LEAD Elementary

949 Ocean View Avenue

School District

San Mateo-Foster City
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
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 September 20, 2024

My son is in first grade and his kindergarten teachers ms Elisa and Ms Kendall and Ms lopez are amazing the boys and girls club are amazing but his first grade teacher has spent two days messaging me trying to convince me that a song that all the students sing to each other was meant racially from my son due to him having lighter skin.which is crazy considering everyone on his dad's side is tongan and black. I feel that she is pushing her unconscious bias on my 6 year old child I had asked her repeatedly to stop making it a race thing I feel the principle listens to entertain u but really when it comes to taking action she does as only she sees fit with no consideration outside of her view thank God for Ms Erica in the front she is what holds that office afloat she treats everyone the se and her interaction with students has always surpassed those of her peers Can't wait to transfer
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2023

Lead elementary has wonderful principal, teachers and staff! I've appreciated their helping with my Son's 504.All staff genuinely cares for every student.The schools motto is Kind, respectful, responsible and safe.As a parent and PTA member I am honored to have my children attend this school.
Submitted by parent on April 13, 2023

My son has attended Lead Elementary School from K-5th grade. He has had great relationships with all his teachers and staff and has made good friends here. He has met grade level standards in all subject areas and whenever he has struggled, I have been able to get help from all his teachers. Communication with his teachers and school staff has always easy, efficient and effective. Although, state test scores reflect low performance, they certainly do not tell the whole story. My son is excelling in grade level reading and even though 5th grade math is quite challenging, he eventually understands even the most difficult concepts because his teacher responds to his needs and makes adjustments as needed. My son is well prepared to meet the challenges of middle school, thanks to his experience at Lead Elementary School!
Submitted by parent on June 10, 2019

My children have thrived academically and socially at this school. Glad that parents overly concerned with test scores take their children elsewhere.
Submitted by parent on September 22, 2018

This is my neighborhood school and very convenient for me since it is really short walking distance to my house. Despite the convenience, I was very discouraged to send my son here because of what I read online. On the school tour, I loved what I saw and heard and I believed in the principal very much so I decided to give it a chance and I have been very happy with my decision. LEAD Elementary School had recently become a magnet school and completely changed their teaching philosophy to Literature, Enrichment, Academics and Digital Arts. I loved that the kids were going to work with computers to learn digital arts even coding. My second grader is being introduced to coding already! They purchased 30 more new Chrome Books last year which gives kids enough opportunity for practice.My son is thriving in this school. He academic progress makes me very happy but in addition to that the emotional and behavioral challenges he has like any other 7 year old have been managed by his teachers effectively and with respect. I feel fortunate for having my son in LEAD Elementary.
Submitted by parent on May 24, 2016

I am a mom and a public school teacher as well. I enrolled my son at this school and he loves it. I love how the teachers have compassion and look after the well being of each child. They not only teach great academics but also focus on the social and emotional development of the child.I love the community as a whole and the teachers are very well trained. I am keeping my son until 5th grade.
Submitted by teacher on November 23, 2015

What a wonderful school! Lead Elementary is a school with talented, experienced teachers and staff and inspiring students genuinely interested in learning. I had the pleasure of working as an arts specialist in one of Lead's 5th grade classes. I was astounded by the students focus and enthusiasm. They had respect for each other, for me, and for their classroom teacher. equally as impressive was the atmosphere for learning that was set by their truly exceptional teacher, Ms. Slater. I work with schools all over the Bay Area and Lead's teachers and students rival the most prestigious of private schools in quality and engagement. Any child would be fortunate to learn in a classroom at Lead.
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2015

I was not happy with the past reviews and feared that my son's kinder experience would be marred by a school in transition, boy was I mistaken! LEAD elementary has shifted their focus to digital literacy and I have watched my sweet Kinder blossom in front of my eyes! He is held to a high standard of learning, but met with compassion and encouragement every step of the way. This year, he has learned to read and write in ways that I, a veteran teacher, didn't know that he would be capable of! The differentiated instruction to meet all levels of learners is impressive even at the kinder level. He is proud to be a helper to those who may not advance as quickly, and he is happy to accept help when he is struggling, I have seen everything from math to science integrated in creative and interesting ways. His teachers are so amazing at making the kids feel invested in their learning. We are so blessed to have stumbled upon such a wonderful educational experience for our son. I could not rate this school high enough! Thank you LEAD staff, parent volunteers, and the incomparable Ms. Dullea for such a happy and beneficial step in our educational experience!
Submitted by parent on May 04, 2015

I wanted my daughter to attend a school w/ the best academic scores. I am grateful our transfer to another district was denied. As new Parents we wanted to volunteer in our daughters Kindergarten Class to be involved and we were. We fell in love with the teachers right away. After her first day our shy little girl assured us we can drop her off & go home. We are shocked as every parent goes through it. Our baby was growing up & we also saw that she liked her teacher as much as we did. 1st grade came & went as did 2nd & 3rd. We are now in fourth grade every year it is the same thing. Never a lack of caring, always a goal to make school fun & safe place for our children. Always a concern for welfare of our children and that of their families if there is a need there is a way to full fill it. The programs are like no other using computers & technology to facilitate literacy, writing and other creative arts through recording video production graphic design coding and other media. As we enter our 5th year we are sad as as we will have to move on to 6th grade. We built strong relationships with the teachers and feel they are family. I am so glad our transfer was denied 4 years ago!
Submitted by parent on January 13, 2015

I believe this school is a hidden gem. It is current transitioning to a new name, LEAD Elementary, and a focus of using digital arts to further students literacy. The teachers here work so tirelessly to ensure that each student rise to his/her potential. My child is intelligent (every parent says that, right) and I never feel that she is stifled in any way. She is learning in a diverse and beautiful community, a family. I love being a parent at this school and look forward to my second child entering Kindergarten there in the near future.
Submitted by parent on February 20, 2013

What a joy to be a parent at Horrall School! Mrs. Dullea has come to the school this year with obvious experience and pride in the education she expects for the students. The teachers (though there a few exceptions) are devoted, loving, inspired, and push the kid towards greatness. I am always so pleased with the work my child brings home and the progress she is making. This may be a "little" neighborhood school, but it is a gem and any child would be lucky to attend.
Submitted by parent on December 03, 2012

I had heard so many great things about Horrall in the past and in the community but the tone that Ms. Dullea has set seems to have spread to staff and volunteers. Perhaps it is the student & parent population, but the rudeness and lack of cohesive direction makes it evident that things have changed and the decline in the environment and school spirit is obvious.
Submitted by parent on October 23, 2012

At last, a visionary leader has come to our school. Her experience, communication style, wisdom and ability to model the best and expect the best will enable Horrall to improve and be the best school it can be. The staff respect and appreciate her support, presence and care for this community. The Fine Arts magnet was discontinued under the previous leadership. Mrs. Dullea has come in and restored the confidence and leadership of the PTA, has reinstated the arts with Art in Action, Music for Minors, a spring musical and even has found funding to reinstate the school's commitment to improving and updating technology while focusing on Literacy. She is adding a full time school counselor as well. Horrall is on the way up and as a parent of two students at the school, I am thrilled for our students and staff and am filled with hope and a renewed energy!
Submitted by other on October 19, 2012

This used to be a great school. Still great, committed teachers & staff but where is principal John Dean & the arts program?! Have always been active & involved with the school but now it seems to be going downhill again. Very sad at the lack of leadership there now. Mr. Dean brought a sense of community & upbeat energy that is very much missing.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2012

At first I was hesitant to enroll my son in this school, but after having met with great teachers and seeing how active the principal is I am glad that did after all. My son is now in his first grade. His kindergarten teacher made a great difference in my son in that before he started, he was shy and quiet. Now he is talking a lot and wanting to make new friends. His first grade teacher is great. She attends to every need my husband and I have. I would definately recommend Horrall. Many parents from other schools have told me negative things as in the the majority of race the school has the the limited offers, which I don't believe because as long as parents are being proactive in their children's education and teachers and principal is advocating for the school's right to adequate education, everything will be in place and children will succeed.
Submitted by parent on January 13, 2012

I transferred my children to horrall from a private school and I was amazed with how much the school has to offer. I am very active with my childrens education and I am very impressed with Principal Dean / Teachers. My children have come out of the box and have excelled in academics with the transfer. They are given work that is challenging and has literally pushed them to a level of independence, they are compelled to initiate leadership.
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2011

I transferred my daughter here from Highlands and it was so much better for her. John Dean, the principal is hands on and involved, the teachers are happy and pay attention to the kids and the arts program is great. I hope they are able to keep the arts. A great, great school!
Submitted by parent on February 20, 2011

This school pays special attention to those with learning needs, overlooking those that excel and can be pushed to do even better. If you have a high achiever, she can easily be bored at this school. My child is in third grade and it s half way through the school year, and has not even learned how to read handwriting. The people are nice, the staff is great, the art class is fun, but I m slightly disappointed with the level of education in the school.
Submitted by parent on October 06, 2010

What an amazing education and opportunity for students! This dynamic public Arts school is led by an engaged principal and dedicated teachers! The 4 Arts classes that ALL students attend every week are an incredible way to enhance the core curriculum.
Submitted by parent on May 25, 2010

this is the best school in San Mateo the teachers are always there when you needed