Laurel Elementary School

3750 Brown Avenue

School District

Oakland Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

School Map for Oakland Unified 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 June 20, 2024

We have loved attending Laurel Elementary. The principal has worked hard to create a safe, supportive, and joyous learning environment and the teachers are kind and capable. We’ve been most impressed by how many leadership opportunities the kids have been given- most assemblies have student MCs. The adults stand back and let the kids shine. The school really emphasizes and lives its motto- Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe. They have a great music program and even their own school song. The has a lot of support for special needs and small group learning. They also have a beautiful new playground.
Submitted by parent on December 05, 2023

We love Laurel. Stands out for its strong, stable leadership, great school culture, and emphasis on social-emotional development. Staff is very dedicated and welcoming--I haven't met a single person who works there who isn't warm and all about the kids. I get lots of updates on my student's progress. The teachers call you at the beginning of the year, post weekly updates, and have many opportunities for parent/teacher conferences. Lots of supports for students and families--whenever my kid has a substitute teacher they always remark on that. Great music/performing arts program. Every Halloween the entire student body puts on a music/dance performance--my kid was so excited to be a part of it. They really welcome family participation, I did art with them last year and now am tutoring in math. Diverse community. The kids are awesome! A fellow parent who teaches at middle school says she always likes the kids who come to her form Laurel. The people really make this place but--bonus--they also just renovated their playground. We have a new play structure, soccer field/basketball courts, nature area, garden, murals and tons of trees put in.
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2022

Laurel is a hidden gem, the staff is super responsive and very caring. John Stangl is a very hands on principal, that truly cares for his community and the children. I have recommend this school to friends and family members. The front office team is amazing. This school has a very diverse staff and is a true representation of Oakland.
Submitted by parent on August 13, 2021

I have 2 children in Laurel. My oldest is in 4th and started there in tk. Every single teacher we've had has been fantastic. They truly care about the kids. Both of my kids are advanced readers and the teachers are working with a real mix of where kids are academically. However, they do a great job of keeping things interesting and challenging for my kids, but also recognizing and working hard to bring some of the other children up to grade level. Love how diverse the staff are, and shout out to the afterschool program too! They are great!
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2021

I had a wonderful experience at Laurel. The teachers that my daughter had for the last 4 years are amazing, caring and supportive. the staff in general are kind hearted and helpful. my daughter enjoys the fun activities that the school provides like; music, gardening, computers and talent shows. when my daughter needed support academically she got one on one attention and tutoring in small groups that helped her catch up. We feel blessed to be a part of the Laurel school community.
Submitted by other on June 03, 2021

I've worked with the students & Staff at Laurel Since 2019 and let me tell you there's great work being done here. We all stepped up since Covid19 and we're a Summer School Hub this year.Not to mention Our after school program is amazing. Keep doing what you do teachers & StaffThanx for being ESSENTIAL
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2021

Laurel elementary is an amazing school with great culture and diversity. The teachers are amazing, and have years of experience. I would recommend Laurel elementary to anyone looking for a community school focused on inclusivity and diversity.
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2021

We love Laurel Elementary!!! Two of our kids entered Laurel during the fall of 2020 and have had a wonderful experience all year. The teachers of Laurel have creatively engaged and invested in our kids during a difficult year. Principal John Stangl has made himself accessible and always willing to connect if needed. We’ve been so encouraged by our experience at Laurel, next year we’ll send all three of our kids!
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2021

A very lovely community! My kids always feel so happy and safe at Laurel!
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2021

This is a great school ! Very diverse School community and staff. The teachers and staff care about the education of all students. Friendly and welcoming office staff .Very patient with parents and try to involve parents in every expect of their Childs learning experience. They have a great programs that help keep the students engaged. They help develop strong characters in their students with respect, responsibility and kindness. My child loves Laurel!!!
Submitted by parent on April 27, 2021

Horrible!! Unorganized and Unprofessionals doesn’t listen to the needs of the child more into the business and dealings of the parents involvement in the school. If you aren’t interested in being a pta parent then I feel sorry for your child.Unstructured lesson plans with no real pattern of what they are even trying to accomplish. If you care about your child’s future please don’t put them into this school.Rushed lessons and looks over children who aren’t easily grasping the lesson and leaves them behindOh let’s not leave out the gossipy bad attitude staff not all but majority.
Submitted by parent on January 12, 2021

We’re having a fantastic experience at Laurel!
Submitted by other on August 18, 2018

I love Laurel. Dedicated staff and an amazing PTA.
Submitted by other on August 06, 2018

This past school year, 2 teachers resigned within the first months of school. At the end of the year, 1 teacher went on leave, 1 teacher retired, 1 teacher transferred, and 3 resigned. Once again, Laurel’s trachers leave. I would caution families to enroll their children in such an unstable school. There are other more supportive & stable options in OUSD. That’s where we’re going!!!
Submitted by parent on July 15, 2017

Test scores keep going down. Year after year, positive & good teachers transfer away, go out on stress leave, or retire earlier than planned. The principal means well but is largely ineffective. I'm glad my kid's on her way to middle school.
Submitted by parent on March 24, 2016

My daughter has been at Laurel since Kindergarten. She is excelling in many areas, reading, writing, math (is okay she would rather read and write), and socially. I love this school so much! Her previous school was private and she spent two years there. She cried and was bullied the last year. I couldn't wait to move her out and I moved to the Laurel because of the school. She has made friends and myself as a single mother, I feel such an amazing sense of community and support! I'm super grateful for the teachers and other parents at Laurel Elementry! Thank you all for doing a great job!
Submitted by parent on January 04, 2016

The faculty are very kind and supportive, the students seem to love going to school and the academics are challenging and engaging. The playground has a lot to offer and the library gets very new books frequently. So far we are loving the school.
Submitted by other on August 09, 2015

My baby girl has been going to laurel for four years now first she was going to the CDC and now she is going to the second grade this year she can't wait I love this school they have done a great job with my babe she is reading above average and she is doing wonderful in her math can't wait to see what this year will bring....
Submitted by parent on March 20, 2015

My son is in 4th grade and has attended Laurel since Kindergarten. I have worked at OUSD since 1994 in the Child Development Centers and I have a Masters in Education. Overall Laurel teachers are good. The office staff can be hard and the principal impossible. There is a climate which is not supportive, judgemental, and generates a feeling of mistrust. Once a teacher who was unhappy when I complained as I was the garden volunteer teacher that she left me alone with her class without an explanation, later that year she removed my potluck dish off the parent table at an event. The principal refused to get involved, now after she has given me many looks of hate the principal refuses to reassure me that my son will not have her as a teacher next year. He tell me to wait till the end of the year. I applied to a charter school for my son in case I have to take him out of Laurel because the principal won't deal with my concern. He likes his friends and want to finish 5th grade there. I also wish Laurel was more welcoming of people with differences, but I find the school too narrow minded and felt made fun of at times.
Submitted by parent on April 02, 2014

Laurel has a diverse community, strong PTA and teachers that care. The school continues to strive to meet academic goals for 'ALL' students. Our kids enjoy art and music, pajama night, family night, game night all of which bring us together as a community. Areas that need improving....teacher training to work with studen's with LD's.