We honestly couldn't be happier with our experience at Laurel Hall. This school is truly a gem. Valley families, don't sleep on it! The community here is warm, welcoming, and tight-knit. You feel it the minute you walk on campus. The principal sets such a positive tone, and it trickles down through every part of the school. Teachers and staff know every child by name, and that kind of connection really sets Laurel Hall apart. Class sizes are small, which means our child gets personalized attention and are really seen not just another face in the crowd. It offers that classic, traditional school experience you might expect in a small town, but it's right here in the heart of the Valley. Yes, it's a private school and tuition isn't nothing- but compared to others in LA, it's very reasonable for what you get. We also weren't sure how we'd feel about the church affiliation going in, but honestly, it's light and sweet. Think Christmas songs and mostly the focus on kindness and compassion (with a little Jesus sprinkled in). Nothing heavy-handed at all. We feel so lucky to have found Laurel Hall. Our kids are thriving, and we genuinely love being part of this school community. read more

This school has been nothing but amazing with my kids, I have ONE daughter currently enrolled, and my 2 year old comes along, everyone is super kind. And the education is spectacular, I have not had any issues yet, and I hope this continues. read more

I have 3 kids at Laurel Hall, and I couldn't be more in love with this school. It manages to be simultaneously academically rigorous while also joyful and full of the magic that childhood should be filled with. The electives and sports programs are also fantastic. It's such an incredibly well rounded school, we couldn't be happier. read more

I debated this update and it's been almost a year since we left Laurel Hall, but I've been notified that people are still reading my review. In the interest of offering our experience for the sake of a family that might need it, here goes: After many years of great teachers and a pretty good overall experience, our Laurel Hall story changed drastically in 5th grade. My son's teacher told us it was her mission to prepare these kids (who had just had a year of distance learning) for a stringent middle school schedule. She did this by being as strict as possible. Did I hear reports of 5th graders being super stressed about how to please her? Did parents tell me stories about crying in this teacher's classroom, or that they saw the "light go out" in their kid's eyes? Yes, but those are their stories, should they choose to tell them. Our story is this: our kid went from almost straight A's to C's, D's and Intense Struggle. His self esteem tanked. TANKED. We agreed with the teacher that there was "Something Else" going on besides the ADHD we knew about, and spent months getting him assessed through LAUSD, to learn he was also on the Autism spectrum and needed additional accommodations. And while all this was going on, with the teacher knowing the assessment was in the works (these things take time), school continued to be a place of extreme misery. She knew whatever "accommodations" were already in place weren't working but nothing changed. After the assessment was presented to her.... nothing changed. Her treatment of our son was inconsistent at best, and condescending, disbelieving, and unkind at worst. Further, communication with the teacher about how to work with our son was terrible. I was personally very proactive with reaching out, offering possible solutions, trying to support her as well as my son. She never responded to emails--she wouldn't put anything in writing. At one point she suggested to me that his self-esteem "claims" were a manipulation on his part to try to get out of work; meanwhile he was saying things like, "I'm dumb. I can't do anything right. I hate myself." For a teacher to offer so little grace to a struggling child is disturbing. Meanwhile, the more he struggled academically, the more he struggled socially. Kids who already singled him out for being "different," some of whom bullied him since kindergarten without repercussions, turned up the volume on name-calling and ostracizing. The school claims a "Be Kind" policy, but there are never consequences for bullying behavior, ever. Yes, our kid rolled a little differently, as kids with ASD often do. And: it's easy to "Be Kind" to kids that are easy, e.g. popular, athletic, etc. It is much harder to practice and create a culture of kindness with and towards kids who are different or on a spectrum of any kind. In fact, Laurel makes it easy for kids to bully anyone who's different. Check out other reviews. It's clearly where this school, as a whole, utterly fails. Our observation is that the school's priorities are centered only on getting kids into prestigious high schools that get them into prestigious colleges. This is fine, I guess, until it creates an "eat or be eaten" culture that only serves the most typical of kids. Clearly, Michelle Madson is part of this culture in her approach. Perhaps they've kept her on staff for so many years because she weeds out, with trauma, the children that don't support the school's goal of being able to brag on all its homogenized, high-achieving students. (And yes, I stand by the word trauma. Look at how my kid was talking about himself. Plus I've spoken with several alums who had this teacher that still literally shudder at the mention of her name.) The bottom line is this: If your kid is neurotypical, high-achieving, and well-behaved, and you feel that school is a place where kids learn how to sit still, be quiet, follow directions, never struggle, and fit into a box? Then Laurel Hall could be great for you. Certainly through 4th grade. If, however, your kid falls anywhere "atypical" on any spectrum including Autism, ADHD, gender presentation, learning differences, or other differences, then my recommendation is to look elsewhere. In a more caring, creative, and accepting environment, my son is absolutely thriving, and happier than he's ever been. read more

This woman named Stephanie, she said there was a place for a child, took a fee from us and a few days later said there were no places. I don't understand who put her there, she talks like a robot, terrible and disgusting. I wish she was fired, women like her only ruin the level of the school. She is a terrible Rosist! I give the lowest level to this school! I do not recommend going to the school. read more

This school and the staff are phenomenal. This is our first year at Laurel Hall and we have a daughter in TK and a son in 1st grade. The academics and community wonderful - we thank our lucky stars we found this school! We are both working parents and it is very important to us that our kids get the best education available and feel part of a supportive community. We are grateful for the small classes and kids can be at the same school with the same families through 8th grade. As far as private schools go, the tuition is more conservative than others in the area and we feel our kids are getting endless opportunities and experiences that are helping them be confident, happy, and successful! read more

Love this school everyone is so friendly and kind. The academics are higher than most other schools. Highly recommend you check them out. Carey is the best! read more

We have been a Laurel Hall family since 2007. My son graduated and was accepted to all the high schools he applied to and was more than prepared emotionally, socially and academically. My daughter is flourishing in elementary, surrounded by loving families, teachers and wonderful administration. As a parent I am welcomed on campus with smiles and open arms. Our new Principal has had an immediate effect on the school in the short time he has been here. He is actively making changes for the better! How lucky we were to snag such a welcoming, smart and generous leader. The kids coming out of Laurel Hall are well-rounded, future leaders. I am very happy here and thankful my kids have a safe, academically challenging and positive environment to learn and grow. read more

Moreover, I want to add usually, the kids that are asked to leave are the once that have parents in denial of their issues and blame it on others and most likely are going to be presented with the same issues somewhere else. read more

We love this school! It is a gem in the middle of this big city. The classes are kept small. The teachers are like family and truly love our kids. Pastor Marty from Emmanuel Lutheran church is so positive and an amazing role model. He was called to the church last summer and wow what an amazing influence he has had on these kids. The church, Laurel Hall and the Laurel Hall ECC are all connected. This year we have a new principle with wonderful ideas to keep pushing this great school forward. One of the main reasons I love the school is that I see such a confidence in these kids. They speak and sing on stage in front of the school with no fear. They find their own voices. They learn art, do project based learning, compete in mock trial, and go on field trips that help them discover new places but also personal independence. Laurel Hall is family. read more

In my opinion, Laurel Hall School is absolutely the best. We recently moved our daughter to Laurel Hall after five years at another local private school. The difference was extraordinary. The incredibly strong leadership, faculty, students, families, academics and infrastructure all combine to make this school a true gem. Everyday our family is incredibly grateful to be a part of the Laurel Hall School community. read more

Update: the director and Pastor of this church/preschool have been replaced since our experience. I'm sure there have been positive changes, or at least I hope so. I will continue to wish them well and pray that they strive to meet the social and emotional needs of young children. read more

Pulling my daughter out of Laurel Hall was the best move after the school did zero to support her and the other children. The only parents that are appreciative are those with children who are the bullies and on medication that is not working. One boy which I will not name , has horrible issues and it's said by many parents in the school and from his previous school that their children are scared to play with him due to his evil streak that the school protects. The mother knows who she is and. She did not disclose that her son was kicked out of his previous elementary. She jokes about him ending up in jail. Because of this boy he ruined the start of the year. It's a shame. And it's a shame the school has no financing to have proper adult supervision to keep the children from being bullied and hit and attached. Shame on the principle for lying that bullying is not an issue st Laurel Hall. Speak to 100's of parents and they have all heard the same. It's not a good school and you have no rights whereas public you have many rights. Don't let the "private" fool you. Head to Westley and or Buckley. Laurel Hall is the cheap pretend private that nobody is happy about. Crazy part is I had to leave due to the lack of supervision and a boy name Andrea who started all the bullying and now he's not even there because he needs a special school ! But yet my daughter had to be homeschooled over her finally defending herself ! It's cheap and you get what you pay for! read more

Laurel Hall has been simply amazing for my children! We have been there since the ECC (11 years) and could not be happier. The teaching staff is incredible and just keeps getting better from K-8 it is outstanding. I have a one LHS graduate and one that is not in middle school. Both have been more than prepared for the next step. It is a kind, loving and supportive environment for all children. Kids leave there well rounded, self-sufficient, able to self-advocate and ready to conquer anything that comes their way. If you have a child that struggles with learning, no problem, they have their hands on that and will be there every step of the way. If you have a child that is gifted, they keep them engaged and challenged. The middle school teachers are simply amazing and send their students off to top high schools in the area, with most of them landing in Honors classes and leadership roles on their campuses. If you are looking for a school that has it all, you MUST check out Laurel Hall. It is a community you will not find ANYWHERE else. If you are looking for a preschool, look no further. The ECC has been in the process of revamping and is even better than it was when we were there! The new Director is amazing! She comes into the position with years of experience, has been a teacher there and a parent at LHS. She knows what works and is creating such a wonderful, fun, nurturing environment for the kids and parents! LHS is the diamond is the diamond in the rough of the valley. I would not send my kids anywhere else. read more

This review is for LH's preschool program "ECC." I am in my 5th year at the ECC and have loved it for both of my children. This place is a hidden gem as far as preschools in the valley go and is connected to a wonderful elementary & middle school. The ECC is a play based preschool that is steering it's programs towards STEM/STEAM to allow for earlier appreciation for those subjects. My 6 year old has been very inspired by his learning at the ECC & has chosen to take Science type extra curricular activities during his free time even over sports. The staff at ECC have always been nurturing and communicative and it has been a pleasure seeing my children grow to love and respect them. While the school is part of the Lutheran church, they are welcoming to all faiths and teach the children to understand, appreciate, and enjoy all that others have to share as well. My children have come home with Santa pictures, manger scenes, and homemade dreidels. With the retirement of their longtime director the ECC saw the promotion of a decade long teacher Ms Sam. Ms Sam is by far my favorite part of the ECC & has already brought so many more amazing ideas to fruition. There have been improvements on the playgrounds, in the scheduling, and in the classroom programs. The ECC families are a great mix of working parent households & stay at home/work from home households. The scheduling options are extremely flexible offering both full time and part time programs as well as 3 options for afternoon pick up times. I can't say enough wonderful things about this place and I look forward to attending for years to come adding my newest addition when he turns 2. read more

Great sports program. Wonderful parent community. This a Is a great feeder to the local high schools like Notre Dame, Crespi, Chaminade and Oaks Christian. They have a great flag football tradition. read more

Where is the option of "minus 5 starts"? I had to pick a rating that is why it shows as 1 star. I wanted to leave it blank. I wish I never moved our child from the school he was in. This private school sucks big time. To them PRIVATE means, try to keep all the bad things that they do there just that...private!!! The staff are useless and they don't like dealing with problems. My child was being bullied and they simply try to ignore the problem. I don't think so!!! They actually suggested we home school him rather than offering a solution to the problem or even an intervention. They just didn't want anyone to know. TOO LATE!!!!!! read more

This review is for the ECC. Our daughter has been attending ECC for a year and a half and loves going every day. She even asks to go to school on the weekends. She loves Miss Sam, Miss Marcela, and Miss Claudia so much, but all of the teachers are great. She especially loves doing artwork and bringing it home to show off. I'm amazed at how much she learns there. She has progressed much further than if she had stayed at home. She has many friends now through the school and so we now have new "parent friends" as well! read more

I have had my daughter at Laural Hall ECC for two years and it is fantastic. Every teacher, class room aid, the people in the office, everyone is fantastic. I didn't think my daughters teachers from last year could be beat but this year her teachers have exceeded my expectations. It's affordable for Studio city, has a diverse population of children, amazing families, tons of parental involvement. You will not regret having your children at the ECC. I could not recommend it more! read more

A GIANT 5 STAR. I went all over the place looking for a pre-school and this one was by far my favorite. There is a waiting list so check it out early. The Director is Fair, Smart and Fun! It has Great play-yards and Swings , even rubberized surface under the play equipment. It has vegetable gardens and very clean everywhere, that was a plus for me.We love it. P.S. it doesn't have really anything to do with Laurel Hall's elementary school. read more

Another thing I didn't mention in my first review is how accepting the school and community are with all types of religion, backgrounds and economics. I love that my daughter has grown up knowing kids in her class with two mommy or two daddy families. It's a very loving and open hearted school. We are not Lutheran and have loved being part of this community. read more

Amazing place! Happy kids, happy parents, happy staff - high schools LOVE us, and our graduates go on to be extremely successful. Come join this amazing family! read more

A great school for parents who want their children to have no self expression, free thinking, or feel safe. I spent my middle school years being "educated" here. I'm writing this now because I feel like it's my responsibility to warn parents before sending their children here. I pray things have changed since I went to school here- from my experience, there were countless times where my classmates were shamed for mental health challenges, treated differently because of their race, and the teachers/administration were extremely misogynistic. I witnessed boys being sexually inappropriate with girls more times than I can count, and when they were brave enough to report it to the school the boys would get a pass. every time. Not to mention, teachers are spewing racist rhetoric on facebook as I write this. Please do your research before sending your children here. read more

My friends talks about how the teachers here let her be bullied in therapy all the time

This review is about the receptionist who answered at about 2:30 pm she said her name was lori. She was so rude.

My children have loved every moment of their Laurel Hall experience. My husband and I wanted our boys to come here for their amazing music program. Miss Bach, Miss Bonnie and Miss Wright are amazing. My boys still talk about their favorite teacher Mrs. Zampas . You are not a number here but a member of a family that works together. read more

After being at this school for 9 years (kindergarten - 8th grade), I was ready to leave. However, my time there was really great for the most part. If you are looking for your kids to have a big, but small school experience this is it. Some of the finest teachers are still there (although, some of my favorites have left) and always have a welcoming smile when you come to visit. I'm currently attending a private high school in the valley, and if it wasn't for Laurel Hall, I wouldn't have been able to get in. They have many things to offer for everyone there. For example: - When you are in K-3rd grade there are Christmas musicals for each grade (or at least when I was there). - From 4th-8th grade you can start to be in the sports program, they have the usual sports (basketball, soccer, basketball, track and field, volleyball) and they continue to have the Christmas musicals up until 6th grade. - I believe, in middle school there's a cheer team (when I went there it was 7th and 8th). They also have a spring musical for 7th and 8th grade which every year continue to get better and better. - Their Student Government for middle school is great as well! They plan the school dances, and decide where the chapel money goes to (usually to a type of charity) It gave me a good foundation for later when I would be involved in my student government in high school. - Also, they have a Strings, Band, and Handbell program for 4th-8th grade as well. Laurel Hall all around is a great school because they want your kids to be active in their school community but also want them to maintain good grades. They also have a good relationship with the church (Emmanuel Lutheran Church), actually Laurel Hall is a ministry of Emmanuel. The kids attend weekly chapel (or church visits). The education that I got here was great and they are a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence which is a good thing. If you are considering to send your child here, I highly recommend it! They will definitely get a lot out of their time there and most of their 8th graders go on to attend private high schools throughout the valley. When I graduated many of my classmates went to: -Notre Dame -Providence -St. Genevieve -Loyola -Louisville -Crespi -Campbell Hall -Immaculate Heart read more

Laurel Hall does not take bullying seriously! If you've ever seen the documentary "Bully," and saw how the administration in that school behaved, then you have a great idea how the Laurel Hall staff does NOTHING when it comes to protecting kids who are being bullied. On top of that, there are only a handful of really good teachers; the rest are average at best -- many should have retired years ago. We were there for over 10 years. Should have left sooner. read more

I'm 27 years old and STILL have nightmares about this place. I once tried to open the sliding door in my mother's van on the freeway in attempt to avoid going to that horrid place. I truly hope things have changed, but honestly I can't believe that they have. I was bullied beyond belief by not only the students but the staff. I was told by pastor Sandra in front of my entire class that my parents were going to hell because they were getting a divorce...it was also made very clear to me on a daily basis that I was the poor kid, which was insane. This place is so out of touch with reality. Please consider taking your children to a place that is more open minded. The only light in this entire establishment was a Mrs. Evans who was a light in a terribly dark place. Hopefully she made it better for some kids, I can't believe I was the only kid so scarred from this place. read more

We love Laurel Hall ECC!! I put my son on the waiting list when he was about 9 months old, and we didn't get in the 2 year old class, but (finally!) got in for 3 year olds. It was WELL WORTH THE WAIT! From the leadership down to the teachers and the families that come here, this is a great pre-school. I must have toured about 10 pre- schools, and really felt strongly that this was the best fit for my family. MaryAnne, the director, is terrific. She cares deeply about the kids, and the families in general, is accommodating, and has a wicked sense of humor! Our son has been here for 2 years now, and his teachers have been phenomenal. He is flourishing here, and he looks forward to going to school. They teach the younger kids about respect for each other, and my son has learned to express himself in ways I can't believe. When we pick him up he is smiling and laughing, and very happy. Another highlight are the families that come here. It's a very strong community. There is diversity (which we hoped for, but weren't sure we could find in a private school environment), and since the school is one of the less expensive private schools (about $8500/yr), the families that attend here are typically working parents who truly want the best for their kids, but can't necessarily afford $30k/year for school. There is a lot of parent involvement, and our son has made terrific friends. We are pregnant with another son, and I already have him on the waiting list! read more

Th commander went to school at laurel hall. It's amazing. Great education ....

I am the proud grandmother of a recent graduate and current student at Laurel Hall and I can't say enough about the quality of education my grandsons are receiving and how happy being a part of the school community. The students in each class seem to form a unique bond and they thrive on the academic challenges put forth by an excellent and well qualified faculty and staff. The class size is perfect, there are many opportunities for after school enrichment and the sports program is ideal for the middle school students. Parents also contribute their time and efforts as well. Congratulations to Laurel Hall for providing a terrific and well rounded education to children from pre-school through 8th grade! read more

I am extremely impressed with the Laurel hall ECC. I toured all the major preschools in the Los Angeles area and this school wins! I am a working mom with a demanding job and I KNOW my child is in safe and in wonderful hands when I am gone. I have very high expectations and the school has exceeded them. The parents are down to earth and the administration is top notch. My son Blake (like typical boys) is full of energy but sometimes needs to be controlled. He has developed at light speed since he has attended both the 2 year old and now 3 year old class. The school worked very hard to help him transition (listen, sit in circle, follow directions) and we couldn't be happier. I am grateful to all his teachers and the Directors. I know starting at Laurel Hall ECC has set us up for success in Kindergarten. I have already referred 3 families who are now on the waiting list. read more

My kids have been going here for the past few years and my youngest started at the ECC for preschool. I had a very difficult time deciding on a school but am so incredibly happy that we found Laurel Hall. The class sizes are small, teachers amazing and families very involved and welcoming. Truly a hidden gem! read more

The Ecc could and should be a great school. The grounds are well kept. The classroom sizes are manageable. The teachers are dedicated and work hard. The problem with this school is the director. She has been at the school for many years but should never have been put in a position of power. She has no formal training or degree. She has no leadership skills and rules through fear. There have been countless complaints about her to HR from parents and teachers alike. It all falls on deaf ears. She brags that she is friends with the head of HR, so she gets a "get out of jail free" card. When a complaint comes in, the person making the complaint is made out to be the one at fault. But, how many complaints can one person accumulate before some action is taken? There is hope for this little school. There's a new pastor and principal and the hope is that they can turn things around. The reputation of the school is poor and this director is part of the reason. With some hard work and house cleaning, things could be a lot better. The retention rate for teachers would increase and the children would receive a better first start. read more

All three of my kids went to Laurel Hall. They were all prepared for high school, in both their heart and their mind. It is well worth the effort for all. They were given a firm foundation for the future. read more

I was a little surprised that there aren't more reviews posted on Laurel Halls ECC program, so I just had to write one! It's hard to even express in words how wonderful this preschool has been for my daughter. I was very saddened when Pinecrest closed in June this year and after tons of tours of other schools I was worried ever night that I wouldn't find any other preschool could meet my expectations after that, as I was very happy with the 9 months my little one attended there. She had been in another local preschool after that and I was a more than a little discouraged that I wouldn't be able to find another school that would leave me feeling as at ease with leaving my child as I did with Pinecrest ,however, Laurel Hall ECC has exceeded that and more. This being my daughters 3rd preschool I expected there to be a little transition challenges to face, but with Laurel Hall this was absolutely not the case! By day 2 my daughter was running to her teachers Ms.Lulu and Ms.Leslie with bug hugs in the morning. No crying, no hassles...nothing, she was just happy to be there. Now 1 month later as I said before, Laurel Hall ECC has exceeded my expectations. This also being a little more pricey than her previous schools I can honestly say that every day I pick up my child from school I am re-affirmed that the tuition is worth every penny! They treat the children with such love and respect and quality childcare, even her grandparents have noticed such a positive change in my baby's behavior. She is just a much happier child. She knows and recognizes Jesus and it warms my heart every day at home that she bows her head and prays to thank God for his graciousness and her food at 2 years old :) At pick up time she runs to hug Ms.Sara and Ms.Megan goodbye. Ms.Megan is also wonderful with my daughter and always updates me daily on her potty training progress. If you are considering Laurel Hall ECC, TAKE THE TOUR and PUT your child on the waiting list if you have to. The tour doesn't do the school justice. You will not be disappointed I assure you! Thank you Laurel Hall ECC for being the answer to our prayers! read more

We are about to finish our 5th year at Laurel Hall. We have two children here and all of us are so happy. Both of our children enjoy school and the teachers they have had. From art, to music, to sports Laurel Hall is transforming well rounded students. No school is perfect but Laurel Hall is perfect for us. Smaller class sizes allow the kids to bond with their teachers. Teachers are able to give one on one instruction and allow students to learn their own way. Our kids have loved their teachers so much that at the end of the year they are upset about leaving them until the next year when they have another one they love also. Each year the kids are given opportunities to speak in front of class or perform in front of the school/parents. Learning how to conquer any stage fright fears. Our new Principal Jay Guidetti is very involved and has a great vision for the schools future. Laurel Hall was a great decision for our family. read more

After 10 years at this school with two kids, I've finally come to the conclusion that Laurel Hall School is average at best. In my opinion, teachers who should have retired long ago are still there, despite parent complaints. Other teachers seem to lack motivation, as well as common courtesy and respect to at least this parent. First hand "situations" with bullying were generally ignored or swept under the rug. So much for "Christian" values. Wish I hadn't waited so long to wise up. read more

I attended Laurel Hall School in the 1950s. It's great to see that the school still exists and is prospering. At that time I needed a school like Laurel Hall as public schools were not working for me. Especially memorable was the comparative religion class I took in the eighth grade there. After Laurel Hall I went on to earn a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of California. Although not particularly religious, I would recommend Laurel Hall to anyone today. read more