Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School (JLS), located in Palo Alto, California, is a prestigious institution whose history is intricately tied to the growth of Palo Alto and the development of educational practices over several decades. The school's origins date back to 1953 when it was first established as Ray Lyman Wilbur Junior High School, named after Ray Lyman Wilbur, the former president of Stanford University and a prominent figure in the local community. The land on which the school was built was originally part of a larger parcel owned by three farmers named Diss. This land was later purchased by Joseph Eichler, a noted developer of mid-century modern homes, who donated the property to the Palo Alto Unified School District in the early 1950s. Eichler's contribution to the community was part of his broader vision of creating a thoughtful and well-designed living and educational environment. The school's original architectural design, conceived by Birge Clark and Walter Stromquist, was heavily influenced by Eichler's mid-century modern aesthetic. The design of the school featured long, interconnected buildings with sloped roofs, expansive glass windows, and clerestory lighting. This open and airy architectural style made the campus stand out and helped establish it as one of the most visually appealing educational environments in California at the time. The original educational philosophy behind the school was also innovative, with specialized classrooms for home economics, woodshop, metal shop, art, music, and other disciplines that were meant to cater to the diverse interests and talents of its students. The school's design not only focused on creating functional spaces for learning but also prioritized the well-being of students by offering open, spacious areas that fostered creativity and collaboration. Initially, the school served students in grades 7 through 9. The student body started with approximately 650 students and 31 faculty members. However, as the educational system in Palo Alto began to evolve, significant changes took place. In 1975, the district made the decision to move ninth-grade students to the high schools, and as a result, the school became a middle school serving only grades 7 and 8. Despite this change, Ray Lyman Wilbur Junior High remained an important educational institution, serving as a stepping stone for younger students transitioning into high school. In 1985, as part of a reorganization of the Palo Alto Unified School District, the district faced declining enrollment at the Jordan and Terman junior high schools. To address this, Ray Lyman Wilbur Junior High School absorbed the remaining students from these schools, which significantly increased the school's population. This period also marked a major rebranding of the school. In a move to honor Jane Stanford, co-founder of Stanford University, the school underwent a name change, officially becoming Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School. This change in name reflected a renewed vision for the school, one that emphasized both the importance of academic excellence and the contributions of women in the community and history. Along with the name change came a shift in the school's mascot and colors. The school’s mascot, which had previously been the Warrior, was changed to the Panther, and the school colors were updated from scarlet and gray to blue and white. These changes were meant to signify a new chapter in the school's history, as well as a broader educational philosophy that was more in tune with the developmental needs of students ages 10 to 14. In the early 1990s, the district made the decision to expand the school's grade levels to include sixth grade, further cementing JLS’s role in the educational landscape of Palo Alto. This expansion not only helped accommodate a growing student population but also provided younger students with the opportunity to be part of a larger, more integrated educational community. The campus itself, while retaining its original mid-century modern design, has undergone several renovations over the years to keep up with the demands of a larger and more diverse student body. One of the most significant of these renovations occurred in 2013, when a two-story classroom building was added to the campus to accommodate increasing enrollment. By the 2018-19 school year, Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School was serving approximately 1,137 students. The school's demographic makeup was diverse, with a student body composed of 44% Asian, 32% Caucasian, 12% Hispanic, 1% African American, and 11% identifying as other or multiracial. This diversity is reflective of Palo Alto's broader demographic trends, which have become increasingly multicultural and global in nature. The school continues to maintain a strong focus on academic excellence and is known for its comprehensive curriculum, which includes a wide range of electives and extracurricular activities designed to foster intellectual and personal growth among students. Throughout its history, Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School has remained committed to providing an educational environment that supports the holistic development of its students. It is known for its emphasis on student engagement, academic rigor, and community involvement. The school offers various programs that focus on not only academic learning but also the arts, athletics, and social-emotional development. These programs aim to prepare students for success in high school, college, and beyond, ensuring they are equipped with the skills necessary to navigate a rapidly changing world. Today, JLS stands as a vital institution in the Palo Alto community, a place where tradition and innovation intersect. It continues to honor its history, while also adapting to the needs of contemporary students. The school remains a testament to the vision of its founders and benefactors, and it continues to serve as a cornerstone of the Palo Alto Unified School District, shaping the minds of future generations.
Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School (JLS) has built a reputation for excellence over the years, earning numerous awards and accolades that reflect the school's commitment to providing high-quality education, fostering student growth, and engaging with the broader community. The school has been consistently recognized for its academic performance, having earned the prestigious California Distinguished School Award multiple times. This honor highlights the school's commitment to academic rigor, effective teaching practices, and its ability to create a supportive learning environment that encourages student success. JLS is also known for its exceptional performance on state and national standardized tests, where its students consistently rank above average in subjects such as math, English, and science, further solidifying its status as one of the top middle schools in the region. Beyond academics, JLS has earned recognition for its outstanding extracurricular programs, particularly in the areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. The school has a strong tradition of students competing in events such as the Science Fair, Math Olympiads, and National History Day, where they have often placed in the top ranks and garnered significant recognition. For example, JLS students have regularly earned Gold and Silver Medals at the Bay Area Science Fair, with several students advancing to the California State Science Fair and even national competitions. The school's Mathletes have also made a mark at regional and national levels, winning team and individual awards in various mathematics competitions, including the Mathcounts competition and the American Mathematics Competitions (AMC). In addition to academic competitions, JLS’s music and performing arts programs are widely regarded as some of the best in the area. The school’s band, orchestra, and choir consistently receive superior ratings in competitions and festivals across California, including the California Band Directors Association festivals and the Music in the Parks events. Students in these programs often go on to perform in prestigious youth orchestras, jazz ensembles, and choirs, demonstrating the high level of skill fostered at JLS. The school’s drama program is also highly acclaimed, with its annual productions receiving praise for both their artistic quality and the opportunity they provide students to develop their acting, directing, and technical theater skills. JLS’s commitment to the arts, leadership, and service has been widely recognized as well. The school has earned numerous accolades for its community outreach programs and student involvement in service learning. Through partnerships with local organizations, JLS students regularly participate in community service initiatives such as food drives, environmental sustainability projects, and efforts to support underprivileged students and families. This focus on community service has earned JLS recognition from local and state officials for its commitment to developing socially responsible and empathetic leaders. Furthermore, JLS has been celebrated for its dedication to social-emotional learning (SEL), ensuring that students develop strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and resilience. The school’s anti-bullying programs and efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity have earned it awards from various advocacy groups, highlighting its success in creating a safe, welcoming environment for all students. The school also prides itself on its diversity and inclusion efforts. JLS has been recognized by several organizations for creating an inclusive atmosphere where students from various cultural, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds are supported and celebrated. This includes awards for its efforts to close the achievement gap and ensure equal educational opportunities for all students, regardless of background. JLS’s commitment to equity has been acknowledged by local educational foundations and civil rights organizations, further demonstrating the school’s success in promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity. In addition to these awards, JLS frequently receives high marks for its faculty and staff development programs. The school has been recognized for providing professional development opportunities that help teachers stay at the forefront of educational best practices, ensuring that they are well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of their students. The school’s leadership team has also been acknowledged for fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, further supporting its status as a top-tier educational institution. In short, Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School stands out not only for its academic achievements but also for its commitment to cultivating well-rounded, responsible, and creative individuals who excel both inside and outside the classroom. The school’s dedication to fostering intellectual curiosity, promoting inclusivity, encouraging leadership, and supporting artistic expression has resulted in numerous awards and recognitions, making it a model of excellence in middle school education. These accolades, combined with the support of a strong, engaged community of students, staff, and families, ensure that JLS will continue to provide an exceptional education for years to come.
Chris Grierson
As of the 2024–2025 school year, the principal of Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School (JLS) in Palo Alto is Chris Grierson. Mr. Grierson has been with the Palo Alto Unified School District for several years and took on the role of principal at JLS in the 2024–2025 academic year. Under his leadership, JLS continues to thrive as a top-performing middle school in California, known for its strong academic programs, diverse electives, and emphasis on student well-being. Mr. Grierson is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages students to explore their interests and develop both academically and personally. His leadership is instrumental in maintaining the school's high standards and its reputation as a center of excellence in education.
Sarah Pierce
Sarah Pierce serves as the Assistant Principal for 6th grade at Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School (JLS) in Palo Alto, California. In this role, she collaborates closely with the school's leadership team to support students, staff, and families, ensuring a positive and effective learning environment. Her responsibilities include overseeing academic programs, implementing school policies, and fostering a supportive atmosphere for all students. Sarah Pierce is an integral part of the JLS administrative team, contributing to the school's mission of providing a rigorous and inclusive education for its diverse student body.
Katherine Schramm
Katherine Schramm is a dedicated educator at Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School (JLS) in Palo Alto, California. She teaches 6th grade English Language Arts, Social Studies, and is involved in the Connections program, which focuses on fostering social-emotional development and community among students.
Diane Luu
Diane Luu teaches 7th-grade Social Studies at Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School (JLS) in Palo Alto, California. She is also involved in the Connections program, which supports students' social-emotional development. Diane has extensive experience in education and holds a Master of Arts degree from San Jose State University. Her teaching focuses on creating an inclusive, engaging classroom environment that encourages critical thinking and a deep understanding of history. Diane is dedicated to supporting her students' well-being both academically and personally.
Bryson Peckenpaugh
Bryson Peckenpaugh is a dedicated educator at Jane Lathrop Stanford (JLS) Middle School within the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD). He teaches English Language Arts to 7th-grade students and serves as an Instructional Lead for the Connections program. In his role, Mr. Peckenpaugh contributes to fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment for middle school students.
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