Valley View Elementary School

This is an amazing school, involved parents, amazing teachers, a GT teacher that the kids will do anything for. It all starts with an incredible leader, Jennifer Dusek who is the most dynamic educator I have ever met. We came into the district in 2nd and 5th grade and my kids were made to feel welcome from day one, they adore the school, their teacher and their friends. The class sizes are around 20 kids (which is small compared to where we came from) there is art, PE and music, every kid has an iPad - every child has an opportunity to learn and be involved - what else can a parent ask fo in a school? I am so grad we still have 3 years at this wonderful school with our youngest.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved to Austin about a year ago (from Portland, OR) and our kids love VVE. The principal, Jennifer Dusek is honestly amazing--our name for her is "practically perfect" as she is similar to Marry Poppins from the musical. Jennifer sets an amazing tone for the school, one of learning and respecting other kids. She is a treasure. Both of our girls made the Gifted and Talented program and the GT teacher, Carol Beckley is one of those rare educators who makes learning for gifted kids challenging and fun. The parents at this school are totally involved, I take part in Pops on the Playground, which takes place once per month. This really is a great school and I highly recommend it.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a former student from VVE. I 100% love it there. Every teacher there goes out of their way to help you and they arn't only your teachers. You start to become a family with all the extra things that school hosts for you to ge to know your fellow students a parents. I have honestly nothing negative to say about VVE. My parents moved me from north to south just to go to a better school, because I am Dyslexic and they didnt want me to be held back because of that. When I moved to that district my parents saw a change right away in the way i read and spoke. The teachers dont give up on you.

I love VVE because everyone on campus is committed to meeting the needs of each individual child. There is inclusion for neuro atypical students. There is a fabulous gifted program for advanced learners and lots of programs for all the kiddos in the middle. The principal truly fosters an environment where teachers and staff work to meet the needs of each child that walks in the front door. This attitude and spirit is apparent all over the building.
—Submitted by a parent

Overcrowded classrooms. Not enough supervision or individual attention. Safety concerns.
—Submitted by a parent

staff is wonderful and parents are so involved. the principal at valley view is outstanding. we love this school!
—Submitted by a parent

Valley View is an amazing school. We moved here from CA when my children were in 2nd and kinder. They transitioned beautifully to Valley View with help from the teachers and counselor. The principal is an amazine, dynamic leader. She treats every issue as if it is her greatest priority and always seems to know how to handle things appropriately.
—Submitted by a parent

Beyond compare. There is not better place for children in Austin than Valley View. Caring teachers, an amazing principal, a librarian who encourages the love of reading in every child and a GT teacher who nurtures the love of learning in all students. You can search the nation and you won't find a better place for children.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends Valley View, and I could not be more pleased with our experiences there. Mrs. Dusek is in my opinion the most effective principal I have ever known. She is not only successful in inspiring and leading the staff, she also makes each child feel valued and loved. The teaching staff is amazing as well. This truly is a school of excellence in every way.
—Submitted by a parent

In every way, Valley View is an exceptional school. The principal is a caring, nurturing educator who knows every student by name. The teachers are experienced, caring and they maintain high standards for their students. Our 4th grader loves to go to school - he is loved and supported by all the adults he comes in to contact with each and every day. Our 6th grade daughter was very prepared for middle school after completing her elementary education at Valley View.
—Submitted by a parent

Valley View Elementary School is a fairly small school (400 children) with a wonderful atmosphere. The principal is very friendly and responsive. Many of the staff have been teachers for over 20 years. They have an incredible gifted and talented program. We have been very pleased to have our daughters in this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children attend Valley View Elementary -- this was our first year here, having relocated from what we thought was an excellent school district in So. Cal. Valley View is amazing -- we're so happy with the quality of both the administration and the teachers. The principal, Mrs. Dusek, is a real dynamo and seems very hands-on and involved. The library is excellent, as run by Mrs. Iles, as is the GT program, run by Mrs. Beckley. The teachers are great communicators back to me, and I have regular contact with them regarding the progess of my children. They're very accessible and helpful, and I feel like we're definitely working as a team. There are lots of parent volunteers too, which always make for a better school. One of my favorite things is that they allow parents to come in a join kids for lunch. A+ to Valley View.
—Submitted by a parent

First, the principal is new but a very bright and charming person; she has a very sweet smile for these small kids. Since her arrival mid-term last year, she has obviously made improvements. For example, she's tightening down on rules for student drop-off and pickup either by car or bus. This is a very important safety issue. A new list serve database has been implemented where we will be able to download important information such as the school's bulletin which will provide us with updates to a multitude of items immediately. Finally, she has instituted a new feature; a nighttime conference meeting by grade levels. A 'child-less event', we 'will learn more about your child's classroom expectations re/behavior, homework ...' It is our 'opportunity as a parent to ''sit in your child's seat.'' She s intent on getting the parents involved with their child s learning.
—Submitted by rochelle holmberg, a parent

Valley View is an exceptional school in many ways. Most important is the caring,well educated and trained staff.My daughter has just completed the 1st grade and we found both her Kinder and 1st grade teachers to be exceptional along with the principal. Nurturing combined with rigorous academics is what this school does very well. U.S. Blue Ribbon, Texas 'Exemplary' rating and wonderfull environment. We highly reccomend Valley View. In addition, a very active and supportive Booster Club helps fund enrichment peograms at the school. Parent involvement is high and expected. This is a Private school education within a Public school setting. Students eventually attend Westlake High School: A Newsweek 'Top 100' High School in the nation. I would encourage you to review this school as well!
—Submitted by David Terrell, a parent

Valley View is a great school. The teachers take pride in what must be done. Their principal seems to be taken a homelike environment. Allowing for more Open-door policy. This is bringing the teacher close to the student and student closer to parent. And parent closer to the teacher. And they test scores are awesome. I would like to see more extra activites but with limit funding the school is still top notch.
—Submitted by a parent

Valley View is a great school that offers a lot of after-school activities. This school has great academic programs from the Gifted and talented program to the advanced language and math classes.The parentel involment is very high at this school, you can always seem to find parents helping around at Valley View.
—Submitted by a parent