Buena Vista Elementary School

Our son is about to start his 2nd year at Buena Vista and so far, we really like this school. BV has wonderful teachers and families. There is a very active PTA with a lot of parental involvement. The after school daycare (Club) is run extremely well by young adults who truly care about the welfare of the children. I never worry when our son is in their care. We are proud to be part of BV and are very much looking forward to having another great school year.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to CA almost three years ago from Northern Virginia where our kids were in amazing schools. We have been so pleased with Buena Vista. The teachers and staff are so invested in my children's success. While we are appalled at the budget cuts to education in CA, we are amazed at what Buena Vista gets done! Art, music, science, library, and P.E. all have really talented teachers also. The community of parents is very welcoming also.
—Submitted by a parent

isn't a school supposed to help those in need? i think bv has the largest number of ELL in the district or one of the largest. the stats show that they aren't lacking academically. my son started in 1st grade and he has grown in amazing ways. he is one of the kids who needed reading help and any deficit he started with no longer exists. this was within 4 months! the parents are so cool and easy to talk to. the teacher always answers my emails timely. so the principal is taking classes. how could that not be good? she is accessible if you need her. why would one need to talk to the principal more than occasionally anyway?
—Submitted by a parent

Unbelievable emphasis, time and money is spent on the numerous number of children that cannot read, write or do math by third grade who have attended this school since Kindergarden. The few children that TEACHERS know will meet state standards are left to fend for the school year without challenges. All of this before the budget crisis and class size increase. The Principle is rarely on site due to taking classes herself (the last two years). If your child is below average academically, this is the school for you. If you want your child who is average or above to be challenged, you should find to a different school. As to parent involvement. Very "click-ish" and rumor-mongering. Parent of child who attended K-5 at BV.
—Submitted by a parent

Buena Vista is graced with children from many different backgrounds, countries, and religions. The teachers are hard working and truly care about all children advancing. The mixture of diversity, caring, and shared goals make Buena Vista an excellent place to be educated.
—Submitted by a parent

Because my children are spread out, we've attended 3 different schools in California. Buena Vista is, by far, the best school we've experienced. The staff show true care for our children, each other, and the families at the school. They go above and beyond to take care of our children's academic, social, and emotional needs. The Principal is actively involved in keeping the school organized and managing the school so that families are involved in decision making and building community. Student are learning and our school is distinguished in every way. We are lucky to be here.
—Submitted by a parent

We cannot imagine being a part of any other community! Buena Vista is such a wonderful school, with so much parental involvement, emphasis on the kids treating each other with respect, and just an all around great atmosphere for both my kids And myself. We love BV!
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school with lots of parent involvment. Although my son's K teacher only had two years experience, he is now (at the end of K) reading 2nd grade books fluently.Wow! She also really tried to understand each child's character & really tried to work with them individually to best motivate them. I loved the old principal (lots of energy) but there is a new principal this year, so I cannot speak to the principal leadership. The after school program (for working parents) is superb. The Buena Vista Club is a jewel in terms of after care programs. I cannot say enough good things about them. Go Buena Vista Club! Good science teacher, and Mr. Fong in Kindergarten is also very talented musically, bringing that into not only his, but other K classrooms.
—Submitted by a parent

My grand daughter goes to Buena Vista Elementary School and I volunteer there each week. I am very impressed by the school and their teachers. They have wonderful programs there for children that may be a little behind their classmates. The principal and her staff are very attentive and know the children by name. Buena Vista is an outstanding elementary school and I am very happy that my grand daughter is attending this school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is top notch all the way around.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent parent/teacher involvement results in a wonderful, diverse environment for the kids. My daughter loves BV, and so do I.
—Submitted by a parent

Good School! Send your kids to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I moved to Walnut Creek six months ago. I researched all of the public elementary schools and chose BV Elementary. I am glad I did
—Submitted by a parent

Buena Vista is a wonderful school! The school administrator is so organized and knows many students and parents by name. The teachers are very organized, caring and professional. There is great diversity. There is so much dedicated parent involvment and PTA and site counsel work hard to make improvements.
—Submitted by a parent

Buena Vista Elementary is a wonderful school! We have been a part of the BV community for the past 2 years. The teachers and staff are caring, dedicated and professional. My children love going to school because of the family atmosphere. We love the diversity and different ethnic backgrounds of the BV students. There are so many other positive aspects of BV such as the wonderful leadership of our Principal. The whole Walnut Creek School District is top rate and we wouldn't want to live any place else!
—Submitted by Christine Elsasser, a parent

Buena Vista is adequate in most areas. However, the principal is fairly new to the school. Some of the primary-grade teachers are rather rigid and seem better fit for upper grades. Buena Vista has not satisfactorily met our expectations.
—Submitted by a parent

Our experience at this school has been extremely dissappointing. Our child's first grade teacher is incredibly rigid for a primary grade teacher. Thankfully, the parent involvement and support is awesome!
—Submitted by a parent

It was only after we left this school (moved out of state) that I realized how wonderful it truly was. A wonderful group of teachers with a warm and family atmosphere to the school. We were a part of Buena Vista for 3 years and two of my children attended. My children loved it there.
—Submitted by a parent