Laurel Elementary School

There are way too many kids here, unfortunately. It's pretty a pretty school at least, but its gotten very crowded. The new principal is an extension of the old principal, which is not good. Very wealthy families attend, and they like to display their wealth...and the feeling is sort of like high school for the moms, all over again. It can get very, very catty and shallow here. Ugh.
--Submitted by a parent

My son went to school at Laurel and it was a great experience. Teachers were wonderful. Very strong parent involvement and support from the foundation make this nurturing neighborhood school a great place to be. Academics are strong and extra curricular activities readily available.
--Submitted by a parent

We are very pleased with this school. Our daughter's teacher is warm, dedicated and connected with the students. Our daughter has learned a lot and loves school. Great ratio, esp in kindergarten, beautiful campus, library, fields. We toured many schools before deciding to move to Menlo Park (based on the schools) and we have not been disappointed. I also used to be a teacher and do know more about education than some people. I am also quite surprised about the complaints below. The principal is fairly new, and fabulous. She has a kindergarten child herself, so she understand parents and kids. We see nothing lacking in music or science. Our daughter is pleased with those teachers too and is learning. Any family would be lucky to have their kids at this school.
--Submitted by a parent

The music program is very poor...not much science either....excellent teachers for the most part. No noticeable innovation or creativity schoolwide.

The support they give to students are just remarkable! We're so happy with our child's development.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter loves going to school. The teachers are great.
--Submitted by a parent

The principal doesn't want changes which I think is really bad for a school. She states 'everything has been the same since I became principal here'. I was shocked by the fact that nothing could have changed at a school and by her just saying this to me! She's right: she says no to parents who want to help children clean up during lunch. Her argument is safety but what would be unsafe in having parents help children clean up and learn about waste, recycling etc? Now after lunch it's a shocking mess! She refuses to make time in the classrooms to teach children about waste, environment, recycling etc. Just be flexible and use ziplock bags for maths, and make it a subject for science. The teacher I know is very nice and I'm happy my kid likes to go to school here. But we need changes!
--Submitted by a parent

As the principal herself proudly says, 'Nothing has changed in the 18 years I've been here.' Test scores are slipping, parents are talking. But the teachers try and the PTO and foundation give so much for amazing programs, a full time librarian, and art, PE, science, computer lab, and music all with their own dedicated teachers. Parent involvement i$ huge. Currently K-2, expanding to K-3 by 2010 or 2011, so lots of change in the future.
--Submitted by a parent

Very involved PTO/parents School is only k-2 but there are at least 7-8 classrooms per grade
--Submitted by a parent

My two sons went to this K-3 Elementary school. They both had a wonderful experience. The teachers were excellent and the eniroment very supportive and focus on children growth and balanced development.
--Submitted by a parent