River Glen School

1088 Bird Avenue

School District

San Jose Unified
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:22
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 September 12, 2018

The school was a nightmare for my child and stressful to deal with as a parent. It used to be good and felt like a community when Salcido was principal. It has just gotten worse over time.
Submitted by parent on November 17, 2016

Having had two students attend middle school here already, and a third on the way, I would like to share my perspective. The middle school has not changed drastically, but what has changed is the anxiety and misinformation I hear from parents about middle school and its affect on getting into a "good" college (this is not unique to River Glen but is increasing in general). First, I would recommend any parent connect with the program Challenge Success through Stanford University as it informs parents and students on a healthy outlook regarding education and the road to college. Secondly, kids who have attended River Glen 6th-8th grade program have done exceptionally well! Kids have attended: NYU, Cornell, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, Rice, Santa Clara University, Stanford, UCLA and, truly, the list goes on and on. River Glen did not hold them back! In fact, I believe it is the opposite. Research shows that connection with your teachers and school community is more important than pushing an advanced academic curriculum during middle school. Connection with teachers and community is what RG is all about! I love it and am so grateful for it. But let's not forget that our students do graduate 8th grade with 2 years of high school Spanish under their belt. Awesome! I appreciate the parents and staff who are positive and help us elevate this program and our students!
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2016

The teachers are great. Scores don't tell the full story. The PTA is highly involved with the school and supports numerous academic activities. There is a true sense of Community with River Glen. From the Caminata Walk a Thon to the Baile Dia De Los Muertos events. Overall we are very pleased to be parents here.Some detractors: changing principals is difficult. When Ms. Young came on, it was a rough transition. She has improved a lot and it much easier to deal with the administration.The facility is old (except the 6-8 classrooms). Measure H has helped, but only for security and some HVAC improvements. The K-3 buildings are in terrible shape.The academics from 4th to 8th get progressively worse. It's not the school's fault. Budgets have been decimated by the state. Doesn't look like it's going to change dramatically over the next decade. The school should really close the 6-8th grades and focus on K-5. It just doesn't make sense to have an ultra strong K-5 program and an extremely sub-par 6-8th program.
Submitted by student on April 12, 2016

I am in middle school and love River Glen. I really like the size of my school. Everyone there is familiar to me and many people I know well. I am not lost in a sea of students. I have had excellent teachers and they are very, very kind and loving. If students have trouble understanding something, they take the extra time to explain it to you. I have made close friendships that making coming to school fun! My friends at other schools talk more about bullying, teasing and even dating compared to my school! I love this school!
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2013

I was a parent at Riverglen for 16 years, the spanish immersion program was a success w/my children. However,I disenrolled my child from the 5th grade due to lack of support that she received from the new principal& her 5th grade teacher. My child is IEP,& she was left behind in this "no child left behind" era. What troubled me the most was the lack of support & the indifference of her 5th grade teacher & of the principal. I was a devoted parent for many years here & have seen quite a difference. The motto of the school prior to this new principal was the success for ALL students. Now, if the child is struggling academically, they are forgotten & the minimum support is offered. My daughter is now in the 7th gr., struggling due to the indifference she received from the principal/her 5th grade teacher. So if your child is an average student, they will succeed anywhere, but if you are a parent with a child that has a learning disability, look elsewhere, because they will not prepare your child for high school. My meetings of concern for my child seemed to have annoyed the principal; I'm sure he is very happy that we left. I was there for 16 years; River Glen is NOT THE SAME!!!
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2013

Amazing teachers & staff, wonderful students, engaged parents, grandparents, and extended families... a true community that values learning. The leadership of the principal is exciting!
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2012

I love the teachers and staff at River Glen cause they care, my two neices attened R.G. and I know this school is great I choose it for my son!
Submitted by parent on December 09, 2011

It is difficult to read the previous post and have someone try to speak on behalf of the entire Parent/Student community. Our new Principal is a great leader, and he is always extremely professional. He is generous with his time and gives of himself all that he possibly can. He attends every school function and is hands on helping any way he can. He is supportive with any event or activity. His first words are "Let me know how I can help" When disciplining, he means business. What's wrong with that!?...although we miss our past principal's....we are very fortunate to have Mr. Salcido!
Submitted by parent on December 06, 2011

This was a great school until the new principal arrived this year. He lacks leadership and experience on working with children. He is unproffesional not a people person. Lacks communication skills. He intimidates the staff to turn against the children for his own personal ego. He doesnt belong at River Glen the kids dont like him and neither do parents or staff. He's turning our family environment into a cold feeling school being run by Mr. Scrooge.
Submitted by teacher on August 09, 2011

It's been a pleasure and an honor to be part of the River Glen family. I've been a teacher of this school for many years now, and have loved every day of it!
Submitted by parent on May 17, 2010

River Glen is fantastic. My daughter is now graduating after 9 great years from a caring community that absolutely integrates parents-teachers-kids-volunteers. She is so prepared for high school; as a fluent Spanish-speaker non-latina, she is already special. I'm glad my 4th grader has years to go, so I don't yet have to say good-bye to my RG family.
Submitted by teacher on May 08, 2010

It has a wonderful and dedicated staff and great parents.
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2010

the teacher are great and very caring,they love our children at the same timevery assertive
Submitted by parent on March 16, 2008

N/A