The Laurel School

I recently spoke with the Head of School and The Laurel School has applied for accreditation through the California Association of Independent Schools in conjunction with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and should be conducting the accreditation procedures in the spring of 2013. Also, I have been told that all of Laurel's core teachers have special education degrees or have worked with special needs students for many years!

My son has been a student at Laurel for 5 years, and our family's experience has been wonderful. The caring and dedicated teachers go the extra mile to work with kids that have different learning challenges and styles. In addition to teaching a curriculum in line with state standards, Laurel provides daily PE and weekly drama, movement and art classes for the kids. Laurel is a godsend for parents seeking a supportive school and community for their child.
—Submitted by a parent

The Laurel School could be a dream school for parents and teachers looking for a school that is geared toward students with various learning differences. Unfortunately the school is not accredited, and the administration and many of the teachers do not have the appropriate credentials. For the price of tuition at The Laurel School there are plenty of other schools in the Bay Area with state of the art technology, differentiation of the lessons, and teachers with credentials.
—Submitted by a parent

The school has a lot of potential but unfortunately the school is not accredited and many of the teachers do not have special education credentials. For the price you pay it is not worth it.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son attended Kindergarten at a progressive SF private school that we hoped would meet his educational needs. That school meant well, and welcomed a variety of supports we put in place, but just wasn t set up to meet his needs. He wasn t participating much with the class, he was standing out as somehow different, and we could see that it was beginning to affect how he saw himself as a student and among his peers. It became clear that he needed a school with more built-in supports and with experience teaching children who, for whatever reason, need something extra. Now at Laurel for 1st grade, everything about this school has made a difference, including the much smaller class size. Our son is now participating academically and is feeling like a successful student. He feels a greater sense of belonging, and we now feel at ease dropping him off every morning.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is a wonderful place for children to learn in a small class. They offer specials to students, such as drama, dance, music and art, whereas other schools have eliminated these programs. Most of the staff have shown great respect to the parents and children. However, we have been completely disappointed with our interactions with the Head of School. She is very distant and unpleasant to be around. She often acts as if we are invisible and our thoughts, opinions, and suggestions have no value. That itself makes the Laurel School a terrible place for our kids.
—Submitted by a parent

The Laurel School is excellent. The class size is small and the faculty works with each child as an individual. In addition, the school fosters a sense of security and self confidence.
—Submitted by a parent

Friendly, supportive environment and small class size (12 max) were exactly what my kids needed. They were lost in the huge class sizes of the public schools and other private schools were unable to adapt or customize curriculum to meet their learning needs. My sixth grader is learning to be an advocate for himself and valuable organization skills. Invaluable life skills!
—Submitted by a parent

This is truly a gem of a school. The only one of its kind in San Francisco. I used to always worry if I would have to leave work to pick him up. The teachers just didn't t it. Here at Laurel, I just don't worry. He loves getting up in the morning to go to school. He has such a love for learning and the teachers provide a wonderful atmosphere for learning. They truly get it! They provide the attention and the curriculum for the children to succeed and go on to higher education.
—Submitted by a parent

We used to get constant complaints about our son, diagnosed with ADHD at age 4, from his previous schools. Most of my time at work would be spent worrying about how he was doing in class. His love for learning diminished and getting through the day was such a difficult task. So, recently we decided to transfer my son mid-year while in Kindergarten. Now, I don t worry as much because he is in the care of competent, skilled professionals No more calls every other day! My son is happy in school and he is turned onto learning again! He s getting the academic challenge he needs while the teachers work with us on addressing his behavioral issues. We are so thankful to them!
—Submitted by a parent

My child went to a catholic/private school for kindergarden and 1st grade. We were both traumatized from our experience with them regarding my child's learning needs and their promises to accomodate and work w/ us. I researched other bay area schools that 'specialize' in learning issues and ADHD/ADD. I found another 'home' for my child at the Laurel School. The building is beautiful and my child doesn't suffer from environmental allergens. Laurel's very active schedule where the child learns 2 subject then a break w/ either a physical activity or creative arts really relieved my mind that he is getting a well rounded education physically,mentally, and emotionally. The Laurel School has always been willing to work with me and answer my questions if I have concerns regarding his educational goals and my financial issues. I highly recommend Laurel School for their education as well as giving him the foundation he needs.
—Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately, my child did not have a good experience at The Laurel School. There was a lack of supervision on the playground and the academics were far below what we had hoped for. Zero stars on this one.
—Submitted by a parent

A secret treasure in SF, The Laurel School focuses on children who need smaller class size and individualized attention (many have learning differences). Teachers are extremely dedicated and kind, parents are quite active and knowledgeable. After a few years of personalized attention, many of the students return to mainstream private/ public school environments. Laurel provides a supportive, loving environment for kids with mild NLD, Aspergers, ADHD, and/or sensory processing difficulties.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son is in the 1st grade at Laurel, having started as a kindergartener. We've extremely pleased with the program for him. They do an excellent job of balancing a solid curriculum with individualized attention and goals. Class sizes are intentionally small (no greater than 12). The student body is also very close with the children in older grades very supportive and nurturing of the younger students. There's an early emphasis on art and drama that ties directly into skill-building and social development. Great choice for children with learning differences and those who can benefit from small class sizes. Parent community very active and supportive. No need to feel as though you have to make excuses for your child if he or she doesn't fit into the 'main line' curriculum at so many other schools.
—Submitted by Michael LoBue, a parent

Laurel has long been known as a school for kids with learning issues, but it's great for any child who needs a small class size. Excellent teachers and staff, great parent support and fundraising. The school community is dynamic and diverse. Our daughter had fallen through the cracks in public school. At Laurel, she has succeeded beyond our expectations. This school is a gem, don't overlook it.
—Submitted by a parent