School Profile
San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School Profile
Mission Statement
We are a community of dedicated educators supporting one another to develop critical thinkers and inspire confident learners. We are committed to making a difference in the lives of children through innovative programs, engaging curriculum, active communication, and essential interventions.
Vision Statement
Our vision is to build and sustain innovative programs, engaging curriculum, and essential interventions that support continuous improvement in student achievement.
About Our School
San Lorenzo Valley Elementary (SLVE) is one of two elementary schools in the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District. Nestled in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, SLVE has been a vital part of the community for more than 70 years.
SLVE is a Title I school, receiving federal funds to provide extra academic support, targeted interventions, extended learning, and family engagement programs to help all students succeed, especially those facing economic or educational challenges.
SLVE serves students in Transitional Kindergarten through 5th grade. Our curriculum is aligned with the California Common Core State Standards and is designed to prepare students for college, career, and life. Teachers collaborate weekly in grade-level teams to focus on student achievement and instructional strategies.
SLVE provides a rich and well-rounded education. Students in TK–3rd grade receive weekly music instruction and art lessons, as well as Life Lab/garden-based science lessons that support hands-on learning in ecology, sustainability, and healthy living. In 4th and 5th grades, students benefit from subject-specific teachers in music, art, and science. Physical education is an integral part of our weekly schedule.
Culture and Learning Environment
SLVE is proud to be a PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) school. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful school climate where positive behavior is explicitly taught, modeled, and celebrated. Our PBIS framework supports students' social-emotional development and fosters a positive, supportive environment for learning.
Unique Opportunities
Our campus is uniquely located alongside San Lorenzo Valley Middle School and High School, offering cross-age learning opportunities. Middle and high school students regularly volunteer as tutors and classroom aides, fostering strong mentorship and community connections.
SLVE students also benefit from our extraordinary natural surroundings. Our location in the redwoods and near the local watershed allows for immersive, hands-on science learning. Students participate in nature walks, outdoor experiments, and conservation-based lessons that bring science and environmental education to life.
At SLVE, we are proud of our strong sense of community, our passionate and dedicated staff, and a school culture that nurtures the whole child. Together, we are growing learners, leaders, and compassionate citizens.
