Laurel Elementary School

316 36th Avenue

School District

San Mateo-Foster City
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:20
Type

public

School Map for San Mateo-Foster City 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 May 23, 2023

Laurel used to be a great school. It wasn’t perfect, no school is, but it was really good. Since the pandemic there has been a huge downturn. The administration at this school is not good, and has never been consistent. The school is large and there isn’t a lot of staff watching kids at recess and lunch. Fights break out. Families who could, have moved their children to private schools. Most of the teachers at this school are loving and care. There isn’t support for kids who need it and that’s unfortunate.
Submitted by parent on April 06, 2023

I used to absolutely love this school and my son really enjoyed being there. Ever since the pandemic or change of staff, it has gone downhill. The staff is rude and the teachers turn a blind eye to a lot of things. The guidelines for the pandemic are contradicting as you are to not bring your kid to school if exhibiting any symptoms whatsoever or they will send them home. But then they will shame you for your child missing school because of those symptoms. It is really sad that they seem to no longer care about their students and their families at home. I would give zero stars if the option were available. Disappointing..
Submitted by parent on March 14, 2023

My student told me that all the teachers were rude to him he said the rudest it the violin teacher when he raises his hand the teachers look at him and call on the other students.
Submitted by other on May 24, 2021

I graduated from Laurel with a great experience and will now be going off to college. Teachers are all very nice, the playgrounds were redone in the last few years, and the after school program was always a fun, and educational place to go after school.
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2019

Laurel went through a couple of rocky years due to a really bad principal, but they have a new, very good new principal that seems to be really changing things for the better at the school. My son loves every day he's at Laurel. My other kid will be starting kindergarten in the fall. The trajectory of this school is great.
Submitted by parent on November 29, 2018

The facilities are great and from the limited experience I've had with teachers, they seem invested and genuinely care about the kids.
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2018

The principal at this school is terrible. This stems from the District's lack of care and direction. With new leadership and a focus on the curriculum, this school can get back to where it once was.
Submitted by parent on February 22, 2018

My two kids love going to school every day. Their teachers have been very attentive and I couldn't be any happier with how my kids have grown.
Submitted by parent on June 04, 2015

We are a family in the Laurel community who has attended Kindergarten through 4th and are very happy. I can't imagine better teachers. The kids were able to read before the end of Kindergarten and have tested well among their peers across standardized tests and appear to be on track for middle school. They were really pushed in 4th out of their comfort zone and excelled because of that. The parent involvement must be on par with schools who require volunteer hours. One program I really appreciate is the Adapted PE class the "regular ed" and "special ed" students share. A good learning experience for all involved. Laurel definitely helps build a better community. I just wish the kids zoned for Laurel weren't choosing private schools, as is frequently the case.
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2014

It's my sons second year at Laurel. What a wonderful experience! We've had great teachers in our two years at the school. There is a lot of opportunities to be involved. The art program is run by the PTA and taught by parent volunteers. I've had a good experience with the principle so far, She seems to get things done and is always present around campus. It really does take a lot of parent involvement to keep this school going and even this has been an amazing experience for us. We have several children in class that have parents who work and are not able to help out as much but they do what they can and those that are able, do alot. I am incredibly happy with our years at Laurel and look forward to many more. I would not switch schools if given the opportunity.
Submitted by parent on November 14, 2012

I think this school is great. This is my daughters 2nd year at Laurel and I have found that our school is awesome. The PTA is amazing here! And we have a bunch of extras that not many other elementary school have anymore due to budget cuts.
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2012

I like this school. The teachers are friendly. The school is clean, there is a lot of funding and parent involvement. For example, the dad's club (TFK) is excellent, and the PTM teacher, Liz, really works well with the kids. THe previous principal, Wong, was good. The current principal, Glines, does not communicate well. Teachers that have been there for a while are excellent. Newer teachers aren't as good, and it might be the principal not screening them well enough.
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2011

I couldnt have picked a better school for my sons. The staff is amazing, the kids are friendly and my son just loves it and enjoys himself! i would like to appericate miss Armstrong and mr Agius for their excellent job .