A couple of years ago we were really overwhelmed with the responsibility of picking a school for our daughter. She is the first child, so this experience was entirely new to us, and there were SO many choices!
We toured maybe 10 schools in different school districts, including Glendale, Arcadia, San Marino, Pasadena, and LA. It didn't matter to us how far the school was, as long as we chose the right one. Mind you, we live across the street from a school voted 8/10 on greater schools, but it just didn't have the specialized programs that we wanted for our child, plus my husband has a Masters in Education, so we were just extremely meticulous and picky with our choices.
We narrowed it down to three schools who were all out of district for us, therefore lottery based. We got into our 2nd and 3rd choices, but waitlisted for our 1st choice. Altadena Arts Magnet was actually our 2nd choice, and by the time the school year began, we still hadn't heard back from our first choice, so she started the school year there.
This was putting a lot of faith in the school, and I had my reservations, because we had not met the person who would be her teacher. In my experience you could have your kid in the best program out there, but if you don't like the teacher, then it causes a lot of problems. Well, the first week rolled around, and boy did we luck out. Her kindergarten teacher Ms Durand was just simply amazing, she made the kids feel comfortable even though they didn't understand a word she was saying! She was very professional, and literally the ideal person to introduce your child to a formal education.
We were really happy with the way things were going, but then guess what!?! Two weeks after school started we got accepted into our fist choice!! So that decision was really nerve wrecking for me. It took me a whole week to make up my mind. I went to the other school to meet the kindergarten teacher, who was really nice, but just didn't compare to the wonderful person who she had spent the last two weeks with. Plus she had made so many friends, I couldn't take her away from that. So I decided to stick with Altadena. HANDS DOWN, BEST DECISION EVER!
My daughter has really thrived, and I feel so grateful that she has gotten to be a part of so many amazing experiences, such as the Principal's Honor Choir, the School Musical, and the Talent Show, which all really cater to her love of the performing arts. Not just that, but she's getting around 20 hours (might be rounding up) of additional arts instruction a week! That includes, dance, music, drama, visual arts, etc. She knows so much French, and can hold a conversation in French with my husband. This is only after one school year, where she didn't know any French beforehand! I'm truly in awe of her progress, and I feel so lucky to live somewhere where she can have these opportunities!
These are some of the things I love about AAM:
1. It's size. It's a small school, so the principal actually knows each child by name!
2. Her French teachers are perfect! You'll see why once you meet them!
3. The diversity!! In the world we live in today, this was extremely important to us, and one of the main appeals!
4. The curriculum obviously
5. The staff! I absolutely love everyone I deal with on a daily basis. Ms Le, Dr Hill, Ms Major, Ms Camargo, and our pawsitive support team, who keep our kids safe everyday! Last but not least, Dr Scheckel! What I appreciate about her is that she wants to be the best! She's always striving for the best and always wanting to go above and beyond!
6. Our school community is truly special. Everyone is so nice, and I feel so close to all the parents in our class. We have a good set of kids and families.
Lastly, I feel like I should say there will always be disgruntled parents who will fight diligently for their children. Don't let that stop you from this amazing opportunity. As a parent you do not have the authority to manage the school, but you do have the opportunity to make a difference and have some influence through the PTA or School Site Council.
Good luck to all those parents making their first school choices! read more