Silicon Valley Academy

1095 Dunford Way

Sunnyvale, CA 94087

13 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on January 04, 2024

I went to SVA from pre k to eighth grade, and had a wide variety of experiences with different teachers and classes. Overall most teachers were experienced and would help students who needed it. There were also teachers whi would let students use things like fidgets in class if they needed them. I will say that in terms of the workload we had a lot of math homework, more than we have in high school, and if you missed an assignment it would get really hard to catch up. I also do have to admit that I never really learned much in Arabic, and I feel a little could be improved on that front. Though overall the only teacher that everyone actively disliked 'left' after a year. I saw another review on here saying that they disliked the lack of hijab, though I would argue it was a plus. From experience, forcing someone to wear a hijab makes it feel more like a chore than something you want to do, and having the choice at school was really nice. Teachers have changed since I was at the school but there were some classes that were-dare I say it-fun. Overall I would give it 3and a half stars, the education was pretty good though some tears there were bullying problems.
Submitted by parent on October 05, 2022

Silicon Valley Academy is such an amazing environment for my kids. I currently have a preschooler, elementary schooler, and a middle schooler, and all three LOVE going to school every day. The school focuses on social-emotional learning, as well as academic learning. My kids are being taught to be critical thinkers, how to learn and study, and ultimately, to love learning. Many teachers have been there for 10 plus years, and are so caring and nurturing. I love that SVA has a clear teaching philosophy - all teachers are trained in it and the students master its methods in Kindergarten. I love their new campus - it has huge windows with bucolic views from each classroom, a full-sized gymnasium, a science lab and makerspace (with 3-D printers), and a large soccer field and playgrounds. The classes are small - student:teacher ratio in each class is 20:1 or less, so each child gets individualized attention. I have also seen teachers and admins identify when a child needs more support, whether that is more advanced work to stay challenged or extra tutoring to not fall behind. I feel very grateful that SVA is so focused on supporting each individual student to reach his/her highest potential. I can't say enough good things about this school!
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2018

This school academicly and socialy is great.
Submitted by parent on June 26, 2017

Health hazard to my son. There are cockroaches everywhere and rats by the playground. my son's developed asthma and the his doctor said cockroaches shed stuff that triggers it.. the school is infested ..
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2015

-Love the school and the method of teaching.- Principal and administration SUPER nice.- Teachers depends on your luck and which class your child is in. I would recommend asking parents who have been there for a while about the teachers and request that specific teacher for your child.- First I'm not sure that all teachers are following the same method of teaching, although I was told all of them have received training.- I was told its a fun learning environment, but its definitely not for my little one , hates coming to school and is terrified of the teacher I might consider switching him to the other class if things don't get better by December, since parents in that class are happy.- I see the class is full of papers, pictures and tons of information but I feel my child is being rushed and forced to learn.- some teachers lack communication skills and definitely need to think before talking. - parents who have been there for years are happy and so are their children they said the teachers are new and came from another school that has another system maybe thats why we are not getting the same experience .- Will wait until the end of the year to decide if i will continue or move to another school.
Submitted by parent on July 24, 2014

I completely agree with the previous review. There are two Qura'n teachers; one destructive and one very nice. I wish the school would keep the nice one and kick the destructive out. Kids are leaving the school because of her.
Submitted by parent on July 03, 2014

Please change the Arabic/Quran teacher. The school would breath easy and kids can go back to enjoy their childhood! Otherwise, I give it one start only.
Submitted by other on June 28, 2014

As a former student, I have to speak on the contrary to what some of the other negative reviews have stated, as they are simply inaccurate claims. This school is run by the efforts of teachers, administration, parents, and community members-- together. In addition, the school is a non-profit organization (check it through the state website), which means there is no singular owner. The school is there to provide options to the community. The teachers and staff make such sacrifices to teach here and they go above and beyond to connect with every student. Still, SVA will not be for everyone and that is okay. Both Muslims and people of other faiths attend this school. The fact that SVA presents such diversity in its staff members and the population they serve is an asset, one I know not everyone will understand. I currently work in the education field and to see the daily commitments the staff makes to provide an excellent education and well-rounded environment to develop wholesome, contributing members of society is remarkable and simply not widely available. The GLAD model implemented at SVA serves an exemplar to public schools across the nation. Don't take my word, just Google it.
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2014

This school is amazing! I completely disagree with the previous review, the Quran teacher is a great teacher and very competent. She talks to parents regularly about their children's progress. My son loves her and her way of teaching Quran. She challenges the students to learn Arabic with her beautiful smile.
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2014

There are aspects of this school that I am very pleased with and other areas where I feel there needs to be more work done. The GLAD method is wonderful, and my child has been able to absorb so much of the information because of the way it is taught. Most of the teachers / staff are friendly and always willing to take time out to discuss any issues. However, I do feel that the school is disorganized in some ways and there is a lack of accountability. There also seems to be little, if anything, done for those struggling through Quran / Arabic classes, and are told to practice at home as a solution. How can a beginner understand how to do his/her homework when it is all written in Arabic? The draw to go to SVA was the Quran / Arabic, and was told prior to entry, that they accommodate children at all levels. This doesn't seem to be the case. The lack of hijab among teachers/staff is also disappointing. I don't think an abaya should be required, but loose clothing and scarf would be more appropriate than form fitting outfits.
Submitted by parent on May 06, 2014

I have a daughter attending this school. The school is owned by a lady who has her daughter attending the school. She keeps moving her best teacher up one level yearly to be with her daughter's level. I like the principle and some of the teachers. The school can improve by replacing the language teacher. This teacher is very unprofessional and treats kids with no respect. She also teaches Quran and that did not fit well with my daughter because the teacher screams at the kids.
Submitted by parent on November 25, 2013

I am a new parent at SVA this year with a Pre-K and 3rd grade student. SVA has gone above and beyond my expectations to provide my children with an amazingly nurturing environment to make their transition flawless coming to America. My 4 year old spoke absolutely no English prior to starting SVA in September 2013. He has gone from a silent student, to a confident child already speaking English at an early intermediate level. My professional background is in linguistics, and this progress in English level typically takes 2-3 years of instruction in traditional schools! My 3rd grade child has received the rigor needed so that she is challenged and excited to learn! I did not understand what the GLAD teaching style was all about until I saw the impact on my children. Children receive specialized support in all areas, and teachers celebrate the various learning styles. The teachers are amazing role models and very loving toward all the children. The SVA teachers are all professional educator with high level of energy that is contagious and very motivational to students! As a single mother, my heart is fully content because SVA is absolutely the best place for all children.
Submitted by parent on September 07, 2013

We just started at SVA last week. So far, we like it. The school has a welcoming environment. It seems that the principal is a big contributor towards that. She is very upbeat, approachable, and confident. GLAD is new to us, but it looks interesting. All the teachers really seem to like it. The one negative point so far is lack of hijab. Many teachers don't wear hijab at all. Most teachers wear hijab with dresses/skirts. I wish there was a dress code (ideally: abaya with hijab), so that the students have good role models and they dont get mixed messages. It seems contradictory to learn Quran with tajweed and tafseer, without bringing it into practice.