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. The entire School gathers together every December for an All-School celebration of holiday music.

Creating bonding experiences for our students is central to creating life-long friendships. Grade-level retreats are a core part of this experience and Menlo kicked off the 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. 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 Freshman 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 vital clubs program, developed and initiated by students, continues to thrive. From community service to robotics, from beekeeping to Model UN, Menlo offers clubs for all interests and passions.