Perched high on a hill, Vannoy Elementary School boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding Castro Valley hills, peppered with trees and houses. The home of the Cougars also features vast grass fields, picnic tables, a playground and many nearby single family homes.
Set in the bucolic hills along the I-580 corridor, Palomares Elementary School is a historically rich place that first opened in 1868 as a one-room school house. Abraham Lincoln signed the school charter, and children rode their horses to school. Nearby ranches indicate that horseback riding is still common in the area, as is bike riding, jogging and hiking. The school's Palomares Creek Restoration Project serves as an outdoor science lab, often connecting students with biologists and engineers.
Our Lady of Grace School is located in a residential neighborhood on Somerset Avenue, where you can often hear the sound of children playing long after school has been released. Ryan Brusco is the principal of the school, which teaches students in Kindergarten through the 8th grade.
The main building was constructed in 1955 and houses eight regular classrooms, the technology center and the library. The gym is used for dance, drama and, on rainy days, physical education classes. The playground, which features a large grassy area, ball courts and play structures, shares space with the parish parking lot. The school's office is located around the corner on Somerset Ave.
Redwood Alternative High School offers an alternative program and a continuation program. The former offers courses that will prep students for a successful academic career at the community college or trade school level. The latter gives struggling students a lighter course load so that they can graduate and lead productive lives.
Strobridge's teachers, on average, are more experienced than others in the Hayward Unified School District, and are more likely to have earned graduate degrees. The campus is well-kept and pleasant. A student mural by local painter Arthur Kong Knight relates the history and future of Castro Valley and Hayward from the Big Bang to motorized skateboards and teleportation. Mimi Deverse became principal in 2009.
Happiness Hill Preschool and Daycare is an early childhood education and care program offering services for children ages 18 months to 5 years. Some of its age-appropriate activities include early math and reading and social and physical activities.
Marshall Elementary School, home of the Mustangs, takes part in the eScript Program to raise funds for school enrichment; check the school website for details. The grounds are spacious and well-kept, including two baseball diamonds and a large playground. The PTA meets the third Wednesday of each month. Walt Lewis is the current principal.