Donlon Elementary School

4150 Dorman Road

School District

Pleasanton Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:22
Type

public

School Map for Pleasanton 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 February 23, 2025

We’ve discovered that Donlon is an exceptional learning environment for our child. The experienced teachers and the dedicated principal ensure the school’s steady progress. Additionally, the PTA actively organizes events that cater to both kids and parents.
Submitted by parent on October 23, 2023

The faculty and staff at Donlon Elementary go above and beyond to create a nurturing environment where every child feels valued and supported. The teachers are not just qualified but also genuinely care for learning in each student. Their innovative teaching methods and personalized attention ensure that every child receives the best possible education.One of the standout features of Donlon is its commitment to holistic development. Alongside academic excellence, the school places a strong emphasis on character education, creativity, and physical well-being. The extracurricular activities, ranging from arts and sports to clubs and community service, offer students a chance to explore their interests and talents beyond the classroom.
Submitted by parent on July 05, 2023

The school and the teachers are quite good l. The main complaint is that this school doesn’t seem to participate in many academic programs to encourage kids to challenge themselves. Any programs like the math club that are conducted by parent volunteers are not greatly supported by the school. It would be great if the school management takes more interest and provides incentives to the kids to do better. More initiatives to encourage kids in arts, science and math and give them some incentives to excel would make the school a much better place.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2022

Principals and teachers and programs are wonderful at this school! My child love his experience attending Donlon!
Submitted by other on March 26, 2018

Teachers and local parents need to be more accepting of different cultures and ethnicity. I have observed a lot of animosity here. If you'll call yourselves a democratic, then please act like one. Zero tolerance for racism.Great Principal and Vice Principal though.
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2017

This school has been wonderful for my two children. Teachers have been of high quality and the leaders in place have taken all concerns seriously including ensuring that my daughter was no longer in classes going forward with her bully and made other teachers aware of the issue.
Submitted by parent on March 31, 2017

Every year, the school just keep getting worse. Nothing is done about bullying. Teachers do not encourage kids to learn. Lot of racism. The list goes on.
Submitted by parent on April 18, 2016

My son started Kindergarten here last year and we couldn't have been happier. So much fun and so much of learning in just a few months here. Everyone including the Teachers, The New Principal, Vice-Principal, and Front staff is so welcoming and helpful. Kinder teachers are meticulous, responsive, and seems happy around the kids. We love the happy spirit of this school.
Submitted by parent on July 22, 2014

This school is excellent. We just moved here 2 yrs ago and so happy. The houses around are reasonable and the school is so good. I see negative feedbacks but guess that if or a few negative ones we shouldn't judge the entire school. In my neighbourhood all of the houses have their kids go to this school. We all walk together:) the teachers are great. Mrs Franck, mrs Vans and mrs Garcia are best kindergartner teachers. My kids had them and totally loved them! Parent iinvolvement is great. We have fun runs, ice cream social, science days, field trips that were organized so well. The staff is great too!!!
Submitted by parent on July 22, 2014

I totally agree that school supplies list has been provided much before the next school year! And for that matter the staff nips so helpful you can actually request them anytime for a list and they will even print one for you! I can't believe how people who are not organized write such reviews and people who believe them. I moved here and have been enjoying every but of it. Homes prices are better, val vista park with the water feature is walking distance, weekends I take my kids to the summer camp for soccer that happens right behind the school playground! I love the school- agree they have changing principals but the test scores are not hampered at all. That's the involvement of the teachers!!!!It's a good school with perfect blend of all races as compared to Dublinr, livermore and San Ramon!!!!!
Submitted by parent on July 19, 2014

Amazing school for both my kids. Totally love it. Can't wait for school to start!
Submitted by parent on July 15, 2014

Donlon is a school that needs improvement because it has room to grow. However, I'm not sure if anyone is trying to improve it like its neighboring schools. There is nothing particularly outstanding at this school, your classroom experience depends on the teacher your child is assigned to. The front office is a complete turn, unwelcoming, and unsuccessful as the face of the school. The district has great schools, look else where.
Submitted by other on January 14, 2014

Donlon is a great school. There is much more school spirit this year and everyone seems happier. The new principal is so nice. The best thing about Donlon is how everyone works together.
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2013

This district has a zero tolerance policy that does not seem to be in effect at this school. If they are busy they will just push it under the rug even if your child is not safe and won't notify you about it. The school is overcrowded and the staff such as principals keep being replaced. With paying such high prices to live in this area for our children's education I expect more and I want to know that when I drop off my child they will be safe so they can focus on schoolwork, If you have children in this school talk to them and find out what happens every day! Be involved! They are not!
Submitted by parent on June 08, 2013

My daughter has been at this school for 2 years now - we moved here when she started 3rd grade and my son started her in Kindergarten. My daughter had a very hard time fitting in and after being bullied I tried to get the teacher involved and he said that is the way 3rd grade girls are and refused to help in any way shape or manner. I finally had to take my complaint to the principal who did absolutely nothing. My son's Kindergarten teacher and the teacher that she shares a classroom with decided that they didn't want the hassle of having an end of the year ceremony even though the other 2 Kindergarten classrooms were having one. She explained to me that it was just too much work. There is absolutely no direction or guidance given to the teachers at this school. They are hiring their 5th principal in 5 years and it is absolutely not surprising to me why. The office staff are often rude and seem disconnected. New parents have no way to learn about the school and have no resources given to them i.e. a welcome group of parents. The communication flow is terrible at this school and after being there for 2 years, I finally feel like I kinda know what is going on at the school.
Submitted by parent on May 06, 2013

The reason why the school is successful is because of very hands on and very generous parents. Every month there are about three different fund raisers going on but there is no real pressure to have to contribute to all, all at once. With that being said, my gripe with this school is really the parents. My kid came into Donlon in first grade, and most of the other kids have been in pre-k, kinder and now first grade together. They even have extra-curricular activities together, which is great. But they are quite clique-y. There is not much room for inclusion for the new kids. But my kids' first grade teachers have been fantastic, always communicating what needs to be done, and always encouraging what is working out. However, because of my previous stated gripe, I may have to take out m child from the school because of the emotional trauma she is currently experiencing. Sadly she was happier at a lower level school she was previously in because of how much nicer everyone was there.
Submitted by parent on January 16, 2013

I went to this school a long time ago, so when I had my son, I would send him there too. Worst mistake I ever made. He went there 4 years and in that time he only had one teacher who even cared and treated him as a kid and not just a number for a paycheck. His first grade teacher who let him sleep when he wanted informs us he had to go to Sylvan to pass grade 1. She made no effort with him and like the other teachers when it came to meet, they could not be bothered to discuss plans or anything to make things better. I was thankful for his second grade teacher. She treated like a kid and had no problems with them. We were also told the teachers like girl students and can not be bothered by the boys. My son cried 3 out of the 4 years he went there begging not to get out of the car. I finally removed him and to this day trying to undo his mental issues of self esteem that this school created in him feeling like a worthless child. Shame on this school for picking teachers who are only there for a paycheck.
Submitted by parent on June 08, 2012

I can give it only an average rating. On the positive side, it is a friendly place. There is a lot of parent involvement here which I like and the current principal is nice enough. However, the quality of teachers is mixed. Some are great and some are only mediocre. They seem overwhelmed and often unmotivated. They teach to testing, so scores remain high, but if you are move here for the educational opportunities in Pleasanton, you will probably be disappointed. We have just been told class size is increasing again! Buildings are crowded and classrooms are too small for the amount of students now. I cringe to think of 5 more students in each class next year. Donlon is planning to go to a split arrival schedule to accommodate everyone. We have 2 children and moved here 3 years ago for the schools. We have been renting and decided not to buy here. We can get more for our investment somewhere else. Pleasanton schools are not bad but not good enough. One other budget note, all students are asked to contribute $45 for school supplies,(no list is provided so you can do it yourself). You will be asked to contribute $40 per classroom and another $10 for an agenda.
Submitted by parent on June 08, 2012

Whoever posted the review on 6/8/12 is incorrect about the school supplies! The program which provides the supplies for $45 is optional and the supply list is always (every year so far) available to ALL parents during back to school night. I choose to participate in the FUNDRAISER for the school supplies because it helps the teachers at Donlon by providing the same supplies to every child. It is very convenient for me as a parent, I don't have to drive from store to store looking for supplies. The PTA at Donlon has in the past supported the students, parents and teachers and I hope it will continue on the same path. Donlon has great teachers that are dedicated and a principal who is super active at school with the students and staff. There might be many changes coming the schools in Pleasanton, but for now the schools are better then in Dublin, Livermore or San Ramon.
Submitted by parent on October 22, 2011

We moved here two years ago, specifically to take advantage of the excellent educational opportunities Donlon could provide to our children. We have found the staff, teachers, and principal at Donlon to be incredibly supportive, positive, and genuinely committed to ensuring students reach their full potential in a very nurturing environment. The sense of community among parents and families at Donlon is also exceptional, and we feel extremely grateful to have found such a wonderful school community for our children.