TLDR - a small public school with a lot of heart and charm, teachers and staff that care, a strong community supported by parents All of our children currently attend the school and we have been a part of the community for eight years. I use the word 'community' above because that is what it is. This school is K-8 and has a total student body of about 300. That is very rare for a public school and that is why many who attend the school say that it feels like a charter or private school. Now that said, I don't think you should expect it to cater to everyone's needs. While I don't know the details I think that's why some people who have had very specific requests or needs for their students felt like they were not met. At the end of the day this is a public school with programming and support for most, not all. For our family, we have been more than satisfied with our experience here. The teachers and staff truly care. We feel like they go above and beyond in not only providing a great academic experience for our kids, but also a nurturing one. The Community Club (PTA) Is active and does a lot for the school. Like any other school, volunteering and donations are critical. At the end of the day, you GET what you PUT into the school. The principal truly cares. She pours her heart and soul into the school and it shows. She also greets every child at drop off in the morning - honestly who does that nowadays? I remember witnessing that the first day we arrived at the school and that was eight years ago. She continues to do this and I think it's one example of what makes her and the school special. Other things that make the school charming: * There is a garden, and students learn a bit about how to properly grow plants and vegetables. The garden is named after a special student whose soul and legacy lives on * There's a nearby park where parents sometimes gather to have coffee and snacks on important school days. It's a nice way to meet others and have a chat * The playground is top notch. Mr Hoxie and the facilities team do amazing work to make sure that the facilities and amenities are updated and fun for the kids * The winter concert is adorable. The music director works so hard to prepare the kids and they always do a fantastic job. Because our school is small it feels so intimate, supportive, and encouraging. read more

Be cautious if you're considering this school in 2024. There is a lot of change underway, and the community and town are at odds on how to move forward. Until recently, the school board had been mostly liberal and very welcoming of all sorts of kids and families. After all, 80% of this school is transfers (216 students and 2.9 million of the overall budget.) Only 20% (55 students and $700k of the budget) are from within the local area. The most recent board has a conservative majority and they are being influenced by and consulting the Moms For Liberty and other far right groups with religious undertones. It is making for a very tense situation. The board has started taking issue with the number of "outsiders" in the school (aka 80% of their budget and current community). They are starting to run a "back to basics" focus. In Feb 2024, the principal of 16 years has retired (the board made it clear they were after her job). In the most recent board meeting, right leaning towns folk started bad mouthing and name calling teachers. A board member accused an IT person at the school of doctoring videos and running "a cover up." Needless to say, this mess is taking more energy and attention than needed for a school (at least for the adults involved). With the principal leaving, it would be reasonable to think some teachers will leave and some of the "outsiders" will find another place with less drama. And, there's a recall going on. So before signing up do some research and google Sunol Glen School Board. read more

Sunol Glen Elementary School - Sunol Glen Elementary School - Elementary Schools Near Me - Sunol, California

Terrible staff and terrible principal. Molly has horrible behavior and is very impatient for certain things at different times. She doesn't want to deal with special kids which is a big problem, because I thought everyone was welcome but clearly that's not the case. When can they get a principal that will be nice, calm, and always have a good attitude whenever a emergency, or a kid gets in trouble. And whenever a kid would get in trouble she would get really mad and she would try to teach the kids a lesson, that's the parents job not Molly's job. Kick Molly out and get new staff and a new principal. read more

The teachers at this school are outstanding, and the parents are wonderful. Great school community. The principal is a problem. The other reviews that state that she has the tendency to behave as a 'bully', i.e., in an unprofessional, aggressive and dishonest fashion are correct. I have witnessed this. Reviews that question these criticisms of the principal are naive - of course she doesn't behave in this fashion at all times and of course she has moments in which she performs well - such as when in public. People who have dealt with her individually, in her office and out of public view would be the ones who have seen her problematic behaviors. These strongly negative behaviors she engages in appear to surface when she is angered, disagreed with and under pressure - precisely when a school needs a leader to be calm, fair and under control. The school should take these concerns seriously and better monitor her behavior. read more

The school in general, and it's principal - Molleen Barnes - in particular, DOES NOT support students with learning differences. Not every child is welcomed at this school - they do not want to deal with kids with learning disabilities and behavioral issues. Not every child is equal at this school - they want "normal" kids, preferably with rich parents. Numerous and numerous fundraisers are held throughout the year (~ every month) to extract every possible $$ from parents. My child was struggling there for a few years since kindergarten, both academically and behaviorally due to his ADHD. Instead of testing him for learning disabilities, providing services and support, principal Molleen Barnes simply expelled him from school with failing grades after 3rd grade. It is easier for them to get rid of a troubled student, rather than dealing with his/her issues. Our not-so-fancy neighborhood school picked him up, got him tested, got him services, provided all kinds of support, including emotional. In 3 years (4-6th grades) they nurtured him back to health, helped him to gain back his self-esteem he once lost at Sunol Glen. My son finished his 6th grade at our neighborhood school with an honor roll. I highly doubt that would be ever possible at Sunol Glen. read more

Our experience (going on year four now) at Sunol Glen has been an incredibly positive one. Wonderful school with a wonderful, caring and very gifted staff. Our kids get more art and music classes there than they would at another school, which is a big deal for us. Lots of great after school clubs, and the Community Club does a wonderful job of getting parents involved and of fundraising as well. Molly Barnes knows the kids well and we are incredibly happy with the atmosphere she has created there. To see the word "bully" associated with her, as was raised in a previous disgruntled review could not be farther from the truth. Previous reviews seem to have the whiff of a parent that expects a school to do their job for them. I can speak to our experience, and I believe if you asked the other parents they'd feel the same-- this is a wonderful school run by committed, professional educators who have created a wonderful, caring, fun academic environment for our kids. Couldn't be happier with it. read more

The school is pretty and feels safe. There are some great parents and teachers. We have been unhappy that the school does not appear to have up-to-date approaches to Inclusion and Diversity and K-8 learning. We believe that these areas are lacking due to the current leadership. The school needs new leadership that understands the present day Bay Area. read more

I have three granddaughters going to Sunol Glen Elementary School. I am continually amazed by the support of the Principal, Teachers, and staff. Having worked for the school district for many years, I have seen it all. In comparison Sunol Glen gets my vote for being outstanding in every aspect of education. Thank you, Sunol Glen Elementary School! We love you!!!! read more

I cannot say enough about this school. Really, I cannot understand anyone giving this school anything other than 5 stars. It is a community. One I think any family would love to be a part of, but you have to immerse yourself in it just like you would any other school. They make make it fun for the kids. There is always something happening at Sunol Glen. You don't have to do it all, but my 9 year old loved to be a part of anything and everything she could. My 9 year old and 5 year old attended Sunol. My nine year old from 2013-2019 (since preschool) and my 5 year old was in preschool there for 1.5 years. They both LOVED going to school every day! They had so many friends; same age, older, younger, it's such a small school that you get to know everyone. I think that's a great feeling for the kids, and for us parents as well. The Principal, Mrs. Barnes is one amazing lady and is always on campus talking with the kids, parents, and teachers. She gives many hugs each day and knows every single kids name. I recently moved out of the area and leaving Sunol Glen is our only regret (a BIG regret). We keep saying we just wish we could take Sunol Glen with us. We will never find anything like it. Oh-and the teachers are all just as awesome as the Principal. They are all very sweet and loving toward their students and genuinely care. The education you'll get there is top notch! My 9 year old is ahead of the curriculum here at her new school. So they actually need to catch up to her. I think the kids do so well at this school because they make it fun. Do not hesitate if you have the opportunity to send your children here. I can't see how you would ever regret it! read more