Pleasant Valley Primary School

I have a son who is finishing his 2nd year at Pleasant Valley and we absolutely love the school. We love this school because it is on the small side and it feels very safe and homey. The teachers are above average and really care about my son. The communication is the best. We get phone calls on a regular basis from the principal and emails from the PTA about what is going on around the school. We also get a calendar/newsletter from the teacher. Everyone in the school that I have come in contact with (principal, office staff, nurse, etc.) are very approachable and friendly. We love this school and wouldn't change a thing.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had two children attend this school. While the teachers are above average, I too have found the school lacks communication with parents. I should have known when I went to look up information on the school website and found nothing had been updated since the previous year. My daughter is now attending a school in another district and low and behold their website has calendars and recognizes children for their accomplishments etc etc. and is updated on a regular basis. The website is an easy way for parents to check in and find out what is going on at their childs school. Unfortunately, Pleasant Valley isn't utilizing this simple tool. Direction comes from the top, so if the principal is disorganized, so is the whole school. Striving for excellence is what they should be doing from the top down, rather than just plugging along satisfied with status quo.
—Submitted by a parent

I am not pleased with this school. I'm not sure if it was the teacher we had last year or the school itself. Last year was our first year in this school district and I feel that there is a HUGE lack of communication. I never knew what was going on in the class and I would get less than a weeks notice for a conference date (which doesn't work when you are a working family) and I even got a flyer for a sport that was about a month overdue. In the school district we were in previous I received these things called weekly letters. They were nice, you knew what was going on in the class and what they were going to do next. I believe this is a great idea and something that every school should have.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a very involved grandparent. I have grandkids in 2nd and 3rd grades. These kids love school and always have something to share about what they've learned in school that day with thier parents on us. Their teachers and the principal are great. Financing can be an issue for textbooks, etc, but at this age the #1 issue is getting kids to enjoy and look forward to school and learning. Nice job!

I posted a review a couple of years ago I was not very happy. At the time I gave the school three stars . Since then I have changed my view . We now have a new principle who listens and takes our oppinion in to account . Takes action to improve our school for the better . The school has a completely different feel . There is still a lot to improve but I'm confident this principle is up to the challenge .
—Submitted by a parent

My two children absolutely love this school--they feel secure and engaged. I appreciate the receptivity of teachers and staff; they've been open-minded and flexible about learning strategies best suited to my high-cap son. Parent involvement is welcomed, whether volunteering in established roles or trying something new. Parents with energy and ideas are given every opportunity to participate. Overall, I feel PVP does a good job of balancing student academic, social and physical needs. Is there room for improvement? Sure. What I like about PVP is that, even though I m just one parent, I feel empowered to help make some of that improvement happen.
—Submitted by a parent

Pleasant Valley has a wonderful staff. The childern alternate music, art and PE during the week. Unfortunately, the Battle Ground school district has a hard time passing levies, therefore there is not much in the way of updated technology. They definately do the best they can with what they have.
—Submitted by a parent

This school tries to be progressive; however, does not realize this goal. With limited accelerated learnng programs and stagnant curricula, chidren are moved through the system with little creativity. Even the so-called 'highly capable' teachers are forced to teach to the WASL rather than focusing on more exciting learning philosophies.
—Submitted by a parent

I think the cirruculum is mediocre, administration is uncaring and uninvolved and do not take parents into consideration in decision making process regarding the children.
—Submitted by a parent

Pleasant Valley follows suit much like the rest of the battle Ground district. It it unorganized and technologically behind the rest of the districts in the area. The teachers are nice and friendly but are hit and miss. The school district tends to be better for children with special needs but kids that don't need extra attention are missed in many areas.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a daughter in Pre-school and she loves it! She is in a class that combines special needs children with children who don't have special needs. She brings home artwork and creative things daily and her teacher Holly Cattin, is wonderful. She has been a huge help to our family!
—Submitted by a parent

PVP has is very homey and friendly. I do have a problem with the lack of music related activities in music class.
—Submitted by a parent

I think this school is very warm and inviting as well safe enviroment for your child. Academics are wonderful, great reading program and special needs classes for all.
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic teachers and support staff! Our two girls need some special teaching and all the teachers in SKILLS are wonderful. Highly recommend.
—Submitted by Kimberli Wright, a parent