5302 Kensington Way
San Jose, CA 95124

Both our kids have been to Alta Vista Elementary school. Apart from wonderful teachers, the school's main strengths are the strong parental involvement in all activities, a diverse set of kids from all over the world, and a nice balance between academics and extra curricular activities. The schools art, music and sports enrichment programs have made a big difference to the quality of education of my kids. It also helps that the school feeds into Union Middle, which is also a great middle school.

Going into 8th here. Great school. I’ve met a lot of friends here and mostly everyone is kind. Most of the teachers are friendly and supportive, often making the content in their classroom fun and entertaining to consume. They also offer time after school (sometimes before, depending on the teacher) and after class (such as lunch or break) to often help with students questions. Councillors (some teachers as well) are also very supportive and willing to listen to a student’s concerns whether it be mental health, stress, etc. This school is very accepting of anyone, regardless of any factors that may make them different. For the most part, homework is relatively limited except for the nearly daily math homework and/or any unfinished work from the day. Electives are fun and provide fun experience for all grades, especially drama and project lead the way, and offer nearly no homework. I cannot speak on how people with disabilities are treated here, as I do not know myself. One thing I would like to mention is that some teachers aren’t that supportive. Some days they are willing to help and answer questions but mostly just subconsciously make you feel bad for asking something that they might’ve answered already. I’m a student that has trouble focusing my attention a bit of the time (not on purpose), and sometimes need to make sure something is right a few times before going ahead with stuff, so these types of teachers aren’t really helpful to me. Students who struggle shouldn’t have to feel bad for asking questions. I get that this can be a rightful punishment for kids who, purposefully, don’t listen and cause trouble, but it seems like the teachers who do this do it to all of their students, regardless of if they were intentionally not listening or not. Additionally, it seems like kids who are purposefully misbehaving don’t get punished for their actions like they should be. I’ve seen many times where students in my classes have been borderline-violent and inappropriate with others and yet they get no punishment other than a talking-to. Maybe there’s more I don’t see, but from what I’ve seen that seems to be the extent of it. Overall, this school is amazing and I loved being here for the over two years I’ve been here, soon to be three this year. Staff is mostly great, surprised how they manage how unhinged a lot of older students are- Would recommend. Go Tigers!

Top school in the bay area. Good facility. Nice teachers. Great curriculum. Students are motivated to learn.