Laurel Ridge Elementary School

I left Laurel Ridge E.S. in 1965, yes....1965!!! Grades 1-7th. 8th grade was at Druid Hills H.S. Harold O'Quinn was the principal of Laurel Ridge when I went there. Shetland Drive was all woods and we would walk home. I don't expect kids walk like we did. Everyone from Willivee around to the homes off of Lawrenceville Hwy. would all gather on the weekend and play ball. There were two ball fields at the time, both sand lots, but we had fun, our teachers cared about us and it was a good experience. I wish my kids had the opportunity to go to as good a school as Laurel Ridge!

I love this school!! My son has learned so much. This school really cares for the students and encourages parents to be involved in the school. I couldn't ask for my child to be at a better school than this one!!
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing school. We were at Cliff Valley for 5 years and this school leaves us surprised at how well rounded a public school can be. My daughter is receiving a real education and we couldn't be happier.
—Submitted by a parent

I like the teachers because they are nice and friendly. However, this year there is a new intern who troubles me. She never smile and always looks angry. She makes me feel uncomfortable
—Submitted by a parent

I like all the teachers!!

We love this school. It is wonderful to walk around the school and see all the kids learning and enjoying their school. Our kids are well prepared for the next step. LRE has families representing many countries around the world and we also have children requiring wheelchairs and other medical needs. My daughter is learning many lessons about life here. LRE is always welcoming to parents and they love class parent participation. The staff is incredible. The county's teacher of the year for 2007-2008 teaches here. We love LRE.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter started K in ms.breland's class at Laurel Ridge.I could not be happier. The teachers and staff are magnificent and Savannah has learned do much. We love it!
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school. We transferred from a private school and I am amazed at the quality of education, the caring staff and involved parents.
—Submitted by a parent

My family has been at Laurel Ridge for the past 4 years after transferring from a local private (Catholic) school-- my youngest has 4 years to go. This is more than a school-- Laurel Ridge is a small community where the entire staff, from the administration down, knows the children and the parents by name. Strong academics with test scores that compare favorably to the 'star' schools in the county (Livsey, Fernbank, Kittredge). Low staff turnover, majority of teachers have advanced degrees and certifications, high percentage of students in the gifted program, active and interested parents and one of the most caring and responsive administrative teams in the county. DeKalb's best-kept secret!
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended 1st grade at Laurel Ridge this past year. I am very happy with the school. My neighbor also moved in this year. As first year students, both our boys were paired up with mentors, which were also the vice principal and the principal. I was glad that they took the time to do this with the boys. Mrs. E was an excellent teacher. I feel she has really prepared my son for school with projects and book reports geared to the first grade level. She really stressed my son's responsibility for his own work. Many of the parents were very involved with the school. I had seen and met many of the parents in my son's classroom. If I didn't meet them personally, my son told me about their visits. I love the family evironment of Laurel Ridge.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a teacher in Atlanta. My fifth grader goes to Laurel Ridge and I am very happy with the caring and warm environment. The staff is dedicated and it is a very safe school.
—Submitted by Rob P., a parent