Sleepy Hollow Elementary School

20 Washington Lane

School District

Orinda Union Elementary
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:16
Type

public

School Map for Orinda 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 other on May 17, 2024

This school is fun, and I would 100% recommend going here. The activities are fun, and the classes are fun, but there are a few rules that I disagree with. For example, the principal was strict and banned stuff like candy and 2 hand-touch football because it was "too physical." I think funny rules like this are not needed. At least when I was a student here, those were so of the problems. Because at such a young age, I feel that these are essential for a good childhood. Sleepy Hollow was very fun and a good school. It is just some of the rules ruined so many of my experiences when I was young. But other than this I would 100% recommend this school.
Submitted by other on February 16, 2021

This school is great, although is does sometimes have a hard time dealing with student problems; ie, bullying. Most of the teachers are spectacular (Would highly recommend Shultz for first grade, Kelly for second, and Puranik for fifth) (Sorry If I spelled their names incorrectly). I learned a lot in this elementary school (I was here 1st through 5th). Your child should enjoy going here, and it was easy to make friends. They school has a vast emphasis on inclusion, respect, and perseverance. They teachers will always set aside time to help your child if he/she is struggling on a certain field. The only thing about this school that I did not like was the fact that they take safety seriously, a little too serious. (Don't get me wrong safety is important but it got to the point where it was ridiculous.) The school is very social and inclusive, your kid will make friends here in no time. They school offers a lunch system called choice lunch or you can bring your own. I have seen how they handle school during COVID, they do a pretty good job, sanitizing and all. This school really helped me grow as a kid and I learned many skills that I am still using today. Some awesome projects we did were making the maps of the exploration of California and National Park projects in 3rd grade, the Spanish Missionaries model project in 4th grade, and the restaurant/food truck math project in 5th grade. The best field trip is the 4th grade three day overnight stay at Malakoff Diggings. You learn about mining and take cool hikes on that trip. This school was spectacular and I would highly recommend it for your kid to grow their character and grow in academics.
Submitted by parent on August 27, 2019

SH is a stellar school. I would even say it’s better than most private schools. The school is richly funded by all parents, the school offers endless extra curricular, the learning is strict but shows results. It’s the smallest school in orinda and won’t go over a 20:1 ratio. The community is wonderful. Well rounded children come out of this school.
Submitted by parent on March 02, 2018

Backed by district administrators that actively discourage implementing extra effort for any student (either too low or too high achieving), this school’s teachers and administrators will work hard to NOT have to give any individual student special effort. Throwing road blocks, bureaucratic meetings that don’t result in anything, and straight up refusal to help, the school has trained parents to look outside of the school and district for any extra needed help. This problem is exacerbated by the affluence of the parent body and the mentality that “I’ll just pay someone else to do it.” This has included everything from paying out-of-pocket for neuro-psych exams for their kids (and then bringing those results back to force their hand to help) to extra curricular classes for advanced students. It’s clear that the teachers and administrators know that if they stonewall long enough, the parents will give up and use their own resources to pay for what their child needs. Meanwhile, they will not hesitate to ask for donations at every turn and blow the money on class parties, a week of teacher appreciation gimmicks ($120 budget to decorate one DOOR and there are at least 15 doors!) and more iPads (30 Macs and 60 Chromebooks aren’t enough).
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2017

Running is NOT allowed anywhere on campus during school time (except during PE which for K is only once a week for 30 minutes). I find that disturbing and against advice from educators around the world. This is the reason why many families transfer to other elementary schools in the area. Thankfully the AMAZING after school program allows some active play.
Submitted by parent on May 23, 2017

So far SH has been a execellant school and has exceeded all expectations. All the teachers we have come into contact with seem engaged. Parents are involved in the good kind of way.My daughter has loved her experience here and has thrived.
Submitted by parent on October 09, 2014

Sleepy Hollow Elementary in Orinda is a great school, The dads club (Ichabod's Gang) Makes a huge difference at the school, The moms all do their part and the dads show their support. The staff is great and if there is an issue all parents seemed to join together to make sure the right thing happened for both students and teacher alike. Education was very good for the advancement to Orinda Intermediate. The othe school in Orinda that I would recommend is Del Rey, I attended Del Rey myself but I have many friends here in town with children at every school and the dads club at Del Rey makes a huge difference just like Sleepy Hollow and the teachers are great
Submitted by parent on November 21, 2013

The reviewer below who advised that SH isn't a good school for kids with discipline or personality issues has it wrong. Public schools are required to serve ALL children in the district, including those with special needs. Parents who do not want their children in a diverse learning environment are welcome to send their kids to private school if they don't like the population served by their public. My SN child has been very well served by SH, it's too bad that there are parents in district like the poster below.
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2013

although sleepy hollow school isn't perfect, it is probably the best public school that i can imagine. the new principal dr. G has been a huge improvement over prior, and some weak teachers have moved to other schools. the parents are involved and many give of their time as well as money. most of the teachers are terrific and truly care for the students and their learning(as evidenced by 984 test score), and my only wish would be if it were a newer campus(which would need more state funding). p.s. as some reviewers have pointed out, this isn't a good school for kids who have discipline or personality issues that require individual attention - perhaps those students are best at private schools.
Submitted by parent on April 05, 2013

I'm sorry to agree with previous posters that there is a certain amount of "resting on their laurels" that is apparent at Sleepy Hollow and the teachers are universally nice but not a lot of innovation or motivation to change. We found there to be very little differentiation, or any tolerance for differentiating students of different abilities, which compounds the problem. We pulled our daughter from this school, despite how wonderful the parent community and ASC program are.
Submitted by parent on August 28, 2012

We transfered our children from Wagner Ranch School, The best thing that has happened! The principal is the best we could hope for, 100% there for the children rather than the teachers ( I am sure they have his support aswell but its about the children), He is very well informed and has an open door policy. He is very much community oriented and is often seen walking the neighborhood saying hi to residents during his breaks. The teachers are top notch and the parents of the school are 100% involved, The dads club "Ichabod's Gang" is very involved with the school (against the approval of the superintendent) and promotes a few "fun" raisers including welcome new parents day, haunted house and a mothersday fest. They often find projects to help out with. The moms are very supportive with class room projects. It is a very family orientated school. Our children LOVE Sleepy Hollow and are so happy they go there. I can't say enough things about what a great school Sleepy Hollow is.
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2011

We are entering our 7th year with children attending Sleepy Hollow and could not be more pleased with the school. The quality of education is excellent. The teachers are amazing, as is the level of parental involvement. Our children are challenged daily in a caring and supportive environment. Sleepy Hollow consistently receives outstanding test scores.
Submitted by parent on May 26, 2011

Excellent teachers and administration; challenging course work. Great opportunities for the students. Amazing parent involvement.
Submitted by parent on April 23, 2011

Unfortunately, I agree with the negative comment of Dec 5, 2008. I am afraid that the smaller school is more impacted by an entrenched bureaucracy of tenured teachers who have lost their enthusiasm, and have become lazy. The high scores of the school result from its demographic profile, not teacher effort. I do not see an emphasis on academics, and too much emphasis on the easy way of arts and crafts. In a small school a parent is afraid to say anything negative because you can be punished by an entrenched, tenured, established faculty. I would like to see a more active parent involvement in stimulating more academic work in the classroom, rather than the present emphasis on social activities and fun and games. Is the parental money contribution for class aides merely a way for the teacher to put in less effort, and let the aid do the work? I see many tired teachers, and I am very sorry to say this.
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2011

Sleepy Hollow is a sweet small school where everyone knows each other and the teachers are outstanding. Are you expected to donate to the school to support it? Yes, but it is well worth the cost. While other schools have had to give up small class sizes and instructional aides, SH has managed to hang onto them, and more. They have upgraded technology, art, music and PE. Sure, in other states you don't need to pay for those things, but in California they are going the way of the dodo-bird. SH is older and a little tired looking, but the education is anything but...this is a great school with an outstanding parent community to support it.
Submitted by student on February 20, 2007

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