M. H. Stanley Middle School

While there are some wonderful teachers at Stanley there are also those that would benefit from yearly reviews and evalautions - and moved out when necessary. Not much action is taken when a student or parent needs extra help - or even 15 minutes of an administrator's time - once a year! If your child fits a classic self-motivated student mold, he/she will be fine. Otherwise it's a rocky road. I've had both types of children and very different experiences.
--Submitted by a parent

Stanley really is a great school. The principal is fully involved as well as the vice principal. They are always trying to keep everyone involved (including teachers). They do everything in their power to keep kids safe and out of trouble. The only bad thing I would say is that sometimes the teachers are not keeping with that. Certain teachers at this school give you material and barely teach it to you. On the other hand, there are teachers who really care whether or not you do well in life and succeed. I relocated from a state halfway across the country and I was scared that I wouldn't fit in, but I was pleasantly surprised! I am so glad I chose this school!
--Submitted by a student

The only thing I could say is 'Awesome'
--Submitted by a parent

Stanley is a great school. The teachers are great, the music department is fantastic! Through out elementary school I heard that Stanley had drug problems, but when I went there I figured out that all of that were just rumors. The PE classes are great. You really get involved, and after running a mile or something like that you really feel great about yourself. Stanley is awesome!
--Submitted by a student

We love Stanley! This is my daughter's first year there, and she is having a great time. She's in an advanced math class, and when she needs extra help, there is always a classroom open for math help at lunch and after school. They have tons of sports after school- something for everyone, and everyone gets to play.
--Submitted by a parent

Someone commented on the fact that music was lacking at Stanley. Well, Bob Athade runs one of the best music programs I have ever seen. Both in the amount of students that participate and in the quality of musical instruction. Professional musicians regularly teach classes and the the experience outside of the classroom is tremendous. Stanley is a fantastic school.
--Submitted by Bill Deskin, a parent

Good academic program, lacking in music but good in sports and other opportunities. Lot depends on individual efforts of the students and parents. Quality of academic programs sometimes is more reflrctive of the kind of students in each grade. Some teachers are young others experienced
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school! As a student, the expectations are quite high, but even if you can't reach the goal yourself, peer tutoring is available, and my teachers are also willing to help. There's a program for new kids, so they won't get lost, and the music program ranks in the top 100 schools in California to learn music. If I have a problem, the counselors are there, and there's plenty of clubs and classrooms to go to if I don't want to play outside. This is a fabulous school!
--Submitted by a student

Great school. It is everything a parent could want. Very good staff.
--Submitted by a parent

Stanley teachers offer one-on-one work with students. Most teachers encourage student participation in the classroom. There are accellerated math programs that reach into a high-school level Geometry class taught on campus. Bullying and teasing is low, though probably never nonexistant. Most students are generally fairly friendly. The music program is very good, and has won awards for its quality. Parental involvement, through the PTA and other associations, is high. Families also contribute to the Lafayette Arts And Science Foundation (LASF) which sponsors many arts and science workshops in school, from K-8. This school overall is one of the best in the state.
--Submitted by a former student