Nicolas Valley Elementary School

I have had 2 boys go K-5 at Nicolas. The boys are 7 years apart so our experience spans about 14 years. I have nothing but good things to say about the school. Our experience has been great. No complaints from us!
--Submitted by a parent

although the staff seems to care, we have one girl failing and the tutoring program after school hasn't started yet and another boy we just took to another school - his teacher literally terrified him. they don't really listen to you (the teachers) and they rarely respond to emails or calls. the principal is easier altogether and seems to be the only one who ever says or does anything. however, she can't do it all. i can't wait to get my daughter out. they won't even transfer teachers or anything.... oh well. office staff is nice. :)
--Submitted by a parent

Both of my children have attended this school. My son, K-5 and my daughter K through her current grade 4. Each year, the school has gone downhill. The administration changed several years back from a principal who was on top of everything to one that seems clueless at best. She is a nice person, but not an effective administrator. Perhaps she would be better suited in the classroom. Bullying has gone on and increased, completely unchecked. There are also several teachers in need of retiring (and it shows) as well as several who don't even seem to like children. I frankly don't know why they are teaching! There is not enough supervision before school or during lunch - meaning kids run wild and are allowed to be unruly. Also several paraprofessionals need to be let go because of their poor attitudes with children (more people that don't seem to like kids). Unfortunately, because of unions no changes will be made. If you have a choice, don't sent your kids to school here. You'll regret it. Regarding parent involvement -- don't give $$ to the PTA. The last president stole over $15k of the student's money we worked hard to raise!!! No oversight!!!
--Submitted by a parent

This will be our 3rd year at Nicolas Valley, so far we love all the teachers that have been assigned to my two children who attend here. I would have to say the only complaint I have about this school is the principal, she is beyond unprofessional and extremely rude to parents. The teachers are the real quality since they are the ones molding our children. We won t be leaving anytime soon unless the teacher quality drops.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has attended NVES for two years now. Both of the teachers that he had there were excellent! I also found the Principal to be very caring and helpful. My only wish is that my son would be academically challenged more than he is.
--Submitted by a parent

Our child has attended for 2 years. NOT impressed AT ALL. We both were very involved in volunteering, working in class, etc. & have seen & heard what goes on. Principal does not ACT or look like a principal AT ALL. Her daughter is a loud mouth with NO boundaries, spoiled brat, who cries if she does not get HER way. Principal has her favorites (daughter's playmates) so they are put in the best classes. Vice Principal should be the Principal! MANY parents are not willing to help their kids even with their homework! Very sad. Have teachers who actually YELL in class--that's great training. I find it very hard to believe this school got good ratings...Perhaps the parents have not been to ther schools & have nothing to compare NVES to. OR they are actually working at the school! Office staff is very rude & appear to not want to be there. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS SCHOOL AT ALL.....THINK TWICE!
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in third grade. I have never had a worse experience of parents not being involved with there children. The homework and class studies are extremely poor. My son gets told to not do something at school his teacher Mr west King tells him to do it anyway. He is not supposed to be a friend. He is supposed to teach. He taught my son bad behavior. If your kid is going into the third grade reconsider the teacher.
--Submitted by a parent

I love Nicholas Valley for numerous reasons first the teachers are wonderful, great concern for my daughter's education for the past three years back to back wonderful teachers. Great principal and staff can also get a hold of someone no run around. Great parent involvement and there is always a way that the school is trying to raise money to support things like reflections, meet the masters, watchdog for father's to get invovled in the school. I could go on and on. Just a wonderful school I'm so thankful my child is fortunate enough to have a good school!!
--Submitted by a parent

My son has attended NVES for 3 years now. I am so happy that I am finally transferring him out of this school. I am extremely unhappy with the staff. They are rude and if your son has energy, as most do, they will CONSTANTLY send home inappropriate notes about your child EVERYDAY!!! I stopped believeing in the teachers and started to believe my son. And when I went to the principle for support, she backed up the teachers 100%. So I had to go to the district. They need major improvement on the staff!!!!!
--Submitted by a parent

Terrible administrators. Constantly out of compliance for special ed. A general sense of 'us against the parents' is the norm at this site. The employees are rude, there are no standards set for behavior. Simply horrendous.
--Submitted by a parent