Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School

1427 Palmetto Avenue

School District

Pacifica
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:19
Type

public

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 September 03, 2024

I have mixed feelings about my child's time at IBL. In large part, the teachers are great. We had some really passionate, supportive teachers who clearly want the best for the students. On the other hand, we had one teacher who effectivly crushed my child's confidence in math. She seemed to be determined to nickle and dime him and give him the lowest points possible in every situation, never once giving the benefit of the doubt or being supportive or encouraging. My son's favorite subject *was* always math, but she made him feel like he's incapable of learning with her style of teaching and he soon began to hate math. She even had the nerve to tell him that following his IEP accommodations will do him "no favors in life" - therefore, she refused to honor his accommodations. She had an 'old school" way of teaching that was great for the straight A students but incredibly unfair to those with learning diffrences or even those who simply weren't over achievers. Thankfully for the incoming classes, she retired at the end of the 2024 school year. But I leave this review nonetheless because unfortunatley, my concerns over this teacher were completely dismissed by Admin assuring me, "she's our most experienced educator". I don't care how much "experience" someone has, if they have no desire to support a child in their education, they should not be teaching. I know Admin and the district had bigger fish to fry, but my son's education was severely impacted by this woman. It's a real shame teachers like this get away with an inequitable teaching style. Given the other incredible teachers it's really unfortunate that her legacy is leaving a stain on the school rating. Beyond her and the lasting impact she's had on my son, the rest of his experience prepared him well for high school.
Submitted by parent on July 30, 2023

The worse middle school in Pacifica. They don’t know how to handle the bullying situation, they don’t have specific plans in the management of this situation and ended up leaving the parents outside, and the students with more emotional problems.
Submitted by parent on November 10, 2022

The mental health of my 12yr old is suffering at IBL and is having a large impact on her academic life. This mostly relates to the unsuitable methods of teaching that are not met with her, which causes her stress and anxiety. According to her experience here, one of her teachers tends to shout at the students when the teacher feels triggered. I understand that people can get stressed at work, but this is unacceptable towards children. And it effects their productivity.
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2021

The last person who wrote the Ipads I totally agree with me want iPad now I mean I want my child iPad yes.
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2021

OMG BEST SCHOOL EVER SO COOL EZ TEN OUT OF TEN BEST SCHOOL
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2021

Nice teachers good academics and an overall cool pe department. I made my kid leave his old school to come here.
Submitted by parent on November 19, 2020

My child is on his second year at IBL! Let me just say the staff is top notch and are extremely engaged in the students. The bonus is they have fun! We’ve been in multiple schools and I’ve never seen all the staff treat one another like family the way they do. We had an issue awhile back with bullying and I was extremely disappointed in the way it was handled which seems like an ongoing issue here. If your child isn’t bullied this is a perfect school. I feel my child is going to be well prepped for High School. Lastly, unlike the other schools in PSD you won’t find any details on PTO and meetings. Definitely room for improvement there.
Submitted by other on February 25, 2020

how does one rate a school where bullying substitute teachers is acceptable? in my opinion, the admin is a disgusting composite of ignorant okies. putting diamonds on a pig does not make him pretty.
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2018

This is an excellent middle school that has prepared my oldest child for the rigors of high school. She has seamlessly transitioned and thriving in high school due her experience at IBL. My son is currently attending IBL and is having the same experience. They are both very different in personality, but both enjoy Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School.
Submitted by parent on June 18, 2017

Although the school district, pressured by K-8 parents, forced IBL to eliminate advanced courses so the K-8's could maintain "parity," IBL provides an overall better and more age-appropriate experience for grades 6-8 than the smaller environment K-8's. IBL's extremely dedicated and experienced teachers are truly excellent and work tirelessly to challenge students and provide an education academically equal to some private schools. Our only regrets after several years are that the current principal should require all teachers to keep the online parent portal updated with homework and grades, and ensure an equal amount of homework required by all teachers (one new teacher assigns too much every night.)
Submitted by parent on March 29, 2017

Strengths: Social sciences, PE, and science program have a number of veteran teachers who are exceptionally devoted, highly knowledgeable educators who care deeply about the quality of the educational experience they are providing for the kids. These have been the most consistent programs for my son in the past few years. The school counselor is wonderful. It is too bad there is only one of her. My son had a bit of a rough start and she really helped him feel comfortable and was mindful of his growth in the subsequent years. Weaknesses: Some teacher turnover. Particularly bad this year, with all 3 eighth grade Language Arts teachers being brand new to the school, some with 'emergency'-type credentials. It ended up being OK for my son, but students are very aware of when a teacher acts with uncertainty. Removal of accelerated/honors classes to an integrated program. Not necessarily the school's fault, but takes away specialized learning opportunities for kids who could use them.
Submitted by parent on September 15, 2013

This is the best school!!!!!!!!!! Safty and everything math and science even bulling they care about everything Enroll your student here and never regret it!!!!!!! Everyone cares about your child and call about the students and call you in case of any needed item or news.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I always respect the school and staff!!!!!!
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2013

The teachers don't really care if a student is failing a class!!!! There's lack of communication with the teachers to the parents as well as the students!!!! Biggest mistake I ever made was enrolling my child in this school!! Kids are rubbing against each other in the back of the cafeteria and the teachers don't do anything about it, they make out on campus and no one seems to mind!!!