Havens Elementary School

323 Highland Avenue

School District

Piedmont City Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

public

School Map for Piedmont City Unified School District

GreatSchools Rating

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on June 24, 2024

This is the type of school where your child may be harassed endlessly for their clothes, hobbies, the way they walk or talk, or anything about them. Your child may be scared to do anything at all, because anything can be ridiculed - in class, at lunch, in afterschool enrichment, at recess. There's no control or limit to the bullying. The kids clearly get it from their parents, and their parents are proud of their non-inclusive kids. My kids have many good friends at this school, but it's not enough to overcome the hostile environment.The teachers seem burnt out on it, one of my kids teachers canceled everything fun in the Spring because the class was so bad. Of course not all the kids were regularly misbehaving, but it certainly ensured that every single kid dreaded going to school.The academics are also weak. Years behind public schools in other states on math and writing. There's less art and music than the Berkeley schools, and significantly less field trips, and functionally zero community building at the school itself. Chorus concerts, science fairs, carnivals, etc - there is none of that. The PTA organizes some random things not associated with the school like the 5th grade dance.I deeply regret moving here for the schools.
Submitted by parent on November 07, 2021

We moved to Piedmont from SF (we didn’t do well in the match) and are so happy we did. To us, Havens is precisely the school we were looking for. Tons of parents and kids walking to school, beautiful campus with great areas for sports and recess, world class library (for an elementary school!), and great teachers. This is our first year (1st grade) after the pandemic so, granted, we don’t have the full picture, but we couldn’t be more pleased. Me Fredericks is outstanding and has been teaching here for years - I know others are pleased with their experience as well. I suppose it’s not private school (which has advantages, such as parents not too crazy and although many have means, chose public, and disadvantages like still higher teacher to kid ratios - although most classes have community sponsored helpers as well) - but I don’t think you’ll find a better public school. The community has been so welcoming and come out in droves for every community fundraising event. Go Havens!
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2012

We moved from San Francisco to Piedmont for the schools. While our girls were in a great Spanish Immersion program in the city and we miss the intensive language practice, Havens has a before school Spanish program our girls love. And the creativity and approach to academics at Havens surpasses all that we've seen prior. The teachers and students have welcomed our kids very warmly. The teachers engage the girls in all kinds of creative learning projects. Our girls are pushed harder than they had been in San Francisco, but are stepping up and really enjoying it. Besides teaching the standards, their teachers are helping them with concepts such as time management, organization, leadership, teamwork, and much more. While we've only been in Piedmont for 3 months, I'm sure it was the right move for our family.
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2012

It is an excellent school. Now both my daughters graduated from this school I have no current knowledge.
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2011

We are in first grade and loving it. We have a brand new, beautiful, state of the art campus, amazing teachers and Tery Susman our School Principal is fantastic. Parents are very involved, but it isn't expected. Some parents that work full time may only volunteer in the classroom once a month and others may wear many hats. I try to help raise money during our annual campaign and for Spring Fling our parent party/fundraiser. Happy Havens Family!
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2010

We're close to building a fabulous new school for the kids! We have great teachers, great diversity, and now the kids will have a modern school and playground.
Submitted by student on April 30, 2008

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