An amazing school filled with the best teachers around. The school does have a new name Mary W…read moreJackson STEAM multilingual elementary school. The playground is gorgeous.

My daughter just started Kindergarten here. She's speaking Spanish! Her teacher rocks! She has pull…read moreout science lab on Wednesdays! Computer lab on Wednesdays! Gardening class! New elaborate play equipment is getting put in from a grant they just got! Exciting stuff going on over there, thrilled to be a part of it. I'm a teacher myself, have been teaching for 8 years around Pasadena, in public and private schools, and Jackson is a GREAT contender. Parents in Pasadena should invest in our public schools. They only get stronger when strong parents and students join the community and commit to making it a great place by investing their time, opinions, money and resources. The private schools around Pasadena make a strong economic line in our city that can often breed inequalities. Ponder it. Jackson is great.

If you're considering sending your child here, I highly recommend considering other options,…read moreespecially if your child is an easy target for bullying. This school has a very high tolerance for bullying and won't take action. We came here for a month and after witnessing it myself and hearing about it day after day, I couldn't, in good confidence send my child here any longer. The teacher we had for 4th grade was awful as well. It was an unfortunate experience for us, and I don't wish our teacher, or the bullying upon anyone else. Academically, They use Eureka math, which I like. Spelling is not part of their curriculum if that matters to you. They don't tell you that when you tour. That wasn't an issue for us, but I imagine it could be a concern for others. Celebrations: This school acknowledges NO holidays. No Halloween, no Valentine's, they won't even acknowledge your child's birthday. Not this this is of much importance, but it is something I wish I would've known. The garden is awesome, so are the chickens. I loved that about the school, but it definitely wasn't enough to keep us enrolled there.

Great school This is our first year here and my kids are…read moreloving it Everyone is so nice Also they really care about education and try their best to make sure everything is done to help the student

Like so many parents in the Pasadena area researching private schools, we did alllll the tours. We…read morehadn't heard much about Saint Mark's and always assumed from the name that it would lean heavily religious, which wasn't something we were looking for. We also didn't like that it ended at 6th grade (something we later decided was actually a plus). Toward the end of the touring season we decided to stop in simply because it was close to our work. I am not exaggerating when I say we walked out of that little school under the shady pine trees like "this is The One". Coming from a strictly play-based non-academic preschool, we really wanted to continue letting our kids be kids, learning through play and curiosity. But we also knew we wanted them to be challenged academically. And not to sound boastful but we have nice kids; we wanted them surrounded by other nice kids. I didn't want my kids to lose their sense of just being nice, kind humans. What we found at Saint Mark's was a balance that really worked for us. Academics are strong, learning is hands-on and meaningful, and the kids are still excited. Their teachers clearly care about them. The kids are happy. And nice. Polite and well spoken. During the tour, they looked like they were having a good time being at school, laughing, joking with friends at lunch, singing on the way back from recess. Overall we've been really happy since enrolling. We are now in our third year here. Watching what they do, even in Kinder, has been impressive. They have Writer's Workshop and write diary entries about their Halloween class pumpkin decomposing in a tub for months. In another unit, they raised tomato hornworms we brought in from our garden and watched them transform into hawk moths, documenting the whole process. For Valentine's, I offered to drop off homemade pink play-dough to our worldly first graders (an homage to my pre-k co-op years), assuming they'd say the kids were too old. Instead, they embraced it with rolling pins and cookie cutters. The teachers are so special and genuinely know each kid as an individual, even across grade levels. Small groups in the classroom let kids learn together at the same level, wherever that may be. When my DK-er had a rough start to the school year, his teacher rearranged the daily schedule to help him feel comfortable/safe and wrote me daily emails of his progress. And speaking of progress, I never expected that it would be normal for a progress report from his teacher to include a personalized letter detailing his personality, strengths, leadership, character... It was just so unexpected and thoughtful. I'll admit that when we enrolled, I was focused entirely on academics, student/teacher ratio, kind teachers, diversity, outdoor space, and letting kids be kids. While Saint Mark's checked all those boxes, I didn't realize how special the community would be. They interviewed us as parents and not just our kids, which felt like they care about building a community of families with the same values. (I joke that I would vacation with almost any of these families, and we could definitely get through a zombie apocalypse together) Socially, there are grade-level parent parties in the Fall so you can get to know the other families, sans kids. There are events like the Fall Fest with petting zoos and bounce houses and bake sales and confetti eggs, there are potlucks and picnics, book fair, hikes. There is an annual gala fundraiser where parents can let loose for the night, as well as smaller socials that make it easy to build friendships. There are ways to be ON campus: classroom jobs and PA positions and many ways to give time/talent/donations. You can sign up to stuff red envelopes for Lunar New Year or hand out hot lunch on campus and spy on your kids while they eat. After the fires we did consider relocating. And while it may seem unusual to be temporarily housed on another campus, our kids do get to use the beautiful outdoor spaces, fields, gym and basketball court at EF. What I was initially worried about has become somewhere the kids love to be. We did still have moments of doubt about relocating or not. Ultimately Saint Marks was a big factor in our decision to stay. I know it's wild to think elementary school is what kept us from jumping ship, but we stayed in the Pasadena/Altadena area because of this school. Our kids love it and we love it for our kids. We plan to remain living locally through sixth grade because of the school, and probably longer after hearing where the 6th graders matriculate to. We're really looking forward to the rebuild. We feel incredibly lucky that we found this small, somewhat under-the-radar school almost by accident. It's hard to explain how great the culture is here until you walk through the classrooms and campus and talk to some of the students, parents, and faculty. Like any school it won't be the perfect fit for everyone but for our family our experience has been very very positive.

Dear school seekers, Ultimately we chose Saint Mark's for…read moreour children because it displays balance- we see both modern ideas surrounding whole-child social emotional culture with a more traditional classroom/academic load and structure. Saint Mark's has true authenticity when it comes to role-modeling what community means for our children. The Episcopal elements of school feel universally welcoming to all. As a multi-racial family, we feel very at home with Saint Mark's where DEI is not a department, an option, or a fad but a natural part of the school's identity. When we chose the school we were intentionally seeking academic rigor for our kids; and because the school embraces differentiated learning groups, we know our kids will get what they need in all subjects. The children have lots of movement throughout their day with a wide variety of subjects to explore. The school maintains boundaries with being responsible, respectful, and safe which allows all the students to take risks and lean-in knowing they have a foundation of structure and support behind them. I have noticed our children's imaginations have been flourishing due to their time at school. The teachers are joyful and friendly which invites a warmth. The parent-community is strong (and fun) which is deeper than a good time when we realize we are showing our student-body what it looks like to work-together and create something bigger that everyone can enjoy. The leadership prioritizes modern changes to education while keeping the jump-ropes and math text books in close reach. To open a new campus about six weeks after the Eaton Fire is a true symbol of how strong the community is. Come and tour! All the best, Melissa

Two of my three kids attend Altadena Arts Magnet currently and they're doing exceptionally well…read more The quality of the teachers, the involvement of the parent community, the support for the arts and foreign language, and the music, dance, garden and theater programs have truly enhanced my sons' lives. The principal, Dr. Hill goes above and beyond to make sure the kids have a good experience. I am so glad we chose this school for our kids.

Both girls are in the PUSD French Immersion program, both started at Altadena Arts Magnet (one is…read morestill there in 3rd) Both can now speak French...this school and immersion program is amazing!

What remains of the school after the Eaton Fire. Taken on two different days. Now the lot is…read morecleared of all the buildings, just some playground equipment remains.

I recently took a tour of Loma Alta Elementary. Principal Yure was very frienndly and informative…read more I work in the education field myself and was very pleased with this school and teaching I observed. My daughter will be attending Loma Alta next school year. I want to encourage all of my neighbors in Altadena to put their faith back into their neighborhood schools. If nothing else, go on a tour for yourself. The more we get involved, the better the school will be.

Love Elliot magnet such a great middle school love the Art program suggested to anyone looking to…read morego to middle school.

My son is in 6th grade and, as he is an artist, is learning so much from, not only his art and…read moredrama classes, but from the after school conservatory. He is taking two fine art/drawing classes, stop motion animation, and graphic design. As I have no artistic talent, he is getting much needed direction, support, and encouragement. In addition, he is getting strong core curriculum instruction. The conservatory, along with the Capturing Kids Heart program, have created a vibrant, kind, calm, and enriching environment for students to learn.

I have visited and thoroughly explored many independent schools in LA and throughout California. I…read morehave yet to find a school that comes close to what Crestview offers. I have a 1st grader currently enrolled (started in kinder) that is absolutely flourishing and meeting his full potential both academically and social/emotionally. Small class sizes, the exuberance of specialty classes, the educational/developmental prowess of the administration, the teacher's cutting-edge instruction, and the kind and warm community of families are just a few of the reasons that makes this school a treasured gem. Most independent schools talk the talk with elementary education expertise, but Crestview lives and embodies its mission every day. My son is thrilled every morning to get to school, has fostered an invaluable love of learning, and is sweet, kind and worldly at the age of 6. All you need to do is visit and walk through the school to see the diversity, observe the variety of learning styles being nurtured, and feel the special warmth that fills the campus. The small class sizes (average 15-17 kids per class I'd say) make it so that they are able to teach to the individual child while also executing extremely beneficial group lessons. Crestview truly respects childhood and is a reliable partner in our son's overall development. I would love to keep the school a little kept secret, but you should do yourself a favor and visit this school if the things I described sound appealing to you and your family. You'll wonder why you didn't find it earlier.

My son intoned and he got bullied hated this school. It is very did I pointing I think they need…read moresome nicer kids in my opinion it is a little sad my son comes back crying

I never write reviews but I wanted to include my experience. The principal is a loving individual…read morewhose personality positively impacts the school environment but she needs to be more organized and skilled as an administrative educator. She lacks the knowledge and skills to manage the learning environment including teachers, student issues, and special student needs. The small class size seems appealing but quickly you realize that many of the teachers are still overwhelmed and unable to meet the educational needs of the students. My opinion was validated by several other parents. I would investigate the school and your needs very, very carefully before sending your child there. Our educational experience was substandard.

This school is terrible. If your child is disabled don't send them here. I was told my son isn't a…read moregood fit and needs to go somewhere else. No inclusion terrible