Silicon Valley International School – Willows Campus, Menlo Park | Fees, Rankings, Address, Admission, Vacancies, Reviews & More

We have two children at the school (5th and 7th grade) and have been there since preschool (9 years). We are Palo Alto residents, and our neighborhood public school is Duveneck Elementary School, but we have been so impressed with ALTO, particularly the International Baccalaureate (IB) program that we have kept our children at ALTO. I was so impressed with the math and science results for the ALTO elementary school while my kids were at the preschool, that I decided to keep them there for Kindergarten. After comparing the Kindergarten program with Palo Alto’s public schools, it was no contest. ALTO won hands down, especially in the arts and music department. We have been happy campers ever since. My daughter is now in the ALTO Middle School (it starts in 6th grade), and I continue to be impressed. No worries if you are looking for a Middle School and your kids do not speak a second language. ALTO Middle School has an entry level track for students to learn a second language and it is very impressive. Small class room sizes, involved teachers, top academic scores and an affordable tuition are why we are here. The families that attend ALTO can be divided into three categories: those that are there for the German language, those that are there for the IB program and method of instruction, and those that are there for the academic results. We are there for the academic results, which ALTO has delivered in spades for both of our kids. And yes, it’s great that they speak German fluently now as well. In the Middle School you have to take an additional language, so my daughter is now learning French in addition to the German that she has mastered. Check out the school, you will not regret it!

Our 2-year old son went to this school. Neither the teachers nor the Web site had told us that he had to be fully potty trained, so we gave it a try regardless. But he quickly became the unloved child in the class room, because of occasional potty accidents. One day, when I brought him to class, he was crying in my arms for over ten minutes, fearful to be joining the class. Neither of the 2 teachers would even say hello to me, as if I had personally conspired to cause his toilet accidents (as a 2 year old!). We un-enrolled shortly thereafter. I can see how traumatic moments like these can destroy a lifetime worth of enjoyment in learning and education. Kids are so fragile at this young age. When we took him out, he was in fear every day.I understand some parents have great experiences at this school, but we didn’t. We moved him to Crescent Park Child Development Center where he learned to love learning again (with wonderful, embracing teachers).

Our children have been part of this school for 8 years now and we love it. The IB program has a unique approach that allows children to learn in a way that fosters love of learning, curiosity, risk taking, self confidence, independence and our kids are thriving. The sense of community is great even for children who start in the middle of the program or during the school year. Teacher-student ratios are small and the teachers are engaged and support each child in their class to bring out the best in them. Our children are growing up in a different society, characterized by technologies that were not even invented when I grew up. They face different challenges and this school prepares them to become caring and confident world citizens.