Laurel Hill School (The)

In some areas it's very good, but all too often it misses the big picture. The good thing is that they individualize for children's academic needs. The bad: way too many nonsense projects and things that end up being a burden for the parents. All that could be overlooked if it didn't take away from important homework and critical elements that need to be learned to do well on state tests and in general. Crucial basic foundations are not stressed enough. They are too concerned with other things that are not that important or are better suited for after school activities. To sum it up, this very expensive school has way too much frosting and not enough cake for my taste.
--Submitted by a parent

Great pre school after that run. Very competitive, all for show. Most parents do their kids work (even those who do not want to feel they have no choice). If you let your child do their own work they will be the only student not on the Honor Roll. The yearbook is full of pictures of kids who have mothers on the yearbook committee. The science fair is full of projects the parents have done. The book club gives Diamond awards to kids who say they have read 200 books. How many primary school students do you really think are reading 200 books (apparently everyone at Laurel Hill). A great deal of favoritism is shown. Save your money.
--Submitted by a parent

Laurel Hill is an excellent school. The small class sizes (approx. 15 students per class), and the fact that there are two teachers in every classroom, ensures each student receives a wealth of personal attention and instruction. Each child is looked at as an individual, and programs are tailored to let each child excel at his or her own level. It is not uncommon for children to be working at one or two levels above grade level because of the personal instruction. The teachers are completely dedicated and extremely nurturing. They go above and beyond to educate the children and provide a warm, nurturing, safe environment. The staff is amazing and makes a point to know each child and their family on a personal, caring level. The Starks, who run the school, uphold the highest standards and are very diligent in making sure the academic curriculum is top-notch. As does Mrs. Karchmar, who is the director of the PreSchool. Laurel Hill is an excellent choice for your child's academic success.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent school for all levels of academic improvement and acceleration, an ideal school for disciplining your youngsters. Small classes, individual attention, and very low teacher turnover rate.
--Submitted by a parent

It is both delightful and heartwarming to witness your child enthusiastically running into school, eager to extend warm greetings to their friends, smiling teachers and attentive staff, as they enter the building. This is a normal, everyday occurrence at The Laurel Hill School. The teachers and staff are compassionate, approachable, dedicated, nurturing, and very professional. The small group instructional methods utilized by the inspirational teachers at The Laurel Hill School is an effective way to introduce new topics of a stimulating and challenging curriculum, reinforce former lessons, and monitor student progress. This type of instructional approach is instrumental to promote learning achievement and success. The building and grounds at The Laurel Hill School are beautiful, inviting, well maintained, and protected, providing your child with a safe and secure environment for them to discover, learn, explore, and play both inside and out of the classroom. If you are seeking a wise investment for your child s educational success and future, The Laurel Hill School is a wonderful choice.
--Submitted by a parent

I had my children in the preschool, lower, and middle school at LH. My ratings vary greatly for each. The preschool is very good, the lower school is excellent if you can stand doing many ridiculous time consuming projects, and you have the freedom to be at the school often for their events. I wouldn't recommend it for busy parents, or those who can't leave their jobs often. You and your child will be made to feel guilty for not coming. The middle school is very disappointing on many levels. It's very expensive but they put as little money as possible into it. Their bread and butter is the camp and the lower school and that's where most of the attention goes. Stay until 5th grade. Most people leave after that and class size is just way too small. My final complaint is about their uniform requirements. It changes every few years, and they have 3 different uniforms for the lower school and 4 for the middle school. It is so expensive and unnecessary. Children are often confused about what they are supposed to wear and then punished if it's wrong. Why can't they just have 1 or 2 uniforms like everyone else?! It makes no sense. The middle school needs major overhaul if they continue.
--Submitted by a parent

my child went to this school and learned nothing it is overated and he was behind the state avarage this is why they do not post scoors they would not even come close to the state avarage on testing send your children to public they will get a much better education

i attend the laurel hill school and has provided me with finest of education though i wish it was larger in size
--Submitted by a student

Good thing about the school is that they advance kids beyond their class level according to their abilities in math and reading. But on the other hand social environment is far from the best. Socially adapt kids are often punished fro not accommodating friendship needs of socially inept. On subjects that the kids might need extra help in they usually just get pushed to the point of total frustration. Some teachers are great and caring and some are just plain mean with no consideration for children. Have to be very careful about whom your child gets. But if you know the routine, you can get through it with moderate success.
--Submitted by a parent

Really happy with the school as a whole! Good teachers, great instruction and fantastic Director of Preschool!
--Submitted by a parent