Washington Elementary with Live Oaks After School - Experience??
Hi everyone, I have never done this before but hoping for any insight. We are new to Berkeley - and to the Bay - with our son going into 1st grade. He was assigned to Washington Elementary with Miss Davidson. Anyone have any information or experience with the school or the teacher? Also, after being waitlisted EVERYWHERE for after school care, he got into after school at Live Oak. Anyone have any information or experience with that program? And do they really bus the kids from Washington over? We live in the Berkeley Hills and my husband and I both work FT so this would be a huge help if so. Really appreciate anything anyone can offer. Thanks so much! In this crazy world, hearing back from anyone would be super duper fantabulous. <3 <3 <3
Aug 12, 2022
Parent Replies
My two college-age kids went to Washington and loved it. There are a bunch of great teachers there, and Ms. Davidson is one of them. My daughter had her and loved her. She is a very skilled educator, a very warm and friendly person, and really connects with all her students. My son had her briefly when she filled in for another teacher. After just one day with the class she offered me some insights about his learning/energy that really helped me help him going forward. Sorry I cannot help with your after-school care questions - but your son is off to a good start at Washington.
Hi there and welcome. We’re a fellow B.hills/Washington family here. My son had Miss Davidson and she’s absolutely AMAZING. Consider yourself very lucky. None of the teachers at Washington have failed to impress but she really shines. I have a M.Ed from Harvard and am rather picky 😉
My kiddos have never done the Live Oak aftercare program but I know they run a solid summer camp. We have friends at other schools who do the BUSD/Parks&Rec aftercare shuffle (including transportation and have been happy. You may yet be able to get into the on-site LEARNS after care program, my understanding is there’s lots of shuffling the first few weeks of school.
welcome to the community!
Welcome! Washington is a great school and you are very lucky your child is in Ms. Davidson’s class. She’s incredible.
Yes, the kids really are bussed from WA to Live Oak. Live Oak went through a remodel recently and has been closed the last few years. Before that, people were very happy with the afterschool program there. It is in a community center in a nice park in a beautiful location. Pre-Covid there were also many optional classes and sports lessons offered there (for an additional fee), though I’m not sure if that is still happening.
Hi - My child went to Washington a while ago, and we both had a positive experience. I really liked the school community, though we lived closer than you do, and I don't know if that makes a difference. I do know families whose kids took a bus to Live Oak after school, and the transportation part seemed to work out (I don't know much about the after school program there). My child had several great teachers at Washington. Ms Davidson is fantastic - probably one of the best teachers I've ever seen. She made 1st grade an incredible experience for my child.