Many yrs ago my child went through this school and district. I would recommend it highly. The…read moreparents are very involved in the PTA and volunteer to help constantly which makes all the school functions even better.

Comprised of Toro Park (K - 2nd), Washington Union School (3rd -4th) and San Benancio (5th - 8th)…read more I attended 3rd thru 8th and my sisters both K thru 8th... Here were a few highlights: *dissecting a frog with Mr. Tagami or was it Mr. Yonekura (question mark) *the new gym (it finished when I was at San Benancio) * watching girls actually pad their bras in the bathroom or talking about it, me and my friend Steph bonding over the same bra (both our Mom's), *being one of the fastest typers (on the keyboard) next to Mary *moneky bar incident with Aaron (Washington Union 3rd grade) funny story, still BFF with Aaron to this day *Harlem Globe Trotters came to our school and I'm not sure why I remember this since I'm not a fan of basketball *finding out that I was pretty much blind from one of those Eye Testing Vans as well as having mild scoliosis (thanks for the heads up) So many good memories... However my memories of Washington Union School District will never be the same after losing a good friend and my 7th grade teacher (she also taught both my younger sisters) Ms. Dunn. Ms. Dunn was also in the ICU next door to my Dad last week and I was so sad when I heard she passed. She used to take me and her daughter skiing every chance she had, coached our tennis team and was there for everyone. She had the biggest heart and was always laughing (pretty loudly). We love you Ms. Dunn!

Recently, the topic of bullying came across my desk, and I made a video on youtube, where I shared…read moremy bullying experience from middle/grade school, at Washington Union School District. As much as I loved many of my teachers growing up, from the Washington Union School District, I am sad to say that much of my grade school experience was blotted by widespread bullying (I attended K - 8th at WUSD). From what I hear, there is still a problem of bullying there, and I do not know if the school has taken steps to address the issue. I know that if I were still living in the Salinas-Monterey area, I would NOT allow my child to attend the Washington Union School District, because I wouldn't want to put my child into a situation where they may find themselves bullied. I realize that WUSD is a phenomenal school, but please remember this: no matter how rich in resources a school is, the credibility of the teaching staff, the capability of the administrative staff, etc. NONE of that matters, if your child is being bullied. Being bullied in school is like going to war EVERY DAY, and you do what you can, just to survive the hours while you are in school. Speaking from my own experience, I was badly bullied in grade/middle school at WUSD, and my poor grades reflected my stress. I wish my grade/middle school experience had been rich in happy memories. Unfortunately, my grade/middle school experience was VERY painful, due to being bullied from the 5th-8th grade. When I finally graduated from WUSD in the 8th grade, the bullying stopped, and I had learned coping mechanisms, that prepared me to face down someone, should I be bullied in high school. Gratefully, I was not bullied in high school, but again, I had learned coping mechanisms, and I stood up for myself, if I saw a bully coming my way. IF you are still convinced that the Washington Union School District is the very best fit for your child, I implore you to do your homework. Interview the administrative staff, ask questions, sit in on classes....don't be afraid to be direct and ask more questions. Find out what WUSD actively does to protect their students from bullying. Better yet, ask if there is currently an anti-bullying program in place at WUSD, and what measures are taken, when a child or children are found to be bullying their peers. Again, please take what I've read here from the perspective of an adult who was the victim of widespread bullying, while in grade/middle school, at Washington Union School District.

We read Island of the Blue Dophins and I got in trouble for my Indian in the Cupboard Diorama…read moreproject since my Mom helped me or for plagarism or something, I was like 7 or 8, chill! I was with Heidi when I learned how kids were born, through the 3 letter "s" word. We played 4 square, I rocked at Tetherball (I was still a tomboy back then) and kicked boy's asses, my pretty teach Ms. Tibbs brought in her good looking husband Skip for show and tell (think he was a fighter pilot at the time) and I was one of the few if not only girl "Indian" during Pilgrim Week since I naturally black hair.....hmmmm...pause.... funny.

This is a good school . A lot of parent involvement, extra curricular education base activities and…read moreexcellent teachers. Thank you principal Scherpinski for always encouraging our children to do better.

I went to school here and now some kiddos I love go to Spreckels. It's almost Talk Like a Pirate…read moreDay!!! So be sure to show your Spreckels Pirate Spirit every sept.16th! School colors are still blue & yellow! The K-8th grade I knew has been shortened to K-5th.... And the schools gotten bigger! The playground equipment all looks decent and as safe as playground equipment can be. BIG Error of Omission on the schools part..... If you're out at the practice field (they are also home to the Toro Bulls Youth Football teams & Cheer squads) there are ZERO garbage cans OR any recycle bins to be found ANYWHERE!? Explains the large amount of garbage clinging to the fence lines around the Entire School! Sad. The kids I know enjoy attending Spreckels. They like their teachers and the teachers I've met all seem to have their act together. The auditorium still looks exactly the same. When setting up for the book fair last year, it gave mii oddly comforting chills to be up on the stage I walked across 22yrs before to get my 8th grade "diploma". Kinda nice to know that some things stay the same- stand up to the test of time! They may not be perfect but I'm proud to be a product of Spreckels Elementary! Proud to continue to support our schools!!!!

This school is amazing. I have never seen a principal who cares more about their staff and…read morestudents than Mrs. Main. She is on top of the happenings at the school. This principal is dedicated and you can tell she cares. The teachers are magnificent and truly dedicated to their students. They are creative and teach outside the box. The PTA here is organized and provide amazing opportunities to build relationships with fun activities including the Mustang Trot, Fun Runs, Spring Flings, Family Nights, etc. I would highly recommend Marshall Elementary for families in the area. Especially military families. The site has military programs and they understand transitions better than any other school in the area. They are a great support system for families in the military.

Middle school.. Plenty of bad memories, shyness, ridicule, and being a loser…read more I liked this school though, the teachers were really supportive, especially the first day during 6th grade when you get used to having multiple classes per day. Being too shy and chunky when I was a kid really stopped me from having as much fun as I should have had back then in this school, but that didn't stop me from making really good friends and some good times.

Unsafe center for kids wouldn't recommend your children coming here. Management clearly does not…read morecare about some of the kids my niece got hurt unsupervised very disappointed !

Best place for my 3 year old. He had a hard time transitioning into the daycare routine but Miss…read moreLoretta and all the teachers were so understanding and helpful with the transition. I am so so grateful for this place

I've been receiving many messages to go into more detail than I already have, so here's a list of…read morethings to consider before you think about attending CST: 1. Even when diligently reading CST's janky iPad's ten module books (oh yes, you are forced, by CST to buy an iPad, regardless if you already have an iPad or laptop--it is *part of your tuition*), you are still highly unprepared to set foot in a classroom environment. 2. From the very start you are most likely behind in your hours as they are so demanding and your placement is sketchy. You quickly realize: you = free labor = should not be legal = but it is. 3. There are some good "mentors" but most are unclear about the technology that is *required* and do not hold PhDs (as university professors must). 4. There is no "fast way" to get a teaching credential. It's a lot of work, practice, saint-like patience, understanding laws, different districts policies, and how to communicate with administration--all things that are crucial and that CST does NOT prepare you for. 5. I would recommend, if you truly want to get your teaching credential, to inquire at your local university (CST again, is not a university--it just uses the Cal State name because they *rent* an office there). The price is about the same as a university and you are not forced to buy anything (ie. an iPad) 6. This should be #1, but get your CSET MS test passed and out of the way *before* you continue your education (anywhere) to be an educator. The CSET Multiple Subject test consists of three sections, and is crazy intense. If you've been out of school for a bit--it requires a lot of studying and practice. It also may take you multiple attempts. I recommend the Cliff Notes CSET book, study.com, and looking up topics you don't understand on YouTube. 7. I totally get the freedom of taking classes online and CST romanticizes this, but I'm telling you--all of my online classmates and I thought it was a joke/scam, to get you to pay them, only to work for free. 8. If you're still considering it, I would suggest doing as much research as you can on the instructors, head of staff, and searching for honest reviews. Google "CST scam", "CST BBB", etc. CST has paid google to show up first in your search results, so add a negative (or other word behind CST) such as: scam, review, responses, rip off, complaints, etc. 9. Professors at a university (more than likely) will be better mentors than your retired-teacher-side-hustle-advisor. No disrespect to retired teachers, but professors at at university bring an entire wealth of knowledge, activity, and one on one face time IRL, that the CST advisory staff absolutely does not. Especially "Dr. Black". I've never met someone so stand offish, rude, and unhelpful--especially in a main advisory role. Google him as well (or whomever the head of staff is for you) and you will see that CST is just his side-hustle as well. In his blog (look it up) his complains multiple times about LAUSD, but (again) he will send you there without blinking an eye. 10. You do you. Just like teaching students, there is no one-size-fits-all. I recommend substitute teaching at a district first, to see what grade level(s) you flourish at. As John Dewey said, "You have to learn by doing" BUT this way *you are learning and getting paid*, not paying CST to work and learning what not to do. 11. Finally, in any teaching credential program, you will have to obtain clinical experience hours (ie. working for free). The hours increase as your education progresses. It is not easy, but required by the state of CA. 12. I wish you all the best! Teaching is a calling, purpose, and a special gift. It is one of the noblest professions. You *have to have* a love for wanting to make a difference in student's lives and you have to have a deep understanding that it will be a different experience and challenge every. single. day.

This program is only geared toward working in a high end elementary school. They function like a…read morefor profit school and are not dedicated to their students. There are a lot of promises, but when it's time to deliver, they can't follow through and hide behind policies. I didn't have an advisor for the first half of the semester and didn't have access to the school supplies I paid for. Honestly, pick another program if you want your credential.