St. Lawrence O'Toole Elementary School

Moved our child to SLOT from one of the top rated OUSD schools last school year and are very happy. The small class size and instructor interaction is a relief. SLOT addressed academic issues and straight away developed an individual plan to tackle them head on. I am relieved to say I have a student that is engaged in their studies, spiritual growth and team sports activities. We are back on track and no longer behind the curve! Love the proactive approach.
—Submitted by a parent

Are kids are on their way to attending this school, and coming out of a high rated local public school. Our tour of the school was very impressive, and the students here seem to be very on track. The school seems to encompass all aspects of a positive learning environment, while keeping up with effective advancements in education. Class size is smaller compared to public classes, teacher involvement seems much greater, and children seem happier and more FOCUSED. The principal is very accommodating with an extensive educational background. We look forward to our kids attending here. PLEASE disregard comments that are one star and make no sense.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is now in 5th grade, has been here since kindergarten and loves her school. Art is integrated into the curriculum, they have a dedicated science teacher, a music program and of course, computer education. Class sizes are small. Sports programs are offered for all grades K-8. We have been very satisfied with her teachers and progress, she ranks well above average in all subjects. The atmosphere is safe, friendly and encouraging.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been attending St. Lawrence O' Toole since Kindergarten. The school is progressive and moving forward in a positive direction. The children are encouraged to be leaders, scholars and athletes. I would highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school! Not sure of the last comment. Sorry you feel your child is on the first grade level in the eight grade. But overall - excellent school that is determined to have your child excel in all areas.
—Submitted by a parent

terrible my child is at first grade level but is a eighth grader. im planing on leaving slot for a better suitable school, for example st.leo. also most of the teachers are seniors and no respect advance minds.
—Submitted by a parent

Small community, great student teacher ratio, teachers truly CARE about the kids and want to develop them academically and morally. We are happy with our son's growth.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter has been a student at SLOT since kindergarten and is now in the 8th grade. She is now getting ready to graduate and go on to high school. She has been accepted by all the private schools she has applied to. Her test scores have always been far above the local and national averages. We attribute this to the very good teachers at St. Lawrence.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in 5th grade and she 's in the school since Kintergarden. She loves the school and so do I. Visit the school anytime.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in 6th grade. He has been attending the school since kindergarden. He loves the school, his friends and the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter started Kindergarten this year and she loves it there! She comes home talking about all that she has learned, her friends, and how wonderful her teacher is. She enjoys doing her homework and can't wait for visits to the school library. SLOTS is very diverse, which was very important to us. Agreeing with another review, Kindergarten has WEEKLY trips to the library and computer Twice a week, they have music and PE.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school. My child is in kindergarten and I am so pleased with the teacher and how much he is learning. They have music, computers, PE and much more.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has grades combination, 7/8, more than half the students dropped this school the first half of the year. It's very inconsistent, don't provide any information to the families they serve untils report card comes home. The teachers overwhelmed the students with homework. Students are assigned homework without prior instruction.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is outstanding in many different ways! Academic expectations are high, but in kindergarten they maintain a focus on making learning fun. Social expectations are similarly high: students are repeatedly given messages on playing well together, how to negotiate conflicts, when to call a teacher's attention to a social conflict, etc. Engagement from parents and extended family is high, in fact families are expected to participate in at least 40 hours of school work/activities each year (much of the participation is more community engagement than 'work,' for example you sometimes get credit for attending a monthly family mass). In contrast to a number of private schools in the area, many different sectors of the Oakland population are well-represented, including within Asian, African-American, Latino, and White sectors.
—Submitted by a parent

High parental involvemnt, High academic expectations, lots of extracurricular activities
—Submitted by a parent

Top kids do well at top high schools. Very diverse student body. Good athletic programs.
—Submitted by a parent