Las Lomitas Elementary School

Recalling my own past experiences with your typical public school, this is a phenomenal school with great teachers and amazing resources. Given the current paucity of state-provided educational funding, this is in large part due to the heavy involvement (and generosity) of the Las Lomitas community. I am very happy that my children attend this school and grateful that they will receive a first-rate education.
—Submitted by a parent

Factory for test takers and followers. Overated but probably above average compared to other public schools in CA, which are not that impressive.
—Submitted by a parent

Pulling my kids out of this school. Testing taking skills and doing crafts all day are not the only things they will need to succeed in HS, college, or life. Too many students per classroom, esp. at the K-2 grades where they need more attention.
—Submitted by a parent

Highest marks. Las Lomitas school is a remarkable place for children to grow and learn. When my daughter was a little behind in reading in First Grade she was immediately placed in an extraordinary reading program. By the end of the semester she was reading at the top of her grade level. She also loved the teachers who, I agree, are truly remarkable educators.
—Submitted by a parent

We were initially worried that the school's great test scores might be the result of an overemphasis on rote memorization, homework and test taking. But we are finding the homework to be totally manageable and the classrooms are full of creativity, fun and real thinking. The teachers have been fantastic -- 3 of 4 have been 10/10. They have gotten to know our kids well and help them learn a ton while still making it really fun and building on their natural love of learning. The PTA does a great job with extracurriculars and great events and field trips. The administration keeps things running efficiently like a well oiled machine. The AM vs PM shifts are great for smaller group instruction. All schools should do that. Bus service is a great bonus. Kids are loving Las Lomitas. Us too.
—Submitted by a parent

Las Lomitas Elementary is excellent. Great kids/students, awesome teachers, super faculty & staff, and parents/volunteers all work together very well.
—Submitted by a parent

I read the April 30th post and wanted to provide a slightly different point of view. I have two children in the school, and this is our fourth year in attendance. I have found the homework to be very manageable, across the six different teachers we have had, and not much different than what my friends are experiencing in other public schools in Menlo Park and Palo Alto.
—Submitted by a parent

Las Lomitas is fine as long as you can keep up the party line. The school requires a great deal of home work be done even in K-1 and the teachers shift a large amount of the burden onto the parents. You will hear that 'you are the child's first and best teacher' so often that it becomes disturbing. Our youngster became so stressed about making mistakes that the pediatrician became worried. We did not share the enthusiasm for the school that pervades the area. If you get concerned about how your child is treated then please take comfort in knowing you are not alone.
—Submitted by a parent

Las Lomitas has an excellent faculty, excellent students, excellent extracurricular programs, and parents who are committed to their child's success.
—Submitted by a parent

Our older daughter goes to school here, and based on her two years thus far, we are committed to her little sister enjoying the same educational experience. As others have mentioned, both the principal and teachers are phenomenal and the PTA is stellar. The Las Lomitas Educational Foundation does a terrific job in fundraising and supporting both scholastic and extra-curricular activities. I have gone to class events at 11 AM on a weekday where every child's parents are in attendance to encourage their kids.
—Submitted by Sukumar Ramanathan, a parent

An excellent school. The parents are involved, teachers are committed, and there are numerous extra curricular ectivities.
—Submitted by a parent

Good school with a caring staff.
—Submitted by a staff

Las Lomitas is wonderful, friendly school. My children have been very happy there. The communications between school and home are the best I've seen.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent teaching faculty and adminstrative team.
—Submitted by a former student

This is a great school, with dedicated, extremely qualified and loving teachers, a high level of parent involvement. It is one of the few Elementary schools with a continuing music curriculum in all classes. The Principal, Dr. Traynor seems to know every kid and there are more than 500, he certainly gives the school are very cosy and 'homely' feels. My daughter loves this school and we as parents are very satisfied too.
—Submitted by Sue, a parent

We recently moved to Menlo Park. We wanted our kids to have the best education possible so we did our research on the schools before buying a home. We chose Las Lomitas Elementary and then looked for a home in the district. We are thrilled with this school...the teachers, principal and the curriculum could not be better.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been so thrilled with Las Lomitas!We made the decision to move our kids to Las Lomitas from a great private school because we consistently heard from other parents how wonderful the school was. I have to say, the quality of the academic programs, extracurricular, athletic are as good as the private school. Parent involvement is phenomenal. The school management/board are top notch.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a fantastic school! The parental involvement is unmatched - the nururance of the children by staff and involved parents is unbelievable. Academically, there is no other school in the area that performs as well as this school. Extracurricular activities are on par for what is to be expected from a quality school such as this one.
—Submitted by a parent

You can't get any better than this, not even in a private school. It is a very nurturing environment with high standards in academics, parent involvement and availibility in music, art, drama, computers and sports programs. A real winner! The teachers and staff are fantastic and big thumbs up to our principal Dr. Traynor.
—Submitted by a parent

Las Lomitas school is generally very good. They have some teachers who do not understand the newest techniques relating to learning disabilities and this sometimes causes problems. In general all the teachers have been great.
—Submitted by a parent