La Honda Elementary School

The community support for LHE is awesome. This includes the parents/families and local businesses (of which there are not many because La Honda is a small community). It's nearly impossible for a child to 'fall through the cracks' of a school of this size.

La Honda is a fantastic school. There are many enrichment programs funded by the PTA and the Ed Foundation that students would not have access to in a larger school. The teachers are phenomal- my experience thus far is through 3rd grade. There is a garden instructor (funded by the Ed Found.) for the incredible garden on the campus- she uses the garden to teach the students science with a hands on approach. You can't beat the small class sizes and personal attention the children get at LHE. My kids are learning so much more than just the state standards. They use the school computer lab regularly, plus have access to computers in the classrooms. They do art weekly with the Art in Action program. There are great assemblies. I don't know what the reviewer below is talking about with the principal- she is very involved with the PTA & LHEF.
--Submitted by a parent

La Honda teaches straight to the standards. The school is so strapped for cash that it has limited resources, so you just get the bare bones. Most smart students in La Honda go private, because the school is so weak. The pay scale for the teaching staff is at the bottom in San Mateo county, so teacher quality is mixed. My experience is with the grades up to and through third grade where the teaching staff is poor. The principal at the school is a terrible leader. She has alienated the PTA and many of the valuable parents at the school. There is a wonderful garden that has amazing potential, but is unrealized and not supported by the current teaching staff or the administration.
--Submitted by a parent

La Honda Elementary is unusual in the Bay Area because of its small size. All students know and interact with each other, regardless of age. The school has six teachers who know all the students and parents. The kids love their school. This school does not have some of the resources available to larger school, but the kids feel a sense of community that might be lacking in some larger schools.
--Submitted by a parent

A private school education in a public school. Small class sizes, gorgeous campus, exceptional parent participation, good teachers. You can really make a difference at this school. Extracurricular activities include AYSO soccer, drama program, baseball, 4H, Brownies, after-school program, etc.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is set in a small,supportive community with a student pop. under 100 students, grades K-5. Although it suffers from inadquite State & Federal funding it is strongly supported by the parents & community through personal participation, grants & donations. The backbone & driving force of this school is it's principal, Melba Rhodes. She is the most dedicated person you will ever find in a school system. It has all the benefits of a private school, it's small size, with teachers & principal giving individual attention to the children. Equally, the parents provide strong support. They are the backbone of all of the extracurricular activities & classroom support. This school was awarded the CA Distinguished School Award & for years scores higly on the Star tests.There is much more to say about this wonderful school but space does not allow. If you are considering sending your child here you won't be disappointed.
--Submitted by Helen Brooke, a parent

Vibrant country school with small classes and dedicated community.
--Submitted by a parent

As a 1989 graduate I am rating the school primarly based upon all years up till 1989. Melba Rhodes was a good leader, but the overall quality of this school lacked in comparison to many city elementary schools.
--Submitted by a former student