Laguna Beach Unified School District -- Think Twice Before You Move Here for the Schools…read more Laguna Beach is a beautiful-looking little coastal town, but when it comes to education, families--especially families with children with special needs--need to look much deeper than the image of the town. Laguna Beach Unified School District operates with a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all approach to education. There is a lack of understanding of cultural, racial, socioeconomic, and family differences. Single parents can find themselves navigating a system that is anything but welcoming, and there are serious questions about whether families are treated equally regardless of whether they own or rent their homes. The treatment of children with special needs is one of the biggest concerns. Children with autism and other significant disabilities can be sent outside of Laguna Beach for their education, separating them from their own community. The explanation is that Laguna Beach is a small district and cannot provide every specialized program. But look at what this small district is capable of building and funding. There are major facilities and enormous athletic investments, including football facilities, yet somehow the district can be "too small" to provide appropriate classrooms, qualified teachers, aides, therapies, and programs that allow children with disabilities to remain in their own community. Children with disabilities should not have to travel far outside their hometown simply because the school district has decided not to create an appropriate local program. Special education should begin with inclusion and the least restrictive environment, not segregation from the community whenever a child's needs become more complicated. Parents also need to research the district's history regarding transparency, spending, governance, special education, and parent participation. Look at public reporting. Look at audits and official records. Look at what has been reported about special-needs students. Look at how major leadership decisions are made. And most importantly, talk to parents who have actually had to challenge the district. Parents have educational rights. They are supposed to be meaningful participants in decisions concerning their children's education--not people who are simply informed about decisions after administrators have already determined what they want. A school district should not decide everything simply because a parent refuses to agree with it. Before moving to Laguna Beach because you have heard that the schools are excellent, do your homework. A wealthy ZIP code, beautiful buildings, high test scores, athletic facilities, and an attractive coastal town do not automatically equal a world-class education. A truly world-class school system knows how to educate children who don't fit into one mold. It understands different cultures, different socioeconomic backgrounds, different family structures, different learning styles, and disability. Most importantly, it understands that a child with special needs belongs to the community just as much as every other child. Beautiful town. Beautiful image. But parents should look behind that image before deciding this is where they want their children educated.

Be cautious about enrolling your children in this district. In my experience, there are concerns…read moreabout staff attitudes and motivations. It often feels like many teachers are more focused on the pay than on supporting students. I've also observed behavior that raises concerns about how students of color are treated, which is troubling. What stands out the most to me is how the district presents itself publicly. They intentionally feature students of color in their photos and promotional materials to highlight diversity. How those images doesn't always seem to match the actual experiences of those students.

Went for my cousin brother's graduation today. It was a nice event. My cousin had a great time. We…read moreall are so proud of him. He always talk about a lot of great thing this school offers.

Some of their teachers clearly didn't get a background check before being hired. This school has…read moregreat and horrible teachers

I currently attend this school and I must say I love it here and could chose nothing more. They…read moretake the meaning of school pride next level and they show what it means to be a team. The football games are incredible and they always go out for them. As with every other event like pack the nest and other events. They have good teachers and kind staff. All though what they could use is more plants and flowers for the campus other than that it is great campus and I highly recommend attending here if you or your child loves coming together as a community and is overall social

My son has had all of his basketball practice games here and it is a nice and well run school…read more Some areas such as the bathrooms could use a remodel, but it is well maintained and they have a great staff and wonderful students.

We played soccer here early Sunday morning. There's a nice ocean view from the field and plenty of…read moreparking but it was way overwatered. Everything was soggy and the ball didn't move very well. The field hadn't been striped in a long time. Sidelines were impossible to judge even if you were right on top of them. Someone on the home team should've spent a little time getting this field in order. And the parking area was closed off when some of the earlier parents arrived. They had to wait for someone to open the gate.

The Best in the West! An amazing start to any students school journey. Amazing faculty and grounds…read more Arts and sports have not been cut since the amazing parents have joined together to keep their kids well rounded. Across from Crystal Cove and the Pacific Ocean!

The front desk lady is very unhelpful and sarcastic for no reason. Even a normal question is…read moreanswered with a sharp tone and an unhelpful attitude. I've been at the school for 4 years and I havent and ONE good interaction with her. Even when in very polite and did everything correctly she's still rude and disrespectful. And it's even worse when you're wrong, she's just criticizing and berating you the whole time. Even worse, it's only to students and never teachers or parents. The faculty here doesn't respect students. I hope she gets fired.

I came here yesterday for a football game with the Seahawks league. Beautiful location, clean and…read morewell maintained. I was so impressed as it sat on a hill with trees everywhere surrounding the driveway path to the school. Gate guard. Impressive. Security was on top of everything, she was awesome with a warm, friendly smile. Truly a gorgeous school.

We've been at St. Mary's for six years now, and I still honestly pinch myself because I feel so…read moregrateful that we get to be part of this community. The warmth here is truly second to none. St. Mary's does such a beautiful job of educating the whole person - not just academically, but in raising kind, empathetic leaders, thoughtful community members, and globally minded thinkers. As an IB school, there is such a meaningful international presence woven into the experience, from travel opportunities and exchange students to learning about and celebrating so many different cultures and religions of the world. I love that our children are taught to be curious, open-minded, compassionate, and respectful of people whose experiences may be different from their own, while still being grounded in the values St. Mary's has always believed in. It really is such a special place, and after six years, I feel even more grateful as I see what a standout human my son has become.

St. Mary's has been such a special part of our family's life. Our daughter has been there since she…read morewas two and a half, and now seeing her grow into a confident middle schooler heading into 8th grade feels so meaningful. So much of her childhood has been shaped by this school, and as a parent, that is something I will always be grateful for. When she was little, the most important thing to us was knowing that she was somewhere safe, loving, and truly cared for every day. St. Mary's gave us that peace of mind from the very beginning. It was such a comforting feeling to drop her off and know she was in an environment that felt warm, secure, and nurturing. That feeling has stayed with us all these years. What makes St. Mary's so special is that it really feels like a family. The teachers and staff care deeply about the students, and the school does such a beautiful job making families feel welcomed and connected. The families and community are also wonderful. Everyone is so friendly and supportive of one another, and we have made such special friendships here over the years. There is a true sense of belonging at St. Mary's, and it is one of those things you feel right away when you are on campus. One of the things I have loved most is watching how much St. Mary's has helped our daughter grow in confidence, curiosity, and independence. The school gives students so many opportunities to speak in front of others, present, perform, and participate in ways that really help bring them out of their shell. My daughter has especially loved being part of the school plays, and it has been so sweet to see how much those experiences have helped her grow. I also really appreciate the IB approach because it keeps learning interesting and connected. The way subjects are tied together helps students stay engaged and curious, instead of everything feeling separate. It has helped make learning feel more meaningful and exciting. St. Mary's also continues to grow and improve, from the beautiful new building to the thoughtful updates they keep making throughout the campus. But what makes the school truly special is the feeling you get when you are there. It is safe, warm, welcoming, and full of heart. It is the kind of place where children are encouraged to grow, families feel connected, and students leave with confidence, curiosity, and a strong sense of belonging. We are so grateful for the years our daughter has spent at St. Mary's and for the beautiful foundation this school has helped give her.

My daughter has been going to this school for six years now and we love it! Wonderful teachers…read more(especially her group of sixth-grade middle school teachers this year!) and the project-based learning model is perfect for her. Highly recommend.

Community Roots Academy has a been an amazing experience for my children. From the magical…read morekindergarten classes to the middle school community, every year has been great! The admin is really involved and you see them around campus with the students daily! Middle school offers sports and orchestra which both my kids have thoroughly enjoyed!

After writing a 2 star review on this school based on my true and honest experience, I get a very…read moredisturbing phone call from their director Kapil M. He wanted me take down my review. He accused me of bullying his school with my Yelp Review. I am just telling the truth. Please look at my previous reviews where I gave them 4 star. I had all the excitement and hopes at this school and was shattered after realizing the lies that were fed to us. Right now I am enrolled at our school district. My intention for coming her and our attraction for attending this school is because my son loves science!!! After seeing how he replied on my review, it is a lie that they hired staff. They state that they hired staff...Nope staff was not hired and that's the reason why they couldn't give me an exact start date. When they sent their psychologist to my transitional IEP meeting, their representative flatly told my IEP team at my district that they will not be able to provide services at the level they are providing. My IEP is also recorded and was disclosed before the meeting started. All members in that meeting is 100% aware that they are being recorded. When a public charter school makes promises that they will fulfill services like a public school district, and at a recorded IEP meeting they say they will not??? It really questions the accountability and the process for kids with IEP. Sounds like they cherry pick, which special kids they will have enrolled. Or maybe we are sounding like a business.... Because Mr.Kapil told me take my review down because it is ruining his school reputation. Sir, it's a public school and this is my experience with the admission process... Yes, they have all the field trips to make their school look great and all the extra activities. How about accountability? Teacher experience? Ask the how they deal or prevent with bullying? You will notice they tend to dodge the question. When I asked about the teachers, I am told that they had alot of applicants that applied so therefore they have teachers that want to teach and they highlight that they get county retirement and benefits. But they don't tell you the experiences of their teachers. They look really young, which is fun and great but I think having experienced teachers at a school is also very important. Bullying question... They answer by telling us they hired private investigators and no bullying was done. So how about the prevention? If you go to other review sites, you will see accusations of bullying in this school. Overall the idea presented at this school is amazing! STEM based. Lots of activities. Large member of the PTA, which alot of them are their own employees. ;) Alot of attraction to come to this school and that is why we applied. Go to your local school district. Ask the question of STEM and activities before jumping to come here. There are many charter schools to choose from here in South OC such as Journey, Community Roots, Oxford. How are they run? How are they accounted for financially? Money laundering is very common for people who run charter schools. Do your homework? See what best fits your family. Unfortunately this school wasn't a good fit. And sadly we had promises that were made but on the record during the transitional IEP meeting with the school district, it was very clear, they will not provide the services....

I absolutely love this school, I love the fact that they are treat you like a family. They care so…read moremuch. We've been here since third grade , both of my kids are having a good experience, Kapil the founder care so much he just added a program from tillys organization helping kids communicate and learn how to handle stress I was so impressed and I really appreciate it so much .

When our family joined Harbor Day School four years ago, we hoped for a strong academic foundation…read morefor our children, but what we found has been so much more. Harbor Day has become an extension of our family, a place where our three children are not only challenged intellectually but also supported emotionally and socially in every way. The teachers here are extraordinary. They know each child deeply - their strengths, quirks, and potential, and they truly want every student to become their best self. What stands out most is how intentionally the school focuses on the whole child. Academic rigor is balanced with lessons in kindness, citizenship, and community. My sons have learned to think critically and act compassionately, skills that matter far beyond the classroom and that we see demonstrated when we travel and encounter different societies and cultures. The breadth of experiences offered continues to impress me. From science and technology to wood shop, Spanish/Latin/Mandarin, art, and beyond, the curriculum encourages curiosity and hands-on exploration. Every day, my children come home excited to share something new they've discovered or built. As a parent, I've also found a meaningful sense of belonging through volunteer opportunities and parent enrichment programs. Although we don't live in the immediate neighborhood, I've found that volunteering and participating in parent enrichment opportunities have made me feel deeply connected to the school. The families and faculty are warm, welcoming, and united by a shared commitment to helping children thrive both academically and personally. We are so happy with our decision to have our children at Harbor Day School. It's a place where children are seen, valued, and inspired, and where families feel truly at home.

Harbor day has been wonderful for my children 's growth both educationally and as people. The…read moreteachers care about the students both in classroom and outside the classroom. The Harbor day community has been very welcoming and nuturing . It's been wonderful for our family.

My daughter loved pre-K at manzanita and just started kindergarten at south Laguna campus. It's…read morevery creative, calm, and welcoming. We've really enjoyed our experience. Miss Shannon, Mr. John and the entire Manzanuta team made our daughter feel safe and welcomed. South Laguna has also been a great start with Ms. Lisa being a class favorite and Ms. Katherine is so helpful. We haven't gotten to know everyone yet, and we are excited to.

Our daughter attended Kindergarden at the Manzanita campus and boy do I wish we could have packed…read moreup this delightful school and brought it with us when we moved to the east coast. Intimate and beautiful, the campus is a gem. Our daughter was instantly enchanted by all the stained glass, trees, flowers and chickens. Every classroom has its own outdoor space where home cooked family style lunches (often featuring food grown on Miss Anneliese's ranch) are served. The staff is equally nurturing and professional. The academics are solid: phonics based reading, Singapore math and handwriting without tears. My daughter started kindergarten not knowing how to read and tested into her new school one year above grade level. Weekly (or more) French, Spanish, German, American Sign Language, Music, Handcrafts and PE lessons are taught by specialty teachers. The school also hosts numerous social events throughout the year that help to foster a fun and active parent community. We remember our daughter's year at the Anneliese Manzanita campus with great fondness and wholeheartedly recommend it to any family looking for an enriching school experience.