Theodore Judah Elementary School

Posted: March 2, 2017

We are devastated that our time at Theodore Judah is about to come to an end in a few months. My stepson has been part of the TJ community since kindergarten. We have had such a positive experience these past 6 years. As a teacher, I am pretty picky about fellow teachers and the climate that they create in their classrooms. I must say each teacher that we were lucky enough to have are engaging instructors and passionate about the experience they provide for their students. They don't stop caring about your kid when they move on to the next grade level. When I would bump into his former teachers on campus, they were always quick to ask how our guy was doing. I know the academy receives a lot of praise but I have to vouch for the mainstream classrooms that they have at Theodore Judah. Our son was challenged and I feel like he is well prepared for middle school because of the foundation set by all of his teachers. We also can not say enough positive things about the captain of this campus. Mr. Peterson is a rare breed of administrator. His love for his students, the staff and the TJ community oozes out of him. We always felt like our son was safe and well cared for while on campus. We are forever grateful for our time spent at Theodore Judah. I know we will always be part of the Cougar Community and our connection with the school will last long after our guy is promoted to middle school. My only complaint is that it isn't a K-8 campus.

Posted: March 2, 2017

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Posted: May 10, 2016

Posted: May 10, 2016

Posted: May 10, 2016

Based on the interactions and behavioral instructions I have seen students receive from the educators at this school.

Posted: May 4, 2016

We have been part of the Theodore Judah school family for the last 4 years and can say first hand it has been a great experience. The Principal, Mr. Peterson, is very involved and is active in all the school’s day to day activities and events. The administrative front office staff are always helpful and pleasant .

Our child has had amazing teachers in every grade. These teachers work hard to provide a solid academic education for the kids and make education fun and engaging.

Theodore Judah also has a wonderful PTA, run by an amazing group of parents who throughout the year organize, plan and put on a multitude of fun activities and after school programs for the students and their families to participate in.

We are proud to be part of the Theodore Judah family.

Kudos Theodore Judah! Keep up the good work!

Posted: January 15, 2015

I have 2 kids in this school and having been through 2 other schools in town (including one private one), I have found this school to be the best. The reason is not only the Gateway Academy and its advanced curriculum but its dedicated and enthusiastic teachers and principal Mr. Peterson. Keep up the good work!

Posted: December 30, 2014

Theodore Judah school is a great community. The school principal, Mr. Peterson is very involved and dynamic; he knows all students by name, greets them, and always available for questions and comments. The staff in this school is wonderful, teachers are very professional and work hard for their students' success and development. One thing that is noticeable on campus is parents' involvement; parents are always welcome to join classroom parties or field trips. In addition, our PTA is amazing with all the activities they arrange for the school through out the year. Also, my kids had the opportunity to be part of one of the after school clubs offered by the school, chess club. Chess club was a great opportunity to learn the rules of chess and play with other students. Over all, we had a great experience in this school and my kids like to go to school and learn a lot.

Posted: February 16, 2014

The overriding difference between this school and most other public or private schools, is the principal Mr. Peterson makes himself readily available to the children and parents. He knows every kid`s name and personally takes the time to interact with them in a consistent manner. He is in front of the school greeting the children, escorting them across the street, assisting them with any requests as well as repeating this activity in the afternoon when school has ended. I challenge anyone at any school to say their administrator does the same. This professional ethic carries over to the teachers, who are phenomenal in their approach to developing the students desire to learn. They actively prepare them for middle school, the next level of education, by giving them assignments that challenge them by using computers for research, presentations and weekly homework. The Gateway Academy for those students with extra educational needs above the normal classroom standards, provides curriculum above common core with opportunities for group work, and individual growth in public speaking and topic exploration. A great choice for any parent!

Posted: January 12, 2014

Theodora Judah: I am very disappointed in this school. In grades 3rd and lower, the school looks the other way on student behavior. Bulling, name calling, physical hitting and kicking. Teachers teaching academics are great. But physical safety of students lacking. I would never recommend this school.

Posted: January 2, 2014

Awesome...only school in county and nearest area with Academy Program ...Principal Mr. Peterson is very dynamic and good...I think getting in this school is tough nowadays ...

Posted: August 16, 2013

We just absolutely love this school! It is now our 4th year and we are so pleased to see how it is so fruitful and multiplying by the year! Our principle Mr. Peterson is a wonderful influence and mentor to the kids as well as the rest of the staff. It feels more like a family then a school! We are so blessed to have this as our homeschool and look forward to the years to come!

Posted: August 15, 2013

Theodore Judah is a wonderful school. Its very clean and orderly. I love the teachers and my daughter seems very happy indeed !

Posted: September 26, 2012

Theodore Judah is an amazing school. The teachers, principal and office staff are all amazing. My daughter came to the Gateway Academy from another local school and we could not be happier.

Posted: March 30, 2012

My child entered a Waldorf inspired charter school for two years. She was required to go back a grade by the rules and regulations of their philosophy. The children in the charter school wanted to know why she was there because she could already read in first grade. By second grade her math skills, reading ability and spelling suffered for the sake of song singing, plays and dance. Wonderful are the arts, but in this day and age one has to be concerned about academics At Theodore Judah, I am all amazed at the staff of teachers, office staff, and principal and in particular Mr. Pierce, where his care and interest shows in developing his class room into an inquiring, busy objective of learning.The principal, Mr. Peterson exudes a buoyant, energetic, helpful demeanor, willing to work with staff, student and parent(s). He is seen here, there and everywhere keeping in contact with all of the workings of the school in a positive up beat enthusiasm that is infectious. Theodore Judah is one of the better offerings of public schools in Folsom. It is a joy to be part of the bigger picture that is there for the advancement and development of young minds. BRAVO!

Posted: March 28, 2012

We have two children at The Gateway Academy at Theodore Judah. Agreed, the school has wonderfully trained teachers, an awesome principal and front office staff. The Gateway curriculum is primarily enrichment based but they do offer some subject acceleration at the higher grades. They use the Jr. Great Books literature program that you won t find in most public schools. Our children have enjoyed some of the many after school club choices like Lego s, robotics, chess and academic contests. There seem to be more high achievers in the younger grades vs. gifted and large class sizes. There are also a number of red-shirted kids but no more than you d see in a typical classroom. Held back does not equal gifted. Overall we are happy with the program but do feel it is a better fit at the upper grades. We feel so lucky that FCUSD has a program like this in these days of budget cuts.

Posted: October 5, 2011

Our son started the Gateway Program in TJ this year. We were a bit apprehensive as this is the first year for the Gateway program. Two months later the program is beyond our expectations! We came from an K-8th private school in Folsom and Gateway program beats it hands down. The academic program is top notch, communication with teachers is timely and before and after school care is good. Our son is very much enjoying his new school. The best thing about this is this is free! We would pick this school any day over our private school experience.

Posted: October 28, 2010

Theodore Judah is one of the oldest schools in Folsom. It is also the school of greatest need ... 40% - 50% of families live at or below poverty level. The children are proud of their school, teachers, & principal. Many parents and students volunteered time to clean and spruce up the school last month. The principal really cares about the students. For example, she has implemented and volunteered her time on a month long Saturday morning math program designed for those students who need extra help.

Posted: March 30, 2009