This school is the best kept secret on the Peninsula. With an 8:1 student faculty ration and a 9:30 start time, this is a kinder, gentler way to do high school. This year's Fund-A-Need was for more gender neutral bathrooms. Everyone is accepted and respected for who they are. They offer ASL as a foreign language option, have a stellar music program (no experience required), and supportive sports teams (everyone gets play time). The heart of the curriculum is core, where there is emotional learning and support built into the class. We could not ask for a more inclusive and supportive experience. read more

We picked Mid-Pen because it was the only high school near us with small classes, lots of individual attention, and a fine arts program. They really work at having a connected, school community, where no student can fall through the cracks. The teachers, and the kids, really look out for each other. Their new building is beautiful, with a gorgeous dragon fountain in the entry, designed by a Mid-Pen student. (The dragon is the school mascot.) The walls are hung with lots of Mid-Pen art, and the kids seem pretty happy to be there. Just last night my daughter had 9 of her Mid-Pen friends over for movies and pizza, and I was really impressed with how considerate and thoughtful these kids were! Come check out one of our really useful Parent Education evenings, if you are curious about our school! read more

This review is only for the gym and the parking or lack there of... Had a basketball game there a few days ago and the school is kind of hard to spot because it's just on the side of the road a little ways off 101 freeway. I pulled in to the parking lot and boy is it tiny! I think that is the only parking because you pull in and the school and the gym are right there. I have heard that mid-pen has a nice gym..I failed to see that! When I walked in with my team we went to go sit down on the bleachers, but the bleachers were pretty small too. Maybe 3 rows high and not much room to sit, there was a game before us and not a lot of people spectating and there was still no room for my team. So we had to stand at the entrance and basically block the doors of the gym. Now onto the court itself...the floor has no grip at all, all the players were sliding all over place because they do not get the floor resurfaced as they should. And the sideline where the teams sit, has no room to do anything. You are pressed up against the wall and the court is right there so you cannot move up and down the sideline without being on the court. I guess it's safe to say that I do not like this gym! If you are a basketball player, you most likely not like the gym either because of the floor. If they get the floor re-done it will look pretty darn nice. They have colors that go well together and the court would look nice all glossy with their maroon and grey or black, whatever the other color is. read more

Update: I never cease to be amazed by the mid-pen teachers! Summer School is open to outside students and is a good way to check the school out. Classes are reasonably priced and on a teen-friendly schedule. For lots more info specifics -- Please check out my previous -- lengthy -- post:) Note (about student who gave the school a low rating below): she both complains about having had some lousy teachers -- and apparently is complaining as well that there is all new staff:/ Don't know what the school was like when she was there but it is Terrific now! read more

Teachers are great, the atmosphere is creative and energizing. My kid loves school for the first time. Highly recommend. You have to check it out and see how amazing it is...Once I took a tour, I didn't even bother looking at any other schools - I knew it was the right one for my daughter. read more

This is an update of a review that was written shortly after my son started Mid Pen. I'm leaving the original review below since it accurately reflects how both my son and I felt at the time. My son is now in college and hasn't had recent interaction with Mid Pen, but in retrospect, starting Mid Pen, and transferring out to go to another school were two of the best days of my son's life. Although things started out well, it's not a question of whether a student will fall into the right crowd or the wrong crowd, because he will fall in with the only crowd. My son was able to make strong friendships for the first time in his life, and ended up with an active social life outside of school. It's not unexpected that kids at a school like this would have more issues than kids at other schools or that drug use, which is common in high schools, is higher among kids with certain issues. The teachers were tremendous and very supportive of the students. But the administration didn't know how to deal with problems. Instead of being supportive, they were downright hostile. One day, I got a phone call that accused my son of doing something that he didn't do. I wasn't given the opportunity to meet with the school to discuss it. My son, who has a history of depression, was literally told by the head of the school that his life was worthless. The head of school was abusive, screamed at my son, and twisted my son's words into lies. At first my son felt betrayed since he was told that things would go better if he told the truth. But that only made things worse. Once my son started another school, he realized how relieved he was to be away from what he now calls a highly toxic environment. A few months later, the school found out who was really responsible for what my son had been accused of, the parent who had suspected my son's involvement had apologized to me prior to that for his mistake, and my son had to change his phone number to sever contact with the former students so he could move on with his life. But the administration never learned to face the problem, to treat students with dignity and respect, or to try to overcome problems instead of telling kids that their life isn't worth living. I still feel that the teachers are good, caring individuals who have the students' best interest at heart, but the school as a whole turned out to be a nightmare by the end. Here's my original review: My son was already in a small private school of a similar size, but they weren't as adept at meeting his specific educational needs. Mid Pen takes into account how each student learns and has an environment where my son can thrive. Toward the end of the previous year at his old school, he was disillusioned and it was questionable whether he would pass everything. Now his grades are in the A range in almost every subject. It's not because the school pampers him with easy classes. He is able to take calculus and physics as a junior, and also do well in subjects he feels less strongly about. The homework level is appropriate and is sufficient to reinforce schoolwork rather than dragging kids down. We knew from his shadow day that he would love it, and he does. It's not the only school we looked at but is the only one he wanted to go to. The teachers all seem to have a good grasp on things and a love for their respective subjects. A lot of them are relatively young teachers, but my son's favorite teacher has been there for decades and has been a teacher since Eisenhower was president. (Update: sadly, that particular teacher has died.) I have no idea how this compares to the staff makeup in the past, but I feel very comfortable with the current staff. read more

Our daughter is a bright, intellectually curious child who was constantly stressed in the public school environment. Today, at Mid-Pen we are watching her flower into the lovely young woman we always knew she could be. Mid-Pen provides a college prep education to those who are headed that way, and also meets the educational needs of kids who will choose other paths. We love it! read more

Mid-Peninsula is a small College Prep high school with a wonderful fine arts program that fosters real and meaningful relationships between students and staff. Their Core Program ensures each student will have a connection to a staff member who not only teaches them a subject, but who will have them in Core for 20 minutes each day, so that teacher really gets to know the student, and vice-versa. And the classes are small enough that all the teachers really get to know each student. No overcrowding and all faces have a name here. When my son shadowed I was impressed with the atmosphere - the kids were all happy to be at school and it was amazing how many of the students I spoke to while I was there - I say amazing because most high school students don't want to talk to adults about school. But I spoke to many of the kids there and they were happy to talk to me and tell me about Mid-Pen and what they liked about it. When I picked up my son from his shadow day he said, "Mom, you can cancel my other shadow days because I want to go here." He's finishing up his freshman year and both of us are very happy with our choice. read more

Mid-Pen is a great school. My son loves it and is exited about moving on to college. Small classes and a caring staff make this school worth the commute from San Francisco. read more

My son LOVES Mid-Peninsula HS. He has learning differences and auditory processing issues. Small classes and a caring community are TERRIFIC for him. The teachers assign projects that he is inspired by and can handle independently (essays and powerpoint presentations vs. 20-page term papers). They are fostering his sense of personal responsibility and self-advocacy every day. He will leave prepared to pursue his passion in life. read more

Students who attend Mid-Pen come from all over the Bay Area. My son is in 9th grade and takes Cal Train from San Jose and a free shuttle to school from the train station. My son is thriving at Mid-Pen! His teachers are leaders in their classrooms who make the students want to learn. The small classroom sizes allow the teachers to make a connection with each student and know if they are paying attention (or not). Social connections that had completely broken down for my son in Middle School are now back on track. He enjoys going to school and talks about what he has learned in every day conversations. He is quite different from the boy who told me, just last year, that people would be embarrassed to be seen in public with him. read more

Mid-Pen is AMAZING The teachers/staff are incredibly supportive and the environment is nurturing and collaborative. Mid-Pen develops confident, caring and empathetic students who know their strengths. Mid-Pen's music, arts and sports programs are inclusive and most students are active in at least one of these activities. My son graduated in 2013 and is excelling as a physics student at Reed College. Mid-Pen facilitated his taking extra mathematics classes at Foothill College and Stanford to support his high aptitude in math, while providing accommodations to support his dyslexia. In the Silicon Valley, where schools can be overly competitive, Mid-Pen is a true gift for those students (and their families!) who thrive in a smaller, more individualized, supportive setting. I highly recommend the school. read more

Mid-Peninsula High School is unique among bay area schools in that its mission is to serve students who want or need a small school environment with a strong, healthy sense of community. Mid-Pen offers a college preparatory program, small classes and varsity athletics. Rigorous academics are balanced with a superior arts program. Once on campus you will immediately notice the atmosphere of mutual respect and acceptance among students, faculty and staff. read more

In 2011 I graduated from this school. The main things I hated... 1- Therapy time. this is when you have core (advisory) and have to gather in a cirlce, make a dedication, light a candle and talk about feelings. Remember, it's educaton! 2- Teachers. My algebra II teacher seemed to have a drinking issue and would for the most part relate her personal life to the lessons. There are a couple big tall ghetto guys walking the campus & don't do anything. They are the deans or something like that. 3- Students. Well it's a school for kids who are troubled. you're going to be surrounded by kids with A.D.D, or kids who can't succeed in public school because of their own "issues". There's not much diversity, even though the school tries to portray that they do. 4- Community Service. Most schools are doing this now. some private schools don't have it, but this one does. I think it should be illegal to work for free. That's why people go out and get jobs. So Mid-Pen is pretty much saying in order to get the diploma that you must work for free. How generous. 5- Music Class. It's just covering songs. Everyone has to agree to one, so you're most likely going to play one everyone knows. & if someone isn't as advanced and is with your class then you just got to deal with it. 6- On my 2011 high school graduation ceremony, some lunatic came up on the stage and gave a speech expressing how we came to be. The big bang & evolution. I have faith, so that's not exactly what I want to hear. I'm sure there were other people there who were also strong believers themselves there. I got recommended to this school by a therapist who i no longer see. :-) Before i attended Mid-Pen I was in public school(s). By going to this school, getting my diploma would be less stressful and easier. If you don't mind going through the things I mentioned and don't mind paying a ton of $ then I'm sure you'll have no problem getting your diploma. i never did my homework. read more

Do you want your child to survive high school or to thrive? Mid-Peninsula is a place where kids thrive. It is student-centric in everything it does, but caring adults guide the ship and see that everyone is accepted for who they are, welcomed into the community, and challenged to grow. Strong academics, individual attention, and a safe space for kids to explore themselves and the world around them are its guiding principals. Both of my kids blossomed while at Mid-Pen. I couldn't ask for anything more. Check it out. You need to experience it first hand (at an Open House or a shadow day for a prospective student) to see what really sets Mid-Pen apart. It is a Bay Area gem. read more

Mid-Pen is a great school for kids who are a little different and may have struggled in other schools. It has a very accepting and caring philosophy, and is a safe place for "different drummer" kids of all types. The academic program is strong, the classes are small, the students are friendly, and the staff is very supportive. Mid-Pen is pretty unique. I don't know another school like it in the Bay Area. Students come from all corners of the Bay Area thanks to great bus and train connections. For many kids it's hard to find the right school. My son loves it, and I'm grateful to have found it. read more

This is a school that appeals to both parents and students because it is totally student-centric. It's not about "what can the student do for the teacher" but "what can the teachers and staff do for the student to help them achieve success". It is awesomely accepting of all and gently teaches that philosophy to the students. This school helped my child turn his academic life around and he is now enrolled in a university out of state. read more

Mid-Peninsula High School is a small school which makes it perfect for my child. The kids are wonderful, caring and accepting of each other. The staff ensures that the students are completing and excelling in their studies. Their support of the students is amazing. My child entered as a freshman and has become much more self-confident and enjoys Mid-Pen and has made good friends. My child is meeting and exceeding scholastic expectations. We are very happy with the environment at Mid-Pen. read more

My son is a dyslexic learner and after 6 great years at Charles Armstrong we were struggling to find the best high school for students with different learning styles. We've definitely found that at Mid-Pen. It's a small school with all the amenities of a "regular" high school - CSU/US qualifying classes, athletics, music, PE, art, drivers ed and an annual prom for the entire school. They've even added American Sign Language. The teachers and administrators go out of their way to help each student and see each student as an individual. The student body is very diverse with many different reasons for seeking out a small school environment. We're very pleased to have found a small, caring environment to help our son succeed academically and make some great friends along the way! read more

My daughter is in her last year at Mid-Pen, and it's been a very positive experience for her. It's a small high school that offers a big high school experience. As we apply for colleges, we feel she has been well-prepared, and the college guidance counselor is extremely involved in finding the right school for each child. Some highlights for my daughter have been the art and music program, as well as the athletics. She's never been on a team before, but she participated in team sports at Mid-Pen, where all the teams are no-cut. A highlight for me is the close and supportive parent group, whom I plan to stay in touch with after my daughter graduates. read more

Mid Pen is the most incredible school for our son. Small class size, incredible teachers, amazing support by teachers, faculty and students. My son is in his second year and on his way to college. It is a warm, caring and stimulating place for any high school. Everyday we are thankful that we found Mid Pen. read more

The teachers at Mid Pen are so deep and wise....the school focuses on the individual and doesn't get into authority clashes or rich entitled parents. My sister has 3 Fulbrights, has written 5 academic text books (including 1 that has sold over 150k copies) and is a professor of cognitive development....she keeps being amazed at how exceptional and unique the school is. read more

We are so glad our son found Mid Pen for his high school experience! He is just finishing his first year and is absolutely beaming. The school is truly a place where high school is nurturing and fun, but still appropriately challenging. The kids are kind and accepting of each other. There is excellent diversity. The teachers are available and engaging and responsive if any concerns arise. The parents are involved and enthusiastic. Really, as you compare to other schools in the neighborhood, this school really follows all the recomendations of Challenge Success- later school start times, balanced homework loads, celebrating all kinds of sparks in kids lives! Balanced athletic programs! Arts! Music! Drama! Open and accessible to anyone that wants to explore or further an existing passion. Kids seem to thrive here, not just survive. It is an oasis in this frenetic Silicon Valley life. Thank goodness it exists! (Best kept secret!) read more

Our son had had a lot of difficulties in junior high school and the first year of high school in Palo Alto. He was unmotivated, uninterested, and not doing very well. We heard about the high level of individual attention that Mid-Peninsula high school pays to its students and thought it was worth a try. He resisted at first but gradually things began to change. After a few months, things really turned around and by the end of the year he was actually looking forward to going to school. I think the thing that did it was that the teachers really paid attention to his needs and got to understand who he was. They worked with him to help with specific issues and got him on the right track. We are so grateful! read more

Everyone knows the cliche, "Don't just a book by its cover." But few places actually practice what they preach. Mid-Pen welcomes ALL students and ALL students feel welcome. It is an incredibly diverse learning environment with a very strong sense of community. My daughter, a bright, fiercely independent thinker feels right at home. I've never seen her so excited to go to school. Great education with the space to breathe and explore and be an adolescent. I couldn't ask for more. read more

As with any school, think carefully about whether this school is a good match for your child. If your child has a mellow personality and wants to graduate, it's likely - assuming the tuition works for you - your child and family will love Mid-Pen. If, however, your child is either not especially placid or, conversely, is social with everybody (i.e. wants to interact with the maximum number of others and therefore 'gets along' with everyone) think at least twice. The reason is that by senior year the office staff and administration pigeon-hole students into 'good' or 'bad' categories: Office staff have been known to gossip about 'problem' kids and administrative staff (not the Head of School - he's 'above the fray') have been known to hound certain students until they leave. As with any due diligence, don't take this review at face value - go and talk to parents whose children have graduated from Mid-Pen and also talk to parents whose children left Mid-Pen to go elsewhere. read more