Terrell Elementary School

3925 Pearl Avenue

School District

San Jose Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for San Jose Unified 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 April 19, 2024

The school has completely inept leadership; a new principal who is utterly and completely ineffective. Bullying occurs early on, and is not managed in any way. Children frequently end up in the nurse's office because of injury from another student. Meanwhile, the student causing injuries returns to class time and again, only to further bully children. School culture and teacher efficacy start from the top. At Terrell, the top is a mess of ignorance, inexperience, and inability to care for and connect with students. Do whatever you can to make sure your student never comes to this school. Ever.
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2020

I am pleased with the compassion, dedication, and hard work of the staff at Terrell. Every year I see progress in the direction that most benefits the students. Terrell does so much with so little. I would like to see more parent participation, but I realize the majority of families are duel income or working more than 1 job just to survive.
Submitted by parent on January 28, 2020

I am extremely happy with Terrell. The teachers truly care about the students and it shows. The schoolwork seems to be challenging enough to encourage the kids to push themselves, but not too much so that they get discouraged. The students and the community are very welcoming and while there may not be a lot of parent participation on campus, I feel like everyone gives the time that they can. And sometimes that time is provided at home which is just as important.The rating on this website might look negative, but there is so much to know about the testing that is given and unusual circumstances that led to this lower score. The principal is working very hard on getting kids up to where they need to be. The lower scores provided some additional state funding which has been put straight into the needed interventions, extra tutoring, and supplies that are needed to help the students. A school is so much more than a test score that comes out once a year. The overall experience of early education and growing up has been great for us and that speaks more to me than a rating.
Submitted by parent on June 17, 2019

I am literally having nightmares as a result of my experiences at Terrell Elementary.
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2018

My daughter has been at this school for the last 6 months after having to transfer from another. She has done insanely well. She was a strong student already but Terrell has made her even stronger. All my fears about moving her here were unfounded. Thank you Terrell!
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2018

Excellent. I've had 4 kids at two different San Jose Unified elementary schools. Terrell is easily the best experience that I've had. I'm particularly touched by the relationships that the teachers form with the kids: they really care. And I'm continually impressed by the regular communication both from school staff and from the teachers themselves. Great school.
Submitted by parent on August 02, 2017

So much has changed over the years. The principal is proactive and hands on. The staff at the office is friendly and helpful. If your child is up to learn that is a good school for him. Overall experience so far is fantastic and I am very happy with the amazing PTA and the neighborhoods around it.
Submitted by parent on December 01, 2015

My daughter has been going to Terrell since kindergarten and loves the school. The teachers are wonderful and hard working and the Principal is committed supporting the students and teachers. I have been very pleased with the teachers my daughter has had and I am impressed with her current teacher. (Her Kindergarten and First Grade teachers retired, the others are all still on the staff.) I volunteer in the classroom and am a Project Cornerstone reader for other grades, so I am in the classrooms a great deal and I am impressed with what I have seen in the school. As a previous reviewer has pointed out, the school has art through Art Angels, music through Music for Minors, P.E. for all grades, lots of technology and supports many school clubs and after school programs. Is it perfect? No, no school is, but it's a GREAT school with a many wonderful teachers, staff, children and families!
Submitted by parent on February 03, 2015

This school seems to have a bad rap, and I simply do not understand why. Three beautiful neighborhoods surround it, but few children from the neighborhoods come here. Puzzling! Many transfer to other schools within San Jose Unified School District - which again is puzzling. SAME standards and curriculum across the board. Terrell teachers and staff are hands down absolutely amazing. There is little to no turn over -- which says A LOT! Terrell offers art, music, chess, Lego club, robotics club, and more! They have a desktop lab, laptop lab, and mobile chrome books = lots of technology. The principal and staff are open to ideas. Our only drawback - the lack of parent involvement - but this is not a reflection of the staff. And the parents that are involved are hands down incredible!!! If parents in the neighborhood sent their own children to the school, it will only improve the neighborhood school AND property values. Seems like a no brainer to me.
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2014

I think it is completely irresponsible for for the last reviewer to only give one star when they don't even have their own child attending Terrell. My son just started this year. His teacher is wonderful and the principal seems really involved with the students and parents. My son is excelling here and I'm really happy with the quality of education he is currently receiving.
Submitted by other on October 16, 2014

Wow, looking at how the staff and school is rated compare to other elementary is terrible. I have a nephew going here and it seems that staff and poor leadership of the principal is a concern. To query this school and local housing to purchase, you can see how low of a score it's getting and have my child attend... I would be ashamed. Only thing about Terrell is about the parents that strives to make it better. This make you realize where our tax dollars are going.
Submitted by parent on June 11, 2013

My child and I didnt have a good experience at Terrell. I felt like the school only focus on my child's behavior rather than academically. Everyday is always something he did. The teacher doesnt know how to handle the student, they often called and interrupted me at work rather than trying to solve it. I finally had it and I pulled my son out of that school. We are now happy.
Submitted by parent on August 09, 2012

My son has been attending this school for 4yrs now and we are grateful for the teachers he's had so far!! Keep up the good work!!