Laurel Park Elementary School

Ive been a LP parent for the past 2 years. Im very happy with the school overall. The teachers are excellent. They are friendly an communicate well. The principal is awesome. Its wonderful how involved he is with the students and their families. LP is very family orientated and often offer family friendly activities like picnics, ice cream socials etc. My only gripe is the unpleasant and unfriendly attitude of a front end office staff member. Ive spoken to several other parents who concur.
—Submitted by a parent

Our family is grateful to have had a child attending Laurel Park for the past 3 years. It is a warm, welcoming school with passionate teachers who are highly trained in multiple areas that address educating the whole child. Laurel Park is incredibly family-friendly and constantly works to build community by inviting people in to share their knowledge or having students connect with projects, field trips, and experiences that reach out to the greater Apex area and the world. Both students and staff make efforts everyday to do their best to learn in meaningful ways, be kind, maintain safety, and are open to helping others regarding what they've learned with a smile. Our child grows in confidence with this light!
—Submitted by a parent

We have been attending LPES since the beginning and my 2 kids love going there. The current principal is very even-tempered and fair. As a parent and a volunteer, I have always felt that he cares about what I think, and he has always responded to me in a timely manner. We have had 6 different teachers during our time at LPE, and each and every one of them have been a pleasure- cheerful, welcoming and have always communicated well with us along with making learning a positive experience for the kids. The parent base is very active in volunteering, and the PTA is very generous in their support of funding special programs & events at the school. This past year we had authors come visit the school, in-school science field trips, and opportunities to buy extremely discounted ballet tickets as a result of the PTA's efforts. I feel that academics are important at LPE, but that the common view is that life not all about test scores I love that when I go visit the school that i never know if I am going to encounter 120 kids in a drum circle in the gym, or walk by a classroom w/ 25 pairs of sneakers lined up outside and hear a bunch of giggling kids inside in an inflatable planetarium!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children in LPES, one in AU and one in first grade. I have another child going into kindergarden in August. We have had such an amazing experience here. The teachers are all about the kids and really enjoy teaching them. The kids absolutely LOVE learning because of the teachers. The principal is incredible. He knows every single student and the kids just think the world of him. Just when you think your kids have gone to great schools they do stuff to make it THAT MUCH BETTER!!! 5 STARS FOR LPES!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

i go to laurel park and in 5th grade. The speacialist are great and the teacher are too. When you are in 4th and 5th grade you get to do safty and make sure that all of the kids are doing well. We have AG class for smart people that are gifted like some of my friends. Not to affend anyone to. LPES is awsome in 5th grade you get to go on this long feild trip to new bern and it is awsome. i do aggre that the staff is a little bit not to careing but the teachers are so dont blame the teacheres. I have a sister that works there to. LPES is the best school ever

A good school. Our two kids (4th and 1st grade) are doing well. The administration and teachers are doing great job well above neighboring school where we got reassigned from. I have been volunteering last 2 years at this school. The administrative folks have made me feel welcome everytime I sign in at the office. The principle is doing great job. She would be out with other teachers on many hot/cold days at carpool lanes making sure safety is met. The principle is approachable given I have done my part. The school challenges my kids academically but again after hard work and closely working with the teachers, my child is in the school's Academical Gifted program. Speaking of parent teachers meetings and conferences - they are accommodating. Just be careful, once a teacher called me at home without prior notice and asked over the phone parent teacher conference this I found to be true for some other parents; so definitely ask for face-to-face time. The media center is nicely kept but the folks there sure can appreciate help. If each parent can only put in half hour a month, they would really appreciate it. The cafeteria staff is cheerful, well rounded and very helpful.
—Submitted by a parent

We love this school. Could not ask for better experience. The teachers are great and my child is thriving. The negative comments on this page come from individuals who dont like rules and are used to getting their way. I have seen and heard them in the front office. They come in thinking that they own the school. I am glad that there is a policy in place that parents just cant go in to a classroom and disrupt. They seem to forget that their child is not the only one there. I want my childs teacher focused on her job and not conferencing with every parent that walks in. Regarding dismissal, the safety of ALL STUDENTS should be a priority of ALL PARENTS. It is not the schools fault you are running late for a doctors appointment.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been at Laurel Park since it opened three years ago with two children attending. I have nothing but positive things to say about all of the teachers that my children have had. The school is full of teachers that love teaching and thrive on helping kids prosper. The principal is exactly what I want for my children. Strict in the ways she needs to be strict and completely invested in the children and teachers needs. Society is going into too much of a "give me" or "I deserve" or "it's not my fault" type direction that having a principal that holds parents, teachers and students accountable is refreshing all while helping them flourish. The only negative can be some of the drama happy parents.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at LPES since it opened and have been very happy with the teachers, specialists and administration so far. I have always felt welcome at the school and my daughter is thriving. The media center is a great asset to the school with the abundance of materials and sunlight
—Submitted by a parent

Very surprised to read negative comments by some parents. We have found Laurel Park to be EXCELLENT. Yes, there are rumors of the occasional less than stellar teacher (we have been fortunate not to encounter them yet), but this school is the envy of other public schools in Cary/Apex. As for the principal, we are sorry to see her leave. Whatever her personality might be like, she believes that parents know better what is best for their children, and that sort of insight is rare (and good) to find, in light of the typical arrogance in many public school systems ("WE'RE the professionals").
—Submitted by a parent

I actually FULLY agree with the first two posters. The environment is so negative at this school. Many parents feel very unwelcome, the front office staff is rude and completely unprofessional. The tone set by admin is one of "stay out of our way, we don't care about you (the parents)". The greatest disservice this school offers is this: My child is THREE years BEHIND IN READING as a DIRECT result of the horrific first grade teacher assigned to us. It's abominable. Any/all attempts I make to work w/teachers to better this situation are halted by the school. The last PTA meeting was a complete SHAM! Utter ridiculousness. The sorority of Moms on that PTA that colludes with the principal is shameless. Complete bias on the part of the administration and the special interests of the board members is exercised by the PTA.
—Submitted by a parent

Well, I think that last two reviews do not reflect any understanding on the school and its procedures. No teacher will be called or interrupted during dismissal due to maintaining the safety of nearly 1000 students. Safe arrival. Safe dismissal. Students going home by walking, bus, and carpool. Every staff member is utilized and busy making certain that every student makes their way to the appropriate location, car, and person. This is a well organized and orchestrated task. This also takes into account transporstion changes by phone, note, and mistakenly by email. This also includes reassuring siblings when their brother or sister may have gone home sick or they are unaware of changes. No one is interrupted at this time unless it is an absolute emergency. There are many people in the school all trying to do their job and make their way home safely.
—Submitted by a teacher

I agree with the last post. Office staff does not provide an inviting environment. I have been to other schools and have been welcomed with a smile. The head principal seems to be the negative impact on staff, parents, and children. My child's teacher is very welcoming and friendly but the rest of the school is not. Too much emphasis on penguin spirit day....looks like an accident waiting to happen. Spend more time on academics...please!
—Submitted by a parent

The admin staff was impolite, and regarded parent (me) quite lowly. There is, apparently, a rule where you are not allowed to use your cell phone (even if browsing on email, not talking..) in the waiting area because they (the admin staff) cannot hear and use of a cell phone can bring down the walkie talkie system. I came to the school to have an appointment that was set with a teacher at a certain time. And was told I could not see her until all buses were gone. They didn't even attempt to call the teacher and notify her that her appointment was there. If we had a choice to pick the schools we wished the tables would turn and this behavior would be unacceptable. Great building but shabby service. What a shame.
—Submitted by a parent

LPES is a new school and at the end of 2 years we are just now finding our stride. I have a rising 2nd grader & a rising kindergartener. The teachers we have had have been fabulous and the administration is concerned about the children's education & safety. There is one person in the front office who is a bit brusque but once they knew me, I was welcomed and thanked every time I came to volunteer. I feel the parent involvement will be better now that the school board has let the traditional calendar families leave. There was much discontent with the school due to that.
—Submitted by a parent

Laurel Park is an outstanding academic community. Our students have very strong administrative, teacher, and parental support. The atmosphere is focused on meeting curriculum goals while encouraging positive character traits such as kindness, respect, and responsibility. Specialists and grade level teams often collaborate to bring students the best educational opportunities possible. I am proud to work with such amazing students and staff!
—Submitted by a teacher

Laurel Park is an excellent school. My child has been a student at LPES for two years and likes it much better than her former school. She enjoys the diversity...morning exercise, Penguin Pride Day, etc. I think the teachers are wonderful and give the children a very good, solid education. Yes there are rules, but they aren't excessive and no more than I'd expect. I've volunteered at LPES, and so has my husband. We've always been welcomed warmly and felt appreciated. This is a GREAT SCHOOL!
—Submitted by a parent

I definitely get the vibe this school is run more like a prison than an elementary school. I think the hyper safety conscious attitude of the administration has done more harm than good in terms of relationships with parents. From being accosted upon entry to the school to hardly ever being asked to volunteer or help at the school, the vibe of this school differs from others in the county. Usually schools love to have enthusiastic, college-education, free labor, so I'm not sure what the problem really is - trust ? On a positive note, I think there are some good quality, very professional teachers at this school. The school is well organized and, well, I guess it's safe.
—Submitted by a parent

Laurel Park has an excellent faculty and staff that promotes a positive, nurturing, and SAFE learning environment that promotes the children to take responsibility for themselves. The person who made the earlier post needs to realize that there are almost 1000 children ages 5-12 to keep safe daily and rules allow everyone to know what is expected. My children have attended the school since it opened and have had an extremely positive learning experience and my children are thriving! I'm proud of our school!
—Submitted by a parent

Laurel Park has the feel of a new school that is a work in progress. This is only it's second year of operation and I think the principal is still trying to determine how best to run the school. Discipline is definitely something that is constantly being addressed, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I do wish that I was allowed to volunteer in my child's class this year. The teacher has made it extremely difficult to come and is not willing to work with me to find ways to help in the classroom. Overall, I would say this year is going more smoothly than last, however, I think is definitely room to improve especially in the support of academically gifted students!
—Submitted by a parent