Laurel Park Elementary

Posted: October 24, 2025

Posted: October 24, 2025

Posted: October 24, 2025

Posted: October 24, 2025

Posted: October 24, 2025

We have seen this school go from a 6 rating to a 9 rating and it has been a fantastic experience. My son loves the school and his teacher, and there is a lot of parent involvement. He only has 15 kids in his class which is a great size and we have become friends with the parents of some of his classmates. The principal, Mrs Lovett, is extremely hardworking and very accessible. We love the year-round schedule, and all the kids seem to be really thriving. This school has definitely changed my opinion about public school, that is for sure! I really don't have much to complain about and we are very thankful our son can attend Laurel Park.

Posted: October 24, 2025

Posted: October 24, 2025

Posted: October 24, 2025

Posted: November 12, 2022

So far I’ll say my 2nd grader has truly enjoyed her experience here. There is plenty of enrichment and opportunities to be involved in the school. They actively prevent bullying and ensure students are safe.

Posted: November 12, 2022

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Posted: August 23, 2017

I have been pleased with the academics, the teachers, staff and everything at Laurel Park. My kids are happy there.

Posted: August 23, 2017

They give enough homework so they can practice what they learned in class and so the parents know what they are work f on, but the teachers ask that if they are having trouble with it, to not go over a certain time period and contact them with questions.

Posted: August 23, 2017

I have a son who did K-5 there and loved it. My daughter now is in 2nd grade and she is learning so much from her teacher.

Posted: August 23, 2017

I like how they emphasize a no bullying policy and also go over the dangers of being online. Their penguin pledge is something my kids like to follow.

Posted: August 23, 2017

Principle Bame is awesome. Very involved, very personable and shows it.

Posted: August 23, 2017

Posted: August 23, 2017

Posted: August 2, 2017

My daughter joined LPE in end of grade 4 and her journey and transition from UK to US education system was very smooth.
Her Grade 5 teacher was more than happy to always answer all our concerns over email and personally. She helped us focus of where our daughter needed support and also provided that extra push. Our experience with LPE has been amazing.

Posted: August 2, 2017

Posted: August 2, 2017

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Posted: October 2, 2014

My daughter started Kindergarten at LPE this year and so far we are thrilled. We are amazed at how well her teacher communicates on a regular basis. We like how the school focuses on the whole student. They strive to build character, leadership, and creativity, as well as academics. The special classes offered are enriching. My daughter loves going to school and is so proud of everything she is learning. We feel she is getting a great start to her education at LPE.

Posted: May 8, 2014

My child is finishing second grade at Laurel Park and we have been so happy with his experience there the past three years, The principle puts a real emphasis on teaching the whole student, providing support and opportunities to grow in not just core academics, but also health (fitness and nutrition), music, arts, language, responsibility, etc. The communication with parents has been wonderful and I have felt consistently included and encouraged to be a part of Laurel Park and my child's education. The teachers have been great and my child has been consistently above grade level in all testing. They continue to find ways to challenge him and provide opportunities to grow beyond the basic curriculum. My child loves school and feels safe and excited to go. I would highly recommend this school.

Posted: September 16, 2013

I wish I could give LPE a higher review but as the years go on I'm less satisfied. The principal is great, very engaged with the children and wants the best for them. I have always found the office staff helpful. It is a safe school but often to an unnecessary & overly exuberant level. My downgrade has to do with the hit or miss as regards teachers. In several years of my child attending, the school year is dictated by the tone or lack thereof set by the teacher. We are track 2 and two of the previous three years have been a been a huge disappointment as regards the conduct of teachers, their behavior towards the children and their lack of actual teaching. There are overly restrictive rules, not answering legitimate questions from kids and raising their voices to a level that is completely inappropriate for elementary level students ... to name just a few infractions. When you get a good teacher at LPE your child will be happy, engaged & will enjoy the school year. When you get a not so good one, expect a year of tears, stress and bad reports of teacher behavior, reports that are too consistent to be false. Weed out the obvious weak teachers and it's a 5* school.

Posted: August 26, 2013

LOVE IT! We live in the neighborhood next to Laurel Park Elementary School(LPES). There are two teachers in the penguin point every morning to help/assist our kids to safely arrive at school. We really appreciate that. Also, the Track 4 teachers are wonderful, our kids have the opportunity to take part in the gifted program and Single Subject Acceleration, which provide them extra challenge in their daily curriculum. Besides a safe/fun learning environment, we also enjoy the other activities, including running club, Odyssey of the Mind, and Math Olympics. We also appreciate the energetic approach the school principal brings to school activities.

Posted: August 26, 2013

We are in our 2nd year at Laurel Park with children in Kindergarten and First Grade, and we have been so pleased with the administration as well as the teachers and staff at LPE. The school is very good at communication and the recent Curriculum night was amazing! It was very helpful all the way from meeting our new teachers to mini sessions for parents on helping our children with their homework, etc. Mr. Batten, the principal and Ms. Curtis, asst principal are very visible and extremely positive and they really do a great job in making sure things run well at the school. All the teachers and staff also are very friendly and seeing the children succeed academically. The school also loves parents being involved and very much encourages volunteers. We are excited about being at LPE and feel blessed that our children attend there.

Posted: August 18, 2013

I'm a parent of 1, who just started Kindergarten at Laurel Park this year. I have nothing to compare to other than the school I went to as a kid, but I have been nothing less than thrilled with how organized and responsive the teacher and admin staff at LP are.

Posted: July 10, 2013

Teaches in Laurel Park are awesome and my kids love to go to school and they have very good grads in EOG

Posted: August 11, 2011

Ive been a LP parent for the past 2 years. Im very happy with the school overall. The teachers are excellent. They are friendly an communicate well. The principal is awesome. Its wonderful how involved he is with the students and their families. LP is very family orientated and often offer family friendly activities like picnics, ice cream socials etc. My only gripe is the unpleasant and unfriendly attitude of a front end office staff member. Ive spoken to several other parents who concur.

Posted: July 9, 2011

Our family is grateful to have had a child attending Laurel Park for the past 3 years. It is a warm, welcoming school with passionate teachers who are highly trained in multiple areas that address educating the whole child. Laurel Park is incredibly family-friendly and constantly works to build community by inviting people in to share their knowledge or having students connect with projects, field trips, and experiences that reach out to the greater Apex area and the world. Both students and staff make efforts everyday to do their best to learn in meaningful ways, be kind, maintain safety, and are open to helping others regarding what they've learned with a smile. Our child grows in confidence with this light!

Posted: June 27, 2011

We have been attending LPES since the beginning and my 2 kids love going there. The current principal is very even-tempered and fair. As a parent and a volunteer, I have always felt that he cares about what I think, and he has always responded to me in a timely manner. We have had 6 different teachers during our time at LPE, and each and every one of them have been a pleasure- cheerful, welcoming and have always communicated well with us along with making learning a positive experience for the kids. The parent base is very active in volunteering, and the PTA is very generous in their support of funding special programs & events at the school. This past year we had authors come visit the school, in-school science field trips, and opportunities to buy extremely discounted ballet tickets as a result of the PTA's efforts. I feel that academics are important at LPE, but that the common view is that life not all about test scores I love that when I go visit the school that i never know if I am going to encounter 120 kids in a drum circle in the gym, or walk by a classroom w/ 25 pairs of sneakers lined up outside and hear a bunch of giggling kids inside in an inflatable planetarium!

Posted: May 11, 2011

I have two children in LPES, one in AU and one in first grade. I have another child going into kindergarden in August. We have had such an amazing experience here. The teachers are all about the kids and really enjoy teaching them. The kids absolutely LOVE learning because of the teachers. The principal is incredible. He knows every single student and the kids just think the world of him. Just when you think your kids have gone to great schools they do stuff to make it THAT MUCH BETTER!!! 5 STARS FOR LPES!!!!

Posted: April 2, 2011

i go to laurel park and in 5th grade. The speacialist are great and the teacher are too. When you are in 4th and 5th grade you get to do safty and make sure that all of the kids are doing well. We have AG class for smart people that are gifted like some of my friends. Not to affend anyone to. LPES is awsome in 5th grade you get to go on this long feild trip to new bern and it is awsome. i do aggre that the staff is a little bit not to careing but the teachers are so dont blame the teacheres. I have a sister that works there to. LPES is the best school ever

Posted: September 21, 2010

A good school. Our two kids (4th and 1st grade) are doing well. The administration and teachers are doing great job well above neighboring school where we got reassigned from. I have been volunteering last 2 years at this school. The administrative folks have made me feel welcome everytime I sign in at the office. The principle is doing great job. She would be out with other teachers on many hot/cold days at carpool lanes making sure safety is met. The principle is approachable given I have done my part. The school challenges my kids academically but again after hard work and closely working with the teachers, my child is in the school's Academical Gifted program. Speaking of parent teachers meetings and conferences - they are accommodating. Just be careful, once a teacher called me at home without prior notice and asked over the phone parent teacher conference this I found to be true for some other parents; so definitely ask for face-to-face time. The media center is nicely kept but the folks there sure can appreciate help. If each parent can only put in half hour a month, they would really appreciate it. The cafeteria staff is cheerful, well rounded and very helpful.

Posted: September 9, 2010

We love this school. Could not ask for better experience. The teachers are great and my child is thriving. The negative comments on this page come from individuals who dont like rules and are used to getting their way. I have seen and heard them in the front office. They come in thinking that they own the school. I am glad that there is a policy in place that parents just cant go in to a classroom and disrupt. They seem to forget that their child is not the only one there. I want my childs teacher focused on her job and not conferencing with every parent that walks in. Regarding dismissal, the safety of ALL STUDENTS should be a priority of ALL PARENTS. It is not the schools fault you are running late for a doctors appointment.

Posted: August 26, 2010

I have been at Laurel Park since it opened three years ago with two children attending. I have nothing but positive things to say about all of the teachers that my children have had. The school is full of teachers that love teaching and thrive on helping kids prosper. The principal is exactly what I want for my children. Strict in the ways she needs to be strict and completely invested in the children and teachers needs. Society is going into too much of a "give me" or "I deserve" or "it's not my fault" type direction that having a principal that holds parents, teachers and students accountable is refreshing all while helping them flourish. The only negative can be some of the drama happy parents.

Posted: August 23, 2010

We have been at LPES since it opened and have been very happy with the teachers, specialists and administration so far. I have always felt welcome at the school and my daughter is thriving. The media center is a great asset to the school with the abundance of materials and sunlight

Posted: August 22, 2010

Very surprised to read negative comments by some parents. We have found Laurel Park to be EXCELLENT. Yes, there are rumors of the occasional less than stellar teacher (we have been fortunate not to encounter them yet), but this school is the envy of other public schools in Cary/Apex. As for the principal, we are sorry to see her leave. Whatever her personality might be like, she believes that parents know better what is best for their children, and that sort of insight is rare (and good) to find, in light of the typical arrogance in many public school systems ("WE'RE the professionals").

Posted: August 22, 2010

I actually FULLY agree with the first two posters. The environment is so negative at this school. Many parents feel very unwelcome, the front office staff is rude and completely unprofessional. The tone set by admin is one of "stay out of our way, we don't care about you (the parents)". The greatest disservice this school offers is this: My child is THREE years BEHIND IN READING as a DIRECT result of the horrific first grade teacher assigned to us. It's abominable. Any/all attempts I make to work w/teachers to better this situation are halted by the school. The last PTA meeting was a complete SHAM! Utter ridiculousness. The sorority of Moms on that PTA that colludes with the principal is shameless. Complete bias on the part of the administration and the special interests of the board members is exercised by the PTA.

Posted: July 26, 2010

Well, I think that last two reviews do not reflect any understanding on the school and its procedures. No teacher will be called or interrupted during dismissal due to maintaining the safety of nearly 1000 students. Safe arrival. Safe dismissal. Students going home by walking, bus, and carpool. Every staff member is utilized and busy making certain that every student makes their way to the appropriate location, car, and person. This is a well organized and orchestrated task. This also takes into account transporstion changes by phone, note, and mistakenly by email. This also includes reassuring siblings when their brother or sister may have gone home sick or they are unaware of changes. No one is interrupted at this time unless it is an absolute emergency. There are many people in the school all trying to do their job and make their way home safely.

Posted: July 20, 2010

I agree with the last post. Office staff does not provide an inviting environment. I have been to other schools and have been welcomed with a smile. The head principal seems to be the negative impact on staff, parents, and children. My child's teacher is very welcoming and friendly but the rest of the school is not. Too much emphasis on penguin spirit day....looks like an accident waiting to happen. Spend more time on academics...please!

Posted: July 13, 2010

The admin staff was impolite, and regarded parent (me) quite lowly. There is, apparently, a rule where you are not allowed to use your cell phone (even if browsing on email, not talking..) in the waiting area because they (the admin staff) cannot hear and use of a cell phone can bring down the walkie talkie system. I came to the school to have an appointment that was set with a teacher at a certain time. And was told I could not see her until all buses were gone. They didn't even attempt to call the teacher and notify her that her appointment was there. If we had a choice to pick the schools we wished the tables would turn and this behavior would be unacceptable. Great building but shabby service. What a shame.

Posted: June 27, 2010

LPES is a new school and at the end of 2 years we are just now finding our stride. I have a rising 2nd grader & a rising kindergartener. The teachers we have had have been fabulous and the administration is concerned about the children's education & safety. There is one person in the front office who is a bit brusque but once they knew me, I was welcomed and thanked every time I came to volunteer. I feel the parent involvement will be better now that the school board has let the traditional calendar families leave. There was much discontent with the school due to that.

Posted: June 22, 2010

Laurel Park is an outstanding academic community. Our students have very strong administrative, teacher, and parental support. The atmosphere is focused on meeting curriculum goals while encouraging positive character traits such as kindness, respect, and responsibility. Specialists and grade level teams often collaborate to bring students the best educational opportunities possible. I am proud to work with such amazing students and staff!

Posted: June 15, 2010

Laurel Park is an excellent school. My child has been a student at LPES for two years and likes it much better than her former school. She enjoys the diversity...morning exercise, Penguin Pride Day, etc. I think the teachers are wonderful and give the children a very good, solid education. Yes there are rules, but they aren't excessive and no more than I'd expect. I've volunteered at LPES, and so has my husband. We've always been welcomed warmly and felt appreciated. This is a GREAT SCHOOL!

Posted: June 4, 2010

I definitely get the vibe this school is run more like a prison than an elementary school. I think the hyper safety conscious attitude of the administration has done more harm than good in terms of relationships with parents. From being accosted upon entry to the school to hardly ever being asked to volunteer or help at the school, the vibe of this school differs from others in the county. Usually schools love to have enthusiastic, college-education, free labor, so I'm not sure what the problem really is - trust ? On a positive note, I think there are some good quality, very professional teachers at this school. The school is well organized and, well, I guess it's safe.

Posted: May 25, 2010

Laurel Park has an excellent faculty and staff that promotes a positive, nurturing, and SAFE learning environment that promotes the children to take responsibility for themselves. The person who made the earlier post needs to realize that there are almost 1000 children ages 5-12 to keep safe daily and rules allow everyone to know what is expected. My children have attended the school since it opened and have had an extremely positive learning experience and my children are thriving! I'm proud of our school!

Posted: April 3, 2010

Laurel Park has the feel of a new school that is a work in progress. This is only it's second year of operation and I think the principal is still trying to determine how best to run the school. Discipline is definitely something that is constantly being addressed, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I do wish that I was allowed to volunteer in my child's class this year. The teacher has made it extremely difficult to come and is not willing to work with me to find ways to help in the classroom. Overall, I would say this year is going more smoothly than last, however, I think is definitely room to improve especially in the support of academically gifted students!

Posted: March 23, 2010

I have 3 children attending Laurel Park. This school has problems. The main problem is the principal is runs the school more like a prison than an elementary school. The principal has set the tone for a very un-family friendly school. She is obsessed with rules. Every newsletter that come home is just another scolding to parents that the rules and being followed. No positive news. I agree with other posts that the school does not encourage volunteers or want parents in the building. I also agree that there is too much focus on Penguin Pride Days and mandatory morning exercises and not enough on academic achievement.