La Honda Elementary is a small K-5 rural school of approximately ninety pupils nestled among the towering redwoods and rolling coastal foothills of San Mateo County. On site is a pre-school and an after school care program. Other than a convenience store, Post Office, Fire Dept. restaurant, and realtor, the nearest towns with a variety of services are approximately 30 minutes away. The pupils, staff, parents, and community participate in school activities some of which become community events such as the Wild West Casino Night, Farmers Market,Winter Program, Halloween Carnival, Cow Chip Bingo/Harvest Festival, Science Fair,K-1 Circus, and the yearly drama production. Volunteers are always welcome! The school enjoys the support of a strong P.T.A. and the La Honda Educational Foundation to initiate and implement curricular enrichment programs such as the library, art, drama, computer, garden and music programs.
We believe in and respect the individuality and intrinsic value of each child and adult. The strong academic program provides opportunities for individuals to grow in knowledge, to learn problem solving, and decision-making strategies, to help themselves and others, to be fair and act responsibly, and to develop creative expression. Our goal is to encourage children to be lifelong learners so that they may lead happy, productive, responsible adult lives.
The La Honda-Pescadero Unified School District serves the south coast of San Mateo County, from the ridgetop to the ocean. Our school population is the smallest of the county's unified districts though geographically our district is the largest. LHPUSD operates four schools, and has programs for preschool age through adults. The District is governed by a Board of Trustees, employs 43 people, and has an annual operating budget of over $4 million.
The La Honda-Pescadero District is a model for other small school districts. Through passage of a parcel tax to help fund schools (2005), a bond measure to fund school renovation and construction (2006), and significant donations from local educational foundations and community members, we have demonstrated we are a community that works together and puts children first.
Schools in our communities date back to the 19th century. The La Honda-Pescadero Unified School District was formed in 1965, and has served our children with strong community support and a tradition of parent involvement. Our District is distinguished by its small classes, respect for diversity, and attention to individual student needs. Our students enjoy the personal attention that is possible in a small school. Our teachers hold high expectations and provide opportunities for students to learn through exploration of the spectacular outdoor environment that surrounds us. Other schools take field trips to our district...our students enjoy it every day.
Our educational curriculum is aligned with State standards, with strong support for special needs students. Enrichment programs provide opportunities for learning in art, music, theater, sports, outdoor education, science fairs, spelling bees, Model United Nations, and student publications. Gifted and Talented Education programs (GATE) include online math courses from Stanford University's Education Program for Gifted Youth. Student initiative is encouraged through student-led conferences, student research projects and service learning. Annual projects include a science fair, drama productions, music productions, a healthy food fair, cultural celebrations, and school gardens. Students conduct research on such environmental topics as area birds, the health of water systems, hillside erosion, native and non-native march plants, and ocean litter along local beaches.
We welcome you as a partner in our endeavor to provide a high-quality education for all of our community's children. Please call the school office if you are interested in becoming a volunteer.