Laurel Hall

11919 OXNARD ST

Los Angeles, CA 91606

39 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 22, 2020

Our 2nd grade son moved mid-year to Laurel Hall from our local LAUSD top rated Charter school. He was miserable at said school; bored & unchallenged. He LOVES Laurel Hall and thanks us everyday for moving him. He is a very bright, gifted child who needed a teacher who understood him and would work with him and that is exactly what we have found at Laurel Hall. His 2nd grade teacher is absolutely lovely, loving, kind, flexible, attentive, engaging and fun! She makes learning wonderful. The music program is outstanding, he loves the art studio, and all his enrichment classes and teachers. The PE and sports program is amazing and he can’t wait to compete in the sports program that starts in 4th grade. The kids were all SO welcoming and kind to a new student mid-year. He made friends quickly and easily and fit right in. There is a huge emphasis on kindness and building character. The school bumper sticker says “Be Kind” and EVERYONE truly is, from the amazing admissions director, to the wonderful vice principal and principal, the welcoming receptionist, cross guard, valet line guys, the full time school nurse and of course ALL the outstanding, dedicated teachers. Literally the entire staff is amazing. The fact that the kids have chapel on Fridays is icing on the cake, the Pastor is joyous and all the kids seem so happy when you walk through campus. The homework is perfect, not endless busywork like at our LAUSD charter. The classes are small, no class goes over 20 students. We plan to move our twins over in the fall to start Kindergarten, and can’t wait for all three of our children to thrive in this loving, nurturing and academically challenging environment. Thank you to absolutely everyone at Laurel Hall for welcoming our family with open arms and for being such a truly amazing school.
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2019

Laurel Hall is a wonderful school. The teachers and staff are caring, supportive, and love what they do. The class sizes are small. The students get so much individual attention. No one gets lost in the crowd. The school is reasonably priced. The families are warm and friendly. It’s truly a gem of a school.
Submitted by parent on August 22, 2019

Our family has been at Laurel Hall for many years. Our teenager (now at Notre Dame) was extremely well prepared for high school and has continued to thrive academically, athletically, and socially since Laurel Hall graduation. We also have a rising 6th grader who is really looking forward to starting Middle School at Laurel Hall - the Elementary program prepared him well for what lies ahead, and we know from experience that the Middle School program is rigorous without being ridiculous, balanced in a way that allows kids to have time to be kids, without having to spend all their out-of-school time doing homework. Small class sizes are a huge plus, especially in the Middle School years when so many schools have classrooms literally bursting with students. The individualized attention the students receive in this environment is a huge factor in their success, and one of our favorite things about Laurel Hall.
Submitted by parent on May 20, 2019

We are a new family to Laurel Hall and have had a wonderful experience so far. My twin boys went to a developmental, play-based preschool and entered Kindergarten at Laurel Hall with no previous academic experience. They picked up reading, writing and basic math with lightning speed, in large part due to the amazing teachers and small class sizes - and most importantly, they are developing a love of learning. They look forward to school, take pride in their accomplishments and adore their teachers. We live in a neighborhood with an excellent public elementary school, but we chose Laurel Hall for its small size. It really feels like a community, which is something that’s not so easy to find in the sprawl of LA. You can’t beat the student to teacher ratio (each Kindergarten classroom has 15 kids with a teacher and full-time teacher’s assistant), and everyone from the administrators to the parking guards knows my kids by name. They walk into school feeling confident and safe each morning. The parents are down to earth and involved, and everyone seems to have the same basic priorities: giving our kids the best education we can, instilling self-confidence, work ethic and drive and teaching our children to be kind, empathetic, curious and honest. Laurel Hall is a special school and a really provides a haven for kids within the valley.
Submitted by parent on February 20, 2019

Laurel Hall has been simply amazing for my children! We have been there since the ECC (11 years) and could not be happier. The teaching staff is incredible and just keeps getting better from K-8 it is outstanding. I have a one LHS graduate and one that is not in middle school. Both have been more than prepared for the next step. It is a kind, loving and supportive environment for all children. Kids leave there well rounded, self-sufficient, able to self-advocate and ready to conquer anything that comes their way. If you have a child that struggles with learning, no problem, they have their hands on that and will be there every step of the way. If you have a child that is gifted, they keep them engaged and challenged. The middle school teachers are simply amazing and send their students off to top high schools in the area, with most of them landing in Honors classes and leadership roles on their campuses. If you are looking for a school that has it all, you MUST check out Laurel Hall. It is a community you will not find ANYWHERE else.If you are looking for a preschool, look no further. The ECC has been in the process of revamping and is even better than it was when we were there! The new Director is amazing! She comes into the position with years of experience, has been a teacher there and a parent at LHS. She knows what works and is creating such a wonderful, fun, nurturing environment for the kids and parents! LHS is the diamond is the diamond in the rough of the valley. I would not send my kids anywhere else.
Submitted by parent on February 20, 2019

Fantastic! My children are very happy. They have been since we can to this school 3 years ago.
Submitted by parent on February 12, 2018

What a wonderful school! I have one who went through and is now in college. My other child is a current student and has been one since the ECC. The class sizes are OUTSTANDING. My favorite part of the academics is the vocabulary and writing skills that these kids gain. I also love that my child is known and feels safe at the school. You can't go wrong with Laurel Hall!
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2018

Full disclosure: we are only in our second year, and I plan to update my review as long as we stay there to address changes, because the school is (as of spring 2018) in a period of transition. I can say with full confidence that the kindergarten program at Laurel Hall is outstanding. The teachers are kind, tuned in to children and communicative with parents. Kids leave kindergarten beautifully prepared for first grade academically and socially. I can't say enough positive things about the kindergarten experience. First grade, for us, has been equally positive, though this does seem to be because we hit the jackpot with teachers--parents with kids in another teacher's class have reportedly had more mixed reviews. That said, the administration's handling of feedback in this area has been both positive and productive.Our new principal is promising! We have noted an improvement in the way the school handles communication with parents, discipline with students, and feedback regarding teachers. There's still a ways to go in some areas, but we're hoping that the changes we've already seen are a positive indicator of good forward growth for the school.As it is, the foundation for a good educational experience remains the same: small class sizes, a diverse curriculum that balances arts, sciences and athletics with the fundamentals, and a caring community of staff and parents that are generally kind, supportive, and willing to contribute to the best possible educational experience for our kids.
Submitted by parent on February 22, 2017

Laurel Hall is an excellent school. It is kind and nurturing while still having wonderful academic rigor. I became a parent here in 2008, when my oldest transferred from Pinecrest Van Nuys, which has since closed. He is now in 12th grade and is thriving. Most of the skills he needs to succeed in college were already instilled in him at Laurel Hall. My youngest is in the upper elementary grades. He too is thriving. I am not sure what this business is about bullies. My children have very high self-esteem, and have never experienced bullying. And whether it's Mrs. Hobbs greeting you in the office, or Mrs. Evans giving one of her famous Friday hugs, the school exudes warmth and welcoming.Apparently there are rumors circulating that the school is for sale. This is FALSE. Parents have been assured that this rumor is false. I can assure you that the teachers spend hours and hours preparing for class. They do not arrive at school, look at some scripted lesson plan, and then "wing it." I can't believe that anyone would think that any teacher would ever do this. I have been a Laurel Hall parent for 9 years. The rigor is at the same level of excellence that it has always been.We love Laurel Hall!!!
Submitted by parent on August 25, 2016

I have two boys who graduated from and one who is currently still attending Laurel Hall. Some reviewers have questioned the academic rigor at Laurel Hall. They do not give excessive homework or offer honors classes. Instead, they teach at a normal pace while instilling the love of learning and how to think outside the box - tools my boys took with them through high school. My older two went on to Notre Dame HS, and my oldest is currently at an Ivy League college and is doing great. At Laurel Hall, my boys were given the opportunity to be well rounded. They dabbled in sports, art, music, and most recently some very unique classes like project lab, know your dough (a finance class), drama and gardening. If you get the chance, come see the school musical. I have been impressed every year! They have wonderful overnight field trips: 4th grade - SF and Sacramento, 5th grade - Astrocamp, 6th grade- Alpine, 7th grade - Catalina, 8th grade - East Coast (Washington DC, Philly, NY, Virginia). Laurel Hall's approach to religion is very much from a place of loving, giving and caring, especially to those less fortunate. They respect cultural and family diversity. Thank you Laurel Hall for a wonderful overall experience!
Submitted by parent on April 08, 2016

I agree with most of what has been said below. The school is in serious crisis. There are wonderful things about Laurel Hall: Project Lab is a great STEAM experience across grade levels, the children are mostly well behaved and polite, there is a moral grounding to the curriculum (although there are some disappointingly narrow views expressed at times), the phys-ed and sports programs are amazing, and the music is truly wonderful. In addition, the pace at which the children learn and the thoroughness (sometimes to a fault) of the instruction is good. BUT. In the upper elementary, there are many students who lag far behind grade level, and many of the policies at the school are archaic (withholding recess for behavior "reminders"? Seriously? Don't they read the research?) There is a pervasive culture of nepotism and a bizarre loyalty and blindness to faculty who need to receive professional guidance. Finally, the academics in the middle school are just plain poor, especially in important subjects like English and Math.
Submitted by parent on March 13, 2016

Get ready Laurel Hall the fact is, Laurel Hall students transferring into high schools demonstrate high academic achievement along with a well-rounded education. Unfortunately, this is also true for those parents pulling their kids out Laurel Hall and moving
Submitted by parent on September 03, 2014

My son started kindergarten this year and so far we just love it. It is a very welcoming community and my son can't wait to go to school everyday. The admission core donator was a little lackluster but everyone else we have dealt with has been great.
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2014

This is our last year at Laurel Hall School. Although we are ready to move on, it is not without bitter sweet memories. Kindergarten was the best transition to 'real school' I have ever experienced. My 2 older kids went to school in another state...then we moved here. It was a blessing to find this cozy, warm family environment. I was impressed by all that is offered for the money spent. As a working parent my kids spend most of their waking hours at LHS. They had teachers who make connections better than others...but they learned and were prepared for high school. The Middle School adviser is a great balance of firm and friendly. She understands students. I will miss Laurel Hall, we made life long friends there, both the kids and my husband and I...What people have to remember is that any school is made of different personalities...just as are children. Learning to navigate their school community is very important to a child's success in later life.
Submitted by parent on March 20, 2014

The only bad (consistent) experience was the EDP employee that was very loud and SASSY toward my child and made it less than enjoyable on a daily basis. Unfortunately I worked so we needed EDP but it broke my heart to see my child to the point of tears from the brash treatment. I made several complaints to the head of EDP but I felt they were keeping her there for a reason. Not sure why. Anyway this loud and rude woman would avoid eye contact with me and simply see me walking to the sign out sheet and I would hear her yell my child's name like he was in trouble and I can only imagine how she was when I wasn't there! Child care is a place where there is opportunity to impact lives and make the world a better place through our children. I was very disappointed that at the EDP department head,(who has been there over 20 years) didn't make more attempt at making her employee be accountable and apologize to us or at least have a sit down to talk it out.
Submitted by parent on October 17, 2013

Laurel Hall is an amazing place to send your children. My 3rd grader is excited about PE, is learning how to play BOTH the violin and the recorder (with no additional school fees), is challenged in the classroom and is learning about his relationship with God. My TKer is learning how to work in groups and is starting a love of science and reading that grow daily. He loves his dance class! Both kids get Spanish, music, art, computer, science lab, PE, library time. When they get older they can join band, guitar and strings classes, as well as drama, digital photography, yearbook and ASB (like student government). Tuition is reasonable and the community is very close and welcoming. Kindness is taught as well as reinforced and students interact in positive ways. I am very happy here and I can't imagine my kids anywhere else.
Submitted by teacher on October 17, 2013

Laurel Hall is an AMAZING community of students, parents & staff! There is no school quite like this in the Valley. The feel on the campus is so friendly...students seem to be very well behaved! I "LIKE" this school!
Submitted by parent on October 11, 2013

We were extremely disgusted with this school and how they treated us when our son went through the application process. During his entrance test he had a little trouble concentrating and uncomfortable. At the time we were in the middle of having him assessed with a learning difficulty which was later confirmed. The school sent us a letter of rejection a week later saying our son did not meet their academic programme or their stringent standards. We tried to email the admissions department to explain of our sons learning difficulty but they automatically blocked our email. I then wrote a very polite explanatory letter to the principal and admissions department asking if we could meet to discuss our situation further but it was neither acknowledged or answered. Frankly we and our son were insulted and upset with the way they dealt with us. This school purports to have Christian values and a nurturing spirit but to treat prospective families in this way is a disgrace to their reputation and beliefs. If your child does not fit "in the box" do not consider it! Their bad!
Submitted by parent on August 22, 2013

Despite the complaints of parents, inferior teachers who should have retired years ago, are kept on because of their involvement in the church. Other teachers are uninspired and just phoning it in. Administration, which did nothing when my child was repeatedly bullied, constantly broadcast their "Christian values." Wish i had pulled my child out of there sooner.
Submitted by parent on July 23, 2013

The positive and negative reviews are accurate. We were at LH for 8 years and it works for some and not others. Teachers jump from grade to grade, elementary to middle, almost every year...which is too bad. This creates some 'dud' lineups just when you think your child is going to be advancing to a teacher you've heard great things about. Late elementary has been a particular issue. Some teachers are excellent and some seem burned out...probably true everywhere.