I'm currently a senior at VAAS, due to graduate in just a couple months. I was informed of some…read morehorribly inaccurate reviews of my high school on this site so i'm here to set the record straight. The following are MY experiences with VAAS and my personal perspective of the school based on what I've seen and been a part of, therefore keep that in mind as you read on. Lets begin with academics. VAAS oftentimes is compared to GHCHS when it comes to academic rigor, and although admittedly Granada has quite a stellar academic reputation, our school's educational quality has grown and flourished tremendously over the last four years and i'm honestly happy with my decision to go here. You can truly succeed and challenge yourself academically at VAAS. Let me repeat, YOU CAN TRULY SUCCEED AND CHALLENGE YOURSELF ACADEMICALLY AT VAAS. This whole rumor about VAAS being incredibly easy is true...if you take easy classes. So much of this school hinges on your decisions about what to make of it! There are plenty of great options for all grade levels to challenge yourself. TAKE AP CLASSES. Going into high school all i would hear is, "whatever you do man don't take AP euro you're gonna die" ...au contraire. At VAAS i took my first AP class in tenth grade (AP european history), i passed with an A both semesters and got a 3 on the exam. AP's at VAAS get a really bad reputation because of the low pass rate. Granted some of the teachers have room for improvement, but i can honestly say AP's at VAAS are manageable. The only huge thing is that you HAVE to be willing to do a lot of the work yourself. Its a college-level class okay its gonna be hard, but if you go home and put time into it you should be fine. Or you could sit there and blame the teachers but you do you. Sometimes though its quite frustrating dealing with instructors that you feel aren't doing your class justice and effectively preparing you for the exam. I've had teachers switched on me second semester before, and the adjustment was a bit frustrating. And this year is the first time i feel like i'm being adequately prepared for an AP English exam, (highly recommend Ms. Petrossian). English classes generally in my experience have been disappointing up until my senior year. If you can't work independently and REALLY take the class seriously then don't take an AP. Also as former captain of the VAAS Academic Decathlon team, i can truly say that this school features beautifully talented and intelligent minds, skilled in various disciplines throughout the sciences and humanities. ATMOSPHERE: The atmosphere at VAAS is incredibly unique. Almost everyone is extremely nice here. Theres little to no bullying, fighting, or anything severe like that. You don't have to worry about stuff like gang fights or racial separation at VAAS, since our hardworking faculty makes sure that our school keeps its stellar behavioral reputation. If you fight here you're most likely getting expelled immediately, this school just doesn't deal with that, its a safe place for everyone. Again this is based off of my experience, and of course every school has rude and apathetic students and VAAS is no exception. Some aspects i don't like: Theres a certain degree of favoritism between faculty and students. Some kids get away with more because they're more well-liked by teachers and staff. The school's small size sort of makes it so everyone knows your business, kind of like a small town, and secrets aren't kept very long here. Plus if you have a falling-out with someone, expect to seem them multiple times a day and make awkward eye contact since your lockers are probably 5 feet away from each other and you have like 3 classes together. Like i said, small school. But just be nice so that doesn't happen! More importantly, we have an INCREDIBLY vibrant LGBTQ community at this school (faculty too!), including various clubs for those students and for others who would like to join in support of those communities. VAAS is a very progressive and liberal school for the most part, but i have plenty of conservative friends and they're welcomed with open arms as well, since this is a student body dedicated to tolerance, cooperation, and respect. If you've read this far then congrats i'm happy you care enough to take the time to do research. Don't let people tell you that students here aren't ready for college. Many of the graduating seniors, including myself, have been accepted into top-tier UC's among other premier universities, including a friend of mine that might very well attend YALE!! If we can do it then so can you. Bottom Line: VAAS has room for improvement but overall it is an amazing school and YOUR OWN decisions will determine your success here. The tolerant and friendly atmosphere is unlike any other, most of the faculty truly cares about you, and the academics are perfectly satisfactory if you take the right classes. Hope this review has helped you in making a decision, good luck :)

As a parent, I've had three children attend VAAS. Two have already graduated and one is currently a…read moresenior. Each of their experiences has been different, but one thing has stayed consistent: their confidence has grown and they've learned how to advocate for themselves. I remember when my oldest started as a freshman. He was nervous and trying to figure out where he fit in. He's part of the LGBTQ community, and as a mom you hope your child will be accepted for who they are. At VAAS, he was. The diversity here is real, and you can feel it every day. He joined the dance team, got involved in theater, and eventually became president of several clubs. Watching him grow into a confident leader showed me how much this school was helping him develop as a person, not just as a student. My other two children were excited to attend after seeing his experience, and I've watched the same kind of growth happen with them. They all have different personalities and interests, but they've each learned to speak up for themselves and take ownership of their future. As a parent, that means everything. What makes VAAS special is the smaller environment and the relationships with teachers and staff. Students are known by name, and the teachers genuinely care. I've had teachers reach out not just about concerns, but to share progress and ideas for growth. It shows they're truly invested. Both of my children who graduated from VAAS have now graduated from college, one from UC Irvine and the other from the University of Hawaii, and my youngest has already been accepted into college. That tells me VAAS really prepared them for what came next. One of my favorite experiences as a parent has been Digital Portfolio Night, where students present their own work and reflect on their growth. Seeing that confidence firsthand is something special. VAAS is more than just a school. It's a supportive community that prepares students for life after high school, and I would absolutely recommend it to other families.

Attended an event for my niece. She was performing at a special event. Patrick Henry was hosting a…read moresort of Magnet School event for the North Region of the SFV. They had lots of information regarding different magnet programs in the quad area. All of the teachers in attendance were donating their time to put this event on. My niece performed with her Dance team. There were representatives from other schools, Hale and Pacoima, who performed. I enjoyed the Dance team, Drum Line, Choir and Jazz band. The kids were really great and I could tell they were proud to represent their respective schools. Job well done by the Principal, Faculty & Staff at Patrick Henry Magnet school.

I gave it a one star because The school is terrible Overall Especially because the teachers here…read moreare just really mean the counselor is really sexist the PE teachers are just really mean and there were like a lot of fights here I saw two boys vaping in the bathroom and just overall really bad i'm glad I graduated to be honest

I attended my niece and nephews Winter Percussion Family & Friends show…read more The band directors and all assistant directors are dedicated to all the student musicians and color guard. I truly enjoyed the performance and school spirit. The students were amazing. This yelp elite is GHHS Class of '87

I went to high school here for all four years. very humbling roots. glad that I done with my time…read morehere, but I learned to appreciate the journey. offers quality resources and programs that other high schools in the valley, county, state, and nation do not offer

On orientation day, they did a great job welcoming my child. Everything seemed organized. But sad…read morethey did not have my daughter enrolled on the program she applied for. My daughter spent the whole day there and still left without a schedule. She also experienced horrible service from the Counseling office. Rude ladies. The Principal is kind of a jerk. Kind of those people that take advantage of a position to belittle others. Well, we'll have to give the school a chance and see if everything Dr. Chavez preached today is true. I hear a lot of their students do drugs on campus and they're out of control. Even some of the teachers don't have control of their classrooms.

Please parents DO NOT ALLOW your kids to go to this school, my daughter has been severely bullied…read morefor the last 6 months, she is also and IEP student and has been physically attacked and verbally abuse while being under the protection plan, the school has failed to insured the safety of my daughter, I have already seek legal help and have gone to the LAUSD board to report the negligence that continues to happen at this school. Principal Oscar Vasquez, and the Dean Carlos Santiesteban do nothing but watch how everything unfolds, I have cried, I have scream and they do not care,They care more about helping the aggressors the bullies, they do not do any investigation on complaints they do not follow up, all they do is reply to your message with thank you we will look into it, they do not care how many screen shots an evidence you have shown them they do not care, do not trust this school with your kids life because you will regret it. If anyone would like to reach out to me please send me a message, as I am attempting to sue for negligence

My daughter has been attending Frost Middle School for the past two years, and she truly loves it…read more One of the things that stands out most to me is the school's positive and inclusive environment. She often shares that, from her personal experience, she has not witnessed any bullying, and that students are respectful toward one another--especially toward students with autism. As a parent of a young boy with special needs, it means a great deal to know there is a place where children feel accepted, supported, and included. The teachers we have had interactions with are kind, dedicated, and genuinely supportive of their students' growth. The school also offers a wide variety of after-school activities and academic programs that help students thrive. For example, they have a Highly Accelerated Math Program, and students even have the opportunity to take early college courses through LA Mission College to begin earning college credits. The music department is exceptional. They consistently participate in competitions, and Mr. R does an incredible job teaching jazz, mariachi, orchestra, band, and strings. It's impressive how much he accomplishes, all while maintaining such a positive and encouraging attitude. My daughter especially enjoys his class. Additionally, the robotics team is outstanding--they placed in the top 10 at the LAUSD Finals Championship last year. The robotics teacher is very supportive and inspiring to the students. Overall, I have had a very positive experience with the school and no complaints. I highly recommend Frost Middle School to any family looking for a supportive and enriching environment for their child.

Ms. S calls me slurs every time I pass her in the hall. If it was someone else then I'd be fine…read morewith it but yeah no sorry I love israel

George K. Porter Middle School is truly a gem. My family has been connected to this school for over…read morea decade, and now my seventh-grade son attends after years of homeschooling. The transition has been nothing short of amazing--he's made friends quickly, and every single teacher and staff member has shown kindness, warmth, and genuine care. The leadership is inspiring. The principal (going on his third year) is passionate and present--you can tell he loves being here, and that energy shines throughout the school. The vice principals are equally supportive and approachable. What stands out most is how much pride everyone takes in this campus. From the teachers to the staff who care for the grounds, you can feel the love. The campus is always spotless, green, and beautiful--it honestly feels like stepping into a special place. I also deeply appreciate the school's inclusivity. From the posters on the walls to the environment in the classrooms, all students are represented and celebrated. My son feels safe, supported, and seen here, and as a parent, that means everything. Porter Middle School is more than a school--it's a community. I'm so grateful my family is part of it.

As a parent, this school was the worst of the worst, EVERYTHING about this school was unpleasant,…read morethe school was dirty, horrible cafeteria food, bad students, bad teachers. Please do not do the mistake of bringing your children into this establishment. Ignore all of those "5 star" comments. Trust me you will regret it! -Donatella the III

Our experience at GPS has been wonderful. Both of our children attended the preschool program, and…read moreour family has been part of the GPS community for the past three years. The teachers (Mrs Irene, Ms Megan, Mrs Jennifer...), are exceptional--caring, patient, dedicated, and deeply committed to each child's growth and development. They foster a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, supported, and eager to learn each day. Our children have thrived here thanks to the incredible staff and the strong sense of community the school provides. We are incredibly grateful for the positive impact this preschool has had on our family and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a caring and high-quality early education experience.

My daughter attended the early childhood program for 2 years and she absolutely LOVED it! She had…read moresome of the best teachers. Even though she was in class with specific teachers, all of the teachers interacted with the kids during recess, lunch, and nap times. Miss Patty, Miss Mary, Miss Caryn, Miss Megan, Miss Irene, Miss Jennifer, and Miss Claudia were all so caring and loving to my little girl. They made going to school a happy experience for her. Even the office staff knew who all the kids were. Miss Giaconda knew every single child's name and was always happy to support and encourage them.

Knollwood Preparatory Academy is a wonderful school, and I highly recommend it to any family…read morelooking for a great place for their children. Mrs. Gina, the principal, and all of the staff are amazing, caring, and dedicated. The school has an incredible community of parents and students that makes it feel welcoming and special. All I can say is that my kids and I absolutely loved Knollwood! We are truly grateful for the wonderful experience, education, and memories our family made there. Highly recommended!

This really is a amazing school the staff and teachers have great support for families and will…read moreanswer any questions you have.

This school is awful!! Would NOT recommend. If I can give ZERO stars, I would. Granada Elementary…read moreis an environment that welcomes and protects bullying. I have been complaining for the last few years about my daughter being tormented and bullied yet nothing absolutely nothing was done. Earlier this year my daughter was physically assaulted by another student which I brought to Mrs Lie's attention and again NOTHING WAS DONE. This school year I came to find out the office had new administrators which I thought "oh yes, hopefully new and positive outcomes" but NO, once again my daughter was assaulted by another student. I went in the office to speak to the new principal mrs Duran about the ongoing bullying issues just to find that there had been NO record of any of the incidents my daughter had endured at Granada Elementary in the past. I requested administrators to involve the school police to take report as the school hadn't been doing so, but mrs Duran assured me she would take care of the problem and get back to me, NEVER DID! A week later as i was picking up my kids I can tell my daughter had been crying as her eyes were swollen, puffy & red. When I asked her what was wrong she literally broke down in my arms crying telling me a student had been bullying her since lunch time. Every administrative staff that day failed my daughter to check in on her or even ask what was going on. Nobody called me. After many years of bullying and nothing being done by the school I decided to change schools for my kids. Unfortunately there was no room for my kindergartener at the new school so just decided to move my daughter( after all she was the one suffering at Granada) well come to my surprise the same week my daughter was transferred out of Granada , the school decides to make these outrages disgusting untrue claims to hurt me and my family talking about "they have concerns for my son", yet didn't have any concerns for my daughter enduring bullying at Granada Elementary year after year! They are truly disgusting and need to be reported to the department of Education which I will do!

I mean the school has nice and strict teachers and it's very small I go to this school just came…read moreand I see a lot of red flags and good

There aren't enough positive things I could say about being part of the community at Highland Hall!…read moreHaving been at the school for three years, and having been a very active member of the schools parent community, I can say with full confidence that it is the complete staff and parent collaboration that makes the school so amazing. Both of my children are thriving in this environment, where the focus is not on technology, but in developing their creative skills in writing, mathematics, music, sports, and above all how to be wonderful humans with their fellow classmates and teachers. We see a dramatic difference from the students around the school in comparison to children who are at the same age group going to public school and for us there's no comparison. This environment allows the students to thrive in ways we only hoped our children would experience. We truly have only wonderful things to say about our experience thus far in these last three years and will absolutely look forward to staying at Highland Hall for the remainder of their education.

The antidote to hustle culture--for kids AND parents…read more Highland Hall has been transformative for our family. In a world of stress, hurry, and noise, this school pushes back hard. My ECC student is thriving in their play-based program, and I'm equally impressed by what I see in the grades. What stands out: Teachers are genuinely cared for (you can feel it in how they show up) Outdoor learning is central, not an afterthought Learning is experienced through hands, heart, and mind (and truly offline and not through a screen) Warm, open community that walks the talk Upper school students are bright, engaged, and have real relationships with each other Academic excellence through curiosity, not pressure The slower pace in early years is intentional--less rote memorization, more wonder and deep learning. It teaches families that thriving happens through joy and community, not grinding. Don't let tuition stop you from exploring. The financial assistance program is robust and real. Schedule a tour and see if Highland Hall is right for your family. For us, it's been worth every penny.