Banyan Elementary School

1120 Knollwood Dr.

School District

Conejo Valley Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:18
Type

public

School Map for Conejo Valley 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 November 03, 2024

We left after the first year, the princi of al left no room for flexibility and was flippant about issue regarding our child. When he was spit on by another student (in the face) the child was not disciplined and my son was not escorted to wash off his face. There seemed to be no consequences for transgressions and the principal seemed oblivious. We were so disappointed because it’s our neighborhood school.
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2023

Banyan is a really special school. My family moved to Newbury Park during Covid and we didn’t know anyone. The house we rented when we moved here is zoned for Banyan and it’s the best thing that came out of this move. We have an entire village now because of Banyan. There are so many opportunities for parents to be involved, not only in our children’s classrooms, but with the school as a whole. The gates are locked during the day, which helps keep our kids safe. I can volunteer as much as my schedule allows, I just have to sign in with the office. I’ve never felt so welcomed at a school. The teachers and staff are absolutely wonderful. My kids are thriving in their classes and excited to go to school every day. The office staff, campus supervisors and even the janitorial staff are all so friendly and add to the Banyan experience. The principal, Mrs. Kennedy, is the absolute best! She truly cares about each and every student and it shows. She’s hardworking and passionate about her job and she makes Banyan a very special place! My family feels at home when we are there.
Submitted by parent on August 25, 2023

I noticed an odd 1-star review regarding the principal and the fact that campus is kept locked during the day. I wanted to ensure it was known that parents are in fact encouraged to come on campus at the end of the day, volunteer in the classroom, attend special events/assemblies, etc. I’ve been able to establish amazing relationships with teachers, administration, and other parents, even with the school’s necessary safety measures in place.
Submitted by parent on August 25, 2023

My children all attended Banyan elementary, and all had excellent experiences! The teachers are exceptional educators who take great care to make sure every student has the tools they need to exceed. I have been a parent at Banyan long enough to see the principal change hands 3 times and Mrs. Kennedy, the current principal, has continued the long standing tradition of making Banyan feel like home for students, their families, and the staff. During Covid and distance learning she continued to foster those connections and when the students came back to campus she implemented new ways to reconnect our kids and build the campus community back up to pre Covid times. Banyan has excellent programs to enrich their already high academic standards, it’s is a shining star in an already excellent school district.
Submitted by parent on August 25, 2023

Banyan is literally the best thing to happen to our family. We moved into the area and were lucky enough to have Banyan as our home school for the rental we found. When we bought a house we were SURE to keep our kids at Banyan despite moving "zones" because it is just that fantastic. The teachers at Banyan are PURE MAGIC. They go above and beyond for every student, making sure that they are loved, taught, and taken care of so that they can grow to be amazing adults that contribute to their community. Allison Kennedy is a fantastic principal who knows the name, teacher, and parents name for every single student on sight. She is so incredibly connected to the Banyan community and truly gives everything she has to these kids. She may be technically a parent of one Banyan Bobcat but we all know she is truly a loving parent to 440 Banyan Bobcats every year. My kids have excelled in every subject, making more than a year's worth of progress in each school year. Banyan is inclusive of all styles of learners even volunteering to take on a specialized program this year and making it great. My student loves every time their class grows with inclusion kiddos and she gets to spend time with her friends who sometimes "live" in other classrooms too. The best part of Banyan is how much it feels like a family. Parents, students, teachers, and staff all come together for frequent events, see each other out in the community, and form friendships that last forever. My kids teachers attend birthday parties, sports games, and community events just to be more connected to the students. I've seen our principal at many a sporting event her own child doesn't play just to watch her students in their athletic pursuits. You could not find a better elementary school than Banyan. #bobcatsforlife
Submitted by parent on August 25, 2023

I don’t understand the one star review. So far as I know, only child predators are not allowed on campus which suits me fine. I’ve never had a problem visiting my child or picking them up during the day. You check in at the office, they make sure you’re legally allowed to be around a school and you’re good to go. There are also PLENTY of opportunities to volunteer in my child’s class as well as all sorts of other school wide activities. My children are getting an outstanding education at Banyan and Allison Kennedy is an amazing, caring principal. Whatever prompted the one star review must be very specific to the individual/situation as I’ve gotten nothing but good vibes from all the staff at Banyan for years.
Submitted by parent on August 25, 2023

Allison Kennedy is an incredible leader who has fostered a supportive and warm culture and climate of Banyan!! My family and I love the school community. Most importantly, the teachers are attentive and differentiate instruction for every kid’s academic needs. We feel that the education is rigorous and engaging at Banyan. We love it!! Our children are learning and thriving.
Submitted by parent on August 25, 2023

The principal of this school has caused a steady decline in the quality of education and the elementary experience for children and families since she began. She closes the campus to parents and families so families have zero access and zero connection to their children's teachers, to their children's friends, or to other parents. Parents are therefore unable to play an active role in their children's education. There is no unity between the educators and the parents because teachers and school staff are isolated behind the school gates which parents are forbidden to pass until after the school day has commenced. Prior to the arrival of Allison Kennedy, Banyan was a happy family friendly place where there was a huge support team for each child. It was a safe place because everybody knew everybody else. During Allison Kennedy's tenure Banyan has turned into a place full of strangers. It no longer feels like a safe place because it is a campus of strangers. Come Open House in May when parents are permitted to step foot on campus teachers don't even recognize the parents of their own students that they've had for the previous ten months. The school board has failed these children by allowing Allison Kennedy to continue on as principal for the past six years.
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2021

We have been long time residents in CVUSD. We originally attended our district school and was underwhelmed by the lack of community, activities and inclusion efforts. We considered all of our options even moving out of state and decided to school choice for Banyan. Ever since we started at Banyan in first grade our expectations have been far exceeded! The teachers are wonderful, communicative and do offer support for kids that excel in subjects (ex my son excels in math and our previous school said they couldn't help challenge him so they would give him coloring projects, Banyan offers him worksheets and other activities to further his love for math!). Banyan teachers also help him 1:1 with his writing skills which he needed more help on. The Principal at Banyan is also incredible at communication, she provides in-depth and helpful information and does an incredible job making each student feel like they belong and matter. We weren't able to attend our first day of second grade due to illness and even though it' the busiest day of the year for them, the Principal still messaged me and stopped by to drop off a packet for my son! We absolutely LOVE the community at Banyan, there are a ton of families that care to participate and donate to the school which we found is very important in choosing a school! We are so grateful we found Banyan, the teachers and the community here it's absolutely wonderful! Highly recommended .
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2021

We have been a part of the Banyan family for 8 years. We have the very best teachers you could ever wish for. Banyan is a close knit, neighborhood school. I wish I lived here as a kid and could have experienced the same loving environment that my children do.
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2021

Banyan is an amazing neighborhood school. You feel the love and warmth the second you walk onto campus. Everyone has a smile on their face- staff, students, and parents. The teachers and principal are amazing. Top notch learning, lots of new technology, flexible seating...
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2019

My son is thriving at Banyan! We are so happy that we are at this amazing school.
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2019

We love Banyan. Everything about it is wonderful
Submitted by parent on March 23, 2016

I'm very happy with my child's experience at Banyan. The teachers, technology, and environment are great. The principal is wonderful and strives to create a real sense of community for the students and their families.
Submitted by parent on March 16, 2016

Banyan is a recognized leader of technology, every classroom is equipment with an interactive SmartBoard. Students manipulate data and collaborate at these boards on a daily basis. Many mobile devices are in use across the campus. The teacher's at Banyan are trainers of the newer technologies for other teachers at other schools in the district. Parent involvement is second to none, the support parents give our students is a often the envy of others. The school community is simply awesome, every Friday morning we hold a Bobcat Assembly. The whole school, teachers and parents come together, say the pledge, sing our school song, hand out awards, etc. It is no surprise Banyan Elementary was awarded the California Distinguished School Award AGAIN last Spring (2014).
Submitted by parent on December 08, 2015

Definitely one of the best-kept secrets in Newbury Park! Been at this school for years and really feel like my kids have had a private school education at a public school price. Love the attention to all learners and the enthusiastic teachers we have, led by a warm, caring principal. Also very lucky to have a very active PTA with so many caring parents to bring new technologies, programs and so much more to this great school.
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2013

All the teachers smile and it seems they like to be they like to come into work everyday. Principal Mrs. Davis works really hard to make sure all the needs of the students are being met. It was my experience the teachers communication was excellent. Every situation was addressed quickly. There is a large yard with plenty of room to play outside with beautiful views. I wish there was more of a focus on Gifted and Talented (GATE), at times my child was not challenged, not much room for using different strategies to keep kids engaged. There was a great GATE program that would get the kids together every few weeks that was enjoyable. SMART boards in all the classrooms is great to keep the kids attention. A wonderful school.
Submitted by parent on July 25, 2011

This was our first year at Banyan. We had heard that the school had been negatively impacted by the Manzanita merge the previous year but we saw nothing indicating that. My daughter had an absolutely excellent teacher. I was pleased with the way they handled different progression levels in her classroom. Banyan has a wonderful community feel to it. We were thrilled with our first year there.