Berkeley Parents Network: Lafayette Public Schools

Berkeley Parents Network

Lafayette Public Schools

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > K-12 Schools > East Contra Costa County School Districts > Lafayette Public Schools

Lafayette or Orinda for mild Asperger's
Students with ADHD and Lafayette elem. schools
Questions about Lafayette schools
After School Care in Lafayette

Lafayette or Orinda for mild Asperger's

August 2009

My son has a (mild) Asperger's diagnosis and we are considering moving to Lafayette or Orinda for better schools. We have started looking at different homes. While I know both these districts have very good schools in general, does anyone have information (positive or negative) on the ASD support services at a particular elementary in either of these towns? What about Happy Valley Elementary in particular? Any school in either town which you have feedback in terms of special ed services? Thanks so much for any input on this topic. -looking for school advice

We don't have a kid on the Asperger's spectrum, but we moved to Spring Hill elementary last year and have been very pleased with the school so far. I think they did a great job of handling our somewhat shy difficult to transition daughter. I have heard Springhill does handle a fair number of special needs kids. I don't know much about Happy Valley's programs, but they generally have a reputation for being one of the more academically intense programs. It's definitely the wealthiest community in Lafayette and socially we didn't feel like it was our cup of tea, whereas the Springhill community seems a bit more mixed. A happy Springhill parent

Students with ADHD and Lafayette elem. schools

Jan 2009

I would love to hear of the experiences of kids with ADHD in Lafayette elementary schools. Is there a particular school that supports and works well with these types of kids? We will be relocating to Lafayette shortly and are weighing our options for our first grader who will be coming from an independent school. Anon.

If I had to do it over again, I would have put my child at Burton Valley. Larger school with more services, active special ed parent community, less social stigma for a kid who's ''Different''. Anon

We recently moved to Lafayette. Our children go to Springhill Elementary School. From what I have heard, Springhill Elementary school is like a hub for the special education, fully staffed with special ed. teachers. I heard that if kids who go to schools in Lafayette school district need additional supports for their special needs, they come to Springhill Elementary school. (Sorry if my understanding is not correct. For that part, you can contact Lafayette elementary school district.) The principal, Mr. Wodhams, has been very responsive to our concerns and needs since the time we were enrolling our kids. So far, we are quite happy with the school. Please feel free to e-mail me if you have more questions. mika

Questions about Lafayette schools

April 2008

My child will be starting Kindergarten at Springhill Elementary School in Lafayette this fall. I was wondering if anyone had any experiences, good or bad, about the two major after-school care options, Kids Hideout on campus or Happy Days preschool across the street. I'd also like to know if there are any other options in the area, particularly any home-based daycares in the area that pick up from the school. Thanks. Springhill Mom

I was a Teacher's Aide for several years at Springhill and from the parents and children I knew that attended Kids Hideout and some friends and parents whose children attended Happy Days, I only heard good things. Karen

Dec 2003

In response to Kathy from Walnut Creek: We have found the Lafayette Public Schools to be wonderfully warm and welcoming. My children are now at Stanley Middle but went k-5 through Happy Valley. Through town sports, scouts etc we are friends with many people from the other schools too and each has much to recommend it. While each is unique, all four elementrys have a strong sense of community, active involved parents and fine staff. HV, Springhill and Lafayette are all around 450 kids, Burton is closer to 900 - but still enjoys a tight knit community. Through Lafayette Arts and Science Foundation, all the schools have strong choral music programs from K and instrumental programs from grade 4. LASF also provides a very strong art program at all schools. None of the elementry schools have foreign language available during the school day though several have pay to participate afterschool offerings. There is also a very strong private French program in town for preschool through grade 6 open to anyone wishing to sign up. Ann

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