If I had written this Yelp review after my child graduated a few years ago, I would have given Maranatha a glowing 5 star review. My children had amazing experiences with this school. They were academically very well prepared for college, they loved participating in the strong community and built long lasting friendships, and they had a solid spiritual foundation through the incredible mentorship of their teachers. My child who graduated this year (2015), and had a vastly different experience. This year's senior class held a "memorial service" for the EIGHTY-FOUR teachers and staff members who left Maranatha during the past four years. MHS is not that big of a school, so that high of a turnover rate is shocking. My children as alumni don't want to come back to alumni events because none of the teachers they want to see are even at the school anymore. There's something wrong when a school can't keep good teachers, especially the ones who had been at the school for a long time. I noticed a big change in the school when Dr. Michelle Purghart took over as principal. She is a charming woman, and I first thought she would do great things for the school. Unfortunately, as Proverbs 31:30 says, "charm is deceitful". She has not returned my emails or phone calls, and never seems to actually be on campus when I've attempted to reach her. Any time I have been able to talk to Dr. Purghart about a concern, more than once she has responded with, "I had no idea about that", and proceeded to blame one of her reports. I found this highly unprofessional; a leader takes responsibility and then takes action to make things right. Furthermore, if there are THAT many things the principal doesn't know about, she's not doing her job appropriately. One of my children went on an overnight trip where Dr. Purghart was a chaperone. It was reported back to me that Dr. Purghart did not talk to any of the students, but sat in her bikini away from the kids. (Bikinis are against the school dress code, yet somehow the principal decided to wear one anyway.) Why would a school administrator choose to go on a trip with the school to be away from the kids and disregard school rules? Some things that drastically changed since Dr. Purghart became principal: Previously their athletic coaches were also members of the staff, so my kids were mentored and known by incredible adults who wanted to walk them through their teenage years. It was great to know that I wasn't alone in training up my children to be Christ-followers. Now, most of the coaches appear to be from off campus, and many focus on winning sports teams, not the character development through sport as we had loved before. Back then, the students were lovingly held accountable for the rules. Dress code was enforced and tardies/absences were appropriately disciplined. This past year, my child said, "it doesn't matter if you're late for class. Even if the teacher marks you tardy, nothing will happen." Yikes. I wonder if the school even knows whether kids are in class or not. Thank God nothing tragic has happened due to this sloppy record keeping. My oldest loved the annual rafting trip for seniors. They had a blast, and the majority of the senior class attended the trip. This year, approximately 20% of the class went, and there was no administrator as a chaperone. The low attendance rate shows just how much school spirit has dropped. I'm all for letting my kids take risks, but how could a school sponsor a trip like this without an administrator? We recently got an email that the school is "right sizing", and has let go of some people. They didn't mention who they were letting go, but I came to find out that it was the only member of the administration who actually responded to my emails, and the chaplain of the school! How does a Christian school let go of its chaplain (who was an alumni, no less)!? And furthermore, why wouldn't they be honest about who was leaving? The secrecy is very suspicious. The campus is a charming place to be, and I had loved sending my students to such a beautiful place. As I said before, charm is deceitful, and in this case, it covers over an administration lead by Dr. Purghart that has veered from the school's mission of Christ-centered education focusing on faith, scholarship, community and service. I have one child left to go through high school, and at this point we are leery. I am hopeful that Dr. Riesen (the interim head of school) will be able to set the ship right again, but I'm not sure if he can overcome the major damage that has been done in the last few years. We loved Maranatha before, but the "new Maranatha" under Dr. Purghart and the new administrative staff she hired is not a school we want to be a part of. Last night at a town hall 100 parents said the same thing in a unified voice, lets hope the Board of Trustees finally hears the truth about what is going wrong in the school. read more

Terrible experience that I would not recommend to anyone!! Buyer beware! Add to this the fact that we paid the school upwards of $60,000 for this horrible experience. The school is run horribly, the board and leadership is corrupted, they sell influence at the school and do favors for donors and board members. It's run like a private club, the biggest donors get the best experience and bend over backwards for them. A corrupt political system. Parents pay to have their kids on sports teams and named Captain and named homecoming King and Queen - these are all bought and sold by the school and you have parents willing to do that to get their kid into an elite university - it's really sick. The school leadership approves of cheating and breaking CIF rules to protect its image and to give it a good reputation in the community, they break the rules and recruit athletes. They don't follow the sit out period and transfer rules of the CIF - they actually submit false "move" paperwork to bypass the 4 game sit out period. This school needs accountability! Behind its Christian branding, we encountered harassment, favoritism, retaliation, and no accountability. In 2022, after raising concerns about unethical athletic practices -- including suspected CIF violations and favoritism toward families with board or donor ties -- our sons were suddenly quarantined for weeks despite repeated negative COVID tests. Others in similar situations returned to class immediately. It was clear we were being targeted. When we asked for answers, Head of School John Rouse threatened to remove our children and required months of meetings that resolved nothing while he spoke about his rough childhood. One son was allowed to stay; the other was expelled without cause or due process. We later learned that board member Bill Shupper and his son staff member Matt Shupper (director of admissions) had direct influence over the football program. Our younger son, a talented athlete, played the same position as their son/grandson -- a clear conflict of interest. This was bought and paid for it by his donations - corruption disguised as "generosity." Recruitment for our oldest son was sabotaged. A UCLA recruiter confirmed a campus visit after watching his film, but the school denied the visit even happened. Coach Rand Holdren lied right to our face. The school also withheld transcripts from a top-choice university, confirmed in writing after the university reached out multiple times. Dan Newkirk principal, response: "nothing actionable here" while he illegally recorded my conversation with him without my permission which is a crime in California. Faculty, students, and parents stayed silent and listens to the schools, made up, lies and manipulation of the situation to cover themselves. Leadership privately admitted our sons "did nothing wrong," yet delayed communication for months and changed their story repeatedly. The retaliation continued. Our daughter -- one of 14 friends applying to the school -- was the only one denied admission after Maranatha staff spread false information about our family. She was forced to homeschool for a year. Then they took our son who graduated from here off the alumni list because we said something they didn't like. The school leadership silences detractors, censors you if you say things they don't like, they don't believe in free speech they don't believe in open dialogue. They believe they are right about everything and you can say nothing. You have no rights at this school. A dictatorship. When we posted an honest review, the school retaliated again. Aggressively getting Google and change.org to take down petitions and reviews instead of just making the situation right and handling it in a Christian way. Staff shared private financial information with strangers and manipulated records to make it appear we owed money, even though our account was paid in full. The financial "CFO" Lisa Tomason even offered to go through it line by line with a complete stranger and yet refused to deal with us, refused to make the situation right. These people are corrupt to the core, prideful, arrogant in every way. They love money so if you give to them they will give you and your student special treatment and you'll be a celebrity to the leadership. It's sick. The leadership has very fragile egos so if you don't like something they do don't say anything and be careful, they will lash out on you and all gang up on you! Maranatha leadership mafia. Maranatha claims to uphold Christian values but chose image and power over truth. Our children's education and athletic futures were harmed because we spoke up. read more

I'm a student at Maranatha High School and I love it. There is no such thing as a perfect school but this is a really good one. Seniors get lots of free dress days and they get to go on a Senior Rafting trip. Maranatha also has a really great guidance office that helps you plan and get ready for college. Maranatha is Christian school so naturally you hear Christianity being brought up in different places. This is a good school for people who want to grow as Christians or learn about how other Christians think. Also one thing to keep in mind is that Christian school doesn't mean perfect school. Kids will be kids but there are lots of responsible adults - young and old - who help shape us to become good adults. Maranatha is also pretty diverse. I get to hang out with all kinds of different people. The foreign exchange students are nice and like to share their culture. Another thing is that Maranatha is a community based school and what I mean by that is parents, students and faculty are all involved in lots of school events. Parents are required to volunteer but sometime you don't have to volunteer your time sometimes volunteer hours can count as just buying stuff like water bottles or cookies for an event. As far as me, I'm learning a lot. If I ever feel like a teacher is teaching enough or anything, I can always talk to my counselor about getting extra help or I can talk to the teacher or ask other people in my class for help. I think the curriculum at Maranatha is designed to help you learn and be ready for college. Sporting events are fun especially football and basketball. I think Maranatha is a good school. I would send my kids here one day. read more

Our experience at Maranatha High school has been wonderful. We were so excited when our youngest son of four children was accepted to the school and we continue to be blessed by the teachers, administration and staff. This is the third private school we have had a child attend in the past 25 years and it is certainly the best. Not to say that the others were bad, because they were not. Maranatha just has a distinct vision and exceptional teachers. The school has a large but very involved, community that all work together to create a personal, Christ centered, college prep education. My son has many interests and is allowed to explore and be involved in them all. Recently, during a challenging time for him, teachers reached out to him to make sure he was keeping up with his studies, as well as offering emotional and spiritual help during an extremely trying time. The Maranatha family is truly real, and not just talk. Also, it appears that the students all respect each other and their uniqueness and edify one another. My son came to Maranatha new to the area and school and was quickly welcomed in, and has created friendships that will last a lifetime. On a side note, I have been heavily involved in other private school organizations and I have to say that Maranatha High School is taking the lead in private school education, with their One-to-One iPad program, International Student Program and their highly educated teaching staff. Maranatha has well equipped my son for the future. read more

As a student, I can tell you first hand the issues that have built up from being imprisoned in this school for 6 years of my life. My parents forced me to attend this school in an attempt to bolster my "spirituality". Instead of strengthening this, it instead burnt any formed bridges. The teachers were incompetent and downright ludicrous, putting their religion over actual teaching skills, the children were mean spirited and made me grow to see the world a much darker place. I sat and listened to the ignorant filth spilling from each and every person's mouth every day for 6 years (racism, homophobia, stereotypes, and other mockery). I haven't met anyone as cruel or mean-spirited as those in my class at Maranatha. In fact, as I switched school systems, I was surprised to see the difference between my public high school peers to that of my past fellow Maranathan's. I have been in and out of therapy for the past 4-5 years of my life now, going over all the fine psychological issues that have ensued and have formed my severe depression. Please parents, do not send your children to this school without consideration. The public school system offers a much better learning structure and isn't as anti-religious as people make it out to be. read more

I don't even know where to begin with the issues of this school. Maranatha preaches Christianity but actually is just full of racist faculty and students that use the bible to belittle others. When I attended Maranatha I was appalled at the lack of education and common sense from a lot of the faculty. Teachers engage use of propaganda and non credible sources for their lessons. Head of school would not allow students to make a Black Student Union club. The World Religion class was intended to belittle all other religions in the world and state why they are "wrong" instead of educating others on other cultures and beliefs. I had a teacher that used a fake website called "abortioncounter.com" and compared abortions to the holocaust. They refused to teach anything about evolution in science classes. Teachers were openly homophobic. People used to steal clothes from the locker rooms. The faculty is single minded and force their beliefs on impressional young minds. The school cares more about money and dress code than kids education. Maranatha was not a welcoming loving environment like a Christian school should be. The students reflected this by being close minded, racist, sexist, homophobic and extremely judgmental. read more

I am a transfer student at Maranatha and the moment I walked on to campus I felt at home. This high school is a great place to send your children to not only learn and strengthen their walk with God but also to create bonds that will be cherished. The academics and sports at this school are phenomenal, I can not name one sport that does not excel to the highest achievement. I personally am in sports and can not be grateful enough for the understanding teachers that always try to accommodate my hectic schedule. Also the faculty here has gone over and beyond to not only help students with academics but also with struggles in our daily lives. the entire student body knows that they can always go to someone in staff for great mentor advice. Overall, if you send your child to this school it will be worth every penny. read more

What a sorry excuse for a school (felt more like a prison ) . Maranatha is all about sucking as much money as possible from anyone they can send a bill to (paying for free dress day as an example ) . I still regret to this day even attending this false notion of "Christ" school . Maranatha claims to be worshiping the lord to extract massive amounts of funds from the totally blind student who thinks that this is the school to get a higher education . Don't send your kids here , they will hate you for eternity ! I know I regret every second of wasting my time here . Complete waste of time and money , wouldn't send my kid here if it was the last place the planet . read more

This is from a current student. I regret attending this fake Christian school. Worst teachers and faculties ever! Education here is not serious at all. They hire teacher who does not know anything about physics to teach AP Physics. What kind of logic is that? Most of the teachers at this school do not know the subject they teach. The ap passing rates are unbelievably low for many classes. This is not a College preparatory school by any level. Ironically, many students do not graduate to enter a four year college but rather PCC. Don't send your children to this school! It's a waste of money and time. read more

I have been a Maranatha parent for 7 years. The school has gone through some tough years but is back on track. If you are looking for a diverse evangelical Christian high school where community exists, the Christian faith is lived out and taught every day and where your child is loved and challenged (and still has time for extra-curricular activities), please consider MHS. Both my kids have loved their time here. They have grown in their faith in Christ, made many exceptional friends and been challenged in AP classes. We appreciate the blessing the school has been to our family. read more

We have a freshman at mhs who is thriving and enjoying his educational experience. It was easy for him to make friends and for us to meet other families who are welcoming and kind. The MHS experience has God centered at the roots and offers an exceptional and diverse educational rubric. You cannot deny that there's something for everyone because there is. Our son's friends are involved in an array of sports and are also involved in the arts and so many clubs. He has really come out of his shell and is enjoying the high school atmosphere. We are thankful for a great first year. read more

We just had the best beginning of the school year! The students are excited about the coming year all the activities. Freshmen Retreat at Forest Home, the Faculty/Staff Retreat at Thousand Pines Christian Camp, Orientation Day, the First Day of School, and Uprising were all very successful and I can't wait to see what the students will experience moving forward in this school year. Very happy with the school and the new changes!!! read more

I wrote a rather rough review of this school last year, and well - now its different. The school changed leadership from Kris Dreyer, Tiffany Edwards and Michelle Purghart to John Rouse and what a difference. My kids are happier, they see teachers smiling, they feel cared for and they are challenged and are learning. Thanks for listening (sad it took so many teachers and families leaving) but its getting better. read more

This does not concern mr. Hampton and ms. Fowler, Maranatha was the stupidest excuse for a Christian school. Anything for money. Students who bullied, drugs, sexting were able to stay if their parents were wealthy and gave a little extra $$ to excuse their behavior. I went to a staff for an issue and was laughed at and told I'll get over it. Horrible, horrible place. Worst experience I have ever encountered. read more

Am amazing school in the heart of Pasadena. It is a place where the whole student is celebrated and encouraged to grow. Competent, kind, engaged teachers, staff, and administration. Academic excellence- spiritual formation focus- athletics and performing arts are stellar- small classes, caring teachers who KNOW each student. A wonderful community and a place to make lifelong connections. read more

graduated and should've written this a long time ago but bad then? still bad now. there is a drug problem, important athletes get away with practically anything, some teachers are just terrible, fake Christianity, turnover is still incredibly high, lack of preparation for standardized and AP tests, and admin who don't care. read more

Maranatha is such a welcoming community! You can feel and see Christ through almost every student on the campus. Their academics exceed expectations daily. The sports teach you how to not only be an athlete but a student athlete who follow Christ. Maranatha is the best! read more

I actually work at MHS and someday hope my kids can go here! The faculty are truly godly men and women that invest hours and hours of their own time into speaking into kids lives. They truly care! I would be so blessed to have that for my own kids. read more

A school filled with a bunch of pretentious and hypocritical people. That Christ centered bullshit doesn't get much faker than that. Needs to be shut down and seriously consider yourself a nicer community than this dipshit. read more