2016
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Award Winners

NBRS Badge for Laurel Elementary School

Laurel Elementary School - Atherton, CA

Laurel School: Confident Students, Passionate Teachers, and an Involved Community

Laurel School: Confident Students, Passionate Teachers, and an Involved Community

Laurel School is an elementary school in the heart of Silicon Valley in Northern California. We have confident students, passionate teachers, and an involved community. Although we pride ourselves on achievement scores and successes in closing the achievement gap, our vision is much more than academic rigor: Laurel School should be the best place to spend your childhood.

Our work is guided by eight principles: Joyful Learning, Child-Centered Environments, Social Emotional Wellness, Balance, Collaboration, Community, Global-Mindedness, and Reflection.

Laurel students' achievement on state tests were twice as high as the state averages, and among Hispanic students, results were 64% (ELA) and 54% (Math), compared with 37% and 24% statewide. Although we were commended for these results, we continue to innovate toward no achievement gap at all.

Test scores do not provide the full measure of Laurel. Students receive specialist instruction in music, art, PE, Spanish, and technology. Our school counselor leads Laurel's Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports program. Parents play a crucial role in Laurel's successes. Over 85% of families invest time and/or money in the school, with parents volunteering more than 100,000 hours annually.

We believe an exceptional school is one that excels but refuses to rest on its laurels. Staff finds meaning and joy in doing that work, and students arrive each day confident and excited to learn. It is a school where the community is highly involved and invested in the school's vision.

We are proud that Laurel School is a National Blue Ribbon School.

2016 Awardee

Laurel Elementary School

95 Edge Road
Atherton, CA, 94027-2254

(650) 324-0186

Principal at time of Nomination:
Mrs. Linda Creighton

Title I School

Menlo Park City School District

Suburban

School Website

School Twitter

Mission

The best place to spend your childhood! We are confident students, passionate teachers, and an involved community.

Student Demographics

  • Asian: 10%
  • Black/African American: 1%
  • Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 2%
  • Hispanic: 17%
  • White: 55%
  • Two or more races: 14%
  • ELL: 10%
  • Economically Disadvantaged: 10%
  • Application