About Menlo School
Inspiring lives of meaning, impact, and joy.
Menlo School, established in 1915, is a private, coeducational day school located in Atherton, California. Serving grades 6 through 12, it offers a rigorous academic curriculum complemented by a wide range of extracurricular activities. The school is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, with 58% of students identifying as people of color.
Core Values
Teaching Philosophy
The Menlo School experience is centered around providing a transformative education. Our desire is for our graduates to be equipped for the challenges they will face in an ever-changing world.
What Makes Menlo School Special
- Strong community with a focus on kindness.
- Diverse and inclusive environment.
- Commitment to academic excellence.
Academics
Curriculum
Menlo School offers Traditional and AP curriculums, with specializations in STEM, Arts, Languages, and Sports.
Academic Environment
Languages of Instruction
Programs & Extracurriculars
Arts Programs
7 programsSports
12 programsClubs & Activities
7 programsCampus & Facilities
Menlo School features a campus with Tennis Courts and Whitaker Lab.
Photo Gallery
Tuition & Financial Aid
$64,718
per year
Admissions
Requirements
- Application form
- Report cards
- Interview
- Reference letters
- Standardized test
- Essay
Community & Culture
Menlo School cultivates a tight-knit community centered on kindness, trust, and belonging. The school emphasizes its mission of inspiring "lives of meaning, impact, and joy," with traditions like Senior BBQs and Spirit Week that build camaraderie across grades. Both Middle School and Upper School students benefit from relationships with "bright, dynamic teachers who inspire, challenge, and nurture," while the school's commitment to "Habits of Heart and Mind" and shared values of "kindness, curiosity, empathy, and respect" shape daily interactions. The environment encourages students to try new things, make new friends, and discover passions through a wide range of academic, athletic, and arts opportunities.
Diversity & Inclusion
Menlo School is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. The school states it is "committed to nurturing a culture of kindness, trust, and belonging where all feel welcomed, included, and valued" and seeks to "reflect the rich diversity of the Bay Area." Currently, 58-60% of students identify as people of color. The school maintains a robust need-based financial aid program with a $7.9 million budget that meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students, supporting socioeconomic diversity. Menlo also operates affinity groups and has an "Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging" strategic initiative, though specific program details are not extensively described on the website.
Parent Involvement
The website indicates that parent involvement is an important part of the Menlo community, with references to an "Upper School Parent Support Group" and the expectation that "parents are expected to be on campus frequently to volunteer, attend meetings, or athletics/arts events." However, specific details about parent committees, volunteer opportunities, or regular communication channels are not prominently featured on the website. Families are encouraged to engage through admissions events, athletics, and arts programs, but a comprehensive overview of parent involvement structures is not clearly outlined.
Contact Menlo School
Address
50 Valparaiso Ave, Atherton, CA, United States
Phone
(650) 330-2001
brooke.wilson@menloschool.org
Website
Visit School Website
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Menlo School
Menlo School serves students in grades 6-12.
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