Beresford Elementary School

300 28th Avenue

School District

San Mateo-Foster City
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:19
Type

public

School Map for San Mateo-Foster City 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 other on April 05, 2023

I recently graduated from Beresford and was pleased with my experience here. Most teachers are really good and kind. I felt that having a small school environment helped me become closer to my school. I enjoyed knowing all the students that attended here as well. I think that kinder-3rd grade was good, Covid messed things up a bit if 4th and 5th grade but the teachers were all king, and most of the staff were. I wasn't the biggest fan of the principal she seemed as if she always had a thing with me and others of my ethnicity which I did not enjoy as it was rude.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2019

It has been everything I hoped elementary school would be for my children. The environment is warm and supportive and the academic rigor is impressive. For a small, non magnet school (so families are placed in the school by geography, not by lottery choice), Beresford does amazingly well with limited resources due mostly to the quality of it's teachers and administration and the behavioral norms instilled in the student body. I can't wait for my younger one to start next year!
Submitted by parent on February 18, 2014

I have one child in Beresford and one ready to start there next year. The staff has been teaching there for many years, which means they really know the kids and the families. The school practices the Lifeskills, which raises the kids self-esteem and awarenes. The teachers are all HET trained. We have art, Spanish and PE, all paid through the PTA. We have a music teacher for our upper grades, a computer lab that provides our kids with opportunity, and all grades receive educational field trips. Our school has the best student/teacher ratio with small reading intruction/PE flip. This way our kids get the best personal instruction in the district. We are lucky to be part of such a great school!
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2014

My kids (kindergarten and 4th) and I absolutely love Beresford Elementary! We love the staff, the programs they offer (i.e. art, spanish, monthly life skills, and the after school enrichment classes), and especially the families and amazing PTA leadership!! we also love it's cultural diversity, community and family involvement and warmth!!
Submitted by parent on February 16, 2014

We have two kids at Beresford, kindergarten and 3rd grade. Could not be happier with our choice as the school is one big family. Our kids know each and every teacher by name and would not be surprised if they know the majority of the parents by name. The school is run so well in regards to academics as well as life skills in general.
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2014

Beresford is a good school. The smallest in the district which means some challenges, but some real bonus' too. Beresford is the only school I'm aware of to offer Spanish lessons to English only speakers in the district. They also offer a PE/Reading flip to ensure small group focused instruction, and an ever changing and diverse enrichment program. The PTA are amazing. A small, but totally dedicated and passionate group who ensure the school stays on track culturally and financially by running many events and activities for the benefit of students, families and the community at large. Like most schools Beresford could do with more parent engagement from those outside the PTA to ensure its continued success. The teachers are committed, most have been on staff for many years, and remain determined to create and provide a good learning foundation. In reality an '8' school for sure!
Submitted by parent on July 18, 2012

My son has been at Beresford for the past 2 years and loves it. The only complaint is that there are 24 students per class (grade 1/2) and it makes it difficult for the teacher to provde any additional assistance when needed. In addition, several of the kids are ESL and that slows down the overall level of classroom progress. No grass area for the kids to play - only cement. All in all, I recommend this school and my son loved his teachers and the friends he made.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2011

Beresford has been a truly wonderful school for both of my children. The Principal and teachers think carefully about everything they do and work exceptionally well together. The PTA/parents are quite involved and it seems like each year gets better - we now have a computer lab, a student garden, an after-school enrichment program, Spanish taught DURING school 4 days a week, and excellent incorporation of the Lifeskills. Way to go Beresford!
Submitted by parent on July 12, 2011

Beresford school is a great neighborhood school. My son had a great year and a great teacher. I was on campus a lot and it was so nice to be greeted by passing teachers and the Principle would stop and say good morning. Beresford teaches the LifeSkills system which I highly recommend to all schools and it's great to see them follow them. The PTA continues to be a strong presence with involvement and making things happen to support the school and their education. Great work Beresford!
Submitted by parent on July 12, 2011

k-3 was very positive at Beresford, however 4th grade was awful. My child was put in a terrible split class. When I went to the principal she did not even want to listen to me, she was no help at all. My child's self esteem suffered.
Submitted by parent on July 11, 2011

Terrific neighborhood school. The Principal is fantastic and the PTA has really stepped things up. This school is great and getting even better. My daughter has really enjoyed it here and had an incredible kindergarten year.
Submitted by parent on April 18, 2011

Beresford is a wonderful school - nice, small size and caring environment. Fantastic principal and teachers and a lot of parents that really care about the school and have put a lot of effort into helping to make it the outstanding school that it is today. I believe that this is the only non-immersion elementary school in San Mateo that has Spanish as part of the curriculum (4 days a week). If you live in the neighborhood, you should definitely come check out Beresford.
Submitted by other on April 12, 2011

In third grade now and she is looking forward to 4th grade, with the same enthusiasm as her first day of kindergarden. She has had amazing, caring teachers, who recognize her potential and work with her to keep her interested in learning and loving it.
Submitted by parent on February 23, 2011

Great school teachers are amazing!! I just love it! They have added a new garden, computer lab, and its just amazing!!
Submitted by parent on June 21, 2010

We have had a great experience with Beresford this year for our third grader. I think the teachers and the principal are involved and care about each student. I really appreciate the small friendly community at Beresford.
Submitted by parent on June 14, 2010

I think that the school has really gone downhill!! The principal has taken the school in the wrong direction. I have decided not to send my children back for the 2010/2011 school year.
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2010

As a second year parent and with an incoming kindergartener I'm excited and proud to see the wonderful changes, enhancements and improvements to our school grounds, the addition of enrichment programs this year and involvement of parents. The parent community has grown stronger and the teachers are amazingly talented, involved and caring - having a positive teaching outlook!
Submitted by other on March 27, 2010

Beresford is an amazing small learning community with faculty and staff that truly cares about each individual child. The teachers work hard to ensure the success of every student despite all of the recent budget cuts. This year they have implemented many different enrichment afterschool activities and any child would be lucky to be able to attend this amazing school!
Submitted by parent on August 19, 2007

N/A
Submitted by parent on December 17, 2004

Since they got the new principal I have really noticed the great changes.