O.B. Whaley
Elementary School
About
O.B. Whaley Elementary School is a public school serving students in transitional kindergarten through 6th grade in the Evergreen School District of San Jose, California.
Principal's Message
At O.B. Whaley School, we believe excellence begins with high expectations—for ourselves, for one another, and for every student we serve. Our dedicated staff works collaboratively to provide a rigorous, engaging, and supportive academic program that recognizes and celebrates each student’s unique strengths, needs, talents, and learning styles.
As a Visual and Performing Arts Academy, O.B. Whaley is committed to educating the whole child by blending strong academics with opportunities for creativity, expression, and discovery. Since expanding our curriculum in August 2025, students have had opportunities to explore the arts, including dance, allowing them to build confidence, discover new talents, and express themselves in meaningful ways.
Our richly diverse student body represents a wide range of cultures, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe this diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Together, we are building an inclusive school community where differences are celebrated, connections are strengthened, and every student knows they belong.
At Whaley, we encourage every student to Make Waves by having the courage to make a difference, Find Your Rhythm by discovering their own path and passions, and Shine Your Light by sharing their unique gifts with the world.
Gina Ornellas
Principal
Our School's Name
Located in the scenic foothills of southeast San Jose, O.B. Whaley School has been a proud part of the Evergreen School District since 1965. Home of the Whale, our school community proudly wears Navy Blue and White. O.B. Whaley was the third school established in the district and was named in honor of Otis Butler Whaley, who dedicated 27 years of service to the Evergreen Board of Trustees. The Whaley family settled in the area in 1911, purchasing a prune and apricot orchard they named Sunnyslope Farm, located near today’s San Felipe Road. That land is now part of the Meadowlands neighborhood. Mr. Whaley passed away in 1947 at the age of 84, leaving a legacy of service and community that continues to inspire.
Mission Statement
At O.B Whaley we are dedicated to providing the best educational experience for our students. We strive to ensure academic and social success by using a variety of teaching strategies based upon quality research and successful practice. Our school is a place where children feel valued within a safe and nurturing environment and will achieve to the best of their ability. As our children develop a positive self image and intellectual capacities, they will become successful in school and in their future.
Vision Statement
The O.B. Whaley community of learners is committed to cultivating life-long learning through a strong foundation in both academics and the arts. We focus on building 21st-century skills—communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking—while preparing students for success in school, future careers, and life. Our students engage in daily learning that challenges them to think deeply, solve problems, and work together in meaningful ways.
As a Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) school, O.B. Whaley embraces the arts as an essential part of a well-rounded education. In 2025, we introduced a schoolwide dance program that inspires creativity, promotes physical well-being, and builds students’ confidence and self-expression. Alongside music, visual art, and other creative opportunities, VAPA integration supports students’ academic, social, and emotional growth while fostering joy in learning.
We believe all students can achieve high standards in a safe and nurturing environment. Our mission is to provide every child with opportunities to make positive choices, demonstrate responsibility and respect for others, and grow into confident, compassionate, and contributing members of our greater community.
An Award Winning Academic School
A California Distinguished School
2004, 1997, 1989
