Laurel Elementary School

I like this school. The teachers are friendly. The school is clean, there is a lot of funding and parent involvement. For example, the dad's club (TFK) is excellent, and the PTM teacher, Liz, really works well with the kids. THe previous principal, Wong, was good. The current principal, Glines, does not communicate well. Teachers that have been there for a while are excellent. Newer teachers aren't as good, and it might be the principal not screening them well enough.
--Submitted by a parent

I couldnt have picked a better school for my sons. The staff is amazing, the kids are friendly and my son just loves it and enjoys himself! i would like to appericate miss Armstrong and mr Agius for their excellent job .
--Submitted by a parent

This is the third year that my son has attended Laurel and we are a proud Eagle family. I believe that a family and student can only get out as much as you put into the school. I see an active pta and gladly participate in the art in action program which is terrific. Like most things in live, there is a percentage of people who do the work and I'd estimate it as an active 40% of parent participation. I've made some really good friends. The teachers we have experienced have been very strong and the after school staff at the annex is really on it. My son gets made if I every pick him up early. I think principal Glines does a good job and her responsibilities are many. I think she lacks in really connecting with people in a friendly manner and that can be off putting. I have seen her at every pta meeting and many other after school activities and I appreciate her time and efforts. Again, glad to be an Eagle!
--Submitted by a parent

I agree about the principal problem in Laurel. A few months ago they have a theme of " No name calling week " ??? There's gotta be a better way to name it or what. From the previous school, my daughter talks about their principal a lot (who is involve with the kids a lot) she was only in Kindergarten then now 1st grader at Laurel, she does not even know who the principal is. Security is way too lax.
--Submitted by a parent

Laurel Elementary is a wonderful elementary school. Brilliant teachers capable of handling children from all walks of life, including kids who need improvement and kids who are intellectually gifted. BEST elementary school in San Mateo County.
--Submitted by a parent

We have spent 4th and 5th grade here and I love the teaching staff, as well as the admin. staff. Get to know the movers and shakers of the school (PTA) and get involved and you will get plugged in to this small community.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter just c ompleted First Grade and I have been so impressed with her first grade teacher Mrs. Amato. She really cared about my daughter and always kept me informed even with my busy schedule at work, I always was kept up to date with my daughter's performance. Mrs. Amato is wonderful and so is Teacher Gina at the annex!!!! :)
--Submitted by a parent

This school has fine parents who care. For those who do wish to be involved with their child's education, there are dad and mom's social clubs, fund raising events, and so much more. The principal is hands on and truly cares and responds when called upon. I'm proud to be apart of Laurel and what they are accomplishing-840 API and climbing, Go Eagles!
--Submitted by a parent

I hope others can learn from my experience. I'm not trying to be negative but to let others know that my child was not prepared for a middle school other than Abbott. She was definitely behind and took a few years to catch up. And yes, I agree that there are wonderfully dedicated parents at Laurel. However, only about 50% of the parent body is committed. The others are not involved with their time or money, and this makes a huge difference. Other schools have much more money, therefore more programs and more resources. A commitment level of 90%+ of the parent body also makes a huge difference. I wish Laurel lots of success and I enjoyed the community immensely. I would not send another child there, however, and I hope that is helpful for some parents to hear. I would recommend comparing Laurel to other programs, and enrichment activities.
--Submitted by a parent

I'd like to respond to the recent review calling Laurel mediocre and lacking parental involvement. Laurel is a good neighborhood school. Yes, there are some children bussed in but San Mateo is a diverse city with many languages spoken and ethnic groups. I have 2 children who attend Laurel and an middle school son who attends Abbott. He was very well prepared for middle school and is thriving there. Also, there many very dedicated, hardworking parents at Laurel who dedicate time and money to the school. I feel my children have received an excellent education and have made wonderful friends at Laurel. We can always make improvements at the school but I don't think such negative comments are productive.
--Submitted by a parent