5 Elysian Pl
Oakland, CA 94605

This is just my testimony for my special needs child! When we first visited the school; it was clean and it was completely enclosed which was perfect for our little! Everyone was very warm and welcoming! When it came for my child to start school it was great the first 2 weeks which I wasn’t aware that the main teacher wasn’t there. When the teacher made it to day one of week 3 I was told that my child was too loud; disrupts the class etc. Me knowing my kid instantly made me concerned because I want to be sure that I help them to know that when mommy and daddy aren’t here you must listen to your teacher! Apparently what was happening was my child was being ostracized whenever they would cause a disruption or have an outburst; which my kid does regularly; since they are nonverbal. Following that day I was asked to retrieve my child an hour after dropping them off and sometimes 30 minutes after dropping her off. Then came the roughest conversation; PLACEMENT! The teacher felt as though my child wasn’t ready for school and instead of adapting slightly to learn my child; I was told it’s not working out and she’s not ready for school! At the end of the meeting the teacher says word for word; “You know yo kids clothes don’t fit right.” The day after that meeting I stopped taking my child because it then dawned on me that; my child was being disruptive because they didn’t feel heard at all. They started standing on desks because they weren’t getting recognized and they felt that they had to do what was needed to be heard! Long story short after we decided not to return; the teacher never called even once to check on my child. We now have started a brand new year after summer vacay and my child is excelling in every class and is the teacher helper on a regular! We have found a teacher that loves our child and does wonders with getting and keeping my child involved and excited! After the first week of school my baby started getting sad on Fridays because they knew they weren’t going to get to go to school! They wake up every morning before I do sometimes to get the day started! They sit quietly during library and even help pass out supplies and even made 3 friends! THIS IS WHAT ITS ABOUT! I’m so sorry to say; I’m beyond grateful to have left Grass Valley Elementary School nor would send or request this school to anyone in our future! Listen to your special needs kings and queens in training and do it proudly!

This school keeps getting better and better! There was a big improvement this year in spirit and community that was palpable. Skyline also had its first auction this year, which was a big success. The community feels very strong and the students are excited about learning and work really hard. There were a lot of students this year who got into the top tier UCs, too. My son is in track and his coaches and teammates are fabulous, a real family. I feel like people are accepted there for whoever they are. It is beautifully diverse and my son's teachers have been wonderful. The principal is very invested in making the school the best it can be. I am floored by the beauty of the place when I go to track meets or visit the school. Their arts program is top-notch, too. I know Skyline used to be a very desirable OUSD high school way back when, and I strongly believe it will get there again. It has so much going for it!

As past ECP educator, left site due to over bearing Principal that creates an intimidating culture under the guise of "family". It was a horrible working environment and many students and co-workers agreed with me.....