Carlmont High School

I strongly disagree with the recent reviews here. Carlmont is a great school and has been recently recognized with numerous awards and accolades. Scores are outstanding, but that doesn't tell the entire story. The academics are very strong and this school (partially due to it's size) offers more AS and AP classes than any school in the area. They have a state of the art new biotech building, a nationally recognized math department and the best offerings in the arts of any school in the area with dance, instrumental music, an outstanding choir and visual arts department. The staff is young and caring. When my children needed support, their teachers were always available in their classrooms before and after school and at lunch. Phone calls and emails from parents are returned the same day by administration and staff.The diversity is also a bonus and adds to the rich cultural experience at this school. Many were concerned when the long-time principal left, but the whole administration is strong and dedicated. There is a strong group of dedicated parents who make a difference here too. Both of my children are thriving in college thanks to the great education they received at Carlmont.
--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