Longfellow Middle School
Hello!
We just moved from Portland, OR and my daughter was assigned to Longfellow Middle school (our zone is King). A friend sent me an article about the issues at the school and I am concerned as my daughter only knows two people and they are going to King and I wasn't impressed by the current state of things at tLongfellow. Can anyone give me first hand information about the school and any pros and cons? My daughter is entering 6th grade and is coming from a small Catholic school in Portland.
Thanks in advance for any advice or information.
Aug 2, 2020
Parent Replies
2nd hand information shared with me is that the worst days for Longfellow are behind it. A lot of effort has been, and is being, put into that school specifically by new district leadership and PTA's who are contributing to Longfellow graciously, as it has been underfunded on both sides I hear. The demographics of Longfellow are also slowly starting to reflect more accurately the new reality of Berkeley, and some say that will improve outcomes at the school. It's a laggard for the district, but is also a first priority for investment and improvements. No one has ever said it is better than King or Willard to me, but it is quickly becoming in the same category. Also, I believe Longfellow offers unique spanish language and other cultural options. Boy does coming from a Private Catholic School in Portland sound different though. Expect a very socio-economically and racially diverse community at Longfellow! It'll be enriching I'm sure, and, more reflective of the Berkeley High experience if the plan is to stay in Berkeley for that. Good luck!
Longfellow has many strengths also!!
in addition to some amazing, dedicated and long term teachers, they also have a robust counseling program. You can email me, Rosinakeren [at] berkeley.net, and request your child gets a counselor who can put her in a small social group with other students.
Longfellow is the smallest middle school compared to King and Williard. It has more kids in comparison to King and Williard that need assistance, like Free lunch and special ed services. The distract was planning on re-districting the zones next year so family who live close to Longfellow go there. Currently most families with more economic resources choose Willard or King. We live 2 blocks away and I was ready to send my son there in 2021. He will start 5th grade in a few weeks. Without the rezoning I’m hesitant to send my son there. I don’t have any person experience with Longfellow however.
Hi there,
My daughter is also a new 6th grader assigned to Longfellow (and we're zoned for King). I've heard great things about the new principal and her teachers all seem very good so far, but like you we're hesitant because it seems like the school isn't getting the same resources as the other two. We're on the King waitlist but trying to make the best of it for now, so if your daughter would like to connect with mine I'm sure she'd be happy to make a new friend!