Buena Vista Elementary School

Both our children are thriving at BV, thanks to the passionate teachers and the Montessori classrooms. Academics matter to our family and also the encouragement and development of the whole child. Buena Vista Montessori offers both and a great school community. So glad D-11 has this excellent option in the public school system!
—Submitted by a parent

I have all my 3 kids in Pre K and K and they all love it and so do I .I couldn't ask for a better school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter came to BV two years ago and has absolutely thrived! The teachers know the kids and quickly get them any assistance that they need. The aides ensure that if a child needs some assistance during an assignment they get it. I volunteer regularly and will continue to do so. I have loved our experience and my child will continue to attend BV for the rest of her elementary years.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a public Montessori school that respects the way children learn.
—Submitted by a parent

Buena Vista is a vibrant, thriving learning environment. The kids are enthusiastic ant the teachers dynamic. As along time teacher BV restores my belief in the public schools.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of 2 children at Buena Vista Elementary, for 3 years now Buena Vista Elementary offers the only Tuition-Free Public Montessori Program in town (K-5th grade). We have paid tuition for our preschoolers to go to Buena Vista for it's Montessori Program. We chose a Montessori Education at Buena Vista Elementary for our children because it cultivates a desire to learn through sensory and experiential means, fostering greater conceptual understanding, rather than by rote learning. Buena Vista provides a non-competitive environment whereby mixed age groups and grades can work together to learn. Montessori Education also allows children to learn at their own rate, fostering confidence, independent thinking and a sense of internal reward for achievement. My children are exceeding their grade levels, in terms of achievement at Buena Vista, thanks to the excellent Montessori Certified teachers. We also have a fantastic Principal who is invested in BV.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is a first year pre-k student and we are all very happy with Buena Vista. My son's teacher is extremely committed to her students and the staff from principal on down are excellent. We permit in and would not consider going any where else.
—Submitted by a parent

Great School. Despite recent turnover of principals, the staff has remained consistent and my children are thriving. They love to come to school. Buena Vista has a great thing going!
—Submitted by a parent

New Principal in 2008-2009 who is committed to be here long term. Majority of teachers are great and care about helping students be successful. My children have been here 3 years in the Montessori program and have done well (Pre-K thru K and 1st - 4th).
—Submitted by a parent

My kids have been at this school since 2004 in the Montessori program. While it has been a tumultuous time because of change in principals, the teachers and staff are outstanding. There is a new principal that started this year with outstanding credentials. She is supporting the staff and parents in a much more productive way than the principal we had for the past 2 years. With her guidance and the great staff I only see the Montessori program improving over the next several years.
—Submitted by a parent

Having come from a school in Northern California that takes education and parent involvement in education very seriously, Buena Vista is a real disappointment. Principal, staff, teachers= uninvolved. This is highlighted daily by interaction with all of the above.
—Submitted by a former student

Great school with excellent student-based curriculum for both advanced and 'average' learners. Montessori curriculum has been implemented with excellent results. Happy, experienced, motivated instructors and well-balanced, high-achieving students.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been at this school for four years and have seen a constant improvement! I have found the children to be unlike any others. I have not seen any violence-just the opposite. These kids are incredibly understanding and accepting of kids that have difficulties. Parent involvement is lacking/most schools are the same. The music program is great/after school sports/dance/drama/chior programs. Academically--look at the district scores-much improved! The scores are not only teacher issues-they are parent issues-when you are not involved your child does not do as well.
—Submitted by a parent

My personal experience; 3rd grade teacher communication=non-existent, resistant, defensive and un-cooperative. Principal involvement=broken promises, no follow-through, no consideration for districts policies. 'permit-out rate' very high, (check D-11 website) No art teacher=no art class Teacher was insistent that my child has ADD, even after he was identified Gifted/Talented, denied him a recommendation for a more appropriate school environment (S.A.I.L.) and would not forward me information given by his GT teacher. Including parent support group information, and child activities and programs! GT teacher=The bright spot this year! By-passing his regular teacher and making sure I received the information we're entitled to receive. My child stated to me that he hoped that a new school next year would mean less violent kids. Nothing significant gets done to stop bullies, check the schools 'accountability report' Not much there for disclipline actions taken. Doesn't match our experiences with problem children. Recommendation=take your child elsewhere if possible. Their solution, 'permit out' when unhappy.
—Submitted by a parent