Grass Valley Elementary School

I went to this school and I loved it.man was it good they were in to sports and I loved it

Grass Valley is hidden gem that rivals any good private school. I'm a licensed social worker, parent of two Grass Valley graduates, and currently working as a substitute prior to entering a doctoral program in education. The Pros: Superlative leadership, a dedicated professional staff, an encouraging environment, and a motivated community. The Cons: I'd paid good money for private schools before finding this out.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a father of a six year old first grader at Grass Valley Elementary School. Her teacher keeps me updated with everything that goes on which is amazing because I am busy and a single parent. My daughter's teacher teaches the students, reading, math, science, and how to be responsible. The school participates in various activities such as fundraisers, family night, and other activities to get a parent to parent as well as a parent to faculty relationship established which I think is wonderful. I am very pleased with this school. It also is in a nice neighborhood.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children enrolled at Grass Valley Elementary. I think the school has a wonderful principal and teaching staff. The children are happy and have memorable experiences. The PTA creates a lot of events for parents and students. And the Principal, Ms. Stewart, keeps the children encouraged and challenged to do their best. Great school and great location (deer appear daily). The remodeled campus is also an added benefit.
—Submitted by a parent

I love our school! The principal, teachers, and all staff that I have met are kind, helpful and professional. The teachers that I've spoken to are veteran teachers, most of who are dedicated to the Oakland. My daughter went to an expensive private preschool, and she has made more progress in the last two months of school than she did all last year. Not only that, but she actually likes school now! The teachers participated in a Whole Brain Teaching teaching training over the summer and are successfully implementing the strategies. I've talked with many of my friends who have gone the private school route as well as driving to better rated schools, and in listening to their accounts (both of school and classroom environment) I am grateful that I chose to bring my daughter here. As a social worker and childhood specialist I understand that test scores do not accurately reflect the success of a classroom or school. Nor do they truly show that a child has learned, or is learning to, problem solve and think critically, as opposed to regurgitate information. I believe Grass Valley is the real deal. They are concerned about our children's learning, not just their image.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to grass valley for the fifth, and sixth <back when there was 6th> grades. 85-87 "wow I'm old" any ways made great friends, matter of fact I believe the Mrs Jackson so many speak of fondly was a teacher when I was a student there. < she is a great person> miss them moved before the start of Jr high. "Navy"

I am a very proud parent for a son who attended Grass Valley Elementary for 6 years, Kindergarten through 5th Grade under the leadership of Mrs. Jackson who is now retired and we wish the best of luck to you, Mrs. Jackson. We are very proud of our son success at Grass Valley. He is an academically driven young student who loves learning. He is self motivated and driven to succeed. Our son had a perfect attendance through out his time at Grass Valley since the environment was very nurturing with some great teachers. Currently, we now have a 2nd son who will also be entering Kindergarten, and we are again very excited. Ou new Principal, Ms. Henderson, who has already done such an amazing job with the school's appearance. She has transformed the curb appeal appearance of the school already. She is a young woman who is very motivated and wants to work with both the teachers and parents to raise the bar for academic success for all Grass Valley students. We are very blessed to have such a leader for our community.
—Submitted by a parent

I am so proud to be associated with Grass Valley Elementary School, which is the highest achieving school in Diatrict 7 , (East Oakland). The school is a California Distingushed School three times, and a Nationaly Rcognized Distingushed School. Never in the history of Oakland Unified School District has a school that has a majority of African American Children made these Types of academic gains. This is due to the leadership of Ms. Jackson, Principal. The parent groups are awesome. It is a honor and privilidge to represent this school on the board of education.

My grandson has been at Grass Valley since Kindergarten, and is now entering the 3rd grade. He has thoroughly enjoyed his school experience, and has progressed academically in all subjects. His 1st grade and 2nd grade teachers, Ms. Bear and Ms. Opes, did fantastic jobs giving my grandson both the skills he needed academically while molding his behavior and social skills as well. The only problem I have with the school is the method by which they choose participants in the afterschool program. Grass Valley conducts a lottery, and no preference is given to parents who work. So, parents who would have no problem picking their children up at 2:45pm (because they are stay-at-home parents) are given slots in the afterschool program while other parents (who work full-time and desperately need afterschool care) have to make other arrangements for their child, which can be both complicated and costly. In all, I would recommend this school in a heartbeat......after all, what's most important is their educational/social development. Right?
—Submitted by a parent

Grass Valley is a wonderful school and I'd like to thank our Principal Mrs. Jackson for showing the good old fashion love for our students. Although we are sad to see her go, to be able to retire with good health is a very good thing. Enjoy your retirement Mrs. Jackson. Next I would like to welcome Ms. Carla Henderson our new Principal. We are totally excited to have you and look forward supporting you supporting our students. Again, Grass Valley is awesome but we need more parent participation please. See you in the fall
—Submitted by a parent

Parents, we need your participation. We can take Grass Valley to the next level without a hitch. Please support our school. Respectfully, Parent
—Submitted by a parent

I am so impressed with Grass Valley. I have 2 daughters that attend GV one is in the kindergarten and one in third grade. I made the crazy mistake of putting my 3rd grader in private school for K-2. If I had know about the hidden gem GV I could have saved a lot of money. Mrs. Jackson is a firm and nuturing principal and my daughters love her. My girls teachers are great and go above and beyond for their students. Many of the teachers there have the "old style" dedication for their students. The Dads Club in awsome and organized great planter boxes so each class could have veggies to harvest.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is a third grader at Grass Valley and this is the only elementary that he has attended. The campus is always clean and welcoming. I am very pleased with the education that he has received thus far. His high test scores back up my opinions! I am happy that he is happy to be there and he also has an opportunity to be around other high-achieving African-American students. I am amazed by the large amount of parent participation and they even have a strong dedicated "Dad's Club". When the principal, Mrs. Jackson decides to retire...someone will have BIG shoes to fill. That Leader is irreplaceable!
—Submitted by a parent

Each year i'm more impressed with the students, staff and parents at Grass Valley. There is a spirit of excellence with very high expections for each and every student. The staff is caring and protective of every student. I'm sure Grass Valley will continue to soar to great heights and produce outstanding students
—Submitted by a parent

I believe that this year will be uplifting and the kids will be successful. Although they will be missing one of their beloved/dedicated teachers this year, GV will stay on track and scores will soar like the EAGLES they are. They are implementing their 2nd year of the 'free' after school program E.A.G.L.E. and it promises to be better than last year. I think parent participation will be up and the motivation to strive for excellence will be the goal...lead by our fearless principal Mrs. Jackson. I nothing but good things and praises for GV...otherwise I wouldn't have both my children there...I trust them and they haven't let me down yet!!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter went to kindergarten at Grass Valley last year, and we were so happy with her teacher, Ms. Huen. When we moved away and enrolled our daughter in 1st grade at a Great Schools rated 10 school, she was at the top of her class. Our son started kindergarten in the new school this year and although it is good, we do regret not having stayed in Oakland one more year so he could have benefitted from having Ms. Huen. We liked everyone in administration, including Ms. Jackson, who we thought was awesome.
—Submitted by a parent

My child is in the Kindergarten and has an awesome teacher with 30 years+ experience. The work my child is doing is comparable w/ the work a friends first grader is doing. The principle, Mrs. Jackson is approachable. The extracurricular activities are great!
—Submitted by a parent

Level of parent involement is 'Okay
—Submitted by a parent

Grass Valley could be a better school with more funds for necessities and parental involvement. It suffers from the same issues rampant throughout OUSD. There is a small but extremely dedicated PTA and volunteer pool. They also have a dad's group which is rare and wonderful. The principal is accessible and I believe truly tries to make the best of the resources they have available. They have a great computer lab and tutors. I do think better decisions can be made in regards to the quality of field trips and extracurricular activities. I'm only familiar with one of the kindergarten teachers and she is one of the best in the district. Mrs Huen has the right blend of strictness and sweetness and has instilled the love of reading in her 5 yr olds. I believe the children are very safe and well looked after, the community is quiet and very friendly.
—Submitted by a parent

The quality of academic programs could be better. Ms. Jackson the principle can be short with parents at times. The teachers try. The school has a tacky way of fund raising.
—Submitted by a parent