I regularly pray for Lanai and for all of its amazing staff and parent volunteers…read more I just attended my Kindergartner's "Winter Concert". I was delighted to hear a program packed with myriad Hanukkah songs, from "Hanukkah o Hanukkah" to "Kindled by the Flame" (which references Hanukkah and Menorahs in every verse, complete with wiggling candle fingers). And of course the classic "Happy Hanukkah". All of these songs were absolutely beautiful, especially because each song was presented INTACT, without censorship. But what was ugly was the School's systematic censorship of "Christmas". Not a single time did the word Christmas get sung, and it was not by accident. The concert was so thoroughly de-Jesused that even the great "Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas" was bastardized to "Have yourself a Merry *Winter Season*"! I am the father of a family of church-going followers of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and Christmas marks His birth into this world. That said, I don't expect our public school to be teaching my kids Christmas hymns. But if Lanai staff ARE going to teach my son religious songs, then they cannot discriminate against Christians by deliberately avoiding and excising any mention of Christmas like it's Kryptonite. I cannot imagine the uproar if the entire music program had been filled with expressly Christmas songs and the closest thing to mentioning Hanukkah was "Happy Other Winter Thing". If Lanai is low-key trying to be a public Hebrew school, that's not what we signed up for. As a public school Lanai must be accountable to all its students, and to Federal Laws prohibiting religious discrimination.

Now I go to this school, currently as of date I am in forth grade. I am in Mrs.Muffoletto's Class…read moreand I have a lot to say. For example every single classroom has art. There are many enrichments that Lanai pays for Out-Of-Pocket. Sone of these include Computer Lab, with macs PE With an amazing coach and Science with an amazing teacher. Overall these bad reviews are all lies, and if they are true all of the bad teachers are gone. Another reason why this school is amazing is because of the principal. Instead of the sone principals in other schools just sitting down and waiting in a office this, instead he takes care of the school by talking to students sone times watching over the students and he also helps direct the school amazingly while doing all of that. Overall this school is amazing and I would recommend enrolling right now! -Hugo 4th Grade 2023

We have had one daughter graduate Emelita and currently have two others, one in kinder and one in…read more3rd. We LOVE THIS SCHOOL. We have personally watched this school grow exponentially in the six years we've been attending. The addition of amazing STEaM-minded class offerings and educational activities has really proven to help to engage the kids in fun and creative ways. Offerings in art, music, ballroom dance, theatre have my kids excited about their classes The rate at which our kinders develop at Emelita have been remarkable. The teachers LOVE these kids! The reason we've been able to watch the positive growth has been thanks to the kind, hands-on leadership of the principal, Betsy Mayorga.

Unfortunately, my experience with the principal has been very disappointing. When concerns are…read morebrought to her, she often reacts emotionally instead of professionally. She has deleted public ClassDojo comments instead of addressing them, ignored private messages, and even been visibly petty in person. She often tries to intimidate or gaslight parents rather than acknowledge mistakes, which is unacceptable for a school leader. Another serious issue involves Ms. Weiss. On multiple field trips where I volunteered (fully cleared through LAUSD), I witnessed random adults joining--individuals who were not approved volunteers. Many were family members of admin staff, and the excuse was simply, "We had extra tickets." Meanwhile, approved parents are denied similar allowances. This favoritism and lack of accountability raise real safety concerns. My children have noticed it too, and that should never happen. Parents deserve to feel confident that safety protocols are followed consistently--not based on convenience or personal connections.

Exceptional independent K-6th school! My little one is going into Kindergarten and its been the…read morebest experience from registering, touring, to now in KinderCamp (two-week on boarding camp). Who would've thought going into Kinder would be this exciting -as a parent speaking!

My son enjoyed his stay at LES! Learning kindness and compassion while being taught how to…read morethink...not what to think. They are truly a small but mighty group. Going into the RED GATES and coming out through them in the end will be felt positively and with fond memories for a lifetime.

I think that this school is amazing because when you are in 5th grade you a lot of fun activity…read morebefore graduation. The second thing that I like about this school because you can go to fun field trip like pali camp. That why I like about this school

This school is incredible. The principal, Amy Petry is so involved and smart and loving and truly a…read moreremarkable human who puts her ALL into making this school great. My daughter has struggled with traditional class rooms and for YEARS Amy kept advocating for her, getting her an IEP and full time aid. The teachers are the best. We've got two kids here one going into 5th and there are no bad teachers. Ms. Simons is incredible (LAUSD teacher of the year for a reason!!) Ms. Argote and Ms. P and 10 other teachers are all stand outs. (My other daughter is super ADHD and has thrived here, she graduated her IEP and is crushing her state testing in a way i never dreamed she could. I couldn't say more good things about everyone here. Very loving and capable.

It is such a bummer to see outdated reviews (especially ones from people who didn't even attend the…read moreschool!) when this school has been a live saver for our child. This is a school that teaches kids who have struggled and been let down by traditional learning environments. They empowerment and confidence that these kids feel coming through Westmark is so special. My child attends the elementary school and the class size is 5-7 kids, so the attention and participation is unparalleled. Walk into any class and the kids are happy, engaged, and learning at the level appropriate for them. Even when kids are stumbling a bit over words, they do so with a smile, grit and determination instead of feeling embarrassed or "less than" because reading is such a challenge. It is a special place that helps kids reach their potential in new and innovative ways. With the new elementary campus opening up, I'm sure the support and infrastructure will only improve. Before you read these reviews or dismiss the school because of price, you should take a look. I never would have thought a school like this would be the answer we needed, but once we walked around and saw the way the teachers approached teaching these kids, we had to give our child the best chance possible. The new head of admissions is so lovely and everyone I know who has been referred by her has felt very empowered to make a decision on if Westmark is the right school for their child. They won't push you to attend if they don't think the school is a good fit and they aren't just looking for rich donors like some of the other private schools. Westmark really is an environment where they want kids to thrive and an intervention to change the lives of young learners. I can't praise it enough.

I can't say enough good things about this school. It is a school for students with learning…read moredisabilities, such as dyslexia. It is absolutely life changing. There is so much thoughtfulness and care put into every decision made. The teachers and staff absolutely know my child inside and out. I used to get these calls from my kid at school - she was upset, stressed, having a hard day. Now - I never ever get a call like that. (If you know, you know) I had no idea how hard my daughter's days were at regular school. She was always grumpy and anxious. After the first day at Westmark she was lighthearted, happy! I forgot she could be that way! Her confidence in her academic abilities is growing all the time there. I wish I would have moved her there sooner. It is truly a remarkable place. Every teacher (even like science and PE!) are trained in teaching kids with learning differences. My daughter gets support ALL DAY long, not just during the few minutes she was pulled out before. If your child has a learning difference, I really recommend you go see the school - it is hard to describe how amazing and transformative it is.

It's only been a few weeks we have been as Hesby, but in these few weeks, the staff, parents, and…read morechildren have all been so wonderful welcoming and making sure my 2 girls are happy and comfortable in every way possible. We came from another LAUSD in the city that is well known, but Hesby is by far so much more attentive to the child's needs and on top of it all. The few encounters I have had with staff has been exceptional. They are always available to answer any questions or concerns I have, and I am grateful that my kids go here. Looking forward to many more years to come at Hesby. Thank you to all teachers and staff! You are all amazing!

My 8 year old nephew goes to school here and I have to take it upon myself to write a review. This…read moreis a terrible school if your child is of the darker skin variety. The school administration definitely favors kids who belong to the majority if you know what I mean. and the principal who runs this place is extremely mean and unfriendly. He always stands at the entrance gate when school starts and hardly acknowledges any parents or adults dropping off their children. Not the best look for someone who's supposed to be the leader of the school.

We have been at Curtis School for the past 8 years. Our three children started in DK, and they…read morecouldn't be happier. While all three have excelled in all areas of development including academic, athletic, artistic, innovation, and service learning...what we as parents are most proud of are the ways in which they've become strong and compassionate Human Beings, with so much GRIT, RESILIENCY, COMPASSION AND LEADERSHIP! We love our kind Curtis Community and friends who are like family...We Curtis!!! #GoCougars #Cougars4Life #

Reading these negative reviews are comical. They sound like entitled parents who believe children…read moredo not need to be disciplined when they do not follow the code of conduct expected of students. As an alum of Curtis and now a parent, I can see the incredible impact Meera has had on the Curtis community. Not only is she personally invested in the school, as a parent, but also as a head of school. She is warm and is one of the most involved heads of school I have ever seen. She makes a point to get to know every student on campus and has an open door policy for ALL families on campus. She has turned Curtis into one of the top schools that feeds into every elite LA high school. Curtis students are well rounded, well behaved, adaptable, and more than prepared for middle/ high school. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to send my kids to Curtis and I hope Meera continues to lead the school for many years to come. Curtis is such a special space and you are lucky if you are able to experience it firsthand!

Valley Beth Shalom Day School has truly become a second home for our family. Two of our children…read morehave graduated, and we currently have a child in 4th grade. Over the years, the school has continued to grow and improve in so many ways. For anyone looking for an elementary school with a strong sense of community, caring teachers, and a commitment to excellence, I highly recommend Valley Beth Shalom Day School.

Can't speak highly enough about VBSDS. My daughter is thriving in first grade, has the best group…read moreof friends, and is surrounded by the most talented and caring faculty. Truly incredible place.

This school is very fun and educational. From playing handball or basketball to track and field…read morethis school has it all. The kids are so nice and are always welcoming. Parents also have a lot of fun with the school gala and watching the kids at the winter and spring concerts. I would recommend this school to anybody who wants their kids to feel welcomed.

The worst all they care of is money , not kids or education . If you involve in stuff for school…read moreand you pay, you're kids get the most attention

I cannot stress enough how wonderful and magical EPCC is. Both of my children have gone through…read moretheir program, from preschool through Kinder (with my youngest in K this year), and I have never been so happy with a school. The admin are present, involved, and caring. The teachers -- many of whom have taught at the school for their entire careers -- are loving and thoughtful and attentive. The campus is fantastic. In fact, when I first toured the school many years ago, I was immediately sold by the sand pit, wood chips, climbing structures, and the diversity of the student body. EPCC feels like a home, and the value they place on community and an exciting education has made a distinct difference for my children. I only wish that EPCC had a program that lasted through elementary school. If you can afford to send your children to EPCC through Kinder, I highly recommend it. (And if you can't, they offer assistance.) My older child entered first grade ahead of the game. I know my younger one will, too. And the love and attention your child and family will receive will be unmatched by any public school, at least.

Enrolled my daughter in Encino Presbyterian Children's Center in the fall of 2025. We loved her…read moredaycare but she was mentally and physically ready for something bigger. Since she doesn't start TK until fall of 2027, EPCC is the perfect in between place. Their program is scheduled more like an elementary school while still being flexible enough to allow the children room to be their age. All the teachers and staff are so lovely and knowledgeable. My daughter loves going every day and can't wait to go back the next! I also feel extremely safe with their security system and how often they let me know what's going on. Not to mention all the fun activities, shows, and events. It's a wonderful place and so much fun. I have no doubts my daughter will be 100% ready for elementary school when the time comes!