Spring Valley Elementary School

Spring Valley is a wonderful school community. Our experience with teachers so far has been top notch, kids are learning, having fun and growing in curiosity. The large garden and how its integrated into outdoor curriculum is a big plus. They have many programs and events that support development of good citizenship and character. The parent community is very committed to the school.

This beautiful and caring community of Millbrae deserves better. Millbrae has a wonderful parent community. And Spring Valley could be an excellent school if the issues highlighted in the Great Schools reviews from 2007 and 2008 had been resolved. Sadly, those same issues still seem to trouble the school and the district. Agree with the reviewers from those years that there are a few teachers at Spring Valley who never should have been teachers in the first place. Prospective families should be aware that most Spring Valley families purchase outside-of-school enrichment and extra schooling for their children, and that type of supplement, especially if you have the bad luck to get one of the bad teachers and really need to purchase extra schooling in one of the many decent, local, after-school programs, can cost as much as $1000/month. We paid for that type of tutorial school and consider the money well spent, but this district may not be for you if that type of spending is not an option. You need to be realistic about whether you have the time and resources to stay on top of what s going on in your child s classroom and on the playground.

To say that the principal at this school does not have time for student problems is incorrect. He goes above and beyond every day dedicating his time to student needs. Many principals sit in their offices or spend their time at meetings offsite all day, but this principal is out on the playground keeping it safe at recess, resolving conflicts and encouraging solutions throughout the day, supporting teachers and parents, and filling in the gaps that budget cuts have brought on the school. I have never encountered a principal more dedicated to his school and its students.

Excellent School. We have been very happy with Spring valley as they go the extra mile!