Star Harbor

I’m Jewish btw Encinal High School in Alameda, California, has some significant shortcomings that make it less than ideal for students seeking a quality education and enriching high school experience.### AcademicsWhile the school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, the overall academic rigor leaves much to be desired. Many students find the curriculum lacking in challenge, and some teachers struggle to effectively engage their students. There’s also a noticeable gap in academic support, with limited resources available for students who need extra help. This often results in a significant disparity in student performance and preparedness for college.### ExtracurricularsExtracurricular offerings at Encinal High are underwhelming. While there are clubs and sports teams available, many of them suffer from poor organization and lack of funding. The school’s athletic teams, once a source of pride, have seen a decline in performance, and the school spirit has dwindled as a result. The arts and other creative programs are often overlooked, leaving students with fewer opportunities to explore their interests.### Campus and FacilitiesThe campus itself is outdated and in need of significant repairs. The facilities are often inadequate, with classrooms and common areas that feel cramped and poorly maintained. The lack of investment in the school’s infrastructure is evident, and it impacts the overall atmosphere and safety of the campus.### Community and EnvironmentThe school’s sense of community has weakened over the years, with many students feeling disconnected and unsupported. Issues like bullying and a lack of inclusivity are not adequately addressed, contributing to a less welcoming environment. The administration’s response to student concerns is often slow and ineffective, leading to frustration among both students and parents.Overall, Encinal High School has a lot of room for improvement. From academic rigor to campus conditions, the school falls short in providing a well-rounded, positive high school experience.

Wood middle school faces frequent discrimination within the student community that frequently targets large racial, religious, and LGBTQ groups. During my prior experience at Wood Middle School, I have seen fights, Nazi drawings, trashed/flooded restrooms, have heard plenty slurs, on a day to day basis. Lots of teachers at this school do not provide thorough teaching in class and often default to worksheets, and or low quality online resources. Also, in my experience as a student at Wood middle school, I have heard a teacher frequently use the N word in class without any punishment, which shows the incompetence of the faculty to stop this school wide discrimination. I have also observed the work ethic that students receive from going to this school, which (if summarized) boils down to "I don't care about my grade / just do the bare minimum." Overall, I would not recommend this school whatsoever, and if given a choice to enroll somewhere else, please take that opportunity.

Sadly, I cannot recommend Maya Lin. Our daughter is supported as an artist but is woefully unprepared to read, write, learn math or participate in project-based education. We are paying hundreds of dollars out of pocket every month for tutoring in the basic subjects neglected by this arts-integrated curriculum. We have been trying to transfer or get into a Catholic school but are on waiting lists everywhere. I’d recommend anyone with a TK or K student who’s districted for Maya Lin look into other options now as admission becomes more difficult in later years. The school is fun, but so is camp. The kids at Maya Lin are not learning how to excel as scholars. This school should be a charter or choice school. It’s a shame they force families into this unsuccessful curriculum.