Blackford Elementary School

1970 Willow Street

School District

Campbell Union
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:21
Type

charter

School Map for Campbell Union 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 29, 2023

The administration team, teachers and staff are very welcoming and friendly. Teachers are great at helping support your child, whether it's in the classroom or at home.
Submitted by parent on September 22, 2022

The problems of this are well known and the school district doesn't care as long as they get their salaries.
Submitted by parent on January 02, 2022

My daughter studies in this school for TK, K, First grade over all we have seen very good development in her and the teachers are outstanding. The focus on discipline is really good and makes foundation for elementary curriculum. Happy to send the daughter here and Would recommend this school to anyone.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2018

We have been here for almost a year and I know why it is rated a 3. I wish there was a school closer to me and I would transfer my daughter there. We moved from a school that was rated a 9 to this and my daughter is suffering because I had to move for work.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2018

Great experience for the past year and a half.
Submitted by parent on November 25, 2017

Great! It has been improving in the three years we have been here, with better textbooks, more field trips and STEAM activities every year. the PTA puts lots of efforts to bring fun programs to campus, one year they had a stargazing event with professional astronomers that was very fun. The campus is getting a major overhaul as well which should be finished in the spring.
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2017

Between both my kids, we've been at Blackford for 7yrs. While I certainly understand the breakdown of scoring and challenges associated with teaching a diverse student base, I believe this school has an amazing community and has come a LONG way in terms of the quality it provides in many areas. The teachers are outstanding. The staff are incredible. The Principal and Vice Principal are exceptional. The kids and families that attend are wonderful. I am hopeful that our community continues to invest in this gem of a school so that our kids thrive and succeed and our neighborhood school shines. I encourage all new families looking into this school to please come and visit so that you can see first hand all of the awesome things happening here!
Submitted by teacher on January 16, 2017

I have held a variety of teaching positions at Blackford over a number of years and am deeply invested in this school community. I consider the staff and students part of my family. Our current administration is, hands down, the best I have ever worked under. They put students first, always. Yet, they are relentless in their efforts to advocate for teachers and what is best for our school site. The teachers at this school are incredibly hardworking, loving, and truly believe in the success of all students. Each teacher brings a different passion and skill set to their classroom, contributing to the well- rounded experiences students receive at Blackford. Teachers spend endless hours outside of their work days engaging in professional development enhance their practice and work toward providing the very best for our students. Blackford is a happy place where students like to come every day. Come visit and see for yourself!
Submitted by teacher on January 16, 2017

Blackford is an amazing school with an incredibly hard working group of teachers and administrators. Teachers are always looking for ways to bring science, technology, math, art, and language arts to life for students. Teachers differentiate to meet students where they are whether it be to challenge or help the ones who are struggling. The administrators support teachers with an open door policy. The environment here is very positive. People care about each other and want to be here. As a teacher, I wouldn't teach anywhere else.
Submitted by teacher on January 15, 2017

I am a teacher at this school and everyday I am impressed with the students, fellow teachers and administration here. The students at this school are taught not only the general curriculum but so much more. There are constant conversations about character and positive behavior in followed in the classroom and on the playground. The teachers at this school are constantly innovating, trying new concepts and learning from each other. The teachers are able to do this because the administration allows us. They truly believe in every teacher and support new, fresh ideas. This school truly puts the kids first and believes that every single child can achieve. I pick Blackford Elementary because of the love, respect and honor that is shown all around every single day.
Submitted by teacher on January 11, 2017

I am currently a teacher at this school and have taught here for the past 9 years. The school is much different now than when I first started. There is an emphasis on positive discipline and students are taught explicitly what is expected of them. The staff here is wonderful. I feel every teacher here cares deeply about their students and works hard to help them succeed. The principal and vice principal are two of the best I've ever had. They are caring, supportive and always willing to listen to what you have to say- even if you disagree with them. There are a lot of wonderful things happening here. Lots of technology being used on a daily basis, steam projects like the cardboard challenge, special art programs with Villa Montalvo and the San Jose Museum of Art, and workout Wednesdays just to name a few. We also have very supportive parents that are involved in their child's education and work hard to put on special events for the school. No school is perfect and we have areas we need to work on but everyone here is committed to doing what is best for the students. I'm proud to be part of the Blackford community.
Submitted by teacher on May 27, 2016

I was treated poorly when I worked here and bullied not only by other teachers but by the principal as well.
Submitted by teacher on April 28, 2016

As a teacher, I have never worked at a school with such strong and caring administration and with such high morale among staff and students. The staff is comprised of individuals who care deeply about the students and work hard to provide an environment where every one of them can succeed. In addition to the exceptional team, the school offers numerous programs and support services that many other schools do not. These include Project Cornerstone - Los Dichos, Brazilian Drumming, Playworks, and EMQ Families First, just to name a few. Come see for yourself all the great things that are happening here!
Submitted by principal on February 11, 2016

As the current administrator of Blackford I am so incredibly honored to work at this school. Our students, parents, and community are absolutely wonderful and the staff cares about each and every student and how to best meet their needs. Starting as a classroom teacher, then an instructional coach, assistant principal, and now principal, my belief in this school only gets stronger each year. I truly believe that all children have the right to a high quality education where they can learn, know they are valued and important, and can achieve their goals and dreams no matter what circumstances. I love the opportunity to talk with our parents and community members and encourage consistent communication and therefore have an open door policy. I can not imagine a more wonderful school to be a part of.
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2016

We love Blackford! It has been a great school for my daughter for the past 3 years!
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2016

My 4th grade daughter has had pretty severe anxiety issues about school since the beginning of the school year, even though this is her 4th year to attend Blackford. The principal, vice principal, counselor, teacher, and other staff members have been great about helping us work through the issues, sometimes on a daily basis. It's mid February and I think we're finally on the other side. As with any situation, communication is key. THe staff and teachers at Blackford are always willing to help you through your problems or give you resources.
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2015

My advice, if you have a choice, do not allow your children to attend here. Terrible office staff who have bad attitudes. My son is always getting hurt during recess only to find out that "no one saw" so nothing is done about being kicked, pushed, tripped. If I had a choice to change schools I would do it in a heartbreat. Read these reviews!!
Submitted by parent on August 17, 2015

My children have been at this school for the past 2 school years. It is by far one of the best elementary schools that my children have ever attended and I look forward to the 2015-2016 school year!
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2015

My son has been attending since TK, and although, he has had his us and downs, MOST of the staff has been very supporting, I am thankful for the support my sons teachers have given him, Ms Enfantino, Ms Miranda and Mr,. Marshall. And Ms. Wilson!! Best yard duty! I do pray every year and hope it is not a teacher that will under stand my child's unique needs. (I've heard stories). My childs home school is another one but since I have had pretty good support here I have not moved him. Yes there is bullying but ITS EVERYWHERE. The few times I have had to report something it was dealt with with the expection of one time, in which I had to go to the principal. I also enjoy the culture, there is a mix of almost every ethnicity, which helps! I love the new multipurpose room!
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2014

I could write a much longer review, but I wanted to address the comments regarding bullying at this time. My son was being "bullied" (though I hate to use that term, because I think its way over used) at the beginning of the year. A boy was being physical with him, daily. I wasn't satisfied with the response from the Yard Duty, so I went to the administration (specifically the VP Mrs. Frese) and it was immediately dealt with. Changes were made, and appropriate teachers/yard duty were contacted, by the next day. Starting the very next day, I never heard my son complain about this issue again (and yes I asked often :) I certainly don't think the school is perfect, but I think bullying is something they do work hard to stop. They offer rewards for children who go so many weeks without referrals, they encourage the students, and they take immediate action. Kids don't always listen the first time, but it doesn't mean action isn't being taken. If you are concerned about the school, go for a tour, meet the principal and Vice Principal, attend a PTA meeting (or ELAC meeting) and get to know the parents.