445 Garwood Way
Menlo Park, CA 94025

Encinal at first looks like the ideal school. If your child is gifted and neurotypical it could be a good fit. I loved the community and high achievement level of the children. However, I I recommend the district engage in updated training regarding special needs children.Their treatment of my neurodivergent young kindergartner was abysmal. Getting an IEP and behavior plan took almost 9 months and we hired an advocate. So we voted with our feet and moved. After a month at their new school my child got an additional diagnosis, a full behavior plan, an IEP and lots of services. I hope I never again have to pry my terrified child off of me and carry them into school. Clearly their needs were overlooked. Encinal is a lovely school but if you’ve got neurodivergent children please don’t put them through this.

As a parent with two children who have attended Hillview, I have seen the school decline in recent years. Unfortunately, under the current leadership, it has shifted towards empty rhetoric rather than genuine action. While the principal speaks well, their words lack true commitment and follow-through when it comes to meaningful support for students and families.One of the most concerning changes has been the implementation of Standards-Based Grading without adequately considering parent or student input. Instead of fostering transparency and collaboration, the school has pushed this system forward regardless of concerns. Additionally, students who express differing opinions are often discouraged or silenced, creating an environment that does not truly value open discussion or critical thinking.The school frequently emphasizes social-emotional support, but when families actually need help, that support is nowhere to be found. Our own experience has made it clear that these are just words, not real commitments to student well-being.It is disappointing to see how political correctness and performative policies are taking priority over real education and meaningful student support. I hope the administration will start listening to families and taking real action rather than just offering polished statements with no substance.

Three of my children attended this school 2018-2024. The school in general is too large and is a government indoctrination factory. A small percentage of bad apples at the school consume a disproportionate amount of resources, perpetrate crimes and generally make life miserable for administrators, faculty and students. If you want to give your children the best education possible, steer clear of this school. If you're on the fence about this school, I recommend attending a football game to soak up the culture. It's completely shocking!