Stonebrae Elementary School

28761 Hayward Boulevard

School District

Hayward Unified
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:27
Type

public

School Map for Hayward 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 October 27, 2024

I have concerns about the new principal's leadership style. Communication with parents and students has been lacking. Discipline is nonexistent and children are learning to get away with bullying other kids and things are getting out of hand, and there seems to be a disconnect between the administration and the needs of the school community. I hope these issues can be addressed to improve the overall environment
Submitted by parent on March 04, 2023

This school was unable to provide my child with a proper education. They were unwilling to help my child who has a learning disability, even with an IEP in place. They never provided the service hours as written in the IEP, often telling me they didn't have time for him. The teachers avoided addressing his needs and continued to ignore his struggles. It wasn't until I pulled him out of this school and placed him into another school, outside of HUSD, that he began to thrive. His new school not only follows his IEP, they've willingly added and adjusted his IEP to better meet his needs. Shame on this institution for failing to provide the proper education to my child. Leaving this school was life changing for my child, this school broke his confidence and harmed his self-esteem.
Submitted by parent on August 07, 2021

Stonebrae Elementary does not cater towards children with special needs. The teachers, speech pathologist, and Occupational therapist and the whole school district doesn’t care to improve their tools or help the children. Horrible experience as a parent to see my son ignored despite having an IEP. The teacher is inexperienced and not qualified to teach special needs. The school district doesn’t do anything about it. They don’t care. It’s not their problem. School needs to have a good program for special needs and trained staff who can help children not ruin their future. And the staff need to communicate with parents and share progress and guidance.
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2019

We’ve had a great experience so far at this school. The teachers are involved to ensure the success of their students and the school offers a Mandarin Immersion Program, which our daughters have benefited from even as non-native Mandarin speakers.
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2018

Things could be better, we have had the same kid causing issues for the four years and not much has been done. The parents are more involved and we get emails from parents vs. the teachers when an incident occurs. We need to work on better addressing these kind of issues.
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2018

So far i have no problems with the school, teacher's or staff. My daughter is only in kindergarten and her teacher is awesome!
Submitted by parent on December 07, 2017

Principal Nolting is awesome, and it is clear she loves the kids, teachers, and parents of our Stonebrae community. She is at every school event, lending her support and expertise to all involved. Our daughter transferred into the Mandarin program as a 3rd grader. She is now in 4th grade, and our son started Kindergarten, this year. Our son has had lots of difficulties learning appropriate social skills, and Ms. Lin has been a saint and a magician throughout the whole process. Our son is so happy to have figured things out, and it would never have happened without Ms. Lin. We are amazed by how much both kids have learned in all areas.It saddens me that the Great School scores do not reflect the excellent learning that is taking place at this hidden gem of a school. As far as we are concerned, Stonebrae is a 10.
Submitted by teacher on April 27, 2017

As a sub teacher, I found other teachers approachable, though not exactly friendly. what astonished me was someone pointed out to me as Vice Principal Chin, a man who would only give you a cursory nod if you said hello first. I've gone to other schools where the principal made a point of thanking me for coming in, only because he recognized I wasn't one of his regular teachers (not that it was necessary, but still, nice to be appreciated). One of the students stared at me with such hostility I had to ask her what was wrong. Not a school I would return to as a sub as the office staff was also cold. The teacher I was subbing for did leave great notes and lesson plans,
Submitted by parent on April 11, 2017

Very impressed with the PTA and the Mandarin program. PTA has SO MANY activities and they even have a group for the Dads (Watch DOGS-Dads of Great Students)which is so nice to see. I have not encountered or heard of any other Dad parent groups at any other school and they are involved --- with Trunk or Treat and carnival games, Outdoor Movie Nights, and Mother's Day crafts with the kids! I have even seen some of the Dads come during recess to play ball with the kids...Very cool! Really impressed with the Mandarin program---kids are learning a lot . However, the Mandarin program may not be for all kids as it is more academically rigorous where kids learn at a faster pace in addition to learning a completely different language. I find that I do need to spend time with my kid on some of the academics because they do go much faster. Amazed at what the kids can understand and speak now even having only been in the program one year.
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2015

The Mandarin program is impressive, organized and rigorous. It provides a top notch education within a continually improving school. The district is spotty, but is transforming and has the leadership and money to fix what needs to be. The PTA is VERY AMBITIOUS and run by smart, successful, passionate parents. They bring thought, money, energy and a well-rounded experience to the student body. If you are thinking about Stonebrae, do not hesitate- the curriculum in the Mandarin tract is beyond that of a typical public school and the diversity and grit of the overall student body is an enriching slice of real life. Our class size is 22 - fantastic for a public school. And I have to say I have met quite a few of the parents in class and they are overwhelmingly professionals with degrees. The kids in this tract are ready to learn and prepped to be students and it shows. As far as the front office being cold... YUP! They are are at first. These women deal with a lot and get paid crap. So, give them some slack. As soon as they know you are sticking around and YOU are as committed to the school as they are, it's a different story.
Submitted by parent on July 15, 2014

Good PTA-a specific group of parents are involved. My son went to the regular English class (not the Mandarin program). He completed K with Ms. Crossman (excellent Teacher). there is a noticeable difference in the student population as well as the teacher background/experience between the Mandarin classes & the regular English classes. My hope for the school is to level this difference & apply what has worked for its popular Mandarin program to the English only classes (i.e. teacher experience & motivation, Parent involvement). Principal involvement for the English only classes; the principal takes a lot of pride in the Mandarin program; I wish that the same level of pride and commitment can be applied to the English only classes (I.e. providing more class room options-as an example for the 2014/2015 - there are only 2 1st grade classes offered which limits the choices for teacher options; we hope that the first grade teacher will be as good as the K teacher. Improvement is recommended for its English only classes - i.e. offering more teacher training and working with good student-teachers from Cal, Standford, etc. to be an additional resource to the English teachers.
Submitted by parent on March 26, 2014

The Mandarin program is challenging, however if you are willing to put in the work and effort its absolutely rewarding. For those parents who are making judgments about the school and staff, how involved or invested in the school are you? Some days the principal does not respond to my requests either but since she has over 700 students with concerns I can forgive her. That's why we remind her of our concern. Volunteering in the class, is a job and to be honest not all parents are qualified. Are you able to handle a group of children who may test boundaries? Do you know how to work independently without the teachers assistance? Can you photocopy using the Rizzo? The more you get involved in the school the better you are informed to make judgments, but as a parent who is involved the more understanding I become! Get involved and commit to your child's school. Then have your say!
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2014

I totally agreed with reviews Oct 7, 20 & Mar. 4. Many other school districts are having full time kinder for years. Principal's leadership is a disappointment. She may look friendly, but does not get things done. Don't expect assistance or support from her. Yes, front office stuff are rude and not always helpful.
Submitted by parent on February 28, 2014

Just read the review from Oct 20, 2013. Not sure how this parent thinks volunteers are picked. That is not the case at all. All the teachers love volunteers and especially the Kinder Mandarin teachers. I personally know both teachers very well---kids have had them and they WOULD NEVER turn away a parent wanting to volunteer. They welcome them! The only thing stopping a parent to volunteer is if they have not filled out the proper volunteer clearance papers. It's for our kid's safety...if you aren't cleared, you can't volunteer in class. It's the same with any school you go to. I personally have had great success with my 2 kids at Stonebrae.. I like how they are challenged. If your kid is either ahead or behind in class, talk to the teachers...they will work with you to make your kid the best they can be. I have 1 kid who is academically ahead and one that needs a little more improvement. I talked with both teachers and we are working on different things with each kid. In regards to Kinders, most schools have half day Kinder class because it is hard on the little guys to be in school all day until 3 pm. Ask any parent of a kinder. Stonebrae is a BIG thumbs up!
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2013

Teachers aren't willing to do anything extra if your child is either ahead of the class or if they're falling behind. Indifferent and unwelcoming attitude from them as well. Principal appears to be outgoing and personable but doesn't help. You ask questions and get inaccurate answers. For example, why aren't kinder students there the whole day? I was told they can't handle being there that long and they would cry. It's true about not letting you volunteer. Only a select few are allowed. Who knows how they are picked. When I finally was allowed after insisting, the teacher accepted on a day devoted to arts and crafts... holiday. Almost feels as if they don't want you to see what they do and don't teach. By the way, this is the mandarin program. It's a shame people transfer I'm thinking they're going to get something great. I was sorely disappointed and am seeking a private Chinese school.
Submitted by parent on October 07, 2013

Stonebrae is a nice school, howevever I am deeply disappointed in the leadership and teaching staff. As a concerned parent wanting to support the teaching staff I found them to be passively stubborn in communicating with me about my child, her progress and ultimately her grades until the last minute when grades had been finalized. The principle made herself appear to be helpful when it really was a brush off, an attitude experienced with other Stonebrae teachers. Unfortunately, my impression has been that they haven't wanted to disclose how they run their class, and sad to say they only want to do the minimum amount of work. So for kids that need that extra help, they are out of luck. Ultimately we removed our child because of this attitude. We needed her to be in a caring and open environment where there is a desire to position her for success. Not in a place where parents are turned away and brushed off.
Submitted by other on October 06, 2013

I have graduated from Stonebrae last year. I started as a kinder and ended as a 6th grader. I was there since the school first opened. All my teachers were wonderful, especially my 6th grade teacher. She taught so well I got advanced in both L/A and math for the STAR Test. To me, it all depends on which teacher you get. Everyone is different and can succeed in different ways. The lunch wasn't so good, though. They mainly put packaged food in the oven and cook it. I always brought my own lunch. I was very disappointed with the music program. I believe I stopped the required music in third or fourth grade. My mother wanted me to play the violin in their after school music program, but it was only for 6th graders. Once I was old enough, they didn't have enough money to fund it, leading to it closing down. Overall, Stonebrae is an okay school and I would recommend sending your child here, coming from a former student.
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2013

This school is a secret gem Hayward in regards to the dedication of the teachers and the programs they have. Wonderful and involved parents. Beautiful area too.
Submitted by parent on June 18, 2013

We debated enrolling our children in a public school at Hayward and almost went to a private school. When we found out about the Mandarin Imersion program at Stonebrae, we decided to give it a try. I enrolled my daughter for kindergarten Fall 2009 - it was one of the BEST descision we made. The school is amazing. The teachers and staff care. The principal is on top of everything and the parents and PTA are involved - they even have a great Watch DOGS (Dads of Great Students) program. This is probably one of the only schools in Hayward where kids from outside the district actually transfer from other districts to attend! By the time both my kids were in 1st grade they were able to read, write and speak Mandarin! The curriculum is extremely challenging and kids LOVE thier school to the point where they never want to be out - both of them had 100% attendance this year!! Go Huskies!!
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2013

Like this school---also have to give a thumbs up to the Mandarin program. They have some great teachers with a huge amount of parent involvement. My kid spoke some mandarin once to someone at a chinese restaurant. They understood my child and even commented how well they spoke (we do not speak mandarin) so that was wonderful and a testament to what a great program this is.