Blackford Elementary School opened in 2008 as a charter school to provide students in kindergarten through 5th grades with an alternative to traditional school settings. The school provides a challenging and rigorous curriculum that meets or exceeds California State Standards. The models used for the various courses include Excel for reading, Houghton Mifflin for math, WRITE for writing, as well as other core subjects that are integrated throughout their day. The school also offers a gifted program as well as specialized programs for students with special needs including learning disabilities, speech impairments, language impairments, orthopedic impairments, and multiple disabilities.

Along with core subjects, Blackford Elementary offers theater, dance, computer arts, basketball, physical education classes, football, soccer, volleyball, student government, newspaper, and community service.

Most parents had positive comments regarding the principal, teachers, staff, and the way in which their children are learning. The major compliant was that there is not enough parent involvement. The teachers are excellent; the principal is very caring and works diligently to ensure the success of each student. A few parents expressed their concern over bullying and the amount of lockdowns that occur. Overall, parents are very happy. A few parents expressed their concern that discipline is not strong enough for some of the offenses. Some students expressed that bullying was a problem but most really like their teachers and do not want to attend a different school.

The Academic Performance Index showed a decline in the growth performance from the base points of 763 to 759. The California Standards Tests showed the percentage of students that passed the exams were below state average in most cases. The exception was 5th grade science with 68% passing and the state average at 60% and 73% in math with the state average at 65%.

Even though the school did not show any academic growth with the comments of parents and students, the school is doing a good job in most cases of providing a quality education. If you have concerns, you should talk with other parents that have students enrolled in the school before making your final decision.

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Please provide a brief review of your experience at Blackford Elementary School in the comment section to help other readers!
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Blackford Elementary School
1970 Willow St.
San Jose, CA 95125
Phone: 408-364-4221
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