South/West Park Elementary School

500 West Mount Diablo Avenue

School District

Tracy Joint Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:21
Type

public

School Map for Tracy Joint 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 08, 2019

Horrible.... I have not seen a school like this in my life it’s very sad
Submitted by parent on July 23, 2018

As far as the GATE program goes, we either had great teachers or teachers that should not be teaching GATE. As far as the school environment, it's pretty divided. My child had issues with kids not in the GATE program because as they put it, he was "English". I feel the GATE program is only at this school to boost their overall scores, which is truly sad. If you are not hispanic, don't expect to be welcomed by parents outside the GATE program. I suspect their attitudes are passed down to their children.
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2015

My daughter went here under the gift programme for 2 years before we and some of the other parents I know had to move the kids away fro this school. It's primarily a Spanish speaking school with both the principal( name sake ) & the vice principal prefer to address in Spanish than English @ the school. The programme was just a joke & like other parents we were shocked to see the environment at this school to a point we had to take our daughter out of this school. Some gifted kids parents did tolerate while some of us couldn't since we felt we are in Mexico rather than in US.
Submitted by parent on May 06, 2014

We have come from out of district for the GATE program, and I couldn't be happier. We were initially turned off by the way the school looked and concerned about the overall score of the school. However, it is way more than meets the eye! The principal and vice principal are on top of things, well-organized, and lead the faculty positively. I am beyond impressed with the teachers. My child is learning, using critical thinking skills, challenged, and thriving in a variety of subjects. My child is excited to learn! SWP is more than I could have hoped for. I went into it thinking my child would be getting only a more challenging education, but the school's culture overall is wonderful.
Submitted by parent on April 08, 2014

My child transferred to this school to attend the GATE program. He has been at this school for 3 years, and I feel he has made great progress in his learning. The teachers are knowledgeable and help the children improve academically.
Submitted by parent on August 21, 2013

Not a very happy parent.. a lot of children come their with no common manners . I really feel sorry for the teacher .. as they do try hard. THere are some that are just constantly 'yelling ' at the top of their lungs at kids.. a really sorry sight.My child comes home everyday with stories of being bullied. Today I saw first hand how a kid just snatched my childs name tag and took off- and passed it on to another kid, my son (2nd grader ) ran after him crying.. only to be yelled really badly by a teacher .Another teacher comes to my car and tells me how my son should be sitting and not 'bouncing all over the place "- sadly they should have just asked why he was running and taken care of the bully . Horrified , I asked my son if they do this to him all the time.. he answered crying 'yes'. This whole scene really broke my heart. Its a great place if your child is a bully or thuggish.. but definitely not for mine. I am pulling him out of there..
Submitted by parent on August 02, 2013

SWP is a Great school. I love the bilingual program, my two kids are doing great. I like how mr. Lopez is always walking around the school to make sure the kids are ok. I am a lucky parent, i found SWP.
Submitted by teacher on May 16, 2013

My school has very talented and dedicated teachers. We are always striving to learn new skills. South School is usually the first to try anything new. We have new technology: clickers, which allows us to check for understanding in a creative way, MOBI, a wireless tablet that allows us the freedom to walk around as needed during instruction, and a document camera. Beyond technology we have heart and energy. Many teachers here don't just teach until three, they are here way beyond that time, spending it with children who need or want extra help. We truly care about the child, not just test scores. We know that our school looks old but as the saying goes: Don't judge a book by its cover.
Submitted by parent on May 16, 2013

South/West Park is an incredibly diverse school. As home to the district's GATE and bilingual programs, plus the neighborhood conventional school serving socio-economically disadvantaged students, there ARE challenges at S/WP. Still, my four gifted children made friends with students in all the programs, learned how to speak Spanish, LOVED their fabulously dedicated teachers, practiced restraint and compassion and understanding and tolerance and patience, and spent 4-5 hours each day sheltered in a classroom filled with their academic peers and their creative teachers. Those teachers--even today--continue to follow my children's "careers" as they succeed in middle and high school. S/WP prepared them for the real world--but gently.
Submitted by parent on May 16, 2012

Love this school! I have two kids in the GATE program and the teachers are caring, creative and love their job. My kids have not only learned so many fabulous academic concepts, but some beautiful personal ones too. I have never seen teachers who care so much for their studnets well-being!