Valhalla Elementary School

530 Kiki Drive

School District

Mt. Diablo Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:23
Type

public

School Map for Mt. Diablo 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 September 12, 2024

My son attended Valhalla for kindergarten. His teacher and experience was much poorer than I expected given the good rating of the school. He did not feel supported by his teacher and his report card was extremely inaccurate. The principal did her best to listen to our concerns but unfortunately for him his teacher was never able turn it around. We have since relocated and he is excelling in first grade which is why I can confidently say it our son was not the problem as described to us and it was more the teachers inability to do her job. He often brings up how lucky he feels to be in his new class and how nice his new teacher is in comparison to his last.
Submitted by parent on August 11, 2023

I think this is a really nice elementary school and my children really enjoy the school.Pros: -really involved principle that cares about the kids-teachers are all great and seem to truly enjoy the students-a lot of parent involvement that has build a great community centered around the kids-teachers seems to like it here and stay for many yearsCons: -classroom sizes are large probably because a lot of parents want their kids in this elementary school-there isn’t supposed to be teacher requests but it’s very clear that certain parents/students year after year get their preferred teachers (usually the more seasoned teachers)
Submitted by other on July 24, 2023

My 2 star review is NOT because of the school the school is great the problem is one of the 5th grade teachers (not gonna name names) but they gave me an unsafe learning experience that made me feel awful even though they weren’t MY teacher! In the future I would like this teacher to improve the way they speak to students and parents.
Submitted by parent on March 29, 2023

Thanks for amazing teacher and school principal
Submitted by parent on July 25, 2020

We’re on our 3rd year here. The staff is caring, respectful, and make us feel welcome.
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2018

We are coming to the end of our 3rd year here and we really have loved this school. The parent involvement is amazing and the teachers communication has been outstanding. I feel that the lunch provided could be much better, but due to budget restraints I understand why it is the way it is. So happy we moved here and are a part of this community.
Submitted by parent on December 04, 2017

As our first year here, I have been very impressed. My daughter's kindergarten teacher, as well as the principal, have been approachable and wonderful to work with. I am involved I the classroom and it's evident that a lot of other parents are too which helps make the school a strong community.
Submitted by parent on November 21, 2017

My son is in first grade at Valhalla this year and we've been very happy with his experience both this year and last year in Kindergarten. We really like the staff here, especially the principal, custodian, librarian and both of my son's teachers he's had so far. They've all been great and he's really thriving at this school.
Submitted by parent on January 05, 2017

This is my sons 2nd year and we love Valhalla. It's a wonderful school with wonderful teachers.
Submitted by parent on January 03, 2017

We feel our child is thriving at Valhalla. The teachers and staff have been great so far. Lots of parent participation and volunteering which is fantastic. Fairly easy drop off is a bonus and it's in a great area.
Submitted by other on May 31, 2015

Great families, great staff and principle, great kids!! The campus is in a beautiful area.
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2015

Valhalla is an excellent school because of the staff and great PTA. The school is what you put into it as a parent. If you don't give your time then you are losing out. Teachers are very busy with making sure that all students get the support they need. As a parent it is important to be involved and help the staff. This is my 8th. year at Valhalla and I am Viking proud.
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2015

We felt that the school was discriminatory - they told us that our child's learning was impacted by being "exposed" to other languages growing up. The principal is sweet as pie until something goes wrong, then she gets defensive and vindictive. Information about our child's education was released to someone outside of the school, in order to retaliate for us lodging our concerns. Please ask the principal to get out of the school house door!
Submitted by parent on February 08, 2014

I am in my eleventh year at Valhalla, my third child is matriculating there. I have seen alot of change, staff turnover due to MDUSD budget issues. Two of my children had IEP's. Overall, the school , in my opinion is very exceptional. There is a great PTA, wonderful parent participation. Many activities to include everyone from a welcome back to school family dinner dance to family bowling night to a family BBQ at the end of the year that the Dad's network hosts. I encourage families to get involved. The school is only as strong as the parent involvement.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2014

This has been my home and my children's home now for 6 years the teachers and principals are amazing people who really care about what they do
Submitted by parent on December 15, 2013

This school is not supportive of parental input. My child was put in the wrong class for half of the school year. i asked to vusit the class after to confirm that it was correct, but I was then told tha I could not visit my child's class due to confidentiality of the other students. At a meeting with teachers to try to resolve it the principal unloaded on me crying hysterically, saying that we don't appreciate them. Insanity reigned supreme after. It is time for new leadership.
Submitted by parent on October 13, 2013

The theme for us at Valhalla was - wasted opportunities. Bad experience, bad oversight, lack of clear leadership, and lack of training for teachers. Yes, there are good teachers there, but when there are issues, nothing gets fixed. Our impression was that the school is resistant to children from other cultures.
Submitted by parent on August 18, 2013

Looking forward to another year at Valhalla! Such an amazing school- the principal and staff are top notch! We are regarded as family here with so many/ such a warm and friendly atmosphere. Yes, MDUSD is struggling and that stinks-- but the families & principal really come together and make sure their kids get what they need!! Love Valhalla!!
Submitted by parent on August 01, 2013

My second child is now attending Valhalla and we have had very good experiences at the school over the past 10 years. As with any school, there are a range of skills in terms of teachers, but overall I've been very happy with the teachers at Valhalla. They do an excellent job of managing with the larger class sizes that are the norm these days, and an excellent job of dealing with students of differing skills, especially at the upper grades. Differentiated math and english made a big difference in my older child's success at the school. My younger child is very shy, but had no problem feeling at home at the school and got plenty of attention from teachers. I highly recommend the school.
Submitted by parent on July 17, 2013

Valhalla is an excellent school. The teachers, principal, administration and parents work hard to make Valhalla a top school. My son is very happy here!