5 Soft Shadow Ct, Richmond, CA 94803

Valley View is a hidden gem with a strong community of families, staff and teachers. There is definitely priority to work collaboratively between teachers and staff, and the parents are active and supportive both in the classrooms and in the parent's club. The staff knows all the students by name with is part of why the school feels so safe. The principal is very proactive in facilitating an environment of learning and kindness, from morning announcements that include riddles and mindful minutes and breathing exercises, to leading morning walks around the blacktop before school everyday to get students ready to sit in class and learn. The teachers support both academic and social/emotional learning and it shows in their efforts that they really care about their students. They include extracurriculars such as art in the classroom, and pursue continuing education to stay up to date of new developmental concepts such as student led work and the student's own curiosity as an avenue toward better learning. The school offers Performing Arts with East Bay Center for the Performing Arts, and garden classes (with include lessons on ecosystem, life sciences, and kitchen science!) in the garden and school farm that has been established by the non-profit Growing Together (They are only in three schools in our district!) They even have a farmers market on campus!Overall, we love this school, and so many parents boast about the welcoming, active community and safety of our school.