Best Elementry Schools in the Willow Glen/ Cambrian areas. We have two small children and are looking for a

What determines in your mind as a "best school?" I've worked with people who needed specific education for their children. Perhaps a child with special needs would be served by a school which had programs for them. What about arts, music, science and sports? Every child is different and the test scores may not be reflective of the individual need of your children.

Both my children attended schools in Cambrian. My older son needed more one on one attention and Leigh High had a great program for that. He also thrived in science at Union Middle. Both sons appreciated the GATE programs afforded to them in elementary school. My younger son enjoyed the free music program at Farnham Elementary and excelled in math at Dartmouth middled.

When people ask me about "best schools" I always ask back what is best for their child and to do the research based on their childs needs. Sometimes that may be private school.

What I as a parent loved about Cambrian is the care the teachers gave and the involvement of the parents.

Hello Alison, I think most of the schools are good in the areas you mentioned. If you want specific test scores such as API-Academic Performance Index, you can look at http://www.greatschools.net or in the communities link on my website below.
Keep in mind, that API Scores can change every year. So a high API score this year may not be the same high score when your little ones begin Kindergarten. However, as I mentioned before, you are on the right track with the areas you've chosen to look. Call me if you need help finding scores on the website. Kind regards.

Good morning Alison,
My children have grown up in the Union School District, from Noddin Elementary School up through Leigh High School, so I am personally aware of the quality of the schools in the area. Depending on how long you plan to live in a home (and add a few more years on top of that), I agree with CJ that the upper school levels get more complicated.
Schools are more than just the API score. They are the community for the surrounding neighborhoods. They are comprised of the active parents, devoted teachers & administrators.
My first suggestion is to look at your budget & compare the kind of home you are considering in the various neighborhoods. Then, visit the schools, talk with the principal, and get the flavor of what the school is all about. Some schools have seen large changes in their scores because of a change in administration. Some schools have been truly consistant in their excellence. And, having had 2 children go through middle & high school, I can personally share with you that the level of the api scores in the schools may not truly reflect the level of teaching that occurs.
Feel free to give me a call, and we can talk, mother to mother. It also helps that I am a realtor who does a large amount of my business in the Cambrian & Willow Glen areas, and I also grew up in Willow Glen. The answers to your question are multi-dimensional, and you personally will have a large impact on the academic success your children have in school.
Happy house hunting!
Linda Baker

Alison,
CJ gave you the name of good schools in the areas you're interested in. MLS listings do not always have the complete school information. A good way to approach this is to find a few homes you're interested in and find out what schools serve those particular addresses by calling the school districts or ask your Realtor.
I'd be happy to answer your specific questions. Hope this helps.

I have a school link on my website that lists all the schools in Santa Clara county along with the API scores. Feel free to visit :)

Alison,

The best public primary is Booksin and Bagby for Willow Glen. For Cambrian, Oster, Carlton, and Noddin.
However, things get more complicated for Middle School and High School.

Check out this great web site to see more:
http://schoolperformancemaps.com/ca/#37.317206%2C-121.917343…