Vintage Parkway Elementary School

This is my third year volunteering at Vintage in my grandchildrens classes. I have worked at other elementary schools in near by towns and find Vintage a much better school. The students show respect to everyone and they know the rules and that there are consequences for not following them. The teachers actually like being there and show that love to the students.The principal is at school functions and very involved with students and parents. As parents please stay in contact with the teachers it's important for your children. It only gets harder when they go to middle and high school. High school seems to be worse. In my dealings with A high school in another district one teacher announced to the class that he was there for a paycheck and to go to afterschool tutoring if they needed help. A counselor told me that my questions were condescending, that she had seniors to help graduate, that I was being "mean" and not to email her again. Be very happy that you have a staff at Vintage that cares. They are great and Oakley is very lucky.

This is my child's first year at Vintage Parkway Elementary and coming here from out of the area this school is by far excellent. I love that the teacher's motto is "No work, No Play!" and they provided organizers for the children to help them stay on task and prioritize their homework responsibility. Anytime I have any questions the teacher is always right there with answers and support. The only stipulation I do have is there should be more funding to this school and it seems as though they are not provided that, but overall my rating for this school is definitely a 4 start.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been attending Vintage Parkway Elementary for several years. We have had nothing but positive learning experiences in that time! My kids are challenged, and are excited about learning!
—Submitted by a parent

As a person that went to schools in the SF area, Vintage is a great school for my kids the teachers are so great at keeping me updated. I am a Divorced parent with 3 kids that go to Vintage and I work full time. My children may tend to try to get away with not doing homework but the teachers keep me updated with that very fast.
—Submitted by a parent

Vintage is the absulute best! The teachers are of the highest quality. Parents are very involved in school activities and welcome on capus anytime. My son has loved every teacher he has had Mrs.Gardiner,Mrs.Kobold and Mrs.Merrill. They are all exceptional teachers with a calling. My daughter can't wait until her kindergarten sleepover with her teacher Mrs.Gardiner and her friends. My kids are going to have such great memorys.
—Submitted by a parent

My Daughter is in 1st grade this year, her 2nd year at vintage. I have found the office staff to be very pleasant, yet professional and understanding as well as helpful. Last year my daughter had a broken leg and the entire staff was on board trying to make her as comfortable as possible, especially her teacher Mrs. Gaul, who's patience and understanding made such an enormous difference to us, she is a truly gifted teacher and person! This years teacher seems to be living up to the standards that have been set by Mrs. Gaul with ease. Unfortunately I haven't had an oppurtunity to talk with her as much as I would like. But Mrs. McElwain seems to have made an impression on my daughter and that is what counts!
—Submitted by a parent

It is always the same parents that are involved in the school year after year. As far as I know, they do not have an art program or a sports program. Band is only offered for 5th grade and just a few select instruments. I personally do not like that my child always has to help the 'needy' kids in her class. There is definetly more funds going to resource or ELL than to the GATE program where they should be focusing on those kids who aspire to do more.
—Submitted by a parent

Mot happy with the lowered test scores.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter just finished six years at Vintage. Our family found the environment at Vintage to be very safe, friendly and welcoming. All of her teachers were hardworking, dedicated employees who cared about their students and their jobs. The campus is clean and well maintained. Parents were always made to feel welcome and many are involved in the school at all levels. The principal has created an environment where the students, teachers, staff and parents are all partners in educating students. Test scores don't show the whole picture. This was a great school!
—Submitted by a parent

Great sense of community with some very good teachers. A little heavy on the teacher turnover as far as switching grades sometimes. This is a smallish school with a lot of heart struggling, as they all are, with Calif. budget cuts. Very good music program. Band, choir and a music teacher. Soft on science. Unless your student has an interested teacher, expect a lot of texbooks and not much fun.
—Submitted by a parent

The test scores are not meeting requirements. the principal is not implementing the 'no bullying' policy. she is very judgemental, very unfair. I am having to pull my child out due to their lack of concern for her safety
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers and staff have been wonderful. We were concerned about our daughter lack of progress and were assigned a TAA for her. We feel that the school has gone out of their way to help address our concerns and help set up a education plan to have her acheive the success we know she wants.
—Submitted by a parent

Fairly good academic programs. Plenty of assemblies.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent School. Acadademics are stressed. One-on-one attention is available. Teachers are responsive.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been at this school for the second year. He has special needs. Everyone has treated him with respect. He is an equal among his peers. The staff and principal have been nothing but perfect for our [special] boy and our family. This school has become a big part of our family and we are glad to be a part of it.
—Submitted by Michele Smith, a parent