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Because of strong academic growth for all racial and cultural student groups, Washington was honored as a Blue Ribbon Award School in 2010, one of 230 among 6,000 Title 1 California schools. Washington Elementary School is a vital and diverse student community, comprised of many cultures and 21 different languages. Washington is located in the heart of 911����, blocks from downtown 911���� and across the street from 911���� High School. This location affords the school many benefits, like being able to walk to Cal Performance events on the UC 911���� campus, collaborations with 911���� High and Cal students, buddy reading with seniors at the Senior Center and the help provided by many volunteers. Washington’s enrollment of 460 students includes classrooms in bungalows across McKinley Avenue.

Washington’s Enrichment Programs
While many schools in other districts have had to cut enrichment programs, 911���� has been able to maintain these programs partially through BSEP (911���� Schools Excellence Project) funding, PTA fundraising, and special grants. Class sizes average 23 in elementary schools. A California Nutrition Network grant supports Washington’s school garden and nutrition/ecology program for all children kindergarten through fifth grade. We have a garden/cooking instructor who provides instruction to all students every other week. Washington teachers are learning about visual arts integration in the classroom. All students in third grade learn about music and how to play the song flute. Fourth and Fifth graders learn a band or orchestra instrument. Kindergarten, First and Second graders have an Orff music class once a week provided by a grant with Crowden Music School. First, second, fourth and fifth grades attend special science classes each week. All students participate in a school sports program twice a week and during recesses.

Before and After School Programs
An excellent on site before and after school childcare program with collaborative staff from KidzClub (911���� Learns) and BEARS serves many students in our school population. Before-school care is provided onsite by BEARS. Enrichment in the arts, cooking, and sports, as well as tutoring and homework support are provided.
Parents, Guardians, and Community PTA, African American Unity and the English Learner group lead many projects, enrich cultural events, and strongly contribute to the equality and academic focus of the school.

Washington Students
If you are lucky enough to visit Washington during a school assembly, you will see students taking the lead. Common themes include cooperation, pride in accomplishment, respect and safety. Students gain confidence by presenting songs, dances, poems and other written works in front of the school. Often the students break out into a rousing round of the school theme song, “We are Washington, mighty, mighty Washington…” The smallest kindergartener to the largest fifth grader join in the song and the school clap. No matter what culture they’ve come from, or background, when these students walk in the door each morning they are proud to be at a school where the principal, teachers and staff care so much about their success.

For more information, please visit the Washington PTA website at