The Carey School

1 Carey School Lane

San Mateo, CA 94403

6 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-5
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by principal on September 25, 2021

We are thrilled that you are interested in learning about The Carey School! A few things to note since some information cannot be updated on greatschools.org.The official address of our main campus is 1 Carey School Lane, San Mateo, CA 94403Enrollment for the 2021-22 School year is 271.The student demographics data shown is from 2016. We are proud of the diversity that our school currently enrolls and the data here does not reflect our current enrollment of more than half of all students are non-white or multi-racial.We look forward to having you join us for a tour this admission season!
Submitted by parent on July 12, 2021

The Carey School is a truly special place! We have been part of the Carey community for the past 6 years, our oldest just graduated, and is heading onto middle school well-prepared and as a confident student and person, while our youngest continue to grow and thrive at Carey (headed into 4th grade). The curriculum is well-rounded, and keeps the students engaged. It’s clear to see the collaboration between teachers in various subjects, which makes the school experience for the students cohesive and consistent.The teachers are great at making learning fun regardless of grade and subject, and thanks to the small class sizes and student teacher ratios, they really get to know your child’s strengths and weaknesses. Our children have very different personalities and learning styles, and it’s been impressive to see how well each teacher knows them and ensures that they learn in a manner that is best for them individually. We continue to be impressed by Carey’s commitment to investing in the faculty and community, and how the leadership makes sure that current best practices and philosophy is implemented based on science and research. For instance, there’s very little (if any) homework now, and over the years there’s been a greater emphasis on social justice.The Carey School continues to exceed our expectations, not only are both our children strong academically thanks to Carey, but they are kind and curious people, as well, due to Carey’s focus on making sure that they provide a holistic education with the whole child in mind.
Submitted by parent on July 03, 2021

We can’t imagine our boys’ lives without the experience of being at the Carey School for their K-5 years. Every single one of their teachers has made a lasting impact on their overall growth and development, with a level of kindness, caring and dedication that is truly top notch in every respect. Over the years, their curriculum has continued to evolve, getting better each year. We particularly noticed the shift away from lots of homework in the upper grades in favor of developing more independent learning skills during the school day, providing assignments to complete during study hall periods that used to be work that was completed at home. We also noticed a renewed commitment to more social justice learning, which is particularly vital in this political moment. What is clear about a Carey education is that it prepares children to be life-long learners by giving them practice in accepting feedback, knowing their learning style and developing key study skills, and most of all, being kind and generous children who accept one another and support their peers through thick and thin. The teachers really get to know your child, and the incredible feedback they provide on detailed rubric-based report cards twice a year are truly extraordinary. We have just finished 10 years at the Carey School, and are so sad to leave this generous, warm and tight-knit community. We are so grateful that our children had the opportunity to be shaped by so many talented and dedicated educators in their formative years at this wonderful school.
Submitted by parent on October 27, 2019

Overall, we've had a really great experience at the school. The price tag is significant (and increases every year without fail) but the cost is generally in line with other private schools in the area. In our experience the caliber of teaching, facilities, student support services, and above all the philosophy and supportive environment in the school are first class. Truly, we couldn't have wished for a better experience (so far!) for our two boys.
Submitted by parent on September 04, 2015

The Carey School is the best elementary school in the peninsula. It's curriculum, teachers and administrators are first-rate and the small community is a wonderful world for the children to grow up within. Unlike many independent schools, Carey is racially diverse, and this is one of its strengths. It's not very economically diverse but that's hard to achieve in a school like this, and the school does a good job to promote it. Our child received a stellar education without feeling any pressure. Everyday was fun and she learned a tremendous amount. I highly recommend the Carey School for all students who are bright, curious and have a desire to learn.
Submitted by parent on December 17, 2014

My child attended from Pre-K through 2nd grade. Our experience through 1st grade was average - many times my husband and I questioned whether the value received was worth the very high tuition cost. And then in 2nd it quickly went from bad to worse. My child's teacher for 2nd grade gave the impression that he was inconvenienced by kids with different learning styles and didn't want to engage with the parents. And for a school that claims to value and celebrate the whole child - this is a disgrace. Add to it, the leadership and administration team at Carey is inept. Needless to say we did not return for 3rd grade. Some teachers in PK through 1 were great, but quality is very variable. For the price of tuition, this school rates well below average.
Submitted by other on April 25, 2012

I was bullied at the school and the adminstration did nothing to stop the bullies! There not good at helpings kids who have learning issues either.....in all the school stinks!