Walnut Acres Elementary School

180 Cerezo Drive

School District

Mt. Diablo Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:21
Type

public

School Map for Mt. Diablo 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 August 26, 2024

Teachers and staff are friendly and welcoming to parents and kids. Community of parents are very involved.
Submitted by parent on May 16, 2023

It's good not bad I feel safe
Submitted by parent on July 25, 2022

We move to Walnut Creek in the middle of the pandemia and we had a smooth transition with the remote classes and in person school, she was really enjoying the class and the teachers really help a lot, they care kids mental health.My Daughter is always happy to go walking to school and full of smiles when we pick her up. I attribute this to the exemplary teaching and community feel of the school.
Submitted by parent on March 16, 2018

Teachers are ok. Its a great school because the parents supplement the budget by 10x's what the school district provides. If it wasn't for that and students, this school would perform like the rest of the bad schools in MDUSD.
Submitted by other on April 18, 2016

This school should perform at a higher level. Parents are involved and care for the children. They have several standout teachers, which we're all very thankful for having/educating our children. But if you have a problem, the principal simply gives lip service to the issue. Some fairly low performing teachers such at McGoldrick are protected by the Principal and union and cause many to think about private school. Sadly, part of why we pay more for the neighborhood is so we don't need to pay the cost for private school.In closing, for a school to considered high performing, we should expect/demand more. Test scores may be a reflection of parent involvement.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2016

Class sizes are being reduced per district policy over the next few years. My daughter has 28 in her kindergarten class (and has an overlapping schedule- early slip/late slip). My son has 24 in his first grade class which the teachers say is a welcome relief from the 31 they had last year.The principal, Dr. Dowd, is very passionate about what she does and has a great vision for making our kids 21st century students. Although there are some challenges, I feel very comfortable with the level of attention that my children are getting here.
Submitted by parent on December 20, 2014

We have been very happy with our son's progress since starting in Kindergarten up through 2nd grade. All of his teachers have been outstanding, as have the parental helpers. We were concerned about the class sizes being as large as they are (about 30), but the teachers we've dealt with handle it well. The kids in this school are generally lacking in discipline problems with strong family bonds which goes a long way to creating a great atmosphere for learning. We moved to this neighborhood with this school in mind and are very happy we did
Submitted by parent on October 24, 2013

As far as public schools go, especially in CA this is a top notch campus. Great teachers, wonderful and very involved principal. I transferred my child from private school and was so hesitant, but I couldn't be happier!
Submitted by parent on May 06, 2013

This school is overrated. The class sizes are around 31-34. Teachers are ok. Parent volunteers are great but its all the same 100 or so parents who keep it all going. Its a nice school but you can get the same across town and with a lot less homeownership cost.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2012

Walnut Acres is an excellent school in a supportive and safe neighborhood. There is an enormous amount of parent involvement in the classrooms as well as on the Parent Faculty Club. The vocal music program supported by the PFC is outstanding. The Principal provides strong guidance and is always coming up with ways to improve the school academically and socially. The teachers are dedicated and genuinely enjoy teaching. I would give the school 5 stars if it were in a smaller district, ideally the 5 schools that are in Walnut Creek that are currently in the MDUSD.
Submitted by parent on September 14, 2011

Class sizes are quite large (34 kids per class in the upper grades) and could go up to 40. The school district is struggling and sadly, it shows. GATE (gifted) funding has been averted to other areas as have funds for other programs. There are many furlough days throughout the year because of the districts financial issues. Test scores are high purely because of demographics. The parents and many teachers care, but they can't rectify the school districts problems and we are told there is no sign things will improve anytime soon.
Submitted by parent on March 13, 2011

This school could use more parent involvement and a better academic program as well as a better school district. This school/students are suffering from there school district which has no $$ for great programs, teachers and extra activities.
Submitted by other on April 14, 2010

The instruction is well rounded - parents are really involved. They still include music which is essential for a well rounded and conscious growing child. And...they rock!!
Submitted by parent on February 16, 2010

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