Vallecito Elementary School

50 Nova Albion Way

School District

Dixie Elementary
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:18
Type

public

School Map for Dixie 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 parent on April 19, 2024

Palacito has great energy and is very supportive and caring all the teachers I have encountered have been exceptionally good I highly recommend the school
Submitted by parent on March 05, 2024

Vallecito ROCKS! Don't let the 6/10 rating fool you. Every school in Marin with racial diversity and ESL students will have lower rates than the white-and-rich school districts (like what you find in Mill Valley or Corte Madera), it is just the way it is. Vallecito is a safe space for all, and has a lot of experienced and caring teachers, as well as involved volunteer parents. Our two kids are thriving here! The principal Mrs. Foehr is a wonderful professional and human being. This is a warm, inclusive, caring community. Through their 'Can Do' family donation campaign they are able to offer Art and Music and so much more. We couldn't have asked for a better school & community <3
Submitted by parent on November 30, 2023

We moved to Marin from another area.The other area had high scores but a lot of bullying and a lot of focus on "scores".The school had a Zillow 10....It was terrible.This school has a 5?But is an excellent school.The kids love going to classes every day.They love the teachers and when they move one grade up, they go visit their previous teachers and chit chat with them.The only issue of bullying last year was a kid who kept calling LGBTQ2S+ slurs randomly, one note to the principal and he was out for 2 weekscame back like new.The only issue this year, was some mean girls, one note and it was addressed to the point the girls are now a charming lot.The school reaches out a lot and keeps you up to date on everything.Definitely worth moving here for it.My kids have so many friends now and love learning.
Submitted by teacher on November 20, 2023

All was good, except for the bullies, otherwise much wow I am good, sub to Mrbeast
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2017

We have been so thrilled with Vallecito Elementary. We moved to Terra Linda last year and enrolled our daughter here for Kindergarten; she is now a first grader. The teachers, administration, school spirit, enrichment through family supported Can- Do are all wonderful. The classes are appropriately sized and there is a strong focus on curriculum and milestones. There are wonderful after school programs through the City of San Rafael on site that you can sign up for separately in addition to a wonderful aftercare program that we are lucky to be in. We came from a sought after school district (Palo Alto) and chose to move to San Rafael due to work; I think my daughter has just as many, if not more support and opportunities for growth here as she would have if we hadn't moved. I am extremely happy with Vallecito and can't thank Principal Smith and all the teachers enough.
Submitted by parent on January 18, 2017

Very good, the school take care each student based on their needs.
Submitted by other on May 27, 2015

My soon to be 5th grader asked "Do you think I can fail a year so I can stay at Vallecito longer?" You can't get a better review than that, right? We have a firecracker of a principal, amazing teachers, wonderful support staff and a group of parent volunteers that could run the world! I will truly miss this school after next year. GO EAGLES!!!
Submitted by parent on April 07, 2015

Vallecito Elementary provides a truly personalized educational experience for our child. The principal, teachers, and staff are ultimate educational professionals and are warm and caring. They know EVERY child's name. The children and families at the school are all from diverse backgrounds- ethnic, cultural, economic, geographic but somehow the school fosters an incredible sense of community. When our child has expressed interest in various activities or causes, the principal and teachers have been there to support her 110%. All of the report cards we've received have been thoughtful and comprehensive. Teachers are readily available to chat/email if the need ever arises. These folks take the business of education seriously. There is a wide range of extracurricular activities for the kids to choose from. If you are looking for a true community-based school experience for your child, I cannot recommend Vallecito enough. It's a real asset to our neighborhood and greater community.
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2014

My son started 1st grade at Vallecito in 2013 and had a fantastic experience. Wonderful admin and staff, he progressed tremendously especially compared to the school he went to for K ( in el dorado hills). Another great aspect is the culture at the school. We have met friends from all over CA and the world, its truly something special!
Submitted by parent on July 18, 2014

We have had the pleasure of sending our kids to Vallecito for some 8 years now, and it was and still is a wonderful school. The new principal (well, new as of 2-3 years ago) has injected new energy into the school and is dynamic and communicative. They also do a great job of balancing the basics with extra activities like music, arts, dance. As with any school, the teachers are hit and miss -- we have had some wonderful teachers and some good ones, but never any who we felt were bad. Perhaps the best thing about Vallecito is the community ... very welcoming and supportive, and highly involved in their children's education. Overall a great school
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2014

This school is headed in a downward spiral. There seems to be an influx of students whose needs are not being met. My opinion is that the staff is ill prepared or not adequately funded to meet the new demands of incoming ELL and poverty-stricken families. I am all for diversity, but teaching methods and resources should reflect current needs and they just don't. Many of the grade level teams decide to only teacher social studies or science during a trimester. They do not go into more depth in the chosen subject so I am confused as to what the point of this is other than less planning on the teacher's part. Additionally, you would expect that reading, writing, and math would be covered that much more throughly if you are taking away a core subject, but wrong again. In comparison to Dixie (neighboring school) several items on the repot card are mysteriously not evaluated. So, perhaps more enrichment is provided focusing on the arts, or targeting top performing students then?- another no. Also, kids are tracked by ability in LA and math which does not seem flexible throughout the year. Communication from some teachers is extremely lacking. Too bad because this was once a real gem.