Laurelhurst School

Posted September 18, 2009

I would say this school is no than the rest, and doesn't have some of the advantages other nearby schools have. First, this school should not be a middle school. The other schools, Alameda, Buckman, Glencoe have much better facilities, and they don't have to stretch to meet middle school student needs like this one. If the middle schoolers needed to run a mile on campus, they would need to make 52 laps around the miniscule playground and then all the kids would have to share about a 4 stall lavatory to change. Second, I agree with the other parents about lack of programming for boys, especially after school. The after school programs are all art focused, not physical activity focused. Third, the after school program is not the best the area has to offer and no one in the PTA or the school to care. Last, the parents are cliquey.
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Posted September 17, 2009

Great supportive staff and parents who care!
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Posted May 6, 2009

I have two children at Laurelhurst, and we are absolutely delighted with the experience. ALL public schools are struggling with funding issues, facility issues and being asked to do far more than schools needed to do in prior generations. The parent involvement is fantastic, and the statement below that the PTA and Foundation ('THEY') are mostly run by 'stay at home' parents is not true; many Foundation and PTA board members are employed full-time. Laurelhurst has great Physical Education, Library and Music teachers. Parent supported programs include Choir and Drama, and many outside artists are brought in funded by the PTA and Run for the Arts - some of the 'always asking for money' referred to below; a spring drama program offered full scholarships this year.) My son found the assertion about gender bias laughable. I heartily disagree with the assumptions made by the 2 reviewers below.
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Posted April 20, 2009

Laurelhurst is reportedly one of the best public schools in Portland. And they are strong on the basics, which is great. However, as a parent of a boy here for a couple years now, I must agree with some of the criticisms posted earlier. There does seem to be a gender bias against boys, the facilities are pushed to their limits and the school is not providing much in the way of extras that would warrant its exceptional reputation. Programs for advanced students are often Such left to the whims and abilities of concerned parents. Extracurricular activities are limited and require parents pay full fees. And yet there are many fund raising events; this school is always asking for money. The TAG program, or lack thereof, is at best inconsistent and minimal, a problem across PPS. This school works hard to make it look good on paper, but that is all.
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