Sierra Elementary School

My daughter went to this school for 3 years. I think it was a good school. My daughter liked the school and did fine - no bad (but no extraordinary either) experiences that I can recall. Their new building looks nice!

There are some great aspects about Sierra including well-organized curriculum, wonderful community, after/before school programs (running club, science, and art), soon to be new facility, hard-working staff and easy fundraisers. The intermediate grades were a nightmare including the BYOD program (complete open internet access for students without any safeguards in place and 80-90 percent of the school day on computers), an administrator that's "open door policy" is smiling/nodding only to lack truly protecting and looking out for students' safety or making meaningful changes (politician thru and thru), no differentiation to meet learner's needs (products all look the same and pretesting not used to group students according to their needs or drive instruction), changes in instruction are quickly made to teach the latest-hot educational topics without reference to solid research/development and many incidents of bullying during recess both physically/verbally being hurt (adults on duty were " texting on their phones" or told students to handle it themselves). Overall, Sierra would be great if it didn't have such an imbalance in some fundamental educational elements and remind itself of what is best for students.

Love this school so far. My only concern is the constant testing in early grades. Everything is based on tests and test scores. Students are purposefully tested low to show growth for the school later in the year.

Sierra is amazing! I am a parent of a Kindergartener, had a Niece that went to Sierra and also attended myself and have never had one complaint! The Principal, Mr. Brickley, is so involved with the school and is loved by both Students and Parents. He makes himself available to answer any questions and has a positive, high energy, upbeat attitude towards his position as Principal. I volunteer at the school on a regular basis and always see him interacting with the kids making sure everyone is on task and working hard while still building a love for learning. Mrs. Jones is my Son's Teacher and all I can say is WOW! She was blessed with an amazing gift to teach children and truly loves her job. Mrs. Jones has built a unique bond with my Son and he gets excited to see her everyday. I have never seen a Teacher so organized and creative which makes school such a fun place to be. Her soft voice keeps all the students focused and calm and my Son has progressed a significant amount since starting at Sierra. We are so fortunate to be in the Sierra District and I would highly recommend this school to ANYONE!