Herbert Hoover Elementary School

Teachers ignore parents. This school is very secretive. It is not a good school for students.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers at Hoover are teaching students by rote memory. Students are learning by simple repetition.
—Submitted by a parent

Hoover is the worst school in Palo Alto. The PTA is controlled by a few parents. PTA is poorly organized.
—Submitted by a parent

I am usually skeptical of schools, especially public schools where teachers' unions reign and administrative bureaucrats make the rules. Hoover is different. The principal, Dr. Scott, is destined for sainthood! She knows every single child of the school, understands each child's personality, issues, strengths and soft areas. She is one of the most caring, thoughtful people who ever walked the earth. The teachers are typically outstanding. (We are aware of only 1 exception.) Our kids have enjoyed the school immensely. They have been challenged, learned and thrived at this school. And the academics are top-notch. We couldn't have dreamed of a better school!
—Submitted by a parent

My kids attended a few different schools in Palo Alto, we have to say Hoover is the best! The principal Dr. Scott is truly professional, she has a passion for education. my older one graduated this year from Hoover, the academics have been outstanding, kids enjoyed learning so much, lots of fun projects, grade level activities and field trips, the teachers and staffs are awesome! Most of the grade levels have not much homework so my kids can play sports all year round. The most important thing we like about this school is that they created an environment that fosters a love of books and learning, kids have good study habits and they are well prepared for middle school.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is good (look at the scores). It is far from being excellent but other schools are worse. Private schools are better but this goes without saying. Some teachers are known problems so as a parent you have to make an effort to keep your kid from getting into those classes (there is a known problem in second grade and everybody in the school knows who is the problematic teacher so ask around and protect your children). The school prepares kids really well for AP classes in middle school but make sure your child is not slacking. It is the best to supplement the curriculum with some extra work at home (on-line and computer-based programs work really well). Kids are smart and friendly. The principle takes care of the school really well and is really involved.
—Submitted by a parent

Hoover's students do not have any creativity. Teachers are not interesting in helping students to learn.
—Submitted by a parent

Students at this school have way too much homework. They do not have any time for anything else. They spent a lot of time on homework every day.
—Submitted by a parent

My son will be a second grader this Fall. Hoover has been a wonderful school. My son went to a play-based preschool, and I was a bit apprehensive when I saw some kids in his Kinder class who were reading 1st grade books and were writing complete sentences even in the beginning of the kinder school year. With the help of the teachers and reading specialist, my son's reading and writing abilitiy improved dramatically. At the end of his 1st grade, he was reading above grade level. Also, to my relief, there was really not that much homework. In addition to us reading to him, he spent about 10 minutes a day, 4 days a week on homework. So far, Hoover has enabled my son to do well academcially and at the same time give him the time he needs to do the sports activities that he loves.
—Submitted by a parent

I work for sunrise and the school let me and my resident come in and be a part of there school every wednesday.

My daughter was from a play-based preschool. At first I was worried whether she can cope with the academic demands (she didn't know how to read when she entered Kindergarten). But it turned out that she loves the school, the teachers, the principal and all her friends so so much. She is now 2nd grade and is reading above grade-level. Not because the school 'drilled' her, no, not at all, but the school really provides an excellent environment that promotes learning and reading coupled with excellent teachers and resources. She really LOVES to read and write, and ENJOYING math and science activities. What more do you want from an education for your child?!
—Submitted by a parent

At first, I was reluctant to have my daughter attending Hoover fearing it might be too academic for her and too much workload. It turned out she loves the teachers, the principals and makes lots of friend.The workload is way less than I thought for an academic focus elementary school. The school put a lot of emphasis on discipline in which I believe my daughter is needed. She is now at 1st grade and she looks forward to school every Sunday.
—Submitted by a parent

Why Hoover is so successful? Because it got all the elements: The best principal; the top teachers; the families involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Hoover. I have two daughters in 1st grader and kindergarten. They both love to go to school and do not want to miss any school days. Yes it is academically oriented but I don't think that much stress has come to the kids because of that. They focus on well-rounded education as well. That includes arts, music, PE and many school events. I am so thrilled that a public school can provide dance (movement) class and musical performance to the kids. I am so thrilled to see my kids showing what they have leart from the school in all aspects from time to time.
—Submitted by a parent

hoover is fatastic. my daughter has ADHD so i'm kinda worried if she likes this school. it turns out she loves it! she becomes more organized, confident and resposible. she loves to do her homework. that's unbelievable for a 5 year old!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is the best elementary school in the world
—Submitted by a parent

Hoover has a reputation of being overly academic, but I've found it to be pretty balanced (I'm anti-homework). Yes, it is academically oriented as demonstrated by its high API score, but the workload is not overwhelming and other aspects of the child are nutured. The key to any good school is its principal and Dr. Scott is exceptional.
—Submitted by a parent

Hoover is a school for children who track well in a structured environment. As such, the teaching is well above average and the principal is highly committed and involved in all aspects of school life. It is an environment for learning and loving to learn.
—Submitted by a parent

Enrollment is by lottery. Parents are involved, tho school policy is to leave the teachering to the teachers. Philosophy leans toward structure. The new principal Dr. Scott is fantastic, really cares about the school and the kids.
—Submitted by a parent

It's geared to the kids who study hard.
—Submitted by a parent