Grass Valley Elementary School (Oakland, CA)
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Grass Valley Elementary School (Oakland, CA)
Oct 2009
Just moved over to this area and I was wondering about Grass
Valley Elementary. Does anyone have any recent
experience/comments about the school?
Thanks!
Jill
We moved into the Grass Valley neighborhood a couple of years ago and really like
it. My child had been attending a private school beforehand. Let me just say that
Grass Valley Elementary is the best kept secret in Oakland! It is considered a ''Hills''
school by those in the know. The principle, Mrs. Jackson, is a dedicated and
passionate leader. She refers to the students as ''scholars'' during assemblies and
jumps through hoops to turn kids into readers. She also successfully gained a three
year science grant for the school in conjunction with Lawrence Hall of Science (one
of only two schools to win the grant in Oakland). The school has a library and up to
date computer lab for all students. PE, music, and art are included in the curriculum.
So far the school is holding on to small class sizes, something they've actually paid
to keep over the years. The school has not been very racially diverse but has been
gaining in all types of diversity lately, family structure, religion, race, economics, I
think the economic downturn had something to do with that. Mrs. Jackson and her
staff are dedicated to making the school a welcoming and safe school for all
children and families. So if you are looking for a school in which to be an active
participant and maybe stretch yourself a little bit (depending on who you are) you
can't find a better elementary education in Oakland.
No Longer Paying for Private School
Oct 2009
Re: Elementary schools where African American boys thrive
My child just started at Grass Valley School, in Oakland and we are delighted with the
school. It is a public school, predominantly African American and Latino children and
the principal is an African American woman with years of experience and she expects
ALL students to work to their potential. She and all the teachers, address the children
as ''scholars'' and are really invested in their sucess. Unlike in many other public
schools, class size remains small -- no more than 20 students per classroom.
I have found that my child, who until now attended private schools, is very happy,
challenged and accepted for who he is. I suggest you look at the school, we are
delighted to have found a public (free!) school that meets the needs of African
American children. Scores are solid (824 API this year) and parent participation is good.
Happy Grass Valley parent
this page was last updated: Dec 29, 2009
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