Students gather for weekly assemblies that provide a forum for the sharing of ideas and information among students, faculty, and administrators—and a chance to have fun as a community. The program also brings various artists, writers, musicians, educators, as well as political and business leaders, to the campus. In addition, students and faculty members make assembly presentations related to topics of personal or community interest. All students in grades 6-12 gather in late December, before finals, for the beloved Holiday Assembly, which celebrates the winter season with festive music, dance, and student performances.

Creating bonding experiences for our students is central to creating lifelong friendships. Grade-level retreats are a core part of this experience, and Menlo kicks off each new school year with retreats for all grade levels. Students build trust, feel safe, take risks, and come back to campus individually and collectively stronger than when they left.

Additionally, Eighth graders spend an unforgettable week-long trip to Washington, DC. Sixth graders enjoy time to bond with their new classmates during field day, and Upper School ninth graders attend a special day-long orientation before school begins.  

Menlo regularly invites special guest speakers to the campus. Guests have included former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, CEO of YouTube Susan Wojcicki, Navy Seal Lieutenant Patrick Dosset, author Richard Dawkins, author Tobias Wolfe, author Reza Aslan, actress Anna O’Reiley, Dr. Nancy Snyderman and Dr. Richard Antoine White.

Student Council plays a crucial role in providing students with a platform to voice their opinions and actively participate in the school community. In the Upper School, Student Council members are integral to the School’s Curriculum Committee, Judicial Committee, and the Menlo School Parents Association (MSPA). They are elected both at the school-wide level and within each class. Meanwhile, in the Middle School, students elect advocacy representatives who form the Middle School Student Council, presided over by a student president and other officers. This Council convenes weekly with the Middle School Director or Assistant Director to organize school activities, community meeting programs, and peer leadership initiatives.

A robust and varied clubs program, largely initiated by students, is a vibrant part of student life. From community service to robotics, from beekeeping to Model UN, clubs provide opportunities for students to expand their interests, build community, develop leadership skills, and connect their passions to purposes beyond themselves.

All clubs need to have a faculty/staff advisor and be approved by the Student Life team. Reach out to them for more information.

Students in grades 9–12 are assigned to one of four houses that compete throughout the year for the House Cup. More than a friendly competition, the house system builds community, school spirit, and meaningful connections across grade levels. Each house has its own color, mascot, and identity and is named for an important part of Menlo’s history: Douglass (green/otter), honoring the family who owned the property before Menlo was founded; Halverson (red/bear), recognizing beloved longtime dean Fred Halverson; Warren (yellow/panther), reflecting Menlo’s roots as the William Warren School; and Lapolla (blue/owl), celebrating Tony and Cindy Lapolla’s lasting impact on Menlo’s culture. Students remain in the same house throughout high school, building lasting relationships while competing together in traditions and events throughout the year.