Sycamore Valley Elementary School

2200 Holbrook Drive

School District

San Ramon Valley Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:20
Type

public

School Map for San Ramon Valley Unified School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on July 15, 2021

My kids have loved Sycamore over the years. There were a few bumps in the road but Sycamore has a newer principal who is remarkable and takes every student into consideration. She is open, fair and communicative with the families. The teachers and staff deeply care about each child's academic growth and development.
Submitted by parent on September 09, 2020

We have loved our experience at Sycamore. The teachers are passionate, hard-working, and creative! The principal is a wonderful leader who is a good listener, collaborator, and loves working with children. Our kids love spending time with her during her monthly character trait read alouds.
Submitted by parent on May 03, 2019

We moved from the Pleasanton and, although we enjoyed 2 years of PUSD, we are much happier with Sycamore Valley. I feel there is a good balance among academics, character building, community, etc... When my son was having issues with a few other students his teacher helped resolve and things have been great. We're happy to continue the journey here at Sycamore!
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2018

There is too much emphasis on being cool over academics, and the administration is largely dependent on parents. I know this is everywhere these days but it is particularly pronounced here.
Submitted by parent on November 29, 2016

All schools are largely dependent on the staff and the curriculum. The curriculum is ok. With common core, the teachers weren't adequately prepared (not that they were in other schools either). There is no typing program, so my daughter graduated and didn't know the 10 key touch. The teachers are hit or miss. Some are clearly tenured and are only there before they can't be fired, even though they absolutely should be. The principal's solution is to shuffle them around between different grade levels. If you have a child that is slightly "outside the box" i suggest to find a different school.
Submitted by parent on December 28, 2015

Wonderful school with great staff. The parents are very supportive. Overall, a great school in a great area.
Submitted by parent on November 05, 2015

We've had our second grader in this school since kindergarten, and couldn't be happier. We've been very happy with the teachers, the facilities and the school grounds. They recently upgraded the kindergarten playground and it's fantastic. Parents are very involved and supportive of the school, both volunteering and donations.
Submitted by parent on March 31, 2014

First thing is first. The security at this school is non-existent. Anyone can walk in, the gate is wide open. There is a park next to the school play area. Teachers and volunteers watch the kids playing, but would be completely defenseless in case of emergency. Most schools changed their rules and took up precautions after the recent school shootings, but not Sycamore Valley. Why? 2nd, this school has been plagued by poor principal leadership. There have been 3 principals in 5 years. And they keep getting worse. As everyone says here, the parent involvement is critical, but parents aren't teachers, and can't be expected to take the place of teachers. Teachers need to do their jobs. There is also a handful of teachers that just shouldn't be teachers.
Submitted by parent on October 05, 2012

We moved to this area recently and found this school exceptional. Both my kid's really love this school. Excellent teacher and challenging academic program ! Both My kid's don't miss their earlier school and love this school. Big thanks to the teacher ! Keep it up with wonderful teacher and great academic program .
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2012

The best thing about this school is the physical facility and parent involvement. There are a handful of good teachers but more that should be weeded out but won't. There are also a lot of teacher job shares at most grade levels which only benefit the teachers, no matter what is promised. In the last year or so, changes have made the school sterile and little fun. Computer training is now basically non-existant.