Portola Elementary School

Posted: July 5, 2026

No No No---not a supportive, inclusive environment for children with special needs/learning differences. The approach for my child was seclusion. I was so burnt out by the end of our time there that every time I got a phone call from a district number I panicked. The school culture is not inclusive, my child ended up suspended when he finally reacted to constant chastising, ridicule and and antagonization by not only peers but also teachers that lacked empathy. I did not feel the IEP was followed, I deeply regret sending my child here. The experience left us disappointed in our community. My child is and has consistently has been a high performing student despite challenges, and rebuilding confidence after attending this school was an uphill battle.

Posted: July 5, 2026

Posted: July 5, 2026

Posted: July 5, 2026

Posted: July 5, 2026

Posted: July 5, 2026

Posted: July 5, 2026

Posted: July 5, 2026

Posted: October 26, 2019

Very interesting due to diversity, our family had learned academically, socially, emotionally, is a school where everyone feels super welcome, personnel are polite and dedicated, safe. Office staff know all the families, families need to volunteer more. I don’t feel forced to fundraise but I do it because I think is important to pay for field trips. There are many ways to help that don’t requiere money. Most children are friendly and emphatic. I see them smiling a lot.

Posted: October 26, 2019

The amount of homework is fair, leaving time for your children to do other activities without exhaustion.

Posted: October 26, 2019

Teachers always will find time to address concerns, they don’t wait for Conferences to tell you how your child is doing. They are great listeners. They offer suggestions in its case.

Posted: October 26, 2019

It’s a very diverse school and the New Meaningful Program is promoting understanding, values, empowerment of every student and families. It is necessary for us the families to practice the strategies every day too.

Posted: October 26, 2019

The Principal is always on campus either with students, teacher, personnel or parents I’m surprised how he had time and energy for everyone doesn’t matter if little or big issue .

Posted: October 26, 2019

If your child needs help, will get it. If your child is excelling will get advance assignments.Not more homework, individualized instruction the most teachers can do.

Posted: October 26, 2019

If any problem arises, personnel takes care immediately. Families need to cooperate more and accept help if your own child has challenging behaviors.

Posted: June 4, 2016

For all of you considering Portola for your child's education, PLEASE read ALL the comments about Portola, and don't be swayed by the negative comments of a few people who have made it their passion to undermine the outstanding education and student support this school provides...because they did not always get their way while involved with Portola...and because they were not able to see the big picture when thinking about what principals and teachers go through to successfully educate our children.

The truth is Portola teachers will go the extra mile to get what is needed to help our children become all they can be! Not because of test scores, because they actually care about our kids becoming intelligent, clear thinking, happy adults. Do we really think they like having to fundraise to get the math programs and other essentials needed to help our kids? I really doubt it, but they do what they must TO HELP OUR KIDS! If you don't like being asked to help, don't blame the school...go to the District, go to the California Lottery...ask them why our school aren't getting what they need!

Having had children complete their entire elementary careers at Portola, I have spent a great deal of time on their campus, volunteered for many years, and have had many conversations with teachers and their current principal...and have always come away impressed with how dedicated they are to EACH AND EVERY child's personal success.

As previously mentioned here, I also experienced groups of adults at Portola who didn't always get their way, so have set out to damage a fine schools reputation. Shame on you! Thankfully, these people moved on, and Portola can dedicated its energy to the positive, inspiring educating of our children! THANK YOU PORTOLA FOR THE PART YOU PLAY IN CREATING WONDERFUL STUDENTS!

Posted: June 4, 2016

My children have a great love for learning, and have continued to be excellent students. I am confident that this had MUCH to do with the teaching environment at Portola Elementary!

Posted: June 4, 2016

I believe the amount of homework was reasonable for the grade levels. Also, the amount of homework, and process for submitting it, well prepared my kids for middle and high school.

Posted: June 4, 2016

Portola understands that a persons good character is to be highly valued in becoming a confident adult. Portola doesn't just teach the ABCs and 123s, it teaches very important character traits also!

Posted: August 11, 2015

This school may appear great on paper, but parents beware. The principal here sees your child as two things: a: a test score and b: a $ symbol. The principal at Portola is a bully, horrific at providing even the most basic customer service to parents, and is even more horrific at interacting with the students. The sad part is is that while a few of the teachers are fantastic, the majority of them are only interested in making sure parental money comes flowing into the school. They do not wish to be held accountable with how it is spent, nor play by the rules. I have to question adults (the principal and teachers) who demean and belittle the efforts of their PTA volunteers and demand a certain amount of money from them. Is that really what you want your student a part of? I cannot tell you how many times I heard the principal talk about nothing but test scores and money. Money, money, money. It is disgusting. This school could improve greatly by the administration and teachers there remembering that parents are not their ATM and that the students are not there only to test well and become little drones.

Posted: August 11, 2015

Posted: April 15, 2015

this school is amazing. all the teachers are nice.. especially 5th grade. they have a nice library and principal. most likely best playground in vusd. great test scores and education. a lot more great things. go look at the other reviews or smth

Posted: September 2, 2014

My daughter is in first grade. Each year I have been more and more impressed with the quality of education at the Portola School. Their program is dedicated to educating students not only in basic skills like reading, writing, and math but also in training children to be good citizens. My husband and I love the community feel of the school. Families are encouraged to be involved, but also are not pressured if they cannot. We enjoyed many opportunities to support the school in fun ways: carnival, family picnic days, book fair, etc. I always felt truly welcome and appreciated. Their homework program is consistent and organized, and designed to give students experience with their studies in everyday life. It's so nice to live close to a school of such high caliber. Kudos to the Portola team!

Posted: August 21, 2014

One year in the kindergarten so far. The teacher is AMAZING! He cares about the kids. He knows that different kids have different needs. He tries his best to meet them. His focuses are not only on the academically stuff, but also on educating the kids to be a better person. My kid had a wonderful kindergarten experience. To me, the experience is far beyond my expectation. I am glad that we picked this school and I will recommend it to anyone else.

Posted: August 18, 2014

It is only the first day of school, but I love that Portola had a little fair this past weekend and then a meet and greet the day before school. So helpful for my child getting comfortable about going into 1st grade. Remember parents, its your school while your children are there, don't let the principal get in the way of having a great school!

Posted: August 18, 2014

Portola is a wonderful school that all three of my children have been blessed to attend. My oldest is graduating high school this year and got the very best start at Portola. The teachers are top notch and the school is well maintained. We are VERY happy to be a Portola Family

Posted: August 12, 2014

So, as a very involved parent, volunteering my time a lot at school, I must agree with the comments about the principal and the staff. Not the entire staff but a good majority are so worried about losing their jobs that they allow the principal to do as he pleases. It's very sad, to the point that no one wants to volunteer or participate in any school functions. I have been with this school for many years and I no longer feel as I did when my child first started. Very sad.

Posted: August 11, 2014

The teachers and staff care deeply for their students. My child has been in this school for 3 years and we have had such a positive experience. The teachers here have developed a great program that keeps all children progressing no matter what their level is. I have recommended this school to ALL of my friends and family.

Posted: June 22, 2014

I used to go to portola during my younger years with Theresa Johnson as my principle, my family loved it! I decided to transfer my son from montalvo to portola for this reason. (He will be entering kindergarden this year) yet, with all these reviews I almost want to take back that request.

Posted: June 21, 2014

Portola is a wonderful school with a caring staff. Parents should feel good to have their children in this school. The staff puts in many hours of their own time to ensure the students receive the best possible education. As for putting emphasis on test scores...this is a means to see if the student are getting what that are taught or does the staff need to make adjustments in the curriculum. Great school; Great staff! So happy to be a volunteer for this school.

Posted: May 21, 2014

I agree with the postings about Portola Elementary that state what poor leadership the principle provides. I have brought my concerns to him about his staff numerous times and he repeatedly ignores it. Us parents should start a petition, I hope you all have forwarded your concerns to the school board as well.

Posted: April 15, 2014

1 star because the Principal is beyond difficult. His leadership style is that of a bully! He only cares about is his numbers and how they make him look good. Thankful for the amazing teachers in the 3rd grade. but we have requested to transfer out. They need to remove this principal and find better leadership!

Posted: December 17, 2013

School is great, teachers are outstanding, principal has major ego. Replace the principal and the school would be perfect!

Posted: October 15, 2010

Portola elemtary is a great school to attend. The Teachers are great. They really care about their student performance and their learning. also the staff is outstanding! I enjoy the atmosphere in the school.

Posted: April 25, 2010

This is a GREAT school. My grandchildren love it and it is recognized as an exceptional school statewide. There is so much to write about it but beyond the super teachers are the committed parents. This is what makes the school so superior.