Valley View Elementary School

Contrary to the speculative accusations of the last reviewer, most positive reviews have been posted by parents who sincerely like this school, like me. Yes, there have been bullying issues that finally seem to be improving. What is false is calling it a dominant culture in this school. My daughter has never been bullied and none of her friends have been bullied- when I asked her friends' parents about it, they all said they weren't even aware there was a bullying issue. This is not to say there isn't bullying and behavioral problems- there are, like many schools, and I truly hope they continue to improve. But it is far from being the dominant culture of Valley View. That reviewer wants to believe it is the dominant culture so they can get a mob of people behind them agreeing with them. My experience is very different- I observe a genuine comradery between many of the kids at school. I see kids helping each other and standing up for their friends.
—Submitted by a parent

First of all beware of the false positive reviews that are submitted by admin. (I am speaking for the 4-6 grades) Severe safety and bullying issues at this school! I personally know 3 kids who left the school due to bullying. Also, at any time during the day anyone can just walk into the schools/classrooms-no basic security system in place. Many parents have gone to teachers and principals to help with the bullying issues and nothing has improved. I understand all schools have to deal with mean kids and bullying is an issue nationwide. However, it is extreme here and becoming the dominant culture.
—Submitted by a parent

This review is based on experience. Grades 1 - 3 AMAZING !!! Grades 4 - 5 RUN FOR YOUR LIVES (or for your kid's education)!!!!!! Principal is passive and prefers to busy herself with administrative tasks rather than address real issues. My child had amazing, nurturing teachers in grades 1-3, however it is as if he/she fell off of a cliff afterwards. Teacher quality rating reflects the drastic lack of all-overall teacher quality which ultimately leaves a child severely lacking in the upper grade foundation necessary to succeed in middle school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in 2nd grade and started here in 1st grade. He's had a much better time here than at his previous school. There is a small school/s,small town feel here as others have described. The student body is fairly diverse and most importantly the teachers seem to know every kid by name and that is just cool! Small behavior issues with my son were dealt with in a very professional and considerate way and the boy is now even on the "advanced" track after a few hiccups on the playground. Kudos to Valley View and their staff. Just as competent if not superior to any private school out there.
—Submitted by a parent

This school just finished the Dancing Classrooms program. We went to th competiton and they won silver. more important than that was that there was this program available. it taught manners, respect and drive to do our best. What a great opportunity for the kids there. great school
—Submitted by a parent

The small size of this school, combined with the enrichment programs offered gives every child an excellent opportunity at a great eduction.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a GREAT school! We feel so lucky that my son can attend this school. He has been this school for over a month now for his kindergarten. He loves his teacher which is Miss Alvy, and the coaches for the after school. Miss Alvy makes learning so much fun! There are some fun activities after school too. I have hard time to get him home every day when I pick him up, so I believe that he is happy there which is most important for us. The principle and the office staff are very helpful. The PTA is working so hard to make the school better and better each day. The parents are involved, caring. The room parents are so helpful! A lot of activities going on through out of the year.
—Submitted by a parent

This public school has the feel of a private school. It is supported by many donators and the attention to the kids is wonderful. I also value that they have music, dance and art every single week. EXCELLENT school!
—Submitted by a parent

We had our other child in the Arminta Elementary school, thinking it was a great school for our child's needs. We couldn't have been more wrong! We switched last year to this school and the change in our child has been incredible. The teacher's at Valley View are top rate A+++++++. The children thrive in this family feel environment. When our other son is of age next year, we will be enrolling him here. We are the few lucky ones to be at this school. Our son's class room only had 17 kids in it with 2 teachers. Talk about individualized. Thank you Valley View for all your love, care and education. You make learning fun, instead of a challenge for our oldest son.
—Submitted by a parent

Vally View is a wonderful school A+. The teachers and parents are so involved. It feels like a small town school very safe and a fantastic place to learn. Like life you get what you put into it. Thank you Valley View!!
—Submitted by a parent

I passed up the 3 of the best charter schools in Los Angeles to keep my kid in this school. the teacher's are fantastic and very involved. My kid started kinder at 4 years old and she has excelled the entire way to 2nd grade, this is because of the teacher's.
—Submitted by a parent

We adore Valley View! The principal, teachers, TA's, staff and PTA are extraordinary. Our children are learning in a safe, caring atmosphere. It truly is like a private school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is a GEM. With only 200 students and a small town feel with incredibly involved parents. There are few schools with this much heart. The teachers are passionate and energized. The librarian is a treasure. A magical place. Very confused by the 6 rating.
—Submitted by a parent

LAUSDs best kept secret. The PTA pays for individualized music, art and PE classes. The computer lab is new and gorgeous. The staff from the principal to the lunch ladies are smiling and helpful. The small class sizes make for a warm community feel. The test scores have raised 20 points in one year. This school continues to amaze with its warmth. A balance of art s and academics make for some of the kindest most creative and well rounded students in LA.
—Submitted by a parent

Valley view is brilliant. From the woodworking truck to the Japanese drummers to the art teacher, librarian and principal there is a whirlwind of creativity and intellectual stimulation happening here. The community of parents is unparalleled. The teachers actually love teaching. What a great school. Extremely confused about the "6" rating. Not only is it an Hobors School it's also an arts prototype and has programs that rival most of the higher rated schools nearby. Perhaps it would be better to keep it a secret. The low class sizes are amazing.
—Submitted by a parent

How can this school be a "6"? This school is a 10! The librarian, Ms. Cain knows each of the 200 students by name and will often set aside books for students (and parents!) based on their interests. The student body produces excellent academics as well as arts and music programs throughout the year. Happy smart kids abound.
—Submitted by a parent

Keep looking for better school! Huge safety issues. Switching school this year! If it's not in your district, don't evenbothered coming here!I left a good review previously, but unfortunately this school is a huge disappointment! Parents are so involved, but not well rewarded. Good luck!
—Submitted by a parent

my son is 3rd grade. He loves his teacher, not alot of homework do to they do it in class. He just went on a fieldtrip to "Whale watching" he said AMAZING!!!! Over all needs small improvements but as long as he is happy and teacher makes it a fun learning expiriance. Thats what counts!!! Oh, PTA parents are on top of thier game....they work hard on getting their goals met :)
—Submitted by a parent

Valley View is LAUSD's best kept secret and testimony to what parents, teachers, staff and students can accomplish when they are committed a creating an environment that fosters learning, respect and community. It's a tiny school of 250 kids, with a wonderful new principal who is energetic, proactive and very accessible. (She also used to be a teacher at Valley View.) Two years ago, the parents raised the funds to buy brand-new Macs for their computer lab. These computers are nicer than ours at home! In an age of state budget cuts, Valley View still has field trips (to JPL, Aquarium of the Pacific, LACMA, Museum of Natural History, to name a few); cultural assemblies, such as the one with Taiko drummers and the South American dance assembly; not to mention dance and music for the kids. Our daughter is reading a grade above average and in Kindergarten is already learning addition and subtraction. She adores her teacher, who is someone who truly cares about her students and the school. Another remarkable thing about Valley View is the amazing diversity not just ethnically but internationally! We are very happy and grateful that we found this wonderful little school!
—Submitted by a parent

The parents and teachers are delightfully magnificent! including the children and principal! I would suggest of enrolling your child to the beautiful, amazing, charming little school!
—Submitted by a parent