Hospital School

When a child is hospitalized, one concern is the fear of falling behind in school. Carrying on the everyday activity of going to school can have a positive effect on the hospitalized child’s attitude toward and acceptance of treatment. The expectation that school age children will participate in this program gives them a familiar and reassuring routine in an unfamiliar setting.

A unique collaboration

The Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital School Program, a unique collaboration between the Palo Alto Unified School District and the hospital, has been in existence since 1924. Since that time, there have been many advancements in medicine as well as innovations in the field of education, but providing a quality education to critically and chronically ill children continues to be a priority in this partnership.

Staffed by credentialed Palo Alto Unified School District teachers, the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital School offers a fully accredited academic curriculum for school age students. The school also offers enrichment programs such as art and drama.

Hospital School teachers may contact students’ home schools to ensure continuity of curriculum and to facilitate school re-entry. Students are encouraged to continue the academic programs of their home schools, or if needed, can be placed in appropriate grade level curriculum through the Palo Alto Unified School District. Transcripts and/ or progress reports are provided to home schools upon request.

Our program is a unique collaboration between the Palo Alto Unified School District and the hospital, offering a fully accredited academic curriculum, art and drama.

View or print our Hospital School Brochure

Our hospital school teachers are committed to helping every student achieve growth and success through discovery and learning.

Teachers at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford and Palo Alto Unified School District

Primary schoolPalo Alto Unified School District Logo

  • Kevin Danie
  • Ginger Harkness

Middle school

  • Robert Siu
  • Megan Fisher

High school

  • Thayer Gershon
  • Kathy Ho
  • Dave Berry
  • Secretary: Eileen Reedy

The Hospital School is located on the 3rd floor, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital

Classrooms are open

  • Mondays – Thursdays: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 1 – 3 p.m.
  • Fridays: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Special programming: (Subject to change)

  • Drama – Wednesdays
  • Science – Thursdays
  • Art – Fridays

The Hospital School calendar is available upon request.