Driving up the foothills in the shadow of the recent bobcat fire, I wondered how safe is the air…read morequality and where is Alverno? Then it appeared two massive iron-rod gate doors which lead to the grounds of this majestic campus. It's what I would assume the mansion of great expectations once was. There are strawberry and oaks trees for acres and a linear koi lily pond. So here the history lesson: it was once a mansion which consumed hundred of acres of land. As time marched on, as it does hundreds of plots of this plantation-Spanish styled looking mansion were sold-off. Creating the adjacent neighborhood of Sierra Madre. Including, a large plot to this now existing school, Alverno. The mansion is host to the girls drama classes and plays: Bravo! I can't speak to the school or the educational quality but as a shooting location it's Ethereal. Such a delight and an endless time capsule of history. The city of Sierra Madre was wonderful and welcoming. And this feature film we are shooting which I can't say much abt, truly will be the stuff of legends.

The high school closed down unfortunately due to poor management. They claim it's declining…read moreenrollment but none of the other high schools are closing down. they took the money in donations and tuition from families who are expecting their girls to be invested in the school. They never let the parents know they were in financial trouble. that was wrong and I don't think the whole story because the new principal now says at public meetings she is going after much younger students because that is where the money is. It's sad when a school has to focus on the their heads giant salaries and not the students once the Covid funding stops. On the plus side it's a very cheap school Unfortunately they have a lot of interest in holding weddings (almost every weekend) and filming (even during school hours) on the campus. I wouldn't want my kids around strangers when they should be getting educated. My nieces enjoyed a good high school 30 years ago. My grandnieces and nephews have not at the new Alverno. Their parents pulled all three kids out. They felt the education was lacking compared to other schools. And are now enrolled in and very happy. The staff seems ill equipped. Some teachers are nice others seem very disgruntled. they really don't seem happy to teach there. It comes across to the children. some teachers are just there because the kids are getting discounted tuition and that doesn't make them qualified either. There is a mentality between those who have which are a lot against those students who have less. So much for Christian teaching The new Alverno is not the school that it use to be. The school require the kids to enroll in a sport so they can claim they have a big sports program. More fees. I find it misleading especially upsetting for kids who have no interest in their team sport but would rather compete in something more individual or that the school doesn't have (like gymnastics). Or in participate in the arts. Every time one turns around there's a fee for something (Jagothon,field trips, fundraiser in school hot dog lunches) so the school isn't as inexpensive as initially thought. They constantly want money for some sport courts. They have lot's of land but lack the accoutrements a proper school like a gym with showers, an updated cafeteria, a proper theater, etc. Their hand is out throughout the year. This makes the tuition more expensive in the long run. They really should have skipped allowing the new lower school to come in and worked on improving the high school. It ruined the campus

I don't know why people have such bad reviews. This school is amazing, they even have advanced math…read moreclasses and AP science! The school encourages the students to be eco friendly and make them clean up after themselves. If they keep the campus clean, they get rewarded with a fun event! If a student is bullied or is racially offended, they can report to guidance for help. They also support LGBTQ and accept all races and religions (religious or not). They also respect their neighbors enough to restrict students from the far end of the school on breaks, since it can carry loud sounds. I really like this school a lot and recommend it. :)

I've never seen so much trash on a school campus. It's disgusting . Some of it is so old it's…read moregreying which shows they don't ever pick up the litter or enforce any kind of littering policy with the students. Very concerned for our next generation of earth stewards. Not what you'd expect in a city where the average home price is over a million dollars.

Hello, If you are…read morereading this review, you'll probably consider St Ritas for your child, keep in mind that our child attended St Ritas for 3 horrific months, it took that long for us to be convinced that the TK teacher was mocking and making sarcastic remarks to our child, not something you would expect from a TK teacher. Stay away from TK at this school, Alverno is a much more peaceful place for a 4-year-old child. Love the church and all the wonderful members, let me start by saying god loves everyone, thank you lord for guiding me and helping me make clear statements. Unfortunately, it seems the TK teacher have lost their passion for teaching and are merely comfortable with their jobs. We are disappointed to hear that some teachers use awful language and sarcasm on four-year-old kids. I feel that if Jesus had a team and had to pick team players, he wouldn't have picked this TK teacher to play in his team. One teacher in particular has gained an uncompassionate reputation that has followed her for many decades. We have spoken with many teachers in different schools, such as Alverno, and they have confirmed that while this teacher has a good teaching record, she is simply an awful person to deal with. Some of the school staff have left St Ritas to find a peaceful work environment at Alverno. Thank you for your time and hope this can help save someone from the stress found at St Rita's School.

Caring and supportive staff with excellent teaching skills. My nieces had to pull their children…read morefrom a competing Sierra Madre "Catholic" school with a nice mansion but that was all it offered. The kids have been so much more enthusiastic about their learning and the environment at St. Rita's. The school is established and that says a lot. I think they hit a rough patch when a past principal was fired, took staff and the student roladex to start the competing school. St. Rita's seems to have weathered the upheaval and are strong. My family really enjoyed their inclusive nature. One family is a practicing Catholic but the other not and says no one makes a big deal about it. Both say they feel very happy with their choice of St. Rita. No one seems to shun my one niece who goes to a church closer to where she lives. That says a lot about acceptance too. I toured the school with them. I could just tell the staff knew what they were doing. They discussed their methodologies and how they handled the different learning abilities of their students. Looking forward to their grandparents day, debate tournaments, theater and other events they offer. This school has so much more than just a sports program. There is a variety of opportunities for each of my grand nieces and nephews that do not require they be in a sport. Their PE program is well rounded. I am not sure if St. Rita's has an immense budget but from what I could see the teacher's and staff are creative. No child is lacking from talking with returning families. My kiddo's are making friends and the families we met are delightfully involved. No one is pushing their agenda or sticking their hand out for money all the time. So far so good.

One of my grand nephews is going to school here. I have to say he is so happy and motivated. He…read moreloves coming over to my home after school before his parents get there to tell me all about his day. When we have a classmate over they are so well mannered and charming and creative in their play. The staff are always very kind and welcoming. Their pick up and drop off is very smooth unlike other schools he has attended. He is truly in a great academic environment. I can't believe the things he wants to talk about when he visits. I am impressed with their focus on not just spoon feeding what he should know but also encouraging him to seek beyond what in his books or on the. whiteboard Gooden School is night and day from Alverno where he was attending before. I think his parents work hard because the tuition is more but the education has been superior. Keep it up good Gooden. We are a long standing large family there are more of us coming your way.

Do your due diligence before you bring your family to this school. Don't be swayed by the pretty…read morecampus and the catchy motto. For 26K you deserve to know what you're getting...and what you're not.

Bethany Christian School is amazing. The teachers, administration, and head of school work every…read moreday to make sure the kids are happy, loved, and learning and growing at their own pace and full-potential. The entire staff at Bethany are genuinely kind, loving, smart God-fearing and God-loving people. The kids are kind, smart and blessed. I can't say enough good things. If you're looking for a loving, Christ-centered school for your child/children, do give Bethany a chance. Their admissions director is wonderful. Call the school for a tour, I'm sure they'll be happy to accommodate!

We have been attending preschool at BCS for a year and we absolutely love it here. All the teachers…read moreand TAs are attentive to each student and really help build a strong Christian foundation for the children. My daughter was very shy before attending school but has grown in confidence significantly since.

Love my school so fun so amazing so nice and people who work there are understanding and kindread more

A middle school that serves the foothills area in Arcadia. The two elementary schools, Hugo Reid…read moreElementary and Highland Oaks Elementary) feed the school's population. The school colors are green and black; and the mascot is that of a Scottish terrier dog. Foothills Middle School (FMS) is known for its academic excellence and has a very high API score. The teachers here are fantastic at encouraging students to work in a subject, and preparing them for high school. The environment of FMS is somewhat tolerable. The restrooms reek of urine and the lightning is just plain creepy in 'em. However, for a school that has been passed up for renovations because it's located on a fault line, the general cleanliness is good enough. Fun facts: The school newspaper (at the time of this writing) was shut down three to four years ago due to lack of funding. It was a student-run publication and they charged 50 cents for an issue. 7th graders are/were obligated to choose between taking an elective class of Orchestra, Band, or Art/Acting. Consequently, FMS's band is larger than those of the other middle schools due to its conscription-like enrollment of students.

Please make a note of the following: If you are considering…read moreSt. Rita's for your child, please be aware that our child attended St. Rita's for 3 difficult months. It took us that long to realize that the TK (Transitional Kindergarten) teacher was mocking and making sarcastic remarks to our child, which is not something you would expect from a teacher. I would advise staying away from TK at this school. Alverno is a much more peaceful place for a 4-year-old child. We love the church and all the wonderful members. Let me start by saying that God loves everyone. Thank you, Lord, for guiding me and helping me make clear statements. Unfortunately, it seems that the TK teacher has lost their passion for teaching and is simply comfortable with their job. We are disappointed to hear that some teachers use awful language and sarcasm with four-year-old kids. I feel that if Jesus had a team and had to pick team players, he wouldn't have picked this TK teacher to play on his team. One teacher, in particular, has gained an uncompassionate reputation that has followed her for many decades. We have spoken with many teachers at different schools, such as Alverno, and they have confirmed that while this teacher has a good teaching record, she is simply an awful person to deal with. Some of the school staff have left St. Rita's to find a peaceful work environment at Alverno. Thank you for your time and I hope this can help save someone from the stress found at St. Rita's School.

They have no idea when they even would open ... I walked in with my siblings to inquire and show…read moreour interest to them we have our children to enroll ... the guy at front looked nervous as we asked questions then he called someone to come name Yashaicaac not sure if we got the name right since she was not all informed about our questions but we felt that she just was a bit off and rude . The gentleman himself looked very uncomfortable but unfamiliar with their school rules himself ... this place is a joke !!!!! My sister said the lady ... she was just plain nasty since we are concerned about our children's safety and education. She had nothing to say but I only work here I don't make the rules we were like omg !!!! Run people don't take your kids here !!! Complete colossal disaster here ... they have no clue what they are doing nor do they have valid educated folks with empathy and support for our children... Very sad !!!! Indeed !!!! Wow This is disgraceful....!!!! Yet they talk about how they want to expand we're like please don't .., You will mess up our kids, our future & our families shame on YOU all!!!!

One of the best schools around the corner. Very nice staff members and showed great politeness to…read morethe students and people. Definitely recommend this place and welcomes walk in too.

Besides being set in such a gorgeous and safe location out of traffic areas, up in the wilderness,…read morenestled in the foothills-- this school has incredible teachers to the point where two of my three children that have attended throughout the past 11 years, now, want to be teachers. I must add that I have never seen a principal so protective of the school, and Mr. Maynard never ceases to amaze me on the great care taken in every avenue. Thank you, Don Benito!

I take my son here but im currently thinking to take him back. I have him eat the cafeteria and he…read moresays their food tastes really bad and one time he spit out one of their burritos he ate! He also says the staff favorite specific students and on google it says when staff do things like that it's unprofessional!! He tells me that if he needs to take a number 2 in the toilet, theres usually poop stains all over the bathroom! One time i came for his spring concert and the cafeteria was hot as my dads barn in bakersfield. They really needa turn on some A/C there. This is a giant school and it takes up ton of land. Take away a quarter of this school and ill be happy. Overall. I would 100% not recommend this dump of a school

FOR TRACK FIELD ONLY:…read more -track field open to the public after school hours and when no games -clean field -rubber ground with lanes painted -clean restrooms open to public also by the track Tip: park on campus dr side of street (free two hour parking) and track has open gates from there leading right to the track

Not a teaching institution...teachers don't know how to and refuse to teach. They expect everyone…read moreget outside help. No guidance and no success in helping get into colleges. The number one student in the school ended up going to UCLA (what a joke). The majority of the senior class going to places all over with little to no success in getting into their first choice schools. Waist of time and money!