Sunnybrae Elementary School

We've been at Sunnybrae for 3 years now and are really happy. Our son's teachers have been very engaging and the IB planners are both fun and challenging. He's getting a great education and really enjoys going to school. I know a lot of the neighborhood parents try to transfer out of Sunnybrae, but I'm not sure why. The teachers are wonderful, the principal and staff are OUTSTANDING, the facilities are new and in great shape and, most importantly, the kids that do go to school there are the best. My second child will be going to kindergarten next year and we wouldn't think of having her go anywhere else.
--Submitted by a parent

Our son started kindergarten last year and we were very apprehensive not fully understanding the point of the IB curriculum. Over the course of the year, we got to know the entire kinder team, the principal and many other parents who helped us fully realize the gift this program is. We are watching them challenge and engage him daily through the IB Planners that have been built to enhance the state's curriculum. Now that we're digging into first grade with him, it's wonderful to watch this slow build to what they'll accomplish and use in the exhibition projects during their last year. Many opportunities for communication and parent forums open discussion between parents and staff. Very happy here.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers here have created a masterpiece with their IB planners, layering them with the state curriculum. The IB Coordinator, Wynne Hegarty, deserves high praise for the program development. Recently though the most important changes have come with new principal, Dr. Heather Olsen, who shepherded Meadow Heights to become a California Distinguished School. This is a large school but my daughter has received all the attention she needs from several sources. As she moved ahead of her class in math, she was given individualized work to challenge her. Our family is quite proud of the ideas she comes home with, the questions she asks and how she is being prepared for her future. We were thrilled to hear she can continue her IB education at Borel in two years making this actually a K-8 program. Parent involvement could be much stronger here but there has been a foundation created to support the IB program called Friends of Sunnybrae. They have been working hard to minimize budget cuts through grants and philanthropy. We'd encourage any family to learn more about Sunnybrae - see the student work accomplished at either Open House or the inspiring annual Fifth Grade Exhibition.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two kids at Sunnybrae, entering 1st and 3rd grades this year. We LOVE this school, and the community. The Principal and Teachers are all personally engaged, and really care individually about every student. One of my kids has an IEP for ADHD, and I am blown away by the care and consideration that the teachers have shown in helping my child to flourish despite what some would call limitations. The PTA could always use more help, but the families that do participate go above and beyond to make this a great school family.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm so proud of our challenging IB program, our high-level of collaboration, the dedication of the teachers, parents, and students. My own children went through Sunnybrae and they're now successful professionals. Perhaps more importantly, Sunnybrae students are caring, respectful, and talented. Did you know our 4th and 5th graders go on an overnight trip, all students are learning a second language, and each grade level has developed challenging, integrated units of study that go beyond our state standards? Sunnybrae ROCKS!
--Submitted by Linda, a teacher

The teachers are fantastic and are doing their best with what limited tools and help they have. The projects my daughter comes home with are very creative and colorful. She really has benefitted from the diverse classroom and has met alot of nice friends from her neighborhood.
--Submitted by a parent

The IB Program is outstanding, our kids are learning wonderful things through Inquiry! The teachers make Sunnybrae so special, and we're proud to be Sunnybrae parents.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent teachers and an Awesome Principal.
--Submitted by a parent

My kids love the school. The teachers, staff and principal provide a great environment for the students to learn in.
--Submitted by a parent

Sunnybrae offers a positive and supportive learning environment for our children. The principal is dedicated and the teachers are enthusiastic, creative, and professional.
--Submitted by a parent