Ardis G. Egan Junior High School

100 West Portola Avenue

School District

Los Altos Elementary
Grade

7-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:19
Type

public

School Map for Los Altos Elementary School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 30, 2024

I have waited until I felt that I had enough information before writing this review. We are now at the halfway mark of the school year. We came here from Alabama which comes with its own set of challenges. This is a more academically challenging environment and this is coming from the parent of a child who was previously attending a magnet school known for the increased rigor. My child is also a minor.With that being said, this staff has made this move so much better for my child. She is in the 8th grade which makes it an even more difficult transition because this means most of the kids already have established friend groups. Even with this, and all of the challenges of developing new friendships and adapting to extreme academic challenges, the staff here stepped in and made this transition as smooth as humanly possible. Early on we had to deal with some bullying and as soon as the administration was informed, they jumped to action to, not only correct the issue, but also to make sure that my child was comfortable and emotionally okay. They reached out several times just to check on her. They made it clear that their door was always open and it was a genuine offer and they stood by a zero tolerance bullying policy. They have taken every opportunity to help my child forge new friendships. The math teachers have been phenomenal!!! I would venture to say they may have completely rebuilt my child's overall view of math so that now she is able to do math in her head that she has never grasped prior to this. They have gone above and beyond to provide tutoring help and coordinate with us to improve her performance. It has been the same with the English, math and history teachers. I could honestly go on and on but I think the important part of this is that I actually feel like my child is safe when she leaves for school. Emotionally SAFE. Mentally SAFE. Academically SAFE. Medically SAFE. This school is excellent in my opinion and I have no regrets over choosing to send my child here.
Submitted by parent on March 06, 2024

Parent of a second year child. Seriously regret we didn’t pull our kiddo out - we thought it was the adaptation, but after spending more time talking to teachers we realize they are just unfit for their jobs. The math teacher is telling kids “they are not built for this” yet fails to explain the basic concepts properly. All English teachers are substitute, students barely right anything at all. French 2 is still reviewing last year (it’s February).
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2020

High rate of eating disorders. Social pressure may be challenging for some. The teachers are very good.
Submitted by parent on June 06, 2019

A nice school. We came from Europe and that was a very smooth transition for my son. Great teachers, nice atmosphere and good students. Strongly recommend the school!!!!
Submitted by student on October 01, 2018

OMG. I went to this school for about 3 months and Imidetly left. I am a student with dyslexia and ADHD. They gave me no help. I had an IEP (individualized learning plan) and they still ignored it. All they did was just put me in a class with minimal help. They did not give me what I needed. They also LIED about how I was doing in class. DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD HERE IF THEY HAVE LEARNING DIFFERENCES. Another thing is bullying. I was buillied because I was "fat" and a bad basketball player. First of all, I made the team and I put so many hours into that game. Overall this school was so bad and I would not send your child here.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2016

I read these reviews when we were looking for a house a few years ago and I have to say I feel snookered by these sunny (and frankly, delusional) assessments of the school. Most of the wonderful teachers mentioned here are no longer there. The school is a mess. Teachers are disorganized, overworked and uninspired. Look no further than the English and Language departments which have churned out all sorts of crazies in just the past two years. I honestly don't blame the teachers because even the best teachers wouldn't be able to function in such a chaotic environment. But whatever the reason, the end result is you have a subpar school that relies on parents and a privileged student body (that really would get the same test scores in any other school district) to create a veneer of quality and competence. After moving here, we moved our daughter to a private school where she is thriving. If you're only moving here for the good schools, keep looking or look into private schools.
Submitted by parent on November 02, 2015

This fall (2015) there is a new energetic principal! The school is very good with many dedicated teachers.
Submitted by other on January 20, 2015

All teachers are above-average on their teaching and caring. It is sad to know that they only get paid minimum wage. The school itself is disappointing because of an unfair principal. If you cannot give money or get a good score on tests you are discriminated by her. By god, this is a PUBLIC SCHOOL! She is the worst role model, giving unreasonable examples and suspension. She almost breaks the law to get students in trouble. The students didn't even break the rule! Let them live naturally you ***. Everyone is brainwashed by the money-hogger. It's time she gets retired.
Submitted by other on July 20, 2014

Among the best middle school in the area after doing much research and excellent community feel.
Submitted by parent on April 19, 2014

This school has some stellar teachers who really care. However the principal has proven to be worthless. She does not care about students as demonstrated by the fact that she allows many low performers to be funneled into remedial math classes only to languish there with little to no instruction. This is a dire problem with 8th grade. Talking her to her is maddening because she simply does not care what you think and fails to honor the opinions of those receiving the "services". She thinks she knows more than anyone else about everything at Egan. She suffers from a terrible case of "certainty" and it's high time she and her damaging practices be retired.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2013

The principal here is given a primed group of students who would probably succeed anywhere (i.e. "award winning demographics"), however she is unresponsive and patronizing towards parents who want simple information. It's time for this principal to retire!
Submitted by other on May 06, 2013

This school is definitely a school that your kid should go to. This is the best school I've ever been to.
Submitted by parent on December 17, 2012

Egan provides a calm and comfortable place for most children. They focus on the API score. It fits in with the lifestyle of Los Altos. Pleasant and not so challenging. Few clubs and extra curricular activities. The teachers are competent and experienced but the school is not cutting edge. However for the average student, its a safe place to be . For the curious child, it is not very stimulating. Most LASD schools are faced with stiff competition from a local charter school which should serve as a wake up call. The charter has lots of problems otherwise they could take over Egan.
Submitted by parent on June 09, 2012

Egan is a jewel of a school and a model of the public system for middle school. It is demanding, the teachers are passionate and inspiring, but it is an environment in which the expected student difficulties are supported by a senior staff that just "gets" what it is like to be a young teenager at a key life transition. This is a place where it is expected to make mistakes, and you will find the support and true learning of that experience. It is not just about academics, but about growing the individual. Our son is not a high-flier, flirted with F for a variety of reasons,but I have no doubt that this experience at Egan will set him up in the best way for high school and beyond.
Submitted by other on October 20, 2011

Egan is an absolutely wonderful school. The transition into the seventh grade can be difficult for some students but as long as you keep up with the work, everything is excellent. Egan was by far the best experience I have ever had during my adolescence. The transition from Egan to LAHSflowed very well and I was well prepared in every one of my classes. Beware that Egan can set the bar too high because some of its teachers are so incredible!
Submitted by parent on June 01, 2011

I am very proud that my kid was a studet of this school! I am looking forward to be have a look on thid school again.