About Us

Valley's mission reflects that of the Poway Unified School District: to build college-readiness for all students through a rigorous, engaging, standards-based curriculum. Traditionally, discussions of college-readiness have been confined to high schools. At Valley, we believe that the awareness of post-secondary opportunities must be built from the first day students enter school. Beginning in kindergarten Valley teachers instill in their students the understanding that "after high school comes college." Classes adopt a university of their own and display college-related banners, t-shirts and other visuals to bring the presence of the university right into our elementary school classrooms. But college-readiness is more than just knowing about college. It is most important to receive highquality instruction that ensures mastery of the standards proscribed by the State in the Frameworks for Public Instruction. To provide a strong, coherent instructional program for all our students, teachers work together both within and across grade levels to coordinate curriculum, track student achievement data, and plan together for the success of each Valley student.

 

Built in 1962, Valley School is one of twenty-five elementary schools in the Poway Unified School District. It is one of the three original elementary schools located in the heart of Poway and is located next to the City Library, Sheriff Station, Fire Department, City Hall, and Community Center. Valley completed a major modernization project a couple of years ago that included new kindergarten classrooms, a new library and main office, renovation to all classrooms and the elimination of most portables. Approximately 700 students are currently enrolled in Kindergarten through fifth grade. Enrollment at Valley Elementary has remained stable, but the ethnic make-up and number of English Learners has been steadily increasing over the last several years. Ethnic groups include 31% Caucasian, 40% Hispanic, 6% Filipino, 7% Asian, 4% African-American, and 12% from other ethnic groups. Students live in upper, middle, and lower income houses, apartments, and mobile homes.

 

Valley Elementary is a Targeted Assistance Title 1 school, meaning that the school receives federal funding to provide services to eligible children identified by the school as failing, or most at risk of failing, to meet the state's academic content standards. Title 1 funds are mostly used to support methods and instructional strategies that are proven to be effective and that strengthen the core curriculum for students at risk of failure. This is done through daily small group instruction to struggling students along with coaching of classroom teachers from the school's literacy specialist.

 

Valley has a Resource Specialist Program to assist students who have identified learning problems. Special Education staff includes a full time Resource Specialist and Speech/Language Specialist. Additionally, a School Psychologist is on campus two days a week to support students in a variety of ways and to test students for possible identification for special education services. Students needing a Special Day Class are referred to neighboring schools. A Gifted and Talented Program of differentiated instruction within the regular classroom setting is provided for students who are identified.

The Boys and Girls Club opened next door to the school in January 2004 and provides after school care for first through fifth grade for a nominal annual fee. Valley is the only elementary school in Poway that is part of the district's ASES Grant to provide daily before and after school programs to over 100 needy students. Valley has a partnership with Cal State San Marcos in which student teachers take classes on site and tutor Valley students after school. Valley also hosts several student teacher placements each year. It is a strong partnership that benefits both Valley students and CSUSM teacher candidates.

A Dual Language (Spanish) Immersion program is provided for students K through fifth grade. Valley also provides a full day program for Kindergarten students. The school is on a modified calendar which serves to shorten the time that students are away from school during the summer, strengthening the consistency of all learning opportunities.  An on site Homework Club is provided to over 100 students each day through a community group.