Grass Valley Elementary School

4720 Dunkirk Avenue

School District

Oakland Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Oakland 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 August 29, 2024

This is just my testimony for my special needs child! When we first visited the school; it was clean and it was completely enclosed which was perfect for our little! Everyone was very warm and welcoming! When it came for my child to start school it was great the first 2 weeks which I wasn’t aware that the main teacher wasn’t there. When the teacher made it to day one of week 3 I was told that my child was too loud; disrupts the class etc. Me knowing my kid instantly made me concerned because I want to be sure that I help them to know that when mommy and daddy aren’t here you must listen to your teacher! Apparently what was happening was my child was being ostracized whenever they would cause a disruption or have an outburst; which my kid does regularly; since they are nonverbal. Following that day I was asked to retrieve my child an hour after dropping them off and sometimes 30 minutes after dropping her off. Then came the roughest conversation; PLACEMENT! The teacher felt as though my child wasn’t ready for school and instead of adapting slightly to learn my child; I was told it’s not working out and she’s not ready for school! At the end of the meeting the teacher says word for word; “You know yo kids clothes don’t fit right.” The day after that meeting I stopped taking my child because it then dawned on me that; my child was being disruptive because they didn’t feel heard at all. They started standing on desks because they weren’t getting recognized and they felt that they had to do what was needed to be heard! Long story short after we decided not to return; the teacher never called even once to check on my child. We now have started a brand new year after summer vacay and my child is excelling in every class and is the teacher helper on a regular! We have found a teacher that loves our child and does wonders with getting and keeping my child involved and excited! After the first week of school my baby started getting sad on Fridays because they knew they weren’t going to get to go to school! They wake up every morning before I do sometimes to get the day started! They sit quietly during library and even help pass out supplies and even made 3 friends! THIS IS WHAT ITS ABOUT! I’m so sorry to say; I’m beyond grateful to have left Grass Valley Elementary School nor would send or request this school to anyone in our future! Listen to your special needs kings and queens in training and do it proudly!
Submitted by parent on May 06, 2018

My experience is that this school offers a Makers Program which is Project Based Learning, in addition to the traditional. They have gardens, band, art, Dad's Club, and so much more. I really do love the staff and the school. They want to be there not have to be there for the students and that is what makes the school great to me.
Submitted by parent on June 11, 2014

As a former parent of children who have gone to Grass Valley, I feel it still is a good school with great teachers. I would put Ms. Rockett and Ms. Wong up against any elementary teachers as some of the best in the district. Test scores are important, but teachers are not always to blame. Parenting plays a big role in how your young scholar will achieve success in the classroom test scores etc... Overall I feel Grass Valley is still one of the best Elementary schools around! :)
Submitted by other on May 09, 2014

I am not a parent nor teacher here at Grass Valley. But I am a resident of the neighborhood. I will tell you, that some parents of Grass Valley are part of the problem why the school performs very poorly. What good parent would drive wreckless on the windy road leading to the school, play chicken with motorists, and think that's ok? And to think that GV would have a fighting chance at impressing incoming good kids with such low scores and parents of low caliber? If GV is to have any chance, the parents there need some common sense and be a good role model for their kids so that their kids too can thrive.
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2013

Great community. Close net parent, teacher and students. Everybody knows each other. Principal is on the frontline. She is visible and knows her students by first name basics. We are very short staff do to budget cuts and resources. The principle continue to strive for excellence in academic, music, P.E, computers,library and safety. She supervise during recess and lunch for all students. She supports the kids and parents. Last year I had some concerns about my son teacher and his I.E.P annual meeting. She listen, made some suggestions and said she will come to the meeting. She showed up and onetime. I appreciate Mrs. Brandie Stewart (principal) and her staff and Grass Valley Elemantary Oakland. Rashida Shelby (parent)
Submitted by other on January 07, 2013

I went to this school and I loved it.man was it good they were in to sports and I loved it
Submitted by parent on November 29, 2012

Grass Valley is hidden gem that rivals any good private school. I'm a licensed social worker, parent of two Grass Valley graduates, and currently working as a substitute prior to entering a doctoral program in education. The Pros: Superlative leadership, a dedicated professional staff, an encouraging environment, and a motivated community. The Cons: I'd paid good money for private schools before finding this out.
Submitted by parent on November 28, 2012

I am a father of a six year old first grader at Grass Valley Elementary School. Her teacher keeps me updated with everything that goes on which is amazing because I am busy and a single parent. My daughter's teacher teaches the students, reading, math, science, and how to be responsible. The school participates in various activities such as fundraisers, family night, and other activities to get a parent to parent as well as a parent to faculty relationship established which I think is wonderful. I am very pleased with this school. It also is in a nice neighborhood.
Submitted by parent on November 14, 2012

I have two children enrolled at Grass Valley Elementary. I think the school has a wonderful principal and teaching staff. The children are happy and have memorable experiences. The PTA creates a lot of events for parents and students. And the Principal, Ms. Stewart, keeps the children encouraged and challenged to do their best. Great school and great location (deer appear daily). The remodeled campus is also an added benefit.
Submitted by parent on November 14, 2012

I love our school! The principal, teachers, and all staff that I have met are kind, helpful and professional. The teachers that I've spoken to are veteran teachers, most of who are dedicated to the Oakland. My daughter went to an expensive private preschool, and she has made more progress in the last two months of school than she did all last year. Not only that, but she actually likes school now! The teachers participated in a Whole Brain Teaching teaching training over the summer and are successfully implementing the strategies. I've talked with many of my friends who have gone the private school route as well as driving to better rated schools, and in listening to their accounts (both of school and classroom environment) I am grateful that I chose to bring my daughter here. As a social worker and childhood specialist I understand that test scores do not accurately reflect the success of a classroom or school. Nor do they truly show that a child has learned, or is learning to, problem solve and think critically, as opposed to regurgitate information. I believe Grass Valley is the real deal. They are concerned about our children's learning, not just their image.
Submitted by other on December 26, 2011

I went to grass valley for the fifth, and sixth <back when there was 6th> grades. 85-87 "wow I'm old" any ways made great friends, matter of fact I believe the Mrs Jackson so many speak of fondly was a teacher when I was a student there. < she is a great person> miss them moved before the start of Jr high. "Navy"
Submitted by parent on August 25, 2011

I am a very proud parent for a son who attended Grass Valley Elementary for 6 years, Kindergarten through 5th Grade under the leadership of Mrs. Jackson who is now retired and we wish the best of luck to you, Mrs. Jackson. We are very proud of our son success at Grass Valley. He is an academically driven young student who loves learning. He is self motivated and driven to succeed. Our son had a perfect attendance through out his time at Grass Valley since the environment was very nurturing with some great teachers. Currently, we now have a 2nd son who will also be entering Kindergarten, and we are again very excited. Ou new Principal, Ms. Henderson, who has already done such an amazing job with the school's appearance. She has transformed the curb appeal appearance of the school already. She is a young woman who is very motivated and wants to work with both the teachers and parents to raise the bar for academic success for all Grass Valley students. We are very blessed to have such a leader for our community.
Submitted by other on July 23, 2011

I am so proud to be associated with Grass Valley Elementary School, which is the highest achieving school in Diatrict 7 , (East Oakland). The school is a California Distingushed School three times, and a Nationaly Rcognized Distingushed School. Never in the history of Oakland Unified School District has a school that has a majority of African American Children made these Types of academic gains. This is due to the leadership of Ms. Jackson, Principal. The parent groups are awesome. It is a honor and privilidge to represent this school on the board of education.
Submitted by parent on July 22, 2011

My grandson has been at Grass Valley since Kindergarten, and is now entering the 3rd grade. He has thoroughly enjoyed his school experience, and has progressed academically in all subjects. His 1st grade and 2nd grade teachers, Ms. Bear and Ms. Opes, did fantastic jobs giving my grandson both the skills he needed academically while molding his behavior and social skills as well. The only problem I have with the school is the method by which they choose participants in the afterschool program. Grass Valley conducts a lottery, and no preference is given to parents who work. So, parents who would have no problem picking their children up at 2:45pm (because they are stay-at-home parents) are given slots in the afterschool program while other parents (who work full-time and desperately need afterschool care) have to make other arrangements for their child, which can be both complicated and costly. In all, I would recommend this school in a heartbeat......after all, what's most important is their educational/social development. Right?
Submitted by parent on July 18, 2011

Parents, we need your participation. We can take Grass Valley to the next level without a hitch. Please support our school. Respectfully, Parent
Submitted by parent on July 18, 2011

Grass Valley is a wonderful school and I'd like to thank our Principal Mrs. Jackson for showing the good old fashion love for our students. Although we are sad to see her go, to be able to retire with good health is a very good thing. Enjoy your retirement Mrs. Jackson. Next I would like to welcome Ms. Carla Henderson our new Principal. We are totally excited to have you and look forward supporting you supporting our students. Again, Grass Valley is awesome but we need more parent participation please. See you in the fall
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2010

I am so impressed with Grass Valley. I have 2 daughters that attend GV one is in the kindergarten and one in third grade. I made the crazy mistake of putting my 3rd grader in private school for K-2. If I had know about the hidden gem GV I could have saved a lot of money. Mrs. Jackson is a firm and nuturing principal and my daughters love her. My girls teachers are great and go above and beyond for their students. Many of the teachers there have the "old style" dedication for their students. The Dads Club in awsome and organized great planter boxes so each class could have veggies to harvest.
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2010

My child is a third grader at Grass Valley and this is the only elementary that he has attended. The campus is always clean and welcoming. I am very pleased with the education that he has received thus far. His high test scores back up my opinions! I am happy that he is happy to be there and he also has an opportunity to be around other high-achieving African-American students. I am amazed by the large amount of parent participation and they even have a strong dedicated "Dad's Club". When the principal, Mrs. Jackson decides to retire...someone will have BIG shoes to fill. That Leader is irreplaceable!
Submitted by parent on April 08, 2009

N/A