Leona Valley Elementary School

9063 Leona Avenue

School District

Westside Union Elementary
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

public

School Map for Westside Union Elementary 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 April 18, 2018

One thing about "rating" this school is that it is so small. In the past year, there has been an enormous amount of change. The teaching staff and principals are almost all brand new to the school 2017-2018. So, reading the other comments prior to this one is POINTLESS. They are all invalid at this point. There are only 4 teachers and all the classes are combo classes. There are GREAT benefits to this, but it isn't for everyone. The teachers here know how to teach a combo. The classroom is naturally set up to be differentiated for students. The teachers cultivate an atmosphere of leadership; excelling in AVID, coding, technology, and performing art opportunities. The school events are incredible, inviting the entire Leona Valley Community to be involved.The student relationships here are different than at other schools, as the school has only roughly 100 students. The students treat each other like family as they normally are in the same class with the same kids for their entire Elementary Career. The students are very close nit, but LOVE having a fresh face among them.If your child needs specialized services, you may want to consider sending them somewhere else as the school is small and doesn't have as great of access as a bigger school. Overall, this school is truly a gem and HIGHLY recommended.
Submitted by parent on November 01, 2015

I can see the need for teachers teaching joint classes at this school since there are very few students. One big disappointment to consider however, is how difficult it is to assimilate as a newer student. The students and parents are not as welcoming as they could be which is disheartening for newer families.The new principal is also a disappointment considering she is rarely on the premises and when she does address issues, it is from a very non-empathetic standpoint. Ultimately, inadequate.
Submitted by parent on July 03, 2015

I'll give the school an average because it was ok.They got rid of the 7/8 program and I'm not pleased. Very run down. Alot of bullying and drama. Also a lot of letters about lice
Submitted by parent on December 03, 2014

We have been a part of the Leona Valley Elementary School family for almost 6 years. I can't stress how wonderful this school is. Test scores are remarkable (we rank among the best within the district every year), teachers are knowledgeable, and most importantly, they are sincerely invested in our children's best interests. All of the kids know each other, and look out for each other. One of the things that attracted me to this school was the small town setting. It's a smaller school, but that's what makes it so great. My kids aren't just a number in a sea of 1,000 plus kids. Principal and the teachers know most every single child by name. I couldn't have asked for a better elementary school experience for my children.
Submitted by parent on July 28, 2014

My children have attended Leona Valley for the past 2 years and love this school. Leona Valley is a small town school where everyone watches out for each other. My children have made many great friends and I have too. Leona Valley has had many great activities for the children After School Movies,art and game day, Dances, Fall Festival,Talent Show,Ballroom dance, assemblies and much more. All children are treated equally and given the best care on and off the playground. The teachers are top notch and are providing my children with a great education. I know some people think that combo classes do not work...well let me tell you first hand they do! The teachers and aides have been teaching this way for years and are incredible! Myself and my children are looking forward to another great year at Leona Valley!!!
Submitted by other on June 11, 2014

Hi my name is Kaitlyn, I am a student Leona Valley school, and I just love this school! Their is a variety of school lunches, unlike my old school, which only served hot dogs. I never have had better friends than I do now. ( Including Amber, who posted her comment in December). The staff is excellent. Everyone treats each other like family. Plus, their are a lot of programs like drama, art, band, and much more! My favorite is the ballroom dance for 5th-8th graders. I am glad their is a junior high. That way ( since I am in 7th grade ) I can see my sister on campus. If you are looking for a great school for K-5-8th, this would be your school.
Submitted by parent on June 10, 2014

I am a parent who has multiple children in Leona valley school and I can tell you that this is an extremely safe school for your child as well as an excellent education in academics. If you want an outstanding education for your child for your child this is the place! The kids are terrific the staff is excellent and the lack of a full time principal has been addressed and now for the second straight year she is there to address any issues. Now the seventh and eighth grade has been kept with the outstanding mr. Y still teaching. I could not ask for better for my children. God bless this school, a very happy parent.
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2014

First of all there is an extreme lack of accountability & oversight at this school. My child was harassed for months before I switched schools. Zero tolerance for physical violence is not enforced. "Involved" parents are allowed to have their children with poor behavior overlooked as they are "involved" parents. It is an extremely small school & with that comes a lack of staff & support, that is definitely a problem. Many activities that are available at slightly larger schools are not available here (like holiday programs).If you have young children it is sad to miss those moments.Teachers & curriculum are decent, but obviously there is no trade off for violence, children's safety, or some cherished parent/child moments. This school is quite a drive from the AV as well, through mountains, not ideal for a commuter outside AV and an added expense. Obviously, I would not recommend this school. It is unfortunate for the teachers, as I think most of them are quite good. If you care about your children, skip this school, my child suffered a sprained finger, sprained wrist, then was ganged up on by multiple children. The 1st 2 dismissed as sports injuries, last one was the final straw.
Submitted by other on December 28, 2013

amber is my name AND I AM ASTUDENT AT LEONA VALLEY ELEMENTARY THIS IS A GREAT SCHOOL BECAUSE WE HAVE FUN LEARNING AND FUN PLAYING IT IS INVOLVED IN A LOT OF PROGRAMS I ADVISE STUDENTS ENROLL HERE.
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2013

Unlike the parent below, I LOVE this school! My child has done great and has enjoyed learning! I am looking forward to another year with our teacher! She is AMAZING! If your child needs to be challeneged more, I'm sure by talking with the teacher something could be worked out. Next year we will have a new principal who will be on site full time so Im sure things will be a little different. It's a small town, small school, but BIG hearts and dedication to the students. This school may not be right for everyone, but I would definately disagree that it is a bad school. Classes may be full, but no fuller than a larger school would be or is already. I think my childs progress compares perfectly next to his friends in the larger schools. All in all I am happy with this school and would reccommend it to anyone!
Submitted by parent on March 14, 2013

I would not recommend this school for any family. All of the classes are combination classes. So, your child will have the same teacher for two years. I have worked in education for over thirteen years and there are better schools and teachers out there for your child. The principal works over two schools, so she is not at the school. I have called numerous times to talk to her and she was not even at the school. It took a week and a half for me to schedule an observation in my child's room- ridiculous! I also walked into the office one time and saw the secretaries reading a newspaper. I have also seen more rigor in other classrooms. The teachers are sort of relaxed because the principal is not there. My child came home with more busywork than content rich lessons. Even online schools provide more content rich and rigorous lessons than this school does. Also, in all my years of teaching I have never seen a school district give students three weeks off for Christmas and two weeks off for Spring Break. Where is the dedication to students and their education? They are definitely not looking out for your child with all classes combinations filled to the max at 30 students.
Submitted by parent on June 19, 2012

My children didn't want to move schools, but once they started attending Leona Valley, they really enjoyed it. They sincerely enjoyed their teachers and made a number of close friendships. It is unfortunate to see the negative reviews for this school. It is difficult to please every individual and every circumstance. The teachers are very open and put forth tremendous effort to make the learning experiences for all of their students positive. A great school!
Submitted by other on April 13, 2012

Wow! What a shame. They get a different teacher every year or two and the same with principles. When they get to Jr High, High School and College, they will have to face the same thing. Most parent are more worried about dressing their kids up like little "adults" ranter than worrying about preparing them for life an the "real" world. I see no problem with the changing of teachers every few years. Let's face it...unless they don't pass the grade they are in...they are going to have a "NEW" teacher anyway. When they go out in the "real" world, they will have many changes in their jobs..including "NEW" bosses. You need to get a grip!!!!!!
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2012

My child has attended this school for six years. It is small and safe but unfortunately there is always a trade off for anything. I agree with the last reviewer about the staff always being right. There is very little administrative oversight at this school. There seems to be a group think of negativity among the teachers and aides at this school they are never wrong! There is definitely parent involvement and if you want your child to be treated nicely you better be involved. There is definitely favoritism shown at this school for certain students if the parent volunteers or they are related to the staff. I have two older children who went to larger schools and there was definitely not as much nepotism as you see at this school. I think it would be better if the principal was there more since it is not a good idea to have the teachers and aides answering to no one because they really have no accountability on a daily basis. I am not sure I would recommend this school I know that there is not a perfect school but this one does not even come close.I look forward to moving on to a larger school with more activities and less hostile teachers who seem to not even enjoy childrenGoodLuck
Submitted by parent on September 21, 2010

My children attended this school but I could not recommed it. The school district puts the teachers and budget considerations before the students. The principal is rarely on site. If a parent has a concern about a teacher - the teacher is always right! Parent involvement is very high.
Submitted by parent on April 29, 2010

This is a great small school. I'm very happy with my son's teacher soon I will have my youngest child attending kindergarten here. Definitely a 5 star school.
Submitted by student on November 27, 2009

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