Sierra Vista Elementary School

Excellent, well-trained staff. You really can't go wrong with any teacher. Children really enjoy 6th grade Outdoor Education Camp which creates memories that will last a life time. Ms. Heffner is my favorite teacher on a staff of stellar teachers. She has tutored my children on her own time, without charge along with any other student who wants/needs the extra support. Sixth grade math becomes too difficult for most parents to be able to give homework assistance...ugh! Ms. Heffner has done an excellent job preparing her students for middle school math and future endeavors in life. She is inspiring! The principal truly cares about the students, staff, and parents at Sierra Vista. The office staff is kind and more than willing to help answer questions with great attitudes.The Kindergarten teachers make learning fun and very academic. Thank you Sierra Vista staff!!! The dissatisfied parents who wrote reviews are just bitter because they didn't get their way which most likely resulted in the staff choosing to do what, in their professional opinions, was in the best interest of their child. It is a public school...but a very close and involved community.
--Submitted by a parent

I spoke too soon. Not all the teachers are great. There is a lot of negativity from the teachers. They blame the students for everything. Parents are telling me that they are studying with their kidsand speaking with the teacher, but the teacher blames the ill behaved students. Maybe if the teachers were inspired the kids would be too. The teachers need to be team players or maybe they should retire.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a great school where the teachers are wonderful and the parent volunteers never fail to give 100%. While it is a public school it has the intimate feeling of a private school, despite the classroom sizes. Our two children love their school and wouldn't want to go anywhere else.
--Submitted by a parent

Sierra Vista is a gem. The teachers take their jobs very seriously and provide an exceptional learning environment. Outside the classroom, the children are treated to amazing assemblies including the 'Meet the Masters' series which introduces the students to the styles of different famous artists. In addition, the school has a fun family night in support of the fall book fair. Parents can continue their child's education after school with everything from science to chess. For the past three years the students have been able to participate in a school play. The school play not only brings together students from all grades, but it brings together parents from all classes encouraging a real sense of community. Plus, you will never meet a nicer office staff!
--Submitted by a parent

I have found this school to have very few good teachers. I found with my child that these teachers are degrading and do not use enough positive reinforcement, in this day and age I am very disappointed. The only two good teachers are Mrs Gourley, Mrs. Griffen and Mrs Hirth
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter went to K here. The teachers were great. She learned a lot everyday and also had fun! The school has a onsite childcare which is very convenient for working parents. HIghly recomended.
--Submitted by a parent

I agree with the comments that Sierra Vista is a wonderful school. My daughter has attended for 7 years and received an excellent education. The small school with a very active PTA makes for a great school community, not only for the students but also for the parents who contribute and reap the rewards of being involved in their child's education. The school has weathered several challenges. We have had several principles, 3 in 7 years and the same interim principle 3 times. We lost several long-term teachers to the early retirement program last year. However, I was amazed by the smooth transition. My daughter has one of the new teachers this year who is fabulous. Another comment discusses an unfortunate situation with a teacher's long term illness, that situation has been resolved and no longer affects the school. Our teaching team pulls together and works really well as a team. They are consistently looking for areas to improve and implement their plans. Our test scores are a small demonstration of their success. Our current principal has been there for two years and the continuity of our administration is very good now. I could not be happier with the school.
--Submitted by a parent

The GATE cluster at Sierra Vista is a joke. The 5th grade GATE cluster class actually trailed the 'regular' 5th graders in math. No writing prompts were done in the first semester, and the English/Science teacher bailed at the end of the first semester - the kids had a series of subs, and then a long term sub. There is a revolving door in the principal's office; in the last 5 years, we've had 5 acting principals - so nothing that requires administration involvement and follow-thru ever gets done. This is a relatively small school in this district, and administrators seem to see it as a stepping stone to greater and more glorious assignments. Run, don't walk, to Brookhaven or somewhere else!
--Submitted by a parent