Michelle Obama Elementary School
Prior to 2020, this school was called Wilson Elementary School.
Parent Q&A
Parent Reviews
Parents, please Sign in to post a review on this page.I live in the N&E in Richmond and my kids attend the new Michelle obama elementary (formerly Wilson) and they have thrived! It is a very warm and friendly environment. I consider my kids bright s well, but they have always been challenged in their class and have never mentioned being bored. The principal Ms Velez is very involved and accessible to parents. The teachers are dedicated and the school has a very low turnover, which says a lot to me. Yes, it is low income school and title 1,but don't let that discourage you from checking it out.
My soon to be 4th grade dtr is also high functioning on the spectrum. Our school district WCCUSD has a GREAT full inclusion program for high functioning autism at Michelle Obama (formerly Wilson) elementary in Richmond. Our daughter has been attending since K and has thrived in her mainstream class with occasional pull outs for social lessons etc. The community is warm and accepting and the principal Ms Velez is engaged and accessible. Our daughter is bright and has had no issues with being bored with academics and is often challenged at her level. Feel free to contact me if you want to talk more.
Hello neighbor! We live in the neighborhood and my daughter a has attended Wilson since Kinder and this fall will be entering 3rd. We have absolutely loved it at Wilson! I'll be honest I was a little hesitant with the old campus state, but it has been nothing but positive for us! The principal Ms Velez is fantastic, involved and easy to talk to. The teachers are kind, long term and solid. We have found a wonderful community of parents and kids. The PTA is relatively new and doing good things at the school! With that said, transfers are essentially lottery, so chances are affected by how many in the attendance area attend that school (i.e., whether it's over-enrolled) and how many people want to transfer to the target school. I bet you could get into Wilson as many people don't request to be transferred to us. It's the best kept secret in the neighborhood :) let me know if you have any further questions about Wilson :)
Deborah Larsen
Debg325 [at] yahoo.com
Hi,
My 2nd grade dtr is also high functioning on the spectrum /aspergers. Our school district WCCUSD has a GREAT full inclusion program for high functioning autism at Wilson elementary in Richmond. Our daughter has been attending since K and has thrived in her mainstream class with occasional pull outs for social lessons etc. People are often turned off by the thought of richmond, but the community is warm and accepting and the principal Ms Velez is engaged and accessible. Our daughter is bright and has had no issues with being bored with academics and is often challenged at her level. Feel free to contact me if you want to talk more. :) good luck!
Archived Q&A and Reviews
March 2016
My Kindergartener is scheduled to enter Wilson Elementary in Richmond this upcoming school year. Does anyone have any feedback on this school? Thanks! proud Richmond Mom
Are you on Nextdoor.com? There was quite a discussion on this topic recently. I think the conclusion was that it is a nice community, good teachers, academically good, arts, but that the building needs to be replaced. Log in to Nextdoor and check it out. Local mom
April 2008
Does anyone have any feedback on Wilson Elementary in Richmond? In particular I'm interested in the special ed inclusion, but would be grateful for non-special ed experiences as well. Thanks!
The full inclusion program is for High Functioning Autistics and kids with Asperger's. It is a small program and has very specific criteria the child would need to meet in order for the IEP team to decide if it is an appropriate program for them. The special ed teacher who runs the program is absolutely fabulous and the children flourish under her watchful care. There are plenty of happy parents. I know the general ed teachers are also well informed, flexible and willing to help the children feel included. Go Wilson
i have heard that the kindergarten and first grade teachers are great. sorry i don't know more. anon
Hi welcome to MO school!! I have a daughter and 6th and 2nd and have been a member of the Michelle Obama Community since my older daughter was in kindergarten. We have found Michelle Obama to be a very welcoming and accepting school. It has excellent teachers and active, approachable leadership with Ms Velez & Dr Hester. I am a member of the PTA and it is a wonderful way to get to know fellow parents and we are always looking for help. :) Feel free to email if I can be of further help. Welcome! :)
PS I just saw a post on our local next door page saying they have a child entering 2nd and looking for friends. I can put you in touch if you would like?