Bay View Elementary School

1231 Bay Street

School District

Santa Cruz City Elementary
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Santa Cruz City 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 October 21, 2024

I had 2 children who attended Bay View from kindergarten through 5th grade. Bay View has amazing staff and parent community. We had an a very positive experience and our children (now adults) still have great memories of their teachers and school events. We sometimes visit the school to check in as we have formed some lifelong bonds with the staff. We would Highly recommend Bay View Elementary.
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2024

My child loves going to school, learning, making new friends and seeing old friends, and is excited every morning to bike to school and be the first one there on campus to play on the playground. The teachers are very kind, there are lots of support staff and counselor support. There is great diversity among the student population, and learn to navigate the campus and social environment has been very enriching for my child. There are free meals, and the emphasis on social and emotional values on campus goes a long way towards a kid's development. There is an active PTO, with opportunities to become more involved, and a robust after-school program for working parents.
Submitted by parent on July 22, 2022

Bay View has a dynamic, dedicated and passionate principal! Ms. Golder leads a team of wonderful teachers who deeply care about kids and how to meet their needs as learners. I have two kids--one is headed for 5th and the other will begin there in Kinder in 22-23. While covid times were bumpy--just as they were everywhere else--from my perspective, the Bay View team has bounced back beautifully. After his covid year at home, at Bay View my son grew three grade levels in reading and caught up to be at grade level in math during his 4th grade year (21-22). In addition to strong academics, there are so many fun local field trips--mission, creek & ocean trips-- and community events--pancake breakfasts, carnival, bike and walk to school Wednesdays--to enjoy. These were highlights for my older child. Visual and performing arts are a part of Bay View--check out the gorgeous murals! We are so happy to be a Bay View Bobcats family :).
Submitted by parent on November 23, 2021

I've had multiple children at Bay View and there have been issues every single year. The most recent issue was that my special ed student wasn't able to have the updated curriculum as other kids in their grade, nor were they allowed to go to all school assemblies. The Santa Cruz City Schools District has been very unresponsive and doesn't seem to take this seriously. The administration and front office have been truly awful and it's hard to understand why they want jobs working with children if that is how they are going to treat them. A lot of teachers here should have retired years ago and take out their burn out on the kids. We've had a number of teacher interactions here and I can honestly say that only two were good teachers - those two were FANTASTIC but it doesn't make up for many more that were mediocre at best, straight up mean to the children at their worst. If you have the ability to attend a different school, I'd recommend you take a long hard look before enrolling your kid at Bay View.
Submitted by other on June 14, 2021

Bay View has an amazing San Lorenzo River Watershed program. The school has a partnership with the Coastal Watershed Council and students of all ages experience both in class and field trip opportunities to learn about the local watershed. For example, this year the second graders were able to plant local native plants in a bioswale adjacent to the parking lot. This is the type of project my daughter will always be able to see and remember her participation and learning about how to slow down stormwater runoff.The school is diverse and this is part of its value. The school has a vibrant after school program, and Life Lab, Art, Music, and a full Library Media Center program. The teachers are very responsive and my children have always felt safe at school and excited for the school year to begin. I highly recommend joining the school community and being a Bay View Bobcat!
Submitted by parent on January 08, 2013

My child goes to this school and while I agree with some of the comments written here, I do have to say that my child was involved in a bullying situation and the principal and teachers did take it very seriously and followed up with us immediately. I do feel this school is somewhat at risk b/c of the differential in parent involvement and hate to bring education and race into it. Art, Music and PE do exist at the school whether the home & school clubs pay for it or not. I think this is the case with most schools nowadays.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2012

Bay View School lacks essential funding (no Gym,Music or Art teachers-the PTA pays for this). Some of the teachers are awesome but many are horrible! The principal is nice but very indifferent to the situations that plague the school. There is horrible bullying and theft that goes on and she could care less. If you complain, she will nod her head in empathy but then nothing will be done and she will not follow up with you. So glad i pulled my kids out of that school!