Spring Valley Elementary School

817 Murchison Drive

School District

Millbrae Elementary
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:25
Type

public

School Map for Millbrae 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 December 04, 2024

We moved to Millbrae in part because the excellent reputation of its schools. Some of the teachers are truly wonderful (like Ms. Lam). However, there are some challenges. Millbrae has no enrichment programs and principal has said repeatedly that enrichment happens only outside of school. There are very limited resources. Library time happens for only 30 minutes once per week. PE is also very limited - once per week. My kids complain about not having any time to move around. There is zero flexibility with the curriculum, so it doesn't matter what level your child is at for reading or math - they will be forced to do the standard curriculum no matter what. I think this is a decent school if your kid fits well in his/her grade level, but if they are above grade level or need enrichment, this is not a good place. My kid also got tackled and held down by a bigger kid one day when they had an event for kids from all grades, and the principal refused to do anything about it, claiming there were no witnesses. That part was not true - another parent heard about the incident from her kid and asked me how my kid was doing because it looked so bad. But it is unfortunate that the school does not take my kid's word or give support when my child is complaining.
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2024

The current administration does not adequately support their special needs students. They went so far as to put it in writing that they believe my 7 year old is capable of manipulating the school districts autism specialist when she did not agree with their findings.
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2024

Our daughter loves Spring Valley, she has attended for two years. Spring Valley definitely benefits from a supportive and engaged principal (Mr. Hwee) and is enhanced by an extremely strong parent/community support network. The teachers are all very supportive of the students and are always willing to go out of their way to enhance the children's learning experiences and life lessons. The teachers we have interacted with genuinely care about each and every students' progress and are wiling to work on areas for growth as well as enhancing existing strengths and talents. The classrooms are all full of such rich assortment of activities, supplies, artwork, and fun learning materials, I wish my school had been like this when i was little, these kids are lucky. The only area for growth for this school would be the school lunches: Not exactly the healthiest choices but I think this is a district issue and not the school. At least the lunches are free so no one goes home hungry.
Submitted by other on February 28, 2022

Spring Valley was a great school that I used to go to I hope everyone is doing good.
Submitted by parent on March 31, 2021

Spring Valley is an excellent school with great teachers and an awesome principle. The school itself is located in a very safe environment with large playgrounds. Kids love it!
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2019

Spring Valley is a wonderful school community. Our experience with teachers so far has been top notch, kids are learning, having fun and growing in curiosity. The large garden and how its integrated into outdoor curriculum is a big plus. They have many programs and events that support development of good citizenship and character. The parent community is very committed to the school.
Submitted by parent on November 27, 2013

This beautiful and caring community of Millbrae deserves better. Millbrae has a wonderful parent community. And Spring Valley could be an excellent school if the issues highlighted in the Great Schools reviews from 2007 and 2008 had been resolved. Sadly, those same issues still seem to trouble the school and the district. Agree with the reviewers from those years that there are a few teachers at Spring Valley who never should have been teachers in the first place. Prospective families should be aware that most Spring Valley families purchase outside-of-school enrichment and extra schooling for their children, and that type of supplement, especially if you have the bad luck to get one of the bad teachers and really need to purchase extra schooling in one of the many decent, local, after-school programs, can cost as much as $1000/month. We paid for that type of tutorial school and consider the money well spent, but this district may not be for you if that type of spending is not an option. You need to be realistic about whether you have the time and resources to stay on top of what s going on in your child s classroom and on the playground.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2011

To say that the principal at this school does not have time for student problems is incorrect. He goes above and beyond every day dedicating his time to student needs. Many principals sit in their offices or spend their time at meetings offsite all day, but this principal is out on the playground keeping it safe at recess, resolving conflicts and encouraging solutions throughout the day, supporting teachers and parents, and filling in the gaps that budget cuts have brought on the school. I have never encountered a principal more dedicated to his school and its students.
Submitted by parent on April 12, 2011

Excellent School. We have been very happy with Spring valley as they go the extra mile!
Submitted by student on September 14, 2009

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Submitted by parent on April 29, 2008

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