Find information about McKinley's academic programs on the left or, on mobile devices, click on the black "Pages" box above.

McKinley Elementary School was founded in 1912 in Petaluma, CA. After 100 years of educating students, the staff at is even more committed and resolved to ensure that each student receives an excellent education. With high expectations, a rigorous curriculum linked to the Common Core State Standards, and a relentless focus on educating the whole child and preparing our students for the 21st Century, we know we can get the job done.

As of the 2022-23 school year, McKinley serves students in Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade, as well as a Special Day Preschool Class.  We are also proud to provide accelerated math to our Gifted and Talented and high-achieving students in 4th – 6th grade, and Petaluma Accelerated Charter School (PACS), which serves accelerated students in 7th and 8th grades.  McKinley has nineteen regular education teachers on campus, a resource specialist, a speech and language specialist, a bilingual resource teacher, a reading specialist, three band and chorus teachers, a school counselor, a school psychologist, a library coordinator, and a Spanish-language teacher. Additionally, our principal and support staff make McKinley an outstanding place to go to school.

McKinley parents receive weekly updates about school activities and student progress through our system of Wednesday folders and weekly newsletters.  In addition, parents receive a monthly calendar and special message from the principal. All teachers send home classroom updates regularly. Parents are welcome and encouraged to participate in family nights, student of the month and character trait assemblies, classroom activities, field trips, Outdoor Education Camp, and special school-wide events such as our Salsa Festival, Winter Festival, and West Side Relays, to name a few.

Like all other schools in the Petaluma City School district, we are a 1 to 1 iPad school. Our teachers use these iPads in new and innovative ways to ensure mastery of 21st-century skills and Common Core State Standards, and to encourage creativity. 

McKinley is proud to offer a learning center model for all students who struggle with particular concepts.  Ever-changing intervention groups and dedicated intervention time give students the opportunity to receive the small-group attention they need to master difficult concepts.  The learning center supports students in both general education and in special education.

McKinley’s PTA and the local community are active in supporting school-wide family events,  fundraisers, maintaining our school garden, and decorating our school for special events. McKinley is also fortunate to have many community-based support groups such as the Petaluma Educational Foundation, the Petaluma Rotary Club, Mentor Me Petaluma, Girls on the Run, and school-based after-school enrichment clubs taught by McKinley teachers and community organizations like Chess for Kids. Also, the Petaluma Boys and Girls Club provides a quality and affordable after‐school program from dismissal until 6:00 PM daily.