Peninsula School continues to mark its 100th anniversary

Festivities marking Peninsula School’s 100th anniversary have been going on since spring.

Tonight the Menlo Park City Council will add to the accolades with a proclamation.

Judy Horst, a neighbor of the school who attends many of its community activities, provided InMenlo with a glimpse of what’s ahead:

“Serving Pre-School through 8th grade students, Peninsula School currently occupies a turn of the century Victorian mansion (c.1882) and several outer classrooms on 6.6 acres in Menlo Oaks, which is bordered by Menlo Park and Atherton.

“Now the school is embarking on a transformative update, driven by growing enrollment that has pushed existing facilities to capacity. Evolving educational needs also require new, more specialized spaces for project-based learning, STEM labs, artistic exploration, and health and wellness programs.

“The school’s East Side Campus Remodel plan is designed to support growth and fosters smaller class sizes. According to plans filed with the county in late 2021 and updated several times between then and most recently in 2025, the school plans to replace 4 buildings with 6 classrooms to be housed in 3 duplexes. Additionally, plans show that a nursery building will be converted into a multi-use teaching space, and an existing residence on the property could become a science lab.

“Physical and mental wellness has always been central to Peninsula School’s mission. The expansion project also reimagines outdoor spaces, featuring new playground areas, and gardens.

“While embracing modernity, the expansion respects the school’s historical architecture, blending new and old in harmonious ways. Although there is no date for construction to begin, when completed, enrollment can expand from its current 223 students to 286 students. To minimize disruption, the project will be completed in phases.”

Said Anne Fong, newly appointed Director of Development and Communications: “Peninsula School is excited about the Eastside Project and is moving forward with it, although our exact timeline is still uncertain. While we don’t yet have a public timeline for the rollout, key pieces — such as selecting a construction partner, determining financing strategies, and engaging with current families, staff, alumni, and neighbors — will begin soon.”

“As of now, the Board has not yet authorized a capital campaign, and we’re awaiting its guidance on next steps,” she continued. “That said, it’s an exciting time for Peninsula School. With the leadership of our new Head of School, Johanna Aeschliman, and our new Board Chair, Jason Pressman, we’re confident the path forward will be thoughtful and strategic, grounded in a strong commitment to our students and the school’s future.”

InMenlo file photo by Melina Gehering (c) 2025