San Mateo Park is one of the best-kept secrets in the country and one of the most beautiful and unique residential communities in the United States. It is a secluded enclave of early 20th-century homes situated in a park-like setting of towering trees and lush landscaping.
Located on the San Francisco Peninsula, 20 miles south of San Francisco and adjacent to the towns of Hillsborough and Burlingame, San Mateo Park is also within a short commute to Silicon Valley and biotech companies.
The history of San Mateo Park
San Mateo Park was founded in 1896 as a residential community designed by noted architects and landscape architects, with winding streets and landscaped circles, crescents, or squares, and thousands of trees planted, and 120 years later it has secured the vision of its founders and architects with its beautiful country homes and lush park-like setting.
San Mateo Park was founded in 1896, during the peak of the City Beautiful movement. Together, architect George Howard Jr., landscape architect John McLaren (designer of Golden Gate Park), E. W. McClellan (founder of McClellan’s Nursery), and city planner Davenport Bromfield (the planner for communities such as Carmel, California) set out to create a residential community that would serve as one of the foremost tributes to the residential design ideals of the turn of the century.
They laid out narrow, gently winding streets, with every intersection meeting at landscaped circles, crescents, or squares. Thousands and thousands of trees were planted, selected by McLaren and McClellan, and many were transplanted from the San Francisco World Fair. Noted architects such as Bernard Maybeck, Willis Polk, and Julia Morgan designed magnificent country homes, many in the arts and crafts style, most of which have now been restored to their former glory.
120 years later, San Mateo Park, known as “The Park” by its residents and admirers, has achieved and faithfully secured the vision of its founders and architects. The now tree-canopied roads meander through the gently rolling foothills, and the circles, crescents, and squares are now sheltered beneath towering palms, pines, oaks, and many other trees from around the world.
San Mateo Park Video
San Mateo Park Schools
Residents of San Mateo Park in San Mateo, CA have access to a range of high-quality educational options, including public schools like San Mateo Park Elementary School and Hillsdale High School, as well as private schools like St. Matthew’s Episcopal Day School and Nueva School.
Overall, residents of San Mateo Park have access to a range of high-quality educational options, both public and private. These schools offer a variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in the future.
Public Schools:
San Mateo Park Elementary School: This is a public elementary school that serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade. It has a student-teacher ratio of 23:1 and is known for its strong academic programs and dedicated teachers. The school is located within the San Mateo-Foster City School District.
Borel Middle School: This is a public middle school that serves students from sixth through eighth grade. It has a student-teacher ratio of 22:1 and offers a rigorous academic curriculum that prepares students for high school. The school is also located within the San Mateo-Foster City School District.
Hillsdale High School: This is a public high school that serves students from ninth through twelfth grade. It has a student-teacher ratio of 21:1 and offers a comprehensive academic program that includes honors and Advanced Placement courses. The school is located within the San Mateo Union High School District.
Private Schools:
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Day School: This is a private elementary school that serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. It has a student-teacher ratio of 8:1 and offers a rigorous academic curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The school is affiliated with the Episcopal Church and is known for its strong commitment to community service.
Nueva School: This is a private school that serves students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. It has a student-teacher ratio of 8:1 and offers a project-based curriculum that focuses on innovation and creativity. The school is known for its state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to sustainability.
Phillips Brooks School: This is a private elementary school that serves students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. It has a student-teacher ratio of 8:1 and offers a comprehensive academic program that emphasizes collaboration and inquiry-based learning. The school is affiliated with the Episcopal Church and is known for its commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
