outside of town, with low class size, skilled teachers, a positive principal, friendly staff, good kids and an overall sense of community for kids and families. We are so happy we made the choice for our kids.
Submitted by parent on March 04, 2011

My daughter has been attending Wilson for 5 years. I am impressed by the school's attention to academics, community spirit and extracurricular enrichment. The administration and staff are united in producing well rounded nice kids. It as a rural gentle ease that aids in eliminating some of the complex situations observed in more central school locations. Kudos to the staff!!
Submitted by parent on March 24, 2010

I have been very happy at Wilson school. From the get-go, the whole campus was very welcoming and friendly. The teachers and staff are attentive to my kids' needs and are very willing to work with us as their needs change. As a parent, I was invited to get connected and involved, and it has been valuable for my kids, their classrooms and rewarding for me. I enjoy the family feel, but really appreciate the high academic standards and the methods used to get us there as a community.
Submitted by parent on February 16, 2010

What can I say about Wilson school that the other reviews haven t?! This school is truly amazing! Wilson offered my child everything I hoped for in a school. Small classes, gifted teachers, strong academics, lots of parent involvement, all in a beautiful country setting. What more could you ask for?!
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2008

N/A