Vieja Valley Elementary School

Posted: July 6, 2020

As a teacher and parent of three children who attended Vieja Valley K-6, I can confidently say that it is a school that you would ABSOLUTELY want your children to learn and grow in through their elementary school years. The staff loves each other as family and that permeates through to the love they have for families that attend. The school is fairly diverse and that diversity is a strength of the school. My kids felt safe and I feel valued as a staff member and stakeholder.

Posted: July 6, 2020

Most teachers don't assign homework in the lower grades. Upper grade teachers assign homework that is review and helpful. The whole school does require nightly reading which is research-supported.

Posted: July 6, 2020

Teachers are passionate about student learning and relationships built. Many have taught at the school for most of their career and love each other like family! They seek new ways to teach with changing curriculum and want to better themselves as well as their students.

Posted: July 6, 2020

The school focuses on the "VV 5" (respect, cooperation, responsibility, honesty, and kindness) as well as many social-emotional projects/curriculum on a daily or weekly basis.

Posted: July 6, 2020

Our current principal was a 23-year teacher at the school. She understands the culture of the students/families as well as the staff. She loves her "people" and is fantastic at organization and leadership.

Posted: July 6, 2020

The school works hard to use restorative justice practices when issues arise. Staff has been trained in trauma-informed practices and builds a culture of trust so that students feel empowered and safe to report any struggles socially. Many teachers also conduct Morning Meetings which support student relationships and foster empathy with each other.

Posted: July 6, 2020

Posted: May 31, 2017

We have had an amazing experience at Vieja Valley. The staff, teachers, and principal are all excellent, approachable, and caring. This school is a very special place.

Posted: May 31, 2017

Posted: May 31, 2017

Posted: May 31, 2017

Posted: May 31, 2017

Posted: May 31, 2017

Posted: May 31, 2017

Posted: July 14, 2014

We love Vieja Valley and have sent all three of our children through this school. There is something to be said about a small school and the intimacy, and sense of community that comes with this. It is set in a charming neighborhood that has big trees, grassy fields and horses meandering by. How many schools get this type of setting? it is charming to say the least. The teachers are committed. My children love their experience at the school, look forward to going and truly happy about their learning. My husband and I both have graduate degrees, and prioritize education. Our children are the top of their class, and my son was recently accepted to the 'Apple Program' at San Marcos High School. (This is an accelerated academic program for leadership and enrichment) It is considered one of the most competitive programs in our county. I thank Vieja Valley teachers for preparing the academic fundamentals, instilling higher level thinking, and creating a lifelong love of learning from the beginning years. The parent community is involved and welcoming. We are sad that this chapter has come to a close.

Posted: March 15, 2014

As an active and involved parent with two kids at Vieja Valley, I have been very happy with the teachers, the parental involvement, the curriculum, and the diversity. This is in no way a "rich kids" school as one review states but a rather balanced school with a majority of middle class families and an otherwise healthy mix of low and high income families. I spend time in the classrooms weekly and have been very happy with the teachers' class management and attention paid to all students. I've had one interaction with the principal and she was very responsive and helped solve a student problem quickly and efficiently. The school offers computer, music, and art classes, a nice library, and beautiful grounds with large outdoor play areas. Both my kids and I are happy here.

Posted: March 12, 2014

I am a single mom of 2 at this school. It used to be a top school in Santa Barbara with great teachers and staff. We have been so let down with the academics and now having to supplement with tutors and private art lessons. I hope this school turns around and changes up the divided staff but for now I am sadly choosing to leave schools for my boys. I've heard some of the teachers complain and are unhappy, but are unable to transfer schools. I would look at some other Santa Barbara schools that choose to challenge the above average child instead of focusing all their money and efforts on the ESL kids. The best thing about this school is the location and charm.

Posted: January 2, 2013

This used to be a great school, but I have had some unsatisfactory educational experiences for my child. I know funding had been cut in all schools but it seems like the teachings is at a grade to two behind. The classrooms are not as respectful or organized as I remember, with children threatening others and back talking to the teacher. Not to mention that many of the supportive PTA families have left, so the PTA after school programs had been eliminated. Also, my child has an incident where the playground equipment fell apart and hit him on the head!

Posted: August 11, 2012

We left this school because the teachers (most) just follow a curriculum that does not allow each child to be taught at their level. In fact, a large part of the curriculum is "dumbed down" for the lower levels. Even though we live in the district; we would not send our child to this school - but, don't take my word; spend quality time in the classroom and see for yourself. Sad because so many bright students are actually "left behind".

Posted: June 9, 2010

Our son transferred from home-school and completed 5th & 6th at this school. Everyone, kids, teachers, staff, parents, warmly welcomed us and made this difficult transition easy. Parents are active in classrooms, field trips, and PTA. PTA supports PE, Art, Music and Computer classes, and there are also after school enrichment activities such as foreign language, dance, flag football, many more. New principal this year has been responsive to our requests. GATE program is a one day/week pull-out (wish it was more).

Posted: November 1, 2009