McKinley Elementary School

We can’t be happier with our decision to switch our 5^th grader from another local charter to McKinley Elementary School. It was a big risk to take — but one that has paid off immensely for our child who has finally found a learning environment that supports her fully. Not only academically, but socially and emotionally. Total transformation. The McKInley teaching staff is passionate, caring and so completely involved — giving each and every student a well rounded academic experience as well as the positive support they need to develop positive character skills and reach their highest potential. A diverse campus, this school is also the site of Petaluma’s only Gifted & Talented Education (GATE) Program, which is integrated into the general population of learners.
While at first I’ll admit I was reluctant — I am now completely impressed by the use of technology in the classrooms at McKinley. Its been amazing to see the work my ten year old is capable of producing! Students are truly getting the skills they need for today’s world via classroom technology and through the project based learning opportunities offered — not only to the GATE students, but to ALL students who attend McKinley School. Additional programs and experiences include: Spanish, Art, Band/​Chorus, literary author visits, exciting field trips, sports leagues during recess, and so much more. The campus itself is centrally located in town, quite large, and very safe. Classrooms are spacious and modern. A crossing guard is present each morning and afternoon to ensure the safety of students coming and going to school each day.
Principal Matthew Harris has a wealth of valuable experience in education and has a unique, friendly and caring demeanor. He is multi-​lingual and genuinely conveys his heartfelt dedication to insuring the success of the school and all students who attend. Ask anyone, and they will agree that he is one of the kindest and trustworthy leaders in the district. Mr. Harris truly connects with each student and each parent, is a fantastic communicator as well as a forward thinking leader who is successfully steering McKinley School towards high academic success.
As for the teaching staff – there is a palpable flourishing of inspiration, spearheaded by 5^th Grade GATE teacher Mr. D.Z. (who has recently been selected as the Petaluma City Schools’ 2015 Elementary Teacher of the Year). A brilliant & innovative educator, Mr D.Z. cares deeply for his scholars as well as the other educators he stands for. Thanks to his forward thinking GENIUS, big heart and ability to teach in ways that are engaging, fun and exciting –students are excited, engaged and challenged to reach their highest potential. Mr. D.Z. sets the bar high and supports others (both students and faculty) to meet and exceed it.
There really is so much more to share, but for now– let’s just say that the future of learning looks very bright and exciting at McKinley School! It will be VERY exciting to witness the NEW Petaluma Accelerated Charter School (Middle School) grow and flourish on this campus and under such superb leadership. New ideas — forward thinking & technology — pushing the boundaries of learning in good and positive ways — McKinley School is a great choice for a quality education in Petaluma. ALL of the kids who attend here are getting the best education in town — GATE & non GATE, alike. We’re so impressed.

I am the parent of a 5^th grade student at McKinley Elementary. This is a school to watch over the next several years! A diverse, warm, and caring community. Enthusiastic and innovative Principal, teachers, and staff. My daughter now jumps out of bed and is excited about what she is learning, and how she is learning. Spanish twice weekly. Super cool Aviation Club, lunch-​time organized sports, and music program are some of the highlights. Spend some time in a classroom and you will see what I’m talking about. A true gem in Petaluma!

I can’t describe how fortunate we are to have our daughter in the 4^th grade GATE program at McKinley this year.
Leaving her local public school (and friends and community) for McKinley was a big risk for her, and she is so happy to have made the switch. Rather than coming home tired and over-​stimulated from having spent a day in a crowded classroom with a tired teacher, she comes home calm and ready to do homework, cheerful that she has been challenged and validated, and, most importantly, still showing a love of learning because her classroom time has not been wasted doing busywork, easy work, or waiting for other kids to get with the program. I have spent time with all her classmates: they are bright, polite, enthusiastic kids.
We love it that she is learning Spanish and music during the school day, and playing with kids from outside the GATE class whom she met through the Boys and Girls Club after school. McKinley School is growing its sense of community and its parent involvement through holiday events, fiestas, its nascent talent show and fund-​raising. The principal is the most engaging, accessible, enthusiastic and wholly committed head of a school I have ever met.

I am a parent of a 5^th grader at McKinley, and I am thrilled with the education my child is receiving at this school. McKinley is unique in that it offers Spanish class several times a week and has 1:1 iPads in the classrooms. The teachers are passionate about teaching and seem to genuinely care about developing each of their students. The principal is amazing too. As a parent, I find him easily accessible –he’s in front of the school greeting families and kids most mornings and afternoons. He is also bilingual and makes a point to know each child and parent at the school.
The only place where I hope to see improvement is in parent involvement. However, I can’t really blame this on the school. I have never had my kids at a school where I felt more welcomed or appreciated for any little thing I do to help. Parent participation has improved over the time we’ve been here, and I hope this continues.
I am very happy that we chose to send our child to this school. The education my child is receiving and the welcoming environment in the classroom as well as the office is astounding.