Inside the Spectrum Program: What They Don't Want You to Know…read more To the parents of New Roads School, I'm writing this because no one else will. Not the smiling admissions staff. Not the polished emails. Not the teachers who know something's wrong but look the other way. This isn't easy to say--but it needs to be said. Because what's happening in the Spectrum program is not care. It's not support. It's quiet, systematic harm dressed up as help. And it broke me in ways I'm still trying to undo. In middle school, I was diagnosed with autism. When I got into New Roads, I was placed in Spectrum. My family was told it was a safe space--a nurturing environment tailored for students like me. I believed them. I wanted to believe them. But not long after I started, I was re-evaluated. Turns out, I wasn't autistic after all. But that didn't matter. By then, I was already locked in--trapped under Elisa Schultz's watch. Once you're in, Spectrum doesn't let go. You don't "exit" the program--you disappear into it. It wraps itself around your life and convinces you that you need it, even when all it's doing is making you smaller. At first, I tried to play along. I was named grade-level ambassador. I met with new families. I made speeches. I wanted to believe I was helping build something good. But eventually, I did what Elisa can't stand--I told the truth. I started asking questions. I stood up for students who felt powerless. I spoke too loudly, too clearly. So they got rid of me. I was replaced quietly, like I'd become an inconvenience. But the worst moment came later--when a classmate I cared about came to me in tears. Elisa had called her a disgusting, sexist name--something that would get anyone else fired. We made the decision to speak out. And the moment we started talking, five staff members closed in on us. Not figuratively. They surrounded us. Physically. Like security guards. They told her it never happened. Over and over, until her hands were shaking and she started questioning her own memory. I stood there watching someone I admired unravel in real time. And I knew: this wasn't a "program." This was something darker. During COVID, I had a bad allergy flare-up. I stepped out of class to blow my nose in the hallway because I didn't want to disturb anyone. The Tesla classroom was right next to the bathroom. I wasn't sneaking off. I wasn't doing anything wrong. Elisa exploded. She screamed at me in front of everyone. Berated me for not blowing my nose in front of the class. As if I had broken some sacred, unspoken rule. I was embarrassed. I was sick. I was trying to handle my body and my space with some dignity--and she crushed that in one moment. No kindness. No understanding. Just public shame. What kind of "support program" does that? Spectrum charges over $13,000 a year on top of tuition. That money doesn't go toward student wellbeing. It goes toward building a system that punishes independence and feeds on fear. They don't care if you were misdiagnosed. They don't care if it's hurting you. They care about keeping your family's money. And your silence. There are others like me. I've spoken to six students--at least--who had stories like mine. Some gave me permission to speak. Most are too scared. That should tell you everything. Parents, you're being sold a lie. And it's packaged beautifully--with buzzwords, learning plans, and emotional jargon. But behind the curtain is something toxic. Something I wouldn't wish on anyone. Ask the questions they don't want you to ask. And when they try to talk around it, listen to what they're avoiding. This program nearly broke me. I'm writing this because I refuse to let it keep breaking people in silence. - A former Spectrum student who refuses to stay quiet

Our two high schoolers are thriving at New Roads. The teachers are excellent and caring, the class…read moresizes are small, and most importantly, they are learning not only academics but how to work toward a better world.

New Horizons Westside has been such a breath of fresh air for our family. It is truly a wonderful…read moreprogram filled with loving educators and a dedicated administrative team who clearly care about every child on campus. The teachers are patient, thoughtful, and professional. They actually know the students, meet them where they are, and help them grow. The materials, classroom resources, and curriculum feel purposeful and high-quality, not outdated or thrown together. Communication here is excellent. There is a real system in place that keeps parents and teachers connected, informed, and working as a team. Questions get answered. Concerns are heard. You never feel like you are "bothering" anyone. I also appreciate the code of conduct and structure. There is kindness, respect, and accountability built into the culture. While there are families with more traditional or old-school viewpoints, the school itself creates an environment that focuses on compassion, dignity, and what is best for the children. We are genuinely grateful to be part of this community for the following school year. New Horizons Westside is exactly what a school should feel like: safe, welcoming, organized, and centered on the well-being of the students. This is the embodiment of Islamic education. Highly recommend.

Our older one started KG this year and she is delighted by the school. My younger one already wants…read moreto go there and is very sad when we tell her to wait another year until she's ready. We love the school very much and would advise anyone interested in high-quality education!

Small Charter school (middle & high) in West Los Angeles…read more School population of about 825 students in grades 6 - 12 with small class sizes that average 30 students per classroom. My son just started and so far, he loves the school. (will update later!)

This is the worst school i have ever been too i should have left sooner DO NOT GO HERE would give 0…read morestars if i could my kid gets in trouble when he does not do anything he talks to school but they do not care do not send your kid here my kid does not like it here at all they discipline way too much teachers put their hands on the kids i would give a 0 star review if i could Mr Mendoza is a great therapist there and Dr barnett is amazing but coach hunter put her hands on me i told the school what happend they didnt do anything when my friend was running in the hallway right in front of the teacher and then when i did 2 min after I got in trouble do not ever go to this school please i would give a 0 star review if I can its at your own risk coming here also i don't know whats with NEW WEST and math teachers but for the past 3 years a teacher couldnt last a full day and do not get me started on how bad MS plasencia is she is the wprst teacher every little thing you do ypu get a reffral instead of no warnings also new west loves to only do things to people who have disabilities for example there is a person named Emma who has severe autism she be screaming all the time which disrepts the people from learning ad the new west people are fine with that also she said the N word and jus because she has a disability they didnt do anything about it which is really unfair i would give this place 0 starts if i could do not ever go here i rarely write one star reviews but this time i have too all the teachers here suck espically Ms plasencia do not go here

Saint Sebastian School is a wonderful school for all of students. First, all of teachers are nice,…read morepassionate and professional. They always give kids a warm hug when they need it. Second, the team of the school is the best. A younger and responsible principal, the helping front desk, the best teacher and other nice staff. My daughters like to study here and really enjoy the day of school. So I sincerely recommend this school for everyone. Let's join the great community.

My daughter has been attending for three years and we love the school and the staff. My daughter…read moreloves her friends. The small community is a plus.

I'm still here with my younger children and honestly the school has lost its magic. It was a domino…read moreeffect starting with the influx of more private school families moving over to Richland with their entitled behavior, then Covid, then a few families with insanely litigious approach to dealing with the staff not meeting their demands. The principal and coordinator both quit because the families became just too much to deal with. We lost a lot of truly wonderful teachers. Now we have a principal who is rude and oblivious and always defensive. She's all talk and no action and has no energy whatsoever. Our former principal, who granted had some shortcomings as well, was such a positive presence on campus. He engaged with families and students in an upbeat and excited manner every day. I wasn't his biggest fan, but the environment that he fostered was really special. We felt like we had a voice. Like he cared what the parents thought. This new principal acts like we as parents are always in the way or annoying her or doing something wrong. She doesn't remember anyone who isn't constantly kissing her behind. I've had many face to face conversations with her and she still never knows who I am or who my children are. We used to be welcome on campus, it was such a warm and loving environment. Now you have to jump through a thousand hoops to get approved to volunteer and for some reason only the select few parents get approved.

We moved to Westdale (Mar Vista) a little over five years ago and I have to say that it has been…read moreamazing to witness the evolution of Richland Avenue over those years. Committed parents, energetic teachers and staff and a dedicated Principal have turned Richland into a hidden gem of a neighborhood school. With about 300 students, Richland provides a comfortable, family-like environment with all of the academic support and encouragement of an Advanced Learning School. We have a learning garden on campus, after school French classes and Arts, Music and Sciences programs. My daughter is in the TK/K class, which she loves. I have to say that as a parent, I don't take for granted the fact that she adores her teachers and says "Bonjour" every time she sees Principal Granade (who knows every students' name). She feels comfortable asking questions, interacting with everyone at our school and is 100% encouraged to be herself. All that and her teachers have above and beyond supported her love of math and science. Just in case it's helpful as a frame of reference, my daughter's first, school experiences were spent at a reputable, private preschool and my entire K-12th grade experience was spent at two, small private schools. Richland is my first public school experience and I truly believe that my daughter is being nurtured, encouraged and challenged academically just as I was growing up.

Uni is honestly a really good school. I can personally say that Uni is unique due to the amount of…read moreopportunities they offer their students. Some examples include: -About 20 AP classes to choose from -AP Capstone (an incredibly unique AP that allows students to develop research skills that will help them on the long run) -UCLA tutoring program -West LA classes -Peer Mediation (Only school with this program on the westside) -UTA Mentoring Program for Juniors - Sports - Variety of Electives ( Journalism, Leadership, Animation, Nano technology, Sports Medicine etc...) Also, Ms. Vannorden is one the best college counselors one can have. She always provides support for students/parents, and despite the amount of workload she already has, she will always help and answer any questions. Going to University High School has been one of the best decisions I have made. My friends from other schools envy the amount of opportunities I am offered at this school. Also, they envy the quality of education I have received.

I am making another review, I am so glad I graudated here a month ago. So now I feel safer to…read moreexplain more in detail. At this school, the school cares more about their image than what they actually do. They have little ''events'' but they mostly put it on their instagram even when there's a cellphone ban. They do attendance challenges where if you show up consistently for a couple days you could get a 10$ Starbucks gift card. It's stupid, I know. They never clean the inside of the classroom building, they treated the cellphone ban as more important than students vaping, since they knew students smoke and smoke at that school but they dont do a single thing to stop it!! There was a burnt tampon found in the toilet - (no one knows why they were burning the tip of a tampon) someone reported it to the duke, and no consequences were given. The only people who actually care (In my opinion) are those at the wellbeing center. They let you come in and they welcome you even if they're going everyday, they actually care about mental health. Teachers like Ms. Ishii, Ms. Mitchell and Ms. Monge will put you on your last brain cells since their work is so hard, they will expect much out of you and I would warn against them unless you like teachers who are old school, would make you cry once or twice or close to crashing out, hesitating on respect for students, and having a spirit which made school less enjoyable due to their dark/ mean demeanors. The lunch is a dissapointmemt, instead of it being like an al you can eat buffet, they just throw food into being heat up and it's never handmade / cooked. Sometimes the cafeteria food is moldy or rotting, and it's open food where flies are flying around it. The theatre program was amazing, and we will sure miss Ronnie Sperling as our diretctor as he had decided to leave us after this year. As well since in Highschool a lot of students want to go to college, Uni doesn't really mention college to you until Junior year (Teacher wise), but I would recommend the college center since they just started that as we became seniors and It can be really helpful towards those who want the best academics. The dress code policy is stupid, Ms. Tucker Jones has a nasty attitude, I dont know if its because were both black and she's jealous I carry myself better than her, or she feels that she had to keep things in lock idk she just pissed me off. Also everyone booed the principal at graduation (Claudia Middleton) Anyways, If you end up bringing your child here it up to you. Goodluck, and be prepared to offer extreme emotional support, and money especially for senior year. But out of all the negative, here are some positive things I liked about this school. I mentioned being a black teen girl, we have a BSAP Counselor- Ms. Johnson. She took us to field trips for hocus, to go see a movie about being black, and watching a black play nutcracker. She also offers scholarship opportunities. I like this schools after school program educare, they offer a lot of snacks after school, tutoring and homework held ! :) Mr. Sabbagh had an excellent music progrgam- and if you wanna sing the national anthem for graduation go to him and try out even if you think youre not good enough do it try your best!!! As I said earlier the theatre program was good, so is the sports selection even tho this school is broke. And now, thats it. thank you so much for reading even though this was very long, I am finally done with this school. Peace out! -June, class of 2026

The admissions process at all private schools in Los Angeles is a stressful one for both parents…read moreand prospective students. Our family found Windward to have an amazing presentation compared to other schools. The facilities and faculty were very impressive. Unlike most other schools they keep up with the latest technology both in the classrooms and library. In addition, they have strong alliances with universities on the forefront of middle school curriculum planning and follow the latest research on what is most successful. Other schools appeared to us to just continue with programs as they have for many years. I think their philosophy of strong academics in a nurturing environment was unique. Their size definitely allows for attention that may not be available at other schools. Their college placement is as good as the other private schools, and strong athletic and other extracurricular activities also made it a comprehensive option. School choice is a very personal one, and Windward is selective. Just like other private schools they have many candidates for each opening. Best wishes to all to find the school that makes the most sense for their family!

Visited Windward School for a football game and had a great time. The field and facilities are…read moretop-notch, clean, and well kept. I was up top during the game, and the view was excellent. The entire experience was smooth and well organized. Windward has a beautiful campus and a great atmosphere.

The teachers are wonderful. The administration cares for money more than your child so if you're…read morenot very wealthy don't bother coming here. They make you feel all warm and fuzzy when you apply then completely ignore you when real issues arise. Sad reality of the westside of LA but trust me when I say that your money is far more important to them than you or your child and their "love of community" is giant lie. Very disappointing.

From the owner: We provide an unparalleled educational experience rooted in Jewish values – inspiring innovative…read morethinking, empowering responsible leadership, and honoring individuality within a nurturing community.