Bancroft Middle School

1150 Bancroft Avenue

School District

San Leandro Unified
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:21
Type

public

School Map for San Leandro 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 January 27, 2025

I have had a student at Bancroft for the last four school years. It has been improving each year, offering more services as time goes on. I love that there are lots of interesting clubs for the kids to join (D & D, Chess, Knitting, etc) and sports (volleyball, wrestling, flag football, cross country, etc). The teachers love what they do and I am particularly impressed with Mr. Staley (History), Mrs. Slaton (Peer Advocates), and Mr. Hargraves (Band). Both of my students have enjoyed a larger school so that they can enjoy lots of programming and "find their people" as we say (there's always another club or sport to check out and get connected to). Right now, my son is enrolled in wrestling and it is better instruction than the paid club wrestling that he did for years at a local gym. Mr. D'antonio is incredibly committed to the students and right now the program is 70 children, many of them who are new to the sport this year. As a parent, I have had concerns here and there including locker usage and break time length, bullying, and school safety and Mr. Sloan (Principal) has been very patient and good at problem-solving. Like any school in the East Bay, there are behavioral problems but I feel that he has a great understanding of the student's needs and a high expectation for them to live up to. The last two years have been a stronger focus on incentives for good behavior (e.g. students can earn a dance, field trip, or Bronco Bucks) rather than punishments. I would encourage any parents in San Leandro or the surrounding area to go to BMS, as I think every kid will find their niche and it is a safe and positive place to learn and grow.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2025

I have a son in college, a jr at SLHS and a 6th grader. All three went to or are currently attending BMS. Let’s face it: middle school is rough for everyone. Kids, parents and teachers. This is not to say that things were always easy BUT the teachers care a lot about their students and new admin is def motivated to help kids to help themselves. My older boys have fond memories of their time here and my youngest is enjoying his time. Keep up the tough and important work, BMS teachers and admin staff.
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2024

Kidd beat up my kid the teacher made fun of it and did nun to help he gets no homework don’t send your kid there
Submitted by parent on December 12, 2021

It’s ok, not great but still pretty good.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2021

Muy buena escuela, mi hijo ha tenido muy buena experiencia, con todos sus profesores que siempre tratan de ayudar a sus alumnos a entender sus materias, al igual que todo el personal de la oficina muy flexible y respetuosos.
Submitted by parent on September 14, 2017

My kids that it has been okay but could be better
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2013

My daughter Just started attending Bancroft this year. I was a little spectacle about this school. But now I love this school. Teachers are willing to help students when they ask for help. I love that I can keep track of my daughters assignments and grades online. Amazing.
Submitted by parent on June 13, 2013

I agree that many of the teachers and staff at BMS are genuinely dedicated and hard working. There is a fabulous musical theater program directed by teachers with *lots* of parental support. The athletics program is headed by generous teachers who strive to include everyone interested. The teachers are dealing with a very diverse population, however, with varying educational backgrounds and many ESL learners. Some teachers handle these challenges better than others. Some of my son's classes were dominated by disruptive students; others were under control. My impression was that if my kid did his homework and was not disruptive, he pretty much would get an "A." I would have liked academic standards to have been higher and for critical thinking to have been more emphasized. While many parents whose kids did musical theater contributed hundreds of hours of support, the PTA did not enjoy as much participation. The teachers and staff have been trying to raise the school's standards--but budget restraints require parents and the community to assist our struggling schools. BMS would benefit from greater community support.
Submitted by parent on June 12, 2013

This school is like life, you get out of it what you put into it. If you are a parent willing to support your child's academic and extracurricular endeavors, then Bancroft can be a wonderful experience. My daughter has just finished her first year there, and has a 4.0 GPA, participated in the incredible Spring musical theater program (open to ALL students), cross country running team (open to ALL students), and symphonic band (open to ALL students). When I asked her who her favorite teacher was, she asked if she could pick her top 6 (hint: she only has 6 teachers). If you are a parent in the area and are worried about the poor reputation of this school, don't believe the hype. Principal Ferrer and his staff are working hard to turn this school around, and there is nothing better than feeling connected to your community by participating in the great American institution we call Public Education.
Submitted by parent on May 22, 2012

Terrible school. The administrative staff leaves a lot to be desired. Poor discipline. The students are rude and have no respect for adults. I received no support. I had to pull my child out of the school and put them in John Muir. What a major improvement.