Almaden Elementary School

1295 Dentwood Drive

School District

San Jose Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:18
Type

public

School Map for San Jose 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 10, 2023

My son went to this school. Good neighborhood near Hammer/Branham Jarvis. Good teachers
Submitted by teacher on June 26, 2023

I cannot say enough about how much this school means to our family. We were new to the area and while my son was not behind academically, he needed a lot of support and behavioral correction when he joined Almaden half way through 1st grade. The principal and staff welcomed him with open arms and zero judgement based on his past school records. They helped provide him the necessary accommodations but also helped him grow out of needing them by the time he was entering 5th grade. The community at this school is unmatched and the support and genuine care for the students is inspiring. My son went from being kicked out of previous schools, sent home for behavioral issues, to becoming vice president and then president of student council at Almaden. I couldn’t be more proud of him, but also know that it was largely due to the incredibly supportive, loving and constructive environment that lives at Almaden. While overcoming his behavioral issues, he also tested top of the charts in state testing and was accepted into a competitive private middle school for 6th grade.
Submitted by parent on July 11, 2019

My child's' 5th grade school year at Almaden Elelemtary was the most successful and productive yet. I attribute their success to the decisive, compassionate, and empathic leadership skills of the Principal, Mrs. Montes. Most importantly, my child's progress has come about due to the understanding of the positive effects a healthy, collaborative, and nurturing school environment has on a child. I also attribute this successful year to the engaged and invested teachers, under the guidance of an involved and excellent school principal. The entire staff has made a drastic difference in my child's academic career and path. My child was comfortable, confident, and thriving at Almaden. The instruction, guidance, and real-life lessons taught has allowed my child's confidence to soar. Moreover, Principal, Mrs. Montes, has been instrumental in helping my child mature and become more responsible. The team at Almaden has shown to have a sincere interest in my child's success and development.
Submitted by parent on July 10, 2019

We were initially nervous about attending this school because the scores were low; however, the scores do not reflect the incredible impact and positive experience we had at Almaden Elementary. Our daughter attended Almaden since kindergarten and recently left to head to middle school. She started as a shy and nervous kindergartner and quickly became a confident and educated leader. We will greatly miss this school and all the staff. I encourage you to check out this school and meet with the teachers and staff - they're truly great!
Submitted by parent on October 27, 2018

Its been very good. People really care for each other. In the early grades the emphasis on math and literacy is great. You don't get all the bells and whistles of some schools. But if that's important to you and you have the means, you can easily supplement at home.
Submitted by parent on July 28, 2018

Excellent. There is not much emphasis on science or the arts. However, my husband and I supplement these topics at home with our own education. I think the community feel of the school and the strong language and math emphasis make up for this. However, it would be challenging if parents are not able to offer more science and art at home.
Submitted by parent on March 09, 2017

I am very proud parent that my children are part of Almaden School.All the teachers are very good and the principal is very kind, I love all the programs they offer to teach our children more in their needs.My daughter is very happy with all the classes she receives after school is something new and different to lern!
Submitted by parent on March 09, 2017

Almaden Elementary is a great school. I have nothing but positive thoughts to say about Almaden. It can be tough sending your babies away to school everyday and wondering how their days went but we've been here since 2006 and it's been awesome. I can remember I cried the first day I sent my girls to pre-school but they both loved it and have always had nothing but positive things to say and enjoyed every year there. This year is our last year and I can tell you I'm going to miss this school and all the wonderful teachers. I highly recommend this school. Thank you Almaden for being great!
Submitted by parent on March 09, 2017

Don't let the 4 out of 10 fool you. This school is amazing. This rating is based off of ONE state test. It doesn't factor in the ongoing assessments that are given throughout the year. The principal shares multiple sources of data to show that students at Almaden performing at excellent levels. Teachers are super focused on providing foundational skills and pushing those students who need an extended challenge. They are some of the best teachers in the district. The front office staff is friendly and knows every family and child that walks in. The principal is always visible. She is always willing to drop everything and help you. She knows every child's name and you can even see her playing four square with the kids at recess. She is firm with the kids but fair and you can see how passionate she is about her staff and students. The parents aren't as involved as other schools but they are hardworking and want the best for their children.
Submitted by parent on August 04, 2014

What a great year my daughter and family had last year at Almaden! We felt so supported by the teacher and principal. We are looking forward to another great year at Almaden. I wish more parents would get involved. I loved helping at the book fair.
Submitted by other on June 13, 2014

I went to this school myself ! It was honestly the best school years ive ever had the people were amazing everyone was just great , im planing to make my kids go to this school(when i have some) . Everyone is welcoming wich is the great part, you get a long with everyone very well . Its bilingual so your child can learn english and spanish !! I suggest you give it a try . GREAT GREAT SCHOOL
Submitted by parent on August 22, 2013

This is our family's first year at Almaden Elementary School and our experience has been excellent so far. We previously came from private schools and didn't really know what to expect from our neighborhood school - I must say, I am really impressed with the level of service and professionalism I received so far. The new principal, teachers, and staff are responsive and from what I can tell have solid experience, knowledge, and care for the students. As a parent, I feel like I will have more input and really anticipate great things for my kids this school year. Almaden Elementary School is underrated - I hope this reputation changes in the years to come!
Submitted by teacher on August 11, 2013

Almaden Elementary is a small, neighborhood school with a hard-working, highly qualified and dedicated staff!
Submitted by parent on August 05, 2013

My Granddaughter is going into 4th grade. I have always felt comfortable volunteering in her classroom. The teachers and staff are very friendly and my granddaughter really enjoys the friendships she has made at Almaden. My rating for principal was based on last years principal. I am glad to see new leadership. There are more parents getting involved but it would be nice to see even more.
Submitted by other on July 30, 2013

Having taught at Almaden for 13 years, I feel confident in describing the school pretty accurately. First, the strengths. 1. Staff dedication to the success of all students, and their unique talents/skills to support them. They go beyond the call of duty. 2. Learning is heavily supported by technology. 3. The variety of programs to enhance student learning and provide enrichment. 4. A safe, secure community, esp. for students. There is an atmosphere of peace here. 5. Almaden felt like family. For Almaden, I see only 2 negatives, and one of them has already been corrected. That one is the removal of their previous principal. I can't say enough how much leadership affects the school as a whole. While he was there, the morale, and the direction of the school were severely affected by him. With him gone, I can only envision the school I came to love. The second "thorn in the school's side" is lack of parent involvement. Either they are too busy, too timid, or feel the school doesn't need their help. Or maybe they don't care. That issue definitely needs to be fixed. To sum it up, this school is top-notch.
Submitted by parent on July 29, 2013

Here are some highlights of Almaden that we experienced: 1. Friendly teachers who encourage and welcome parental participation in the classroom 2. The PTA has a small, hometown feel to it. Everyone knows each other, and everyone puts in their part to help make great events for the students. 3. An amazing parent liaison who really cares about the students and the parents 4. Because of it's Title 1 status, we benefited from funding for extra programs like Music, Science, Art, and field trips. My child had weekly art and music classes that were fantastic! We also didn't have the pressure of donating money to the school. 5. The uniform policy is not as strict as it sounds on paper, it was nice to be able to have some flexibility on fabric and styles, while still sticking to the basic colors of blue, green, white and khaki. I'm very excited for them to have a new principal this year! (I rated the principal leadership based on the 2011-2012 principal, not the new one) The best advice I have for any Almaden parent is to get involved as much as possible! You will benefit, your child will benefit, and the school will benefit!
Submitted by parent on July 16, 2013

This is my child's fourth year with Almaden. I have to say my sons preschool teacher and 2nd grade teacher have been the best thing that has happened to my child. Our parent liason has done an amazing job at being there for the parents and keeping the voice between school and parents heard. I am very excited for the upcoming year with our new principal. Hopefully she can succeed in the areas the last principal were lacking. Almaden is a great school with amazing teachers.