Alta Vista Elementary School

200 Blossom Valley Drive

School District

Union Elementary
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:25
Type

public

School Map for 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 January 12, 2025

Good balance of academics and activities. Wonderfully engaged and dedicated parent community. Teachers and staff are caring, enthusiastic. Drama program is amazing. Many school/community events throughout the year.
Submitted by parent on May 12, 2024

The parent involvement is awesome at Alta Vista. It is disappointing that the principal, Mrs. Bailey does attend any school events. The community is ready for a change in leadership.
Submitted by other on January 03, 2021

Both our kids have been to Alta Vista Elementary school. Apart from wonderful teachers, the school's main strengths are the strong parental involvement in all activities, a diverse set of kids from all over the world, and a nice balance between academics and extra curricular activities. The schools art, music and sports enrichment programs have made a big difference to the quality of education of my kids. It also helps that the school feeds into Union Middle, which is also a great middle school.
Submitted by parent on December 22, 2020

Very happy with the school, specially this year with all the hard work the teachers are doing, my kids are super excited to be at this school and love their teachers. Quality of teaching is great. Overall this is top quality school with amazing staff and teachers.
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2020

Having come from a charter in Campbell where we had a pretty tough experience, AV is so refreshing. My son’s first grade teacher was so dedicated, approachable and experienced (something I think was lacking from his K teacher). She made him feel respected and comfortable in the classroom while also being stern when needed. She always had a smile on her face, which seems like a minor thing but really helps morale in the classroom. I only interacted with the principal once but she was lovely and seems respected by her staff (also something that seemed lacking at our previous school). All the families from the community are warm and welcoming. It has been a wonderful experience sending my child to AV!
Submitted by parent on August 13, 2019

It's great school with all-round focus. Lots of opportunities to advance the academic skills as well as the extra-curricular activities.
Submitted by parent on June 23, 2019

All around a great school with excellent community
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2018

We moved here from Cupertino and have two children attending this school, who have experienced Kindergarten through fifth grade. The school community is outstanding. Parents are actively involved and volunteer regularly in the classrooms. Students go on field trips to places such as the Tech Museum, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Exploratorium, Nature Centers, Plays, historical landmarks, YSI/Vasona Park and more. Fifth graders attend overnight science camp for four days. My kids love attending school and the teachers and academics are excellent. We love our new principal, Larry Thomas. The Home and School Club funds music, a PE/recess coach, art, a clay program, character-building anti-bullying Project Cornerstone program, library, technology, and more. The Home and School Club also sponsors fun school community events such as the Walk-a-thon, a school carnival/fair, family dance, multi-cultural night, and a spring social/auction for parents. The school has a new Maker's space/STEAM lab. There is a GATE program and Mathletes program. This year the school had a science night and a spelling bee. Every year the drama club puts on a spectacular musical. We are very fortunate our children have had the opportunity to attend this wonderful school.
Submitted by parent on December 24, 2013

Moving our kids from private school to public was a concern but Alta Vista has far exceeded our expectations. The community is A+ and it shows with tremendous parent involvement at the school. API test scores are impressive so I believe the leadership and teaching is first rate. Feel very fortunate to be a part of Alta Vista!
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2013

The school is great, the teachers are great. My only concern is for the kids who have social issues. I wish the school could do more to help those students who are being socially outcasted (not necessarily bullied). Create a buddy system for these kids and create play time for these kids so they get educated on how to be social.
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2012

Excellent teachers, an outstanding, accessible principal, terrific parent involvement and programs. We moved here a year ago because our kids were struggling academically and have been very happy with the teachers efforts to reach and motivate them. Great field trips, school traditions, enrichment, and very strong sense of community.
Submitted by parent on May 25, 2010

Our children have been attending Alta Vista for many years and their teachers have always been excellent. The qualitiy of our childrens' education has been excellent due to both the teachers and parent involvement. We will greatly miss this school when we leave.
Submitted by parent on May 06, 2010

Everything you see in the reviews gives a good view of this school. The teachers are excellent! Every one of them has a reputation for getting to know each child in the classroom and developing him/her as well as making accommodations to the child's unique style. Academically, the core curriculum is dictated by the state's proficiency standards, which sets the bar lower than many other states. Some teachers invest more time into enhancing the curriculum than others, so the academic challenge (breadth and depth) varies within each grade. The administration does not dictate what happens in the classroom. The message is that the teacher is an independent entity. Also, the district does not provide art or music in the school. Parent involvement is essential, parents are used to teach art classes and to fund the music teacher and program.
Submitted by parent on March 27, 2007

N/A