Ventana School

1040 Border Road

Los Altos, CA 94024

41 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-5
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 24, 2023

My daughter started kindergarten in Ventana. She is now in 1st grade. Our experience so far has been great. She loves going to school. She actually misses school when she gets sick and has to stay home.We picked Ventana because of its SEL-inspired program. But I do see my daughter making good progress on academics too. They have math, reading and writing workshops daily. On top of that they have speciality programs throughout the week. Such as science, art, and PE. You also have the option to sign up for more enrichment classes after school (3-4:30). There are a variety of them.Besides their program, I also like that they have a much bigger space compared to their student size. It has multiple multi-purpose indoor and outdoor spaces. It’s a secular school with a touch of spirituality and it’s a very diverse community even by the bay area standards.
Submitted by parent on November 24, 2023

Ventana was one of the best discoveries we made over 10 years ago when our eldest daughter, now a middle schooler, was just a toddler. All of my kids grew up playing in the Ventana community and everything we loved about Ventana a decade ago still holds true today! The welcoming community, amazing teachers and strong education. Our daughter was a shy child who felt nervous speaking in front of a group. All of her teachers went the extra mile to help her find her unique voice and she graduated a confident 5th grader with a positive growth mindset. My fourth grader is a different personality than her sister and is also thriving and growing at the school. Whether it’s guiding your child on their individual journey or sparking kids creativity with tinkering and art, Ventana delivers a strong learning foundation in a nurturing environment. Ventana is more than just a school, it's truly a place where people come together and learning comes to life!
Submitted by parent on November 17, 2023

Our two children attend Ventana. One is currently in 4th grade and one is in preschool. For us, the major attraction of Ventana has been its focus on meeting the children “where they are”. This is reflected both in the practical side of things – small class sizes, low student- to-teacher ratios - and in the culture of the school. Children are recognized as unique individuals and treated with respect. Social emotional development is emphasized throughout the curriculum. Since coming to Ventana in 3rd grade one year ago, our older daughter has made marked progress in her ability to recognize and manage difficult emotions in herself and others.The emphasis on the uniqueness of each child is also evident in academics. Teachers have time to pay individual attention to each student and ensure academic progress without having everybody march to the same beat. Overall this creates an environment where a child can explore, have fun, and learn at the same time. Our older daughter enjoys tinkering, art, and music classes. She is engaged in several writing and creative projects, and every once in a while she brings home a math workbook to catch up on work. Sometimes she struggles with this or that, but she is never frustrated and always looks forward to the next school day.Ventana creates a tight knit small community for both children and parents. We found the head of school, teachers, and other staff very approachable and eager to engage with parents. There is an active parent community focused on both school and social activities.
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2023

We've been part of Ventana's preschool for a year and a half now. Before that, we tried two other preschools in Los Altos, but our child didn't like it. Upon transferring to Ventana, however, we noticed a significant change—our child not only loved school but also showed remarkable improvement. This experience highlighted the importance of choosing the right school for your child.What stands out to me the most is the patience and professionalism of Ventana's teachers. With a low students-to-teachers ratio (1:6-1:8), they truly understand each child. Our child, being slow-to-warm and strong-willed, carefully selects activities to participate in. The teachers have been understanding, patient, and skillful in guiding and motivating our child. The use of Reggio approaches makes activities diverse and enjoyable, nurturing the curiosity within the children. We've witnessed significant progress in our child's willingness to engage in various activities, as well as improvements in writing and language skills—all learned at school without any additional teaching at home.Another aspect I appreciate is the effective communication between teachers and parents. Daily pictures of children's activities allow us to discuss their day in the evening. Weekly blogs provide insights into what the teachers are covering and the learning skills demonstrated that week. Scheduled parents-to-teachers conferences, held 3-4 times a year, offer opportunities to seek advice about our child's growth, and we always receive professional and practical suggestions.Additionally, the school's facilities and the sense of community are noteworthy. With four fantastic playgrounds and a larger-than-average size, the school provides an excellent environment for children to play and learn. Our child's favorite is the tricycle area. We also love the numerous community events, such as the Fall festival, Stone Soup, Auction, Playdate and Potluck, which create opportunities to connect with other parents, teachers, and staff, fostering a close-knit and welcoming community.In conclusion, what impresses me most is the school's outstanding support and care for each child's overall development—academically and emotionally. I believe your child will feel safe and happy at Ventana, and experience incredible growth during their time here. I highly recommend it!
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2023

We have two preschoolers at Ventana, aged three and five, who both started last year.We could not speak more highly of Ventana, especially the teachers and administration and how dedicated they are to making our children feel loved, valued, and motivated to learn and grow. Ventana values social emotional learning, freedom to explore, creativity and curiosity, and is a warm community that has helped our children feel secure enough to try new things and make lasting friendships. Our children did more enriching, creative activities in the first week of school than they did in a whole summer at another local preschool, and their teachers set up wonderful invitations to play and learn very day. Their eagerness to go to school every morning and reluctance to leave at the end of the day speaks volumes. Ventana has prepared our five year old for kindergarten next year with strong motor, literacy, interpersonal, and problem solving skills, and has helped her foster a love of learning.
Submitted by parent on November 09, 2023

Ventana School has been a transformative experience for our family. The Reggio-inspired curriculum fosters a love for learning through inquiry-based exploration, and our son and daughter have thrived in this nurturing environment. The emphasis on collaboration, both academically and socially, sets Ventana apart. Our children have developed essential life skills, self-advocacy, and a strong sense of community. The weekly assemblies, particularly the Wondering Time, create a safe space for sharing, celebrating diversity, and building mutual respect. Ventana is not just a school; it's a supportive community that champions individual growth and a genuine passion for learning.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2023

My son started at Ventana when he was 4 years old, at the time we were only going to stay for preschool, however we had such a wonderful experience that he ended up graduating 5th grade from there. My younger son started Ventana preschool at 2 years old and is in 3rd grade now. The program fosters curiosity, and encourages independent thinking creating a fun learning environment. Both my sons have been surrounded by a nurturing staff that focuses on SEL and project-based learning. This has made them thoughtful, confident and eager learners.
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2023

I wholeheartedly recommend Ventana School to anyone in the Bay Area, particularly those seeking a nurturing and inclusive educational community focused on holistic child development, where students experience daily happiness. My family, comprised of four children, has found unique and meaningful experiences at Ventana, and my husband and I are profoundly grateful for the presence of this institution in our lives.From preschool through elementary school, Ventana has facilitated significant growth in my children. It is evident that each educator possesses a genuine passion for teaching, fostering enthusiasm for learning in their students. The cornerstone of Ventana's philosophy is "curiosity," a value that has kindled a perpetual sense of inquiry in my children. Furthermore, the unwavering care and affection of the entire school community has empowered them to develop robust self-confidence.I personally find great support from the school, and my interactions with Ventana teachers during drop-offs and pick-ups are consistently uplifting and encouraging. Additionally, in response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, the school has initiated various informative parenting classes, which have proven invaluable.Preschool:Ventana's preschool program offers a plethora of hands-on activities. The teachers curate an array of engaging, hands-on experiences daily, surpassing what I could provide at home. Through these sensory activities, children naturally explore their innate curiosity and wonder.Elementary:The depth of learning at Ventana is remarkable, owing in part to the exceptional teacher-student ratio in each classroom. This ensures that each student receives individualized attention, and I am consistently impressed by the teachers' profound understanding of my children. They adeptly identify when students require support and discern when they are ready for challenges. This approach fosters an ideal educational environment in which every child attains a strong foundation in reading, writing, speaking, communication, and mathematical abilities. In my perspective, the emphasis on depth of understanding, rather than mere advancement, equips Ventana alumni with exceptional readiness for middle school.
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2023

My son started to attend Ventana when he was just two years old. We couldn't be more delighted with the experience. 1) An Exceptionally Caring and Safe: Ventana is a place where we can confidently send our child every day, knowing he is not just cared for but genuinely loved. 2) Strong SEL: After nearly two years at Ventana, we have seen an incredible transformation of our son: more confident, willing to share, and has made many friends. 3) Learning through Play and Exploration: teachers ingeniously incorporate learning into hands-on activities, stories, and creative play. Our son has effortlessly picked up alphabets, phonics awareness, and numbers, all while having fun and staying engaged. 4) Valuing Individuality and Teamwork: each child has the opportunity to create their own work. The teachers then skillfully bring all these individual pieces together to form a beautiful group project. In sum, we feel incredibly fortunate to have found Ventana as our son's first school. Highly recommended!
Submitted by parent on October 16, 2023

Ventana has been a dream! We've been at Ventana for three years- both our children are in preschool. I hold a masters in education, and I've worked with schools that focus on early childhood - needless to say, I'm picky! We love the community - the teachers are warm and skilled and I truly feel that my children are known and loved. They follow the Reggio Emilia approach which focuses on following the children's curiosity, and setting up learning experiences that encourage them to further explore them. I love the strong incorporation of nature - from their mud kitchen, to caring for the chickens, to their nature walks on campus. I've joined a few classes and seen first hand was so inspired. My kids' understanding of the world, maths skills and language skills are beyond their age, and it all happens very organically. Lastly, the school invites parents to share their cultural traditions with the kids - from the moon festival to Ramadan, my kids experience these traditions first hand.
Submitted by parent on December 23, 2022

Ventana has offered a phenomenal preschool experience for my child, who is now in the 4s classroom. The teachers are passionate about getting to know each child's personality and needs -- and then connecting with each child in the ways that best help them learn. The school's social-emotional component is very strong, and we love the sense of wonder that the school inspires in children. As a result of Ventana's staff and approach, my child has really grown in confidence and curiosity. As a parent, I love the teachers' consistent communication about classroom activities. The school community is also very warm and inclusive -- I always look forward to pickup and drop off. I highly recommend this preschool program!
Submitted by parent on August 13, 2022

Terrible preschool experience. I Would NOT recommend.
Submitted by parent on November 03, 2021

We absolutely love Ventana. Our child started in kindergarten and went all the way through fifth grade. The Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum addresses children as whole beings, capable of creativity and critical thought. Social and emotional learning is also a part of the Ventana experience, and bullying is swiftly dealt with. This is the kind of educational approach we need—not more testing, not more rote memorization.The campus is beautiful, quiet, and the community is very tight-knit. We remain in close contact with many of the families in our grade. The only thing that we would change if we could is how fast the time flew!
Submitted by parent on November 03, 2020

My family is so happy at Ventana! This is our third year and our two children attend their wonderful elementary program. My husband and I are local educators who carefully considered all of the pros/cons of attending private vs public and in the end we were won over by Ventana's incredible community, faculty, curriculum, and thoughtful and progressive Reggio approach to learning. Although attached to a church Ventana is an independent school. They've continued to "wow" us throughout 2020 and have consistently placed safety and their commitment to students and the forefront of their decision making. I could not recommend this community and school enough!
Submitted by parent on March 23, 2020

Our child has been at Ventana since Kindergarten and will graduate from 5th grade this year. Our child loves Ventana and even to this day still looks forward to every school day. My wife and I are very proud of how our child is growing into a considerate and confident young person and I credit all that to Ventana. I can see what sets Ventana apart from other private schools is the extent that their teachers and staff are willing to do to meet each student's individual needs. In additions, their teachers and staff are responsive and friendly which make us feel like we are an important part of this community.
Submitted by parent on November 20, 2019

My daughter thrived at Ventana the whole 6 years she attended. I chose the school for its small class size, progressive, whole-child approach, focus on inclusion and respect, and belief that the child has all he or she needs to succeed. I knew that as a small, growing program, there would be a fair amount of change, and while that has been true, there has also been great consistency in upholding the Reggio philosophy and keeping the needs of the children front and center. Wonderful side benefits of the school are a warm and friendly parent community, and the opportunity to make a difference as a volunteer.My daughter is now in the 7th grade and continues to thrive. Her academic preparation was more than sufficient for an easy transition in 6th grade, and she's building on the inquiry and critical thinking skills she developed at Ventana. She still sometimes misses the warm, wonderful teachers and creative learning environment and we both credit her success in middle school to Ventana.
Submitted by parent on October 25, 2019

We could not have picked a better school for our children to attend. They love going to school and we all feel like a valued part of the community. Ventana is such a treasure and we feel so grateful to have found it.
Submitted by parent on May 09, 2018

We love Ventana! It's truly one-of-a-kind.Our daughter moved mid-year from another private school, and we couldn't be happier with the decision. She is excited to learn, and has shown a tremendous amount of growth. The teachers, staff, students, and parents all went out of their way to make her feel included and supported. Ventana teachers are highly qualified, and dedicated to making each day valuable. The small class sizes and student driven discussions promote engagement and enhances the curriculum. Finally! A school with an approach to teaching that encourages creativity, teamwork, and emotional awareness. The attention each child receives at Ventana is unparalleled, and I couldn't imagine sending my children anywhere else in the Bay Area.
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2018

We've had a wonderful experience at Ventana so far. Our daughter's social emotional skills are well supported and she's always engaged and excited by her school projects. She has learned to collaborate well with her classmates and takes a genuine interest in learning due to the Reggio Emilia approach. The teachers are highly sensitive to learning differences, and during my conversations with them, it's clear that they really see and appreciate my daughter for who she is, while also trying to help her gain the skills she needs to work well with others and achieve her own learning potential. The class size is small, allowing a real community to develop. This is what we were looking for in an elementary school experience - a progressive and warm place where our daughter would learn to enjoy learning and be encouraged in her creativity.
Submitted by parent on July 30, 2017

We had an excellent experience at Ventana. We feel so lucky to have found this school which truly live up to their mission. Our child learned and grew there and developed strong academic and interpersonal skills that have prepared her for a successful middle school experience. Their approach to learning allow the children to help guide and take part in the curriculum and learning opportunities. The teachers are thoughtful and sensitive to the individual needs of the children and knowing how to support the social emotional of the child is a critical piece. The teachers were able to support and guide the whole child in all areas of their development. I can't recommend this school enough and I wish more of our schools would adopt this healthy, 21st century approach to elementary education.