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.
Curriculum is an academic and play-based program at this well-equipped child care center founded in 1963 in a large former private home. Preschool is for kids two to five; they must be potty-trained. Day care is available for kids six to 11 during school breaks and also in conjunction with Castro Valley Elementary, two doors south; staffers walk the kids to and from lunch and provide activities before and after class. Activities are based on weekly or monthly themes, such as "Argh! Pirates!" or "Rainforest." There are rooms for naps, two miniature classrooms, a room-size "dollhouse," a large playground in back and a courtyard for outdoor crafts.
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.
Camelot offers preschool and day care for children ranging from 6 weeks old to 5 years as well as private education for kindergarten through fifth grade. Camelot's Castro Valley campus is located in the hills above John Drive and Foothill Boulevard on a quiet residential cul-de-sac; a magic-castle mural carries out the school's theme.
In 2008-09, Camelot third graders scored at least 10 percent above average in almost all categories of the California Achievement Test; fourth graders' scores were 12-30 percent above average.
Located behind Valley Baptist Church on Lake Chabot Road, A Shepherd's Heart Christian School offers private education for kindergarten through 12th grade. The school touts its ability to help all students excel academically, from "advanced to those who struggle." Children with learning disabilities can take classes along with their peers, and all are guaranteed a practical, hands-on experience. Uniforms are not required, but clothing must be "prudent, practical and proper."
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.
In addition to priding itself as a "California Distinguished School," the Canyon Middle School prides itself on its notable music program, in which students can study choir, band or orchestra. The school also offers competitive sports in football, cross country, golf, softball, volleyball, tennis, basketball, soccer, wrestling and track.
Creekside Middle School, "Home of the Wildcats," is surrounded by single family homes and lush greenery.
Since its 1997 inception, Creekside's vision has been to provide "unwavering commitment to a rigorous program for every child, where each is challenged and provided with the means and motivation to increase achievement."
In 1986, Catherine Eckhardt opened Growing Years Preschool. At Growing Years, each child takes home a developmental portfolio after graduating, which showcases how many inches they've grown since the first day of school and includes writing samples to demonstrate how much their skills have improved over time.
The play-based, as opposed to academic-based, curriculum ensures each child has a messy, hands-on experience in the classroom. Kids can of course wash up at child-sized sinks before munching on crackers, cheese or cookies during snack time, or before digging into a fulfilling and nutritious lunch.
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.