Your Donations At Work
Enriching Education in Mountain View Whisman Schools TK-8 at Eleven Schools
The Mountain View Educational Foundation (MVEF) is proud to fund essential programs that enhance the educational experience for all TK-8 students in the Mountain View Whisman School District.
MVEF funds core programs in art, music, science, sports, clubs, and reduced class sizes in English Language Arts (ELA) at the middle school.
Our goal is to inspire students’ creativity and self-expression, cultivate scientific curiosity, and help them discover their passions so they can reach their full potential through a well-rounded education. By supporting MVEF, you are investing in the future of our children and our community.
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Empowering Elementary School Students
Art By CSMA
Music By CSMA
MVEF funds weekly art classes, taught by professional artists and educators, in our elementary schools for all TK-5th grades. The teachers are provided by the Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA), one of the largest community schools in the country with over 50 years of service in the Bay Area.
The program consists of in-depth, skill-building, and sequential art lessons that meet the California Visual and Performing Arts Standards for Art and focus on community building. The art classes coordinate with each classroom’s curriculum to become an integral part of the school day. MVEF also funds all art shows at the elementary schools.
MVEF pays for the music teachers who teach the weekly music classes in our elementary schools for TK-5th grades. The teachers are trained by and work for the Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA).The program consists of in-depth, skill-building, hands-on, sequential music lessons that meet the California Visual and Performing Arts Standards for Music.
Classes and content is appropriate for each grade level. Grades K-3 focus primarily on singing and rhythm. Students learn singing, rhythm, recorder playing, and even get to choose an instrument to focus on in 5th grade. They bring the joy of music to students through hands-on, sequential lessons.
MVEF also covers instrument purchases and repairs, recorders for younger grades, and grade level performances. Students can keep there recorders for further development.
Prop 28 and MVEF
Prop. 28 (Art & Music K-12 Education Funding Initiative, 2022) guarantees ongoing state funding to supplement - not replace - existing arts and music programs. MVWSD will receive ~$620K annually based on enrollment and Free/Reduced Lunch Program rates. Prop. 28 funds cannot replace MVEF contributions, as existing programs must remain funded by MVEF. To sustain these programs, community support is essential. Learn more about Prop 28 here.
Hands-On Science Program
(Provided by Living Classroom)
The Living Classroom program brings garden-based lessons to TK-7th grade classrooms, teaching students about photosynthesis, life cycles, ecology, and the importance of plant science. See here for more information on the curriculum and here for more information on the lesson menu.
In 2025, Living Classroom started a pilot lesson at Crittenden Middle School for 7th graders about "Ancient Meso-American Civilizations". The lesson focuses on the plants that the ancient Maya, Aztec and Inca civilizations relied upon for food, ceremonies, recreation, and other aspects of their daily lives. In 2025-26, all 7th graders at both middle schools receive Living Classroom lessons.
Living Classroom's mission is to inspire children to learn about and value the natural world through garden-based education. Visit a MVWSD elementary school and look for planters of vegetables planted by children!
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Environmental Education
(Provided by Environmental Volunteers)
MVEF funds hands-on science programs for all MVWSD 4th and 5th graders through the Mountain View Whisman Environmental Science Collaborative (MVWESC). Students enjoy one in-class program and one off-site field trip each year, exploring tide pools, organic farms, the San Francisco Bay supporting equitable, standards-based science education for all 4th and 5th graders.
The Program goals are:
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Provide hands-on, experiential science learning.
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Inspire lifelong environmental stewardship.
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Align with state and Next Generation Science Standards.
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Offer equitable access to all students.
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Build continuity across grade levels.
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Bring expertise and real-world science to students and teachers.
The Program is led by Environmental Volunteers (EV) in partnership with the Marine Science Institute (MSI), Youth Science Institute (YSI), Hidden Villa, and the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society.
In 2025–26, offerings for 4th & 5th graders include:
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Power Generation (EV)
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Bird ID & Adaptations (SCVAS)
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Earthquake Geology (EV)
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Farm & Wilderness Exploration (Hidden Villa)
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Physics of Sound & Motion (YSI)
All programs align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) , sparking curiosity and preparing students for future success.
Empowering Middle School Students
Extra ELA Teachers for Smaller Class Sizes
MVEF funds an additional English Language Arts (ELA) teacher at each middle school, reducing class sizes by an average of 25%. This gives students more personalized attention and elective opportunities.
Sports
We fund interscholastic athletics, including coaches, referees, and general transportation to games (may exclude transportation to finals and playoffs), ensuring all students have access to sports and physical activity.
Clubs & Other Activities
MVEF pays for clubs and other activities which empowers students to explore their interests and passions outside the classroom. MVEF proudly funds teacher stipends for the GMSTV Program at Graham, Club Advisors, Student Leadership advisors, the Robotics Club Advisor, the Music Director for the Musical, and more at Crittenden.
Transforming lives through education
Listen to our Back to School video to hear directly from our students benefiting from the programs MVEF funds: