The Carey School

While it may be obvious, I wanted to highlight that people with negative comments are more likely to feel compelled to come post a comment here. Carey is a wonderful school with a great community. There are always some families for whom Carey is not a good fit (no school is right for 100% of kids). But as an involved parent at this school, I can say that all of the parents I know are thrilled with the education that their children are receiving. The best advice that I can give is to come visit the school and see for yourself. You will know if it is the right place for your child.
--Submitted by a parent

My child attended The Carey school for three years. I choose the school for two reasons: Good Teacher/Student ratio (each classroom has ~20 students per Teacher+Assistant), and an emphasis on Community. Unfortunately, even though each classroom has two teachers, most of them have not been good. Of the six we encountered, one was stellar and five were below average. Also the auxilliary teachers (science, art, fl, music) are all below average. Mostly due to keeping teachers on well past their prime. The other big disappiontment has been the community emphasis. Parents are not allowed to participate in the learning process, though they are required to help with many fundraising activities. Also, despite the "community" emphasis, siblings are not always invited to attend. Our second daughter who has shown signs of brilliance also has an independent streak and Carey said "No Thanks" at the last minute, which really put us in a bind. Doesn't say much for community support if you ask me. The principal has a way with words and is very flowery, but seems driven by whatever book he read last. This is irrelevant though as he and the assistant are both leaving this year (6/2011)
--Submitted by a parent

We have two children at this school - the differentiated learning strategy at the school is well deployed and copes well to address both their needs, and keep them both challenged and engaged. The teachers who we have experienced to date are outstanding. Our son's experience with his first grade teacher this year has been exceptional - his reading and maths abilities have grown exponentially directly as a result of her teaching methods, but moreover, he has grown in confidence being in her class due to her care and consideration of him as an individual. I would not change one thing in Grade 1 - it's an excellent balance of academics and emotional development. The school for us is the right combination of community, academic depth, and personal/character development. After visiting over 10 private elementary schools prior to making our choice, Carey is easily the best on the Peninsula.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 3 graduates of Carey all of whom are thriving now in high school. Carey made learning fun in a safe and happy environment. I'm sure their success today is due in large part to the excellent foundation they received from Carey.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a child at Carey School, and have made an effort to review the academics and overall quality of the school over the last three years. My conclusions are as follows: the teachers at Carey are gifted, affectionate, and intelligent--my child loves her classes and has thrived wonderfully there. Eric Temple, the Head of school, is brilliant, practical, and devoted wholeheartedly to the children. He has markedly improved the facilities and brought the parent community closer together. John Loeser, assistant Head of School, working with Eric, has given close attention to best-practices pedagogy, and has made strong, effective refinements in the academic curriculum. I have recently had occasion to visit a number of other private schools, some of them of national reputation. I finished my visit with the conviction that Carey is one of the finest elementary schools in the country.
--Submitted by a parent

I have 2 very bright children at Carey school who are more than adequately challenged. Mr. John Loeser, the Harvard graduate who has made and continues to make cutting edge changes to the curriculum, is outstanding in preparing students for the ultra competitive private middle schools in which they do very well. Mr. Temple, head of school, has taken the school from a friendly, academically adequate program to an exciting, evolving, academic and arts rich, program where children thrive in every way. The atmosphere is one of fairness, high moral standards and genuine care and concern for both students and staff. Music, foreign language and science are not after thoughts. Interest in these areas is nurtured. Incredible facility improvements have taken place and more are planned. Extra curricular program are there (painting, science, acting, juggling, basketball, community projects, computer/technology...) and where there is an interest there will be a program.
--Submitted by a parent

If you are looking for a great community overall-this is the place-if your child is average or below, Carey is a great place,but if your child is above average they have a challenge dealing with kids who need extra challenge-unfortunately there is no differentiated instruction-my son is in 4th ansgrade and I've had to put in a lot of effort myself to keep him challenged at the level he should be-
--Submitted by a parent

Carey is a great school for average children or children who are struggling or need special assistance in reading etc. however if you have a child who is above average they don't know what to do with them, my son is very bright and the school refuses to challange him at his level because they do no differentiated learning-it is a great community though.
--Submitted by a parent

Carey prides itself on turning out well-rounded learners. They are successful in doing so; however, as the grade levels climb one notices disproportionately more girls. Teaching style and curriculum is traditional although there is differentiated learning. Differentiated learning is not well-defined at this school. If you are looking for stellar academics or hope that your above average child will excel in a particular subject at this school, this place is not for you. They don't admit the smartest students. In fact, based on my knowledge of the above average public schools in San Mateo Cty, I would say that what you are getting for $20K a yr. that you are not getting in public school is after-school care and art, PE, and music as defined curriculum. Is it worth the extra price? Great parent community but you can get that for free at a great public school in the Bay Area
--Submitted by a parent