Zanker Pearl Elementary School

Great school !!!
Love Ms. Ballenger and now Ms Spennigal
The students, parents, curriculum and teachers are very good.
Wish there was more parking area though. Its a mad rush during pick up and drop off time.

My kids have been attending this school since 2008 and have had nothing but good interactions with the teachers, and the staff. The principal, Ms. Doi, is very caring and really cares about the students. If ever there is a fundraising at school, she makes an announcement that any child who asks her to purchase something will not be disappointed– imagine that! She’s like a mother hen but yet she means business. Everyone is respected. Zanker is one of the top schools in the MUSD district. The school is always clean because the students take pride in their school. The activities are always fun and my kids are always excited to tell me about the new things they’re doing. The teachers are AWESOME! They take time to get to know each student and respond to them with positive feedbacks.

Our son transferred here from 3^rd grade and he is loving it as the teachers are such hard workers and genuine. His room teacher is very detailed and manages the large student population really well. The principal is refreshing and strikes a good balance between being just a wonderful person and still meaning business. The school actively encourages parent involvement and special activities to keep kids smart and safe.
We love the academic focus, physical activity encouragement, cleanliness of the campus, friendly office staff and overall good organization during various functions.
Of course, it is part of the MUSD so they are bound by many regulations. One complain for ALL public schools… I don’t like my son selling anything from school for fund raising because that is a distraction. I would rather give $ 50 – 100 per school year and let the school focus on teaching and learning. Maybe it would be good to have options so families can choose to contribute in different ways.