The Howard School is a gem! The staff is very committed to the students, and they want these…read morestudents to be the people of the future. Students are greeted by the principal each morning and every student is known on a first-name basis. Class sizes are small allowing the teachers to focus on each child's needs and goals. If you are looking for a kind, caring community, and a wonderful emotional and academic experience then look no further.

We are incredibly lucky to have found this school in the small community of Carpinteria. At Howard…read morethere is a big emphasis in the development of children as people, not just as students. You can see this in the way that the older students interact with the younger students. They seem to really have gained strong interpersonal skills specifically - emotional intelligence, responsibility, and empathy. The small class sizes and a strong emphasis on higher level thinking within the curriculum are really what makes this school great. We've loved every teacher we've met. There is no place I would rather have my children. I can't recommend it enough.

Great wedding and reception there. Getting there was interesting up huge hills with winding roads…read moreand majuana fields. Great views and food.

Our family lost our home in the Palisades fire earlier this year. It was devastating in every…read moreway--our daughter lost not just her home, but her beloved school and community, the only life she had ever known. Starting over mid-year was something we dreaded, especially with our fourth grader, who was heartbroken and understandably a tough sell on any new school. But just a few days ago, as we drove to Oaks Christian, she turned to me and said, "Nothing has gone right this year... except for Oaks. I'm so excited to wake up and go to school every day." This wasn't because it was just "fun" or "new." She didn't want to like Oaks. She wanted to go home. And yet, nearly three months later, she is still just as excited every day to be there. I remember calling Oaks Christian, fully expecting them to say there was no space. I knew how in-demand the school is, and I thought we'd be gently turned away. But instead, they treated our situation with incredible grace and compassion. They didn't just squeeze us in--they took the time to really get to know us, even in the middle of their busiest admissions season. They created space for our daughter in every sense of the word. They managed to condense an in-depth admissions process--testing, touring, interviewing both her and us--into a single day. I know that was no small ask, and I'll never forget how lovingly and efficiently they made it happen. Katina, our admissions officer, is everything you could want in a human being--warm, grounded, centered in faith, and truly kind. Since enrolling, the school has only continued to exceed every expectation. The systems in place are exceptional, the administration is thoughtful and organized, and the teachers? Just unreal. We often find ourselves asking, "Is this school even real life?" I recently joined our daughter and her classmates on a two-day trip to Sacramento. It rained, hailed, and was absolutely freezing--everything that could go wrong, did. And yet, it was the perfect snapshot of Oaks. Brant Childers, head of the Lower School, along with the teachers and assistants, were right there with us, every step of the way. They are real humans--transparent, kind, joyful, and deeply devoted to their students. They are the kind of people you dream of raising your children alongside. The other parents blew me away too--funny, smart, down-to-earth. I immediately understood why our daughter loves her classmates so much. The warmth and kindness that radiate from this community is something special. Academically, the school is rigorous and moves quickly, but because the teaching is so strong, the students are thriving. You can feel the love in the classroom. You can feel the joy. We had considered moving to Orange County after the fire, but once our daughter got into Oaks, we knew: Westlake Village would be our new home. It was that simple. The school was enough to make that decision. We're so grateful for the years ahead here--for all three of our daughters. Oaks has been a very bright spot in an otherwise incredibly difficult year. We are endlessly thankful.

The cafeteria staff steals from the kitchen. Taking home gallons of milk, drinks, food and snacks…read more Even household cleaning supplies. Lysol, bleach wipes etc. the school does nothing about it. Kitchen staff just sits there as well on their phones stealing company time. Would not recommend this school. The manager on site flirts with his own employees and giving extra unnecessary hours to his favorite employees. Too much favortism going on.

The most wonderful school with the loveliest teachers and staff. This is where kids are allowed to…read morebe kids! This is where kids develop love for education. I searched high and low to find a school with happy kids. My child had a major separation anxiety and Sycamore really dedicated themselves to help us with transition. He is now thriving and super happy to be there and I genuinely didn't think that would ever happen. Teachers and staff are also available through out the day. Speaking of teachers, Kelsey and Sydney are a dream. Dedicated, sweet, talented and patient. Couldn't have imagined a better place for my kid's to experience their childhood.

We are so happy we chose this school! My kids look forward to going to school every day.read more

Nice school! They are small but the curriculum is classical and extensive! We really love itread more

My husband and I put our son in Trinity and it was the best decision we've made. Not only is this…read moreschool absolutely beautiful, but they care for each and every single student that walks through that door AND their families. The attention to detail is impeccable. The love that you feel when you walk through the front doors is unexplainable. If it's something that you've thought about, even just for a second, I highly recommend to go to a Discover Trinity meeting. I would get in contact with Elizabeth Hosmann asap. You will want to become her best friend, I promise she's literally one of the best but she's also a wealth of knowledge and can answer any and all questions for you.

Our daughter is happy, healthy and passionately engaged at Muse. We couldn't be more delighted…read more Staff have been supportive, and willing to go the extra mile. And I've liked all the parents I've met! Also, the campus is in a beautiful canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains, just north of Malibu. Students walk thru' nature when going from building to building. It's a great education, but within this uniquely calming, natural setting.

We had just moved to LA, and I was looking for something special. Luckily, I heard from a friend…read morewho was in education to check out Muse. Besides the gorgeous campus in the Santa Monica Mountains, the thing that sold me on Muse during my visit, was none of the adults were talking down to the students, they seemed liked equals. Students are active in their education and we especially love that they choose a passion project every semester to focus on a subject of their choice. I really love the staff at Muse. Not only are the teachers stellar and extremely qualified, they are kind and inspiring leaders. My kids couldn't be happier. They bring home plants. They have their own gardens at school and eat plant based meals for lunch every day. They have amazing friends and love playing sports and performing in the school plays. We couldn't be happier with Muse and it keeps getting better! This is our 5th year!

Ascension has been an answer to our prayers. We lost our home in the Palisades fire. This community…read morewelcomed our daughters with open arms and hearts. To a degree that is unheard of. They made a spot for our TK daughter that didn't exist as they felt so strongly about welcoming our daughters into the community during this tough time. Our girls loved their school, home and community that all burned in the fire... They were really not wanting a new school, so they were VERY tough sells. I was very nervous about how this would all go. They were very resistant to starting a new school. They were the hardest won over demographic. But, within a couple of days they were completely won over. I am serious when I say it was only a few days. They were so skeptical and heartbroken. They didn't want to like the school. They didn't want to like their new teachers or friends. They wanted to go home. It was unreal how this school changed them. My TK daughter comes home every day and says "it was the best day EVER mom!" I completely get why she says it. Every day is something magical . I can't quite put into words how many amazing opportunities these kids have, their budgeting is insane. I can't believe how many things they do. I would go into all of it but it would take all night. Their teachers are truly the most incredible and gifted teachers. They meet the kids where they are at with all the patience and love in the world. My husband and I are constantly in amazement--- our kids have been through the worst of it and yet every day at this school brings a smile to their faces. I have NEVER heard a negative thing about the school. Every single family feels the same way we do... this school is incredible. The warmth, the love...is unbelievable. Besides the current families-- every time I tell someone where my daughters go to school it is unanimous across the board... It is something to the effect of "Oh my friend's kids go there and they love it!" or "My neighbors go there and I have heard incredible things!" People always go out of their way to express their extreme love of the school personally or things they have heard about it. I get the hype. Truly. Amazing. We went and toured so many schools.but this school is just on another level. Rich Gregory leads this school with incredible love and care and it shows at every level. In addition to Rich's amazing leadership-- our daughters hit the lottery with Ms. Arias and Ms. Harrington. I can't wait to see what is ahead for my girls here...We are so lucky.

The school offers a welcoming environment, but the academic standards are severely lacking. There…read moreis very little challenge or structured support in core subjects like math and reading. If academic excellence and preparation are your main priorities, I would look elsewhere.

As a parent of a student who has been attending Manzanita for 4 years since Forest Kindergarten (…read morenow in 3rd grade ) and another child that is soon to enroll - We are so grateful to have this amazing school so close by. The campus is incredible, grounding , and inspiring for the students and parents - who get to spend time on the land , connecting to nature and learning in symbiosis with the world around them. We have seen our daughter flourish in the last 4 years - first in her confidence, creativity and sense of self - and then in her academics . Her teachers have worked incredibly hard to overcome any challenges she has experienced - gently encouraging and finding the best ways for her to learn. The community is strong and the school works hard to involve the parents in the culture and learning experience. Our personal primary goal as parents is to raise happy and healthy children who will have the ability to adapt, listen and learn in their future. We are very happy with our experience at Manzanita and can't wait to continue our journey under Big Rock.

Simply an outstanding educational experience in every way. Manzanita is an entirely new model for…read morelearning, one that doesn't neatly fit into any established category. Students learn on the land and from the land, supported by teachers trained as mentors for a truly personal, close-knit experience. Your child will be seen, known, and understood here. They will be taught how to think, not what to think. They will be prepared to show up as their most authentic selves. They will be exposed to a curriculum that is much more nuanced and engaging than most people can imagine. Your child will be in community with people who are committed to making the world a better place and often live lives far outside the mainstream. The lunch program is incredible. Tour the school to experience firsthand. Truly amazing.

Coming from another private school for the last 3 years, We…read morefound stars Academy which was such a different experience. My son who seemed like he was struggling , feeling insecure, felt judged is now flourishing And loves school, his classmates and his teachers. We are so happy that he is now thriving and feels part of a beautiful positive community and friendship circle. I can't thank Stars enough for helping shape my son in these very important years of his young life. I look forward to witnessing what the future holds at stars and our growing community. For any parents that are searching for a nurturing, academic and loving environment that will allow your child's to be who they truly are this is the school for you..

OMG I LOVE this school!!!!! My son has been attending this school for the last 2 years and the…read moreschool has totally changed his life. He was so shy and not very social and the environment at this school has totally changed him!!! The teachers have given him so much confidence and he has come out of his shell and now has an entire community of great friends! Not only is he so much more outgoing and confident but he has learned so much and they give him so much special attention. I love how much more confident he is. The staff truly cares about their students and what is in their best interest. They make learning so much fun. I cant say enough about this school. Really special place. Grateful I found it!!