Van Buren Elementary School

My children attend VBE. Our best years have been K,1, and 3. All of the students participated in stage performances. All teachers were professional, kind, and understanding. Second grade for one of my kids was difficult because of an inflexible teacher, but I was spared her the next year. The new principal was very understanding and helpful with placement. Fourth grade has been a very challenging year. With NO good options for placement, I tried to transfer schools. This year, my child was saddled with worksheets, no instruction, and learned how to knit. I will not be able to have another year like this year. I would hate to let two bad experiences sway my opinion of Van Buren. Teachers here truly care about education and participate in extra curricular activities such as the talent show and family nights. Next year, a sixth grade science camp is starting. A new recycling program began this year to teach the importance of recycling and raise funds run by one teacher. A new garden was planted this year by all grade levels. Thank you Van Buren staff for making this a school that I am glad to have my children attend.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of a student of this school and I have to agree with a few of the previous posts on this school. I agree that this school cares about the children in this school and I give credit to the new principal, Ken Valburg. I have 2 children, 1 of shich is already an adult and went through a private school education and now that my child is in this school I must says that Mr. Valburg is by far the best principal I have come across in all my experiences. I must say though that there are a few teachers that as the parent explained in a previous post that do not seem to care about children and seem to be heartless. Thankfully not this year! Other than that, it's a great school!!
--Submitted by a parent

The school is very concerned with the students well being and teachers work to address students individuals needs.
--Submitted by a parent

We were very disappointed with several teachers at Van Buren. They seemed to do the bare minimum. Many of the teachers at this school are cold and don't seem to truly love children. I observed one teacher roll her eyes at my son when he asked a question. Communication was lacking. Thankfully this school has a wonderful new principal that will hopefully get some of the teachers motivated. He may be exactly what Van Buren needs.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school, teachers are very connected to the students.
--Submitted by a parent

All three of my children have attended Van Buren Elementary School and two are now in College and the thrid is in 6th grade this year. Not only have my children attended this school but their dad did and so did his brother. This is an amazing school with caring and educated teachers. I'm going to miss the school once my 6th grader moves on to Middle school next year. I would highly reccomend this school to anyone. Also their after care program is one of the best.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is lacking in many many things. The PTA is small and inefective. They raise very little money- and do not supplement the science, art or PE programs as with other public schools in California. The school environment is detached- no sense of community. We also had problems with a bully. Van Buren may have a blue ribbon award- but it is not great.
--Submitted by a parent

Van Buren is an awesome school. My daughter 'graduated' to Kraemer Middle School last year. My son is in 4th grade. The PTA is small, but very active. The PTA president is awesome! Academics are challenging. 6th grade was tough for my daughter, but it may middle school academics a lot easier to tackle!
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children currently attending Van Buren. We are very pleased with the quality of teachers. I feel the curriculum is creative and challenging. Most teachers we've dealt with are caring and communicate with parents often. Parent participation in our school is wonderful. We have a safe and well maintained campus. This year we got a new principal who is very involved and is always seen around campus. Our school definitely lacked an 'involved' principal last year. I think Van Buren always puts 'kids first'.
--Submitted by a parent

We just moved to Yorba Linda because we heard that the schools are so great. Unfortunately I am not impressed with Van Buren. The communication is lacking, only one Newsletter all year, few flyers showing programs or upcoming events. My son went to a great school last year and I expected Van Buren to be even better, but I am disappointed. I have requested another school, Linda Vista for the Fall. We attended their Open House and we are very excited for the change.
--Submitted by a parent