Joshua Cowell Elementary School in Modesto, California

“The only problem with this school is the Principal. She is not a people person and her personality can often be confused by rudeness. The staff on the other hand keep the school going. I too agree that she should retire.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I feel that the principle does not do enough to promote school spirit and allow the children to feel proud of their school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This is our first year at this school. I have a 4th and 2nd grader. My only problem with this school is I feel its all work and no fun for the kids. There are no assemblies, there was nothing extra for Halloween and I feel like my kids have no fun. I feel school should be fun for the children to keep them interested.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I do agree with the situation of the principal and that the district needs to look at replacing her. I have two children and my fifth grader is an honor student. The teachers are Wonderful. We have lived in three other states where the Principal, office staff and teachers were top notch. A principal is the foundation and support of their teachers, students and staff. I can say that we have never experienced a principal who seems to loathe children, teachers and parents as the principal at Joshua Cowell. We are now in another school with a wonderful principal who shows pride and honor to the students, parents and staff.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I would like to see music with instruments, voice lessons and plays.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“ive been attending joshua cowell for 9 years im an eighth grader and i love joshua cowell , all these clames about how bad it is i dont agree with them.. all of the teachers are so caring and ive grown to ahve a relationship with every single one i feel like i can talk to them when i have a problem...i will be graduating from joshua cowell and im proud to say i will miss it so much ive grown up at that school.”
This review was posted by a student.

“My children have attentded Joshua Cowell for 3 years now. I have seen this school start out healthy and turn to worse. The teachers here deserve all the credit. They keep in touch with the parents and let you know what is going on with the your child. The parent teacher relationship is outstanding. The teachers truly care about the children and their education. But lately the problem is the principle. My children are quiet and kind-hearted. And the children will pick on them. And I am not just talking about name calling. My children have come home with bruises on their backs. My daughter came home with a black eye. I brought to the principles attention and her response was, ' there is nothing I can do about it'. My children deserve better and so does yours. Don't send your child to this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I'm a former student of this school now attending Manteca High, and would like to say that these claims that are nothing but negative come from parent's who apparently could not have little tolerance at all. In the time I spent at this school I did experience that adminastration was not always on top of everything and the 'yard duties' weren't really to par, but the teachers were excellent, at least in my years there (7'th and 8'th). Most of them really cared if the children understood, not just did the work, but got the concept. Teachers maintained disipline in the class very well. As far as 'the playground is unsafe' it's an arrangment of metal for little kids to jump and climb on, it won't be 100% safe no matter what, nor should it be, you can't shelter your child completely. So if you are intrested in the area don't let these complaints throw you into some unnecessary paranoia.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“The administration shows an amazing apathy for the students, and the district office doesn't seem to care much either. My children will not be attending this school next year, and I am thankful for it. I have been lucky to draw some excellent teachers during our stay here, which is the only thing that made this experience bearable.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have found the elementary teachers to be very caring. They have worked hard with my children to meet state and district goals. I have yet to see the principal interact with ANY child at the school, and have found the administrations safety policies to be virtually nonexistant. Luckily, I am an involved parent that can advocate for my children. Others are not so lucky, and will suffer for it.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I recently have moved out of Manteca Unified school district after having my children attend various schools within the district for eight years. They have been attending school with Saddleback Unified and Capistrano Unified school district for the past year. Manteca Unified is a horrible place to send your children. The lack of communication, level of academic learning, and egomania of the district administrative branch is an outrage. Manteca Unified should take advice and lessons from these Blue Ribbon, extraordinary public schools. I'm just extremely glad my first grader is being educated in an excellent school without having to pay for private school.”
This review was posted by a parent.