42 37th Ave
San Mateo, CA 94403

I expected Abbott to be a decent experience for my son and was never planning an alternative, but it has exceeeded my expecations. In 2023 the school got a new principal and all-new upper admin and counselors, and people are happy. The district cares, and there is good parent involvement. Teachers are good and motivated, and the academics prepare kids well for high school - I've confirmed this with parents whose kids have gone all the way. The campus looks great with new athletic fields and gym. There is so much value to diversity and having your child experience the world as it really is, not in a bubble, because the world is not going to create custom, perfected experiences for your child, and no school is going to eliminate the difficulty of middle years. I have not seen anything out of the ordinary for middle school so far. And there is a lot of value in your kids having neighborhood friends. If you're hoping that at Abbott your kids will meet Buffy and Chad and join their ski holidays in Gstaad, you will be disappointed. But this school is so much better as a result.

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.

My son is in special education and graduating after 4 years. In all four years I have found HHS to be exceptional at meeting and surpassing his needs, understanding his difficulties and while providing challenges and growth opportunities.