Golden Valley Charter School of Sacramento in Orangevale

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	5/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) data from California Department of Education, and using 2025 California Science Test data from California Department of Education.
Student Growth	7/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from California Department of Education.

Posted: May 13, 2026

I worked at this school for a brief period of time. First and foremost, I encourage families to research Waldorf education and its history prior to enrolling any child at these schools. The staff are friendly and I do believe are good people, but they are extremely odd and cater to a liberal education that, despite implying to be inclusive and have a separation of spirituality- they actively encourage and have students rehearse what can be considered to be "secular religion". I quit the day after I walked by a third grade classroom and heard the teacher having the students repeat, "We are our own gods. god is in us and we are in gods image". Please do not take my word: research Waldorf education, Rudolf Steiner (who has historically been known to believe in racial hierarchies), and the incantations/verses that teachers have students repeat. It is a subtle form of indoctrination that I personally do not believe has any place in education.

Posted: May 13, 2026

Posted: April 14, 2024

The 5th grade teacher worked an entire week on campus in class this month KNOWING he had COVID and not so much as wearing a mask, now once again on top of all the strep we have hordes of sick staff, students and parents. Several of our students and staff are medically fragile and at high risk. We were told a substitute simply was not available.

Posted: April 14, 2024

Posted: March 31, 2024

We were very disappointed in the school and its staff, especially the administrator (who has no experience or credentials). The campus is not youth friendly and struggling students are not accommodated. We were relieved to move on!

Posted: March 31, 2024

Posted: September 8, 2022

outstanding school, I joined the school in kindergarten and left it in the 7th grade for outside factors. this school's Waldorf-based curriculum is fantastic. instead of the children being seated in a bland classroom and given worksheets to slave away at for 8 hours the school has children get involved with their work through drawing, physical examples, and painting. the school has children learning concepts like multiplication not with bland worksheets and long-winded lectures but rather with elaborate stories which integrate the mathematical concept while still being engaging enough for the students to take in the information, while also having the children draw about the concept in their "main lesson" books with beeswax crayons. the school's unique way of educating children is highly different compared to the average public school while still remaining effective. another reason contributing to the school's high quality is how the children are not bound to a classroom, kids will often go outside to do schoolwork, for example in the 4th grades botany section students would follow their teacher down the nearby hiking trail to find plants which they would write and draw about the plant and would be graded on the quality of the description of the plant. this school often has students taking nature walks on Thursdays down to the local river. students would then spend time playing in a small area near the river whilst the teacher (and parent volunteers) would keep a watchful eye on the children, this practice would occasionally be academic, for example, in the 5th grade students went down to the river like usual but this time they were tasked with creating a small "canal" to add a hands-on experience to the block which was about early American history and the vital roles of canals at the time. students would also participate in the performing arts, as almost every year students would work with the teacher and parent volunteers to perform a play for the whole school, these plays are related to the academics of the year. for example in the 2nd grade when students would learn about the fairy tale of George and the dragon they would preform a play retelling the events of the fairy tale. if you have any children who are k-8 i would greatly recommend you enroll them.

Posted: September 1, 2022

This school goes above and beyond in every way, shape, and form; teachers and parents work as a team to provide best educational experience possible.
Before this year, the only issue has been 2 terrible principles in a row, but the teachers and their love for the school outweighed the negative principles...This year; however, one of the most dedicated, amazing and genuine teachers took the role of Principle. I can honestly say, in my 10+ years as a parent at this school, that this choice for new Principle by administration was the best thing to happen to Golden Valley.
Another great thing about this school is that they have a renewal room- a game changer for kids with sensory processing disorders (as well as typically developing children)!
A HUGE focus on art; woodworking; gardening; handwork; music; Spanish; nature walks to the river; performing arts and twice as much time outside than any other public school- the positives of this school are Neverending. Can't say enough to adequately describe how fantastic thus school is for children, parents, teachers, and the community.

Posted: September 1, 2022

Posted: February 12, 2022

We have loved our Golden Valley experience so far. Our son is still in Kindergarten. His teacher is extremely experienced and we absolutely love her. She has been so patient and helpful!

Posted: February 12, 2022

Posted: August 5, 2021

I have two kids currently enrolled at golden valley. This will be our third year and we are all so excited for what this new year will bring! This is one of the best schools in the Sacramento area in my honest opinion. Especially when it comes to a waldorf school. We looked long and hard for a school that would provide all of the opportunities for our children that we were providing at home through a Waldorf homeschool program. We wanted them to not only be challenged but to create strong peer connections. Golden Valley has done that and more! The teachers here are incredible. Saying that doesnt even do them justice. Their commitment and love for all of the children in their class is what makes this school as great as it is. Both of my children remember their time in kindergarten fondly and still look forward to seeing their old teachers every day, even though they have moved on to the older grades. Because of how special these teachers are, all of the students in their class come to school with a strong desire to learn and are eager to soak up every little bit of their lessons. Even though this is a public charter they have strong Waldorf values. Virtues such as generosity, kindness, fairness, and helpfulness are taught all through the grades and create a beautiful nurturing environment for all of the children at this school. Art, music, and creativity are at the forefront of almost every single lesson which makes learning new things so much fun and every lesson leaves a lasting impression. Both of my kids are thirsting for new, challenging things, and they love to show off all they have learned in a days work! Their love for learning has blossomed at this school and we feel so blessed to be part of the golden valley family

Posted: August 5, 2021

Posted: August 2, 2019

Most are unhappy and either trying to get new job or don't stick with the same group of kids like Waldorf intends them to.

Posted: August 2, 2019

Horrible experience, parents need to steer clear due to horrible leadership, they don't seem to like to very culturally diverse either.

Posted: May 27, 2018

Waldorf curriculum emphasizes thoughtful and creative homework.

Posted: May 27, 2018

Teachers truly care about each student and work intensively to ensure that each are treated respectfully and commitment to success and growth are foremost in priority

Posted: May 27, 2018

Core values of resilience, respectful communication, commitment to excellence are evident in school culture and classrooms.

Posted: May 27, 2018

progressive leadership that aims to develop every student and include every family in a community.

Posted: May 27, 2018

Very strong student support system and resources for every student need

Posted: May 27, 2018

Culture of school and values programs strongly promote positive student attitudes. Commitment to rapid and focused intervention of student tensions. Bullying is dealt with swiftly and effectively on the rare incidence of occurrence.

Posted: May 27, 2018

Superior. Test scores do not accurately reflect success of Waldorf curriculum. Early learning is paced slower, but pays off huge in later grades as students develop.

Posted: March 13, 2018

I'm on the fence. Considering leaving. My child experienced two bad years that included bullying and an out of control classroom and one beautiful year of Kindergarten that I would not trade for the world. We are getting a new teacher next year so a lot rides on that. The parent community here is wonderful and close knit. The ideals are very important to me if they are upheld. I love the no/ low media policy and the emphasis on creativity and developing self knowledge and relationships as a result of being freed from media. I really believe you can have a wonderful experience here if you get a great teacher. But if you get an average teacher who has good intentions but not what it takes to effectively and lovingly discipline their students then it is not worth it. Your child will be with that teacher for years and the behavior problems will escalate and the classroom will be out of control without any intervention from admin and no amount of Waldorf teaching can overcome that.

Posted: March 13, 2018

Some of the teachers are incredible. A few are not. The Kindergarten experience is wonderful if you love Waldorf ideals.

Posted: March 13, 2018

Again yes, if you get a great teacher. But as a whole these values are part of a facade that's not supported and upheld and certainly not modeled by the administration.

Posted: March 13, 2018

Administration at the Orchard school is souless and uncaring. My child has always been well behaved but I have seen parents plead w administration to address classroom management failures and bullying and nothing has changed. I also saw how these parents were treated. If you get a great teacher(Buck, Philips, Cortez, Sullivan) you may not ever have to deal w administration but if you get a weak teacher look out.

Posted: March 13, 2018

I have witnessed instances that tell me this school does not want children with disabilities.

Posted: March 13, 2018

Parents have pleaded for a real bullying prevention policy. I know a family who withdrew because their child continued to be bullied and admin did nothing. I know of many ongoing bullying problems at this school. It is deplorable and has nothing to do with Waldorf principles. Teaching expectations of kindness and respect should be synonymous with Waldorf but here it is swept under the rug.

Posted: February 23, 2018

No consequences. They advocate the children deal with it themselves. Ridiculous.

Posted: February 23, 2018

My kids usually did their homework at school, so there were hardly any days when they had homework

Posted: February 23, 2018

My son started attending this school in kindergarten. His first two years were good and the teacher had them under control. However, a new teacher came in third grade who had no control over them. Part of the problem was that she didn't have enough experience, both with unruly children and the Waldorf curriculum. There were very specific things that I was excited that my son would be learning about. The Waldorf curriculum is supposed to be immersive - it wasn't. I also feel like he didn't learn as much as he could have because of his learning environment. The teacher eventually left.

Posted: February 23, 2018

Some of the kids are great. The ones that are not, aren't taught a better way to be treat people, nor are there any consequences. My child was bullied but because the Waldorf philosophy states that children should be allowed to handle things themselves, no one did anything. Very disappointed.

Posted: February 23, 2018

The principal last year didn't support his teacher last year, despite the documentation that she left.

Posted: February 23, 2018

Disappointing. I had high hopes for this school because of the philosophy. I agree with the sentiments about not having a good teacher. They don't switch around students, so if your child winds up with a bad teacher, then you are out of luck. If the kids in your class are unruly and your teacher can't handle them, then you either help in the classroom to help with classroom management or don't expect your kid to learn there. Simple as that.

Posted: February 4, 2017

This school isn't for everyone due to the fact that they emphasize no "screen time" for young kids (which I've come to agree with), reading delayed to 2nd grade and low amounts of homework but if you are OK with that it can be an excellent school. The administration and faculty is very passionate and competent and there is a strong sense of community among the parents. Despite the delayed reading and low amounts of homework the standardized test grades are strong and the children get an overall better education here IMO than in normal schools.

Posted: February 4, 2017

Posted: February 2, 2015

My son began K at a public school. He HATED IT. he turned into this child I didn't recognize, fighting about doing homework, going to school, telling me about school-everything was a fight with him. Dealing with the teacher wasn't any better. After observing him on a school field trip and how he interacted with others, including the teacher, we pulled him out of school. We had already begun the enrollment process with GVC, thankfully, but it was over a month before he was officially a student at GVC. BEST DECISION EVER! He talks to me again, he has made friends, he is engaged with the curriculum-he is HAPPY. he constantly tells me how much he loves his school-I recognize my son again! This holistic approach to education was exactly what my family needed to not be ripped apart-I can't even begin to tell anyone how the public school system was negatively impacting not only my relationship with my son, but also with my husband, and a childhood friend-GVC really saved us what could have been a lot if heartache.

Posted: July 16, 2014

This school is horrible, if you don't like your teacher your screwed because you don't change throughout k-8, this school is full of overprotective parents and teachers , so if your jeans aren't above your stomach your a criminal. The curriculum is for kindergarten and once your in middle school it's hard to get through a class. When I left Gvcs and went to a public school it was the best decision in my life!!

Posted: April 29, 2014

Never have I been associated with a school with such a feeling of community. Care, actual caring, love and nurturing is fostered here and children (wait, this will blow you away) learn by watching the adults involved here exhibit these. All else they need to learn comes from these. The curriculum springs from art and story, as is Waldorf, and the individual is SO CELEBRATED! In our schools system, the 1st grade teacher moves through the grades up to 8th with the same class, creating a family within which my oldest has learned how to appreciate, tolerate, and celebrate differences. He also has learned to communicate and share on very difficult topics and to debate in a courteous and honest way regarding all facets of being a Human being. I have had the good fortune to make the time to be really involved with the classes of my three children who attend, to work with amazing teachers, parents and staff, and our entire family is richer and more virtuous for being a part of GVCS. The staff continually trains in the methods that make them more talented and able to convey how art and science lend to each other to educate.

Posted: October 31, 2013

GVCS is ok. My child has been there 5 yrs. She hated public school and likes GV ok. The classes are way too large (30) to do much more than manage behavior and my child appears to be falling behind her public school peers, we are supplementing her education so she can transition adequately to high school. It is not a Waldorf school but rather Waldorf "inspired". It is a hybrid between public and waldorf which I think is better as waldorf kids are wonderful but "weird" according to their public school peers much of the time when transitioning to public school. The sense of community is good but administration is cold and the rigid adherence to the over abundance of school rules is ridiculous and leaves parents feeling punatively punished frequently which is beyond annoying. I like that my child isnt stressed by too much homework like her public school peers and that we don't pay a fortune. Immersion spanish is a joke, after 5 years she hasnt learned much and there is a lot of turnover in teachers incl specialty teachers who are clearly frustrated and take it out on the kids. Great for K-2, maybe not for higher grades.

Posted: September 26, 2013

My children have been attending this school for 4 years. They absolutely love school! They have teachers who really consider their well-being. They are gaining so much more than an education: compassion, cooperation and unity. GVCS has an incredible warm, inviting community of teachers, parents and staff who come together to celebrate the children on their educational journey.

Posted: September 4, 2013

GVC is a wonderful educational environment. The staff is dedicated and the parents are active with the school. My daughter does not say she does not want to go to school anymore.

Posted: August 21, 2013

This is a great school. I am a parent here now and love that it offers a Waldorf education without the tuition.

Posted: August 16, 2013

We love Golden Valley Charter School! Our daughter is just starting kindergarten, but we already feel so welcome and the teachers are so warm.

Posted: August 14, 2013

Golden Valley Charter School is a Waldorf inspired elementary/middle school. The option to offer a Waldorf education through a public school is a privilege. We are so grateful for the specialty programs offered through Waldorf education, as well as the patient, creative, and dedicated teachers.

Posted: August 12, 2013

Golden Valley is on top of the wave for charter schools in California. It has been on the cutting edge of charter development, with its synthesis of Waldorf methodology to public school delivery and quality of teaching staff and administration; I'm thankful to have had this option for my childrens' schooling. BEST FIELD TRIPS EVER!

Posted: August 11, 2013

Our family came to Golden Valley Charter School four years ago. We were drawn by the integration of music, art, gardening and handwork into the curriculum and the mantra of teaching to the "head, heart and hands." Our sons are thriving at GVCS and we coudn't be happier that we made the change. The GVCS community has become our extended family and we recommend anyone check out the school to see if it would be a good fit for your family.

Posted: August 8, 2013

My son has attended GVCS since Kindergarten. Our family wanted a school that provides a well-rounded education and was not teaching to the standardized tests. As a previous public school teacher, I personally witnessed subjects being dropped (history, science, etc.) because they were not being assessed by the test. You're child will not be forced to complete monotonous assignments or take continuous quizzes/tests. Instead, children develop a deep understanding of everything they learn. There is plenty of research and personal experience to embrace this wonderful gift we can give to all our kids (i.e. play more outside and be creative at home). I do wish more parents at GVCS embraced this routine at home. My husband and I both come from traditional schools and are very grateful for our son to receive an education that nurtures his mind, heart, and soul. All teachers have a CA teaching credential and have either graduated or are in training to receive their Waldorf teacher credential. Kids get Spanish, music, handiwork, etc. Considering all the programs being cut at public schools, we are very lucky at GVCS! Parents work hard to make sure our kids get the best education possible.

Posted: August 8, 2013

Nothing is perfect, but GVCS is close. Certainly, it is more than just a school. Golden Valley is a community, parents, teachers, and staff working together to develop each student's best self. I cannot fully express how good the school has been for my daughter in the remaining 918 characters, but there's this--I cannot imagine a better place for her. The school challenges her mind while her teacher respects her as a person; it challenges her body while she is in the midst of loving friends; it nourishes her soul. I am so happy that we found Golden Valley Charter School.

Posted: August 8, 2013

My daughter has been attending Golden Valley Charter School since kindergarten and we absolutely love the school! The teachers are amazing. The Waldorf learning methods are perfect for all children. The campus is beautiful. The administrators are friendly. I am so grateful for the school because it has been such an amazing blessing to my daughter and our family. We're always welcome on campus to work in the classroom and more. Thank you for all of the wonderful years, Golden Valley!

Posted: August 7, 2013

This school has CARE down to a science...their mantra should be it takes a village and the community always always puts in 110%...The warmth from the staff is rare; always a hello to all always a smile, always there to help from the tiny problems to the Herculean one and non stopping till answers are found...the time and energy each teacher devotes to each student is a rare gift.

Posted: August 7, 2013

I'm thrilled with my daughter's education at GVCS and at the community within. The teachers, students and parents care for and nourish each other. Students are seen as individuals and treated and taught as such which makes for beautiful, creative, imaginative learning. Not the place to go if you are looking for formulaic, test-driven teaching. But, it is the place to go if you want your child to be taught how to be a life-long learner.

Posted: June 7, 2013

Golden Valley has many wonderful philosophies and ideas, but many are not carried out as promised. The teachers are not fully Waldorf trained and so many of the activities seem chaotic and not the way I would expect them to be. I imagined this school to be peaceful, but the classrooms seem pretty out of control. My child loves the art, music, Spanish, etc, but not how crazy the classroom always is. It looks like we will be returning to our local public school and will be doing the Waldorf activities we love at home instead. Perhaps things would be better if the administration had more time to really get into the classrooms to help teachers be great teachers. The class sizes are just about the same as public schools, too. Volunteering is much lower here than at local public schools, and many families do not follow the low/no media policy - and it would be really hard to enforce that I am sure. Great philosophy and intentions, but they are not being carried out well. I think if you got really lucky and got a phenomenal teacher, things may be alright - but otherwise I would look elsewhere.

Posted: April 17, 2013

As a parent at this school for almost 12 years now, I have watched this school blossom from a small school of less than 75 students to a large campus with over 400 students. Both products of the public school system, my husband & I had our reservations about the relatively non-academic nature of the early grades. However, the proof is in the pudding: After 10 years in this school, my oldest daughter wanted to go to a public high school, where she is in honors classes. She often serves as a class/ project leader in her new school. My younger two daughters, in the 4th & 8th grades, continue to thrive at Golden Valley. Both eagerly complete their homework each night, since it is based on material that they see value in. Finally, as a Math teacher at a public middle school, I get to compare how the two groups of students are learning. Perhaps it is the small class size at GV, the well-established bonds that exist between classmates, or maybe it is the years of experience in 3D rendering that makes the difference, but whatever it is, GV 8th graders work at near college-level in their math; whereas, even the highest math classes in the main stream struggle. A dream school.

Posted: March 9, 2013

My children have been attending Golden Valley for 3 years. My children are completely thriving in this school. They both have teachers who nurture them with love and structure. They are learning Spanish, how to play the flute, paint, sculpt, write, explore mathematics in a living way, garden, handwork, dance, sing and read with passion. Golden Valley has inspired us to be the best parents we can be.

Posted: March 6, 2013

We love Golden Vallley and have had very positive experience for the 5 years that we have been here. We have moved all the way from another state so that the kids could attend this school!!! It is a very warm and nurturing environment.

Posted: March 6, 2013

As a teacher and parent I have been involved with a number of different schools, and I do not hesitate to call Golden Valley a great school. The social atmosphere is warm and supportive, the teachers are dedicated and loving as well as capable, and the school community is a real community - diverse, active, joyful, and cohesive. The school is based upon Waldorf Pedagogy. While the Waldorf education is very effective in developing moral, emotional, and intellectual excellence, it is not everybody's cup of tea. Parents who are primarily concerned with the kind of learning that is best measured by standardized, multiple choice tests may not understand or appreciate this approach, since it is geared to educating the whole child by supporting independent and creative thinking while attending to the education of the heart and will as well. I recommend that parents become aquainted with the Waldorf philosophy, visit the school, and think deeply about the meaning a purpose of education. Golden Valley will support your child's growth into the person he or she is meant to be.

Posted: March 6, 2013

Our family's involvement at GV has truly been life-changing. However, based on the reviews here, it is not for everyone. If you are opposed to providing a life for your child outside of school that is rich in literature, physical activity, communication, and positive discipline then you may have difficulty in this community. If, however, you are sincerely attempting to give your child an education (both in and out of school) that is rich in arts, media free, and focused on the growth of the whole child, then this is the place for you. Be prepared for positive change.

Base	Distance
Coast Guard Sacramento	10.8 mi.
Beale AFB	32.2 mi.
Travis AFB	48.9 mi.

Golden Valley Charter School of Sacramento

Orangevale, CA 95662

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Golden Valley Charter School of Sacramento

Orangevale, CA 95662

School Ratings

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