Lagunitas Elementary School

The Montessori K-5 program is excellent, then it goes down from there. The middle school is academically way behind. When my son was in 7th grade he was an A student in math. I thought he was doings great until we moved out of the area and he enrolled in a new school to find out he was at 4th grade math level! It cost us in hundreds of dollars in tutoring so he wouldn't get held back. The teachers are old and Bitter and need to move on. I heard they get a new principle every year as the school board who have the same members year after year, make the final decisions and there is no way of making positive changes. We thank god we did not purchase a home there as we would have been stuck in a horrendous school district. .
--Submitted by a parent

This school is unique and one of the only schools in the area to offer opportunities that other public schools simply don't have. The curriculum is holistic and the children are exposed to both academic and hands on caring for animals and a garden. There is music and art, there is caring and ongoing support from those of us who feel lucky our children were able to attend such an incredible public school.
--Submitted by a parent

Teaching the whole child, from egyptian tombs to california gold rush to how to navigate growing up emotionally grounded in these over stimulated times. Lagunitas teachers recognize true knowledge cannot be evaluated by tests. Our school also utilizes parents in an authentic, were all in it together way, that helps our community as a whole and supports our children on a deep, community level.
--Submitted by a parent

A wonderful district of caring, inspired and inspiring teachers and staff. Three different public program options. Open Classroom, Montessori and Waldorf Inspired. Great parent involvement and community support.
--Submitted by a parent

The diversity in the programs offered. The amazing support in the community and the administration.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful public Montessori program with dedicated teachers, aides in each classroom, small classroom size, parent involvment, and high acedemics without pressure and pushing! Great music, art, envirnonmental education, and all in a beautiful setting!
--Submitted by a parent

I like the fact this is a small school. My 2nd grade son is in the Montessori program and there is only 13 students and 1 teacher and 1 assistant. For a public school you cant get much better than that. Also the school realises that just teaching to a test is conterproductive to producing students who love to learn. This is an alternative child centered school district.
--Submitted by a parent