"Alisal" is a word of Indian origin meaning "Grove of Cottonwoods." When the Spanish first visited the Livermore/Amador Valley in 1772, they found a small group of Indians living in a community called Alisal. It was renamed Pleasanton in 1894 by John W. Kottinger in honor of General Alfred Pleasanton of the Union Calvary. The school was named Alisal, for the original Indian community.

In October 1956 Alisal first opened its doors to students. The school building was dedicated on November 29, 1956, to Trust, Liberty, and Toleration by the Native Sons of the Golden West.

John C. Mann was the first principal. His great appreciation and love of nature led him to set aside a garden area of the school grounds so that the students might experience nature first hand. After his death in 1972, a plaque was presented commemorating his part in the establishment and growth of the school.

Learn more about the History of Pleasanton!

Alisal Today:

Alisal is located in the heart of Pleasanton, just down the road from Historical Main Street. Pleasanton is framed to the west by rolling hills, lush green in the spring and golden in the warm summer. To the east lay valley hillsides graced with farms and vineyards, and less than an hour's drive to the northwest or southwest will lead you to San Francisco or San Jose, respectively. The Livermore Valley vineyards and wine cellars are accessible within minutes and famous Napa Valley is only an hour away. Skiing at its finest, as well as year-round water and outdoor sports in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Lake Tahoe can be reached in less than 4 hours.

The city covers 21 square miles and is located 335 feet above sea level. Once a quiet bedroom community, Pleasanton, population 64,000, now has a wide variety of housing options, a strong economic base, and unique shopping that attracts people from throughout the region.

Pleasanton has a young population, with an average age of 34 and a median household income of $90,000. Families in Pleasanton will find the best of suburban living - abundant social, cultural and recreational activities and facilities, and excellent public and private schools, with colleges and universities in close proximity.

Principal:                                Mrs. Terri Quisenberry

Grades:                                K-5

Enrollment:                          650

School Colors:                     Red and White

Mascot:                                Bear

Hours:                                    8:15am-2:50pm       (9:15am-2:50pm every Wednesday)

Partners in Education:        PPIE, Tri-Valley Business Council,

                                                      Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council, PSEE,

                                                      and the City of Pleasanton