Carlmont High School

My son just started Carlmont last fall and we have been VERY pleased with everything about this school. He was placed in a mid-level English class and we emailed the vice principal to explain our concern. My son was called in for a nice chat and moved to a more appropiate class the same day. They care about what parents think and do not just rely on test scores to place students--no tracking here. The teachers are inspiring, young and responsive. My son played one sport this year and has never been as excited about school. He's already looking through the class listings and planning what he is going to take for the next three years. This school stands out, not only because of the test scores (which are the highest in the district--and among the highest in the county ) but because they can achieve these scores with a large diverse population. If this is your home school, it's a no brainer to send your child here--it's safe, friendly and has something for everyone. That's why they get so many transfer requests from privates and other schools in the district.
—Submitted by a parent

Our freshman LOVES school at Carlmont. Great teachers, challenging classes, lots of activities and sports. He's made many new friends and we couldn't be happier.
—Submitted by a parent

It took a year-long battle involving FERPA/U.S. Dept. of Education for this legal custodian to obtain Carlmont's school records for her own child - even with a copy of the "legal custody" court status provided to them. Carlmont failed this parent, her child - and the potential safety & well-being of other students - by their complete and total disregard for the rights of a custodial parent . Allegations of "harassment" were also put forth when I requested my daughter's records pursuant to FERPA guidelines.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has been wonderful, both in terms of quality of education, teaching staff (with the exception of a Mandarin teacher), and after school activities. We are very happy with the results thus far. I don't understand the 1 star reviews. Thankfully, they are in the minority, because more than likely, your child will have a wonderful experience at Carlmont.
—Submitted by a parent

I just graduated from Carlmont last year after transferring into the school from the mid-west my senior year. My experience couldn't be more different than the new student below. My guidance councilor arranged for another student to show me around. She did a good job matching us up, because we became friends and I was introduced to other students and was included in all of their school and social activities. I would just say that this school is big and has something for everyone. School just started two weeks ago--give it a chance. Join some clubs or teams and if you don't have friends yet, the teachers all open their classrooms at lunchtime.

I juss transferred here from South City High as a sophmore. So far i have to say this school absolutely sucks. As a student you try to meet as many people as possible your highschool years. There are sooo many cliques here. Other than kids, the teachers I have are horrible, the teachers just go with what they teach & dont review material to make sure students get it. I guess its just this district. Students start at a young age if this type of learning. I know this school is for my best intention later in life but im definently going to try & get out. STAY AWAY!

Very impersonal and large school. Senior administration is very weak and I have recently looking at their experiences more closely to see if they are actually a fit for higher education. Some teachers are too busy there being part of the union rather than contributing to the education. Thumbs down for this school as far as I am concerned. Summit Prep, Everest, Menlo Atherton is a very good alternative.
—Submitted by a parent

Our youngest is about to start her Senior year at Carlmont. This will complete our two children going from pre-school thru High School in our local system. Fox Elementary - Ralston Middle School - Carlmont High School. I have no regrets as a parent that we chose to live in this area,mostly due to the public schools. They have received a solid education, including lots of diverse experience both socially and academically. The highlight of all these years has definitely been Carlmont. I am a big fan of the administration and their personal approach my children had from several of them. There have also been great teacher experiences. The arts programs have also been a real highlight. The athletics my children chose had IPS and downs, but is ending strong. Has it all been perfect, of course not. Have I been disappointed a few times, yes. But overall I have been thrilled. I have been engaged in work to support the schools routine certification analysis. The effort to continue to advance the schools performance is without question. To an incoming students parent, this was a great choice for us.
—Submitted by a parent

We've had children there for 7 years thus far. We've not been satisfied with the current senior administrative staff because the style of interaction is impersonal and detached, avoiding problem resolution. The emphasis seems to be on procedures that make administrator's jobs easier rather than on a positive student experience. Most of the senior administrators had minimal classroom experience hours prior to becoming administrators. The teaching quality ranges from poor to great, with most being good. The music program is quite good.
—Submitted by a parent

Looks like I need to go back to work and pay for private school. These reviews are scaring the daylights out of me. This whole school system in Belmont has been a terrible waste of time and disappointment. It is your child's future people wake up...

My son is graduating and will be going into a great school in the Mid West.The situation is not as great as the review below. The programs and the buildings don't make a great school. The test scores are still way behind some of the great schools in the area so saying it has great scores is laughable.I have to conclude the school is distant and large. Some of the teachers are not making a great impact on the kids future while others indeed are. It is at best an average school. The Performing Arts program is absolutely great in this school.
—Submitted by a parent

We are also going through some struggles with our son and daughter. They are not too excited about going to the school. Although some of the teachers are great, many of them are clearly not interested to see the children do well. Just tons of rules over here and things set in black and white. The principal is probably too aloof to even understand why there are so many unhappy parents.
—Submitted by a parent

I think I can relate to the some of the experiences at this school. The school seems to be too large and distant for the teachers to care about the progress of the kids. It's just another day of work from them and they do not seem to do a lot to help kids succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a senior here and even though he has been doing well, that is because he is self driven. The teachers have little or no contribution to the fact that he is doing well. We had to spend a great deal of money to get help for private college counseling. He has secured admission in some great schools. Some of the teachers here absolutely need to go through some checks to make sure they are delivering. Some of the high test scores here is because kids like mine are very driven not because the teachers actually help .
—Submitted by a parent

If you have a talented and a smart kid please do everything possible to keep him/her away from this high school. The School principle leadership is very week, teachers don't care at all, they think they do, but believe me they really do not have a clue. Absolutely a disaster, I am so sad that I live so close to this school that I support with my tax money.
—Submitted by a parent

Generally speaking the school is good, but some teachers are making a great impact on kids and not in perfect way. For example I would try to avoid Ms. Hero (biology) or Mr. Ramroth. They are very discouraging and unprofessional. Knowing the subject and knowing how to teach it is not the same. Before meeting these teachers my kid was straight A student. After, well a lot of psychological drama and tears even if I just mention word math . And this is happening to a student who was rewarded with some math rewards (1st and 2nd places on bay area Math Olympiads). Thanks a lot, Mr. Ramroth! God bless you. It s not about grades (she still has decent B+ on AP math)., it s about complete feeling of disgust which my kid feels toward the math.
—Submitted by a parent

Great experience for both parents and students. Large staff, very caring and supportive; great at their craft. Only wish they had a better Mandarin teacher.
—Submitted by a parent

Carlmont is a great school! My daughter is taking mostly AP classes. She is really being challenged, but yet is enjoying her classes. There are many classes to choose from. The school is beautiful, has a brand new performing arts center, art building, and is building a biotech building. I believe she will be ready for college!
—Submitted by a parent

My son had a good experience at Carlmont. He was and C+ B- student so no AP classes here. But he found his teachers helpful and enthusiastic. Loved his Physics, International Relations, History, Computer Graphics. Got accepted as an engineering major at a state school.
—Submitted by a parent

It's a terrible school I transferee my son to woodside high school
—Submitted by a parent