Our family's experience at this school was profoundly disappointing and deeply painful. Despite its…read morepublic messaging around Christian values, integrity, and community, what we experienced behind the scenes was harassment, emotional harm, favoritism, retaliation, and a complete lack of accountability. Early on, we had a disturbing interaction with a staff member who told us that if they had known our family was applying, they would have "made sure we didn't get in," allegedly based on third-party gossip from someone we had never met or heard of. This was alarming and unprofessional, particularly given that this person had access to our personal information and approached us as if they already knew us. It became clear that negative opinions about our family were being shared internally. Between 2022 and 2025, after we raised concerns about what appeared to be unethical practices within the athletics program -- including favoritism toward students connected to donors or board-affiliated families -- we experienced what felt like retaliation. Shortly afterward, both of our children were quarantined for over three weeks despite repeatedly testing negative for COVID and showing no symptoms. We were told it was "protocol," yet it was not enforced consistently for others. At a time when restrictions were easing everywhere else, it felt targeted toward our family. When we asked for clarity and support, administration collected extensive information from us but ultimately refused to take any corrective action. Instead, we were called into an urgent meeting and told our children might be removed. We were instructed to write a letter over a weekend and told leadership would "consider" allowing them to stay. This felt coercive rather than collaborative. Eventually, one child was allowed to remain while the other was removed -- without explanation, due process, or any cited violation. During this process, a conversation between us and senior leadership was secretly recorded by an administrator who is closely related to school leadership. This occurred without our consent, which is illegal under California's two-party consent law. Rather than addressing this serious issue, the school ignored it entirely. We later learned from multiple sources that external influence may have played a role in decisions affecting our child, including pressure from families connected to leadership whose relatives directly competed with our child athletically. Despite being a strong student-athlete, our child was pushed out. During attempts to transfer schools, negative statements about our family were shared. Athletic staff did not assist with recruitment, and we learned that outreach to other schools appeared focused on protecting institutional relationships rather than helping our child. A college recruiter confirmed a campus visit with us that staff later denied ever occurred, despite us witnessing it firsthand. We have documentation, emails, and written correspondence confirming unfair treatment. One administrator privately described our situation as "awful" and escalated it to HR. Despite this, no accountability followed. Instead, staff involved in these events have continued to receive public recognition and awards, reinforcing a culture where those in power are protected rather than corrected. Despite being told directly that our children had done nothing wrong, we waited seven months for formal communication. When it finally came, the reasoning kept changing. Our child's transcripts were withheld from universities that requested them, confirmed in writing by those institutions. After we spoke out, our child was also removed from the school's alumni list, despite having graduated and despite the thousands of dollars paid for his education. This felt like continued punishment for sharing our experience. After posting this review, we received no outreach, apology, or attempt at reconciliation -- only efforts to have our reviews reported and suppressed. Rather than addressing harm, the school appears focused on protecting its image and silencing families who speak up. Say anything to the leadership and there big egos-- they will gang up against you, brother in-laws, father, board member, baseball coach, football coach, staff members and they will each other public awards to faculty members, students and families that have taken part in this harm-- a cult like mafia. Not a true Christian lead School by the spirit and ALL of the bible, just the parts they pick out. They also have solicited these recent reviews, also staff member finance officer in June 2025 sent out a defamatory emails including our financial contracts to a stranger, making the financials look as though we hadn't paid and we owed money when we were paid in full. She offered to go line by line with a stranger when she had no firsthand information about our family at all. Just sick unethical behavior from our experience.

Great school! All the teachers are truly invested on the students. The community is welcoming and…read moreinclusive. The leadership is very thoughtful and intentional about being Christ focused...

I have three kids at Sequoyah, and they have all been at the school since kindergarten (this is our…read moresixth year at the school). I cannot speak highly enough about this school. It's a place where teachers and administrators fiercely guard the experience of childhood and being a kid, while also challenging kids academically. Our kids deeply love school (they're disappointed when there's a three-day weekend!) - they are engaged in and excited about what they're learning. I've been so impressed with the level of the academics for all the kids - the teachers at Sequoyah expect a high level of achievement from the kids, proportionate to what they know each kid is capable of. Even more importantly, every teacher we've had has truly *seen* each of our kids for who they are - they see what motivates each kid, what their social experience is, and how much they should push versus encourage. The school community is, quite simply, what keeps our family in LA. The families at Sequoyah are diverse, kind, warm, and interesting - exactly the sorts of people I'm thrilled my kids get to grow up around, and I get to have as my friends. Sequoyah is the sort of special place that I truly think is making our corner of the world a better place.

I am the parent of two Sequoyah students and am deeply grateful to be part of this learning…read morecommunity. Sequoyah's Habits of Mind align closely with our family's core values and reinforce our approach to parenting. Teachers balance high academic standards with thoughtful, individualized learning paths that ensure every student meets or exceeds grade-level competencies. The outdoor education program is among the strongest in the nation, weaving together environmental stewardship, team dynamics, and critical thinking through experiential learning in nature. Clubs and extracurricular opportunities have allowed both of my children to discover new interests and develop new skills. As an academic physician, I care deeply about lifelong learning, student accountability, autonomy, and creative problem-solving; values Sequoyah actively cultivates. I am confident the school is preparing my children to pursue STEM careers with curiosity, resilience, and a strong foundation. I have full confidence in the administrators and their ability to integrate feedback from students, parents, faculty, and staff to continuously strengthen the community.

The teachers and staff there are all really kind They also…read moredo good at explaining things to 6th graders

One of the best schools I have been to, gave up CS Arts to be here, I've made so many good friends,…read moreof course all the teachers and staff are super kind and friendly, and the Junior ROTC program has forever changed my life.

FOR THE TRACK FIELD ONLY:…read more Open to public after school and sports after; for sure the weekends! Very nice track field: 4 laps is one mile Track made of rubber Painted lanes (there are 7 lanes total) Public trash bins and bathrooms nearby Tennis courts and bball courts nearby Free street parking Can still run on the track even during a football game

I used to dislike this school, but since I became closer to the women in the front office I have…read moregrown to love everything about this place. Truly is a magical wonderland thanks to the people who make it special. Shoutout Jill and Katie!!!

My daughter got into Waverly via the ISA Scholarship, so if you are concerned about tuition fees,…read morethis is an option for students who have the academics to get in. She has only been there a month or so, but she has already begun to bloom as a person, which is what we wanted for her. She has the grades and the work ethic to do well at any school, but we felt Waverly was right for her because of its commitment to a progressive and inclusive community (not just the curriculum, but that's a big part of it). Kids will not be left behind if they are introverted or neurodivergent, or are from a different socioeconomic background, or a different ethnicity or are part of LGTBQ+, all of which can be factors that lead to isolation at other schools. Not at Waverly--here, they are nurtured and encouraged to develop into themselves without any sort of judgment that you'd find elsewhere. Classes are small and full of tremendously interesting material. Kids get experience with arts and literature they would never have heard of at other schools. Ok, and my daughter texts us from time to time about the long lunch times she gets; she considers that a huge plus. I have been asking the school teachers and administrators some questions on my own, and they are true experts in their fields. Anyhow, that's what we have experienced so far in a nutshell. I wish I had known about this school earlier!

I didn't think it possible for middle and high school years to be as calm & joyful as our…read moreexperience at Waverly --though fair warning: if you want your MS & HS students to have 3-4 hours of daily homework, Waverly is not the right school for you! -Small class sizes -Progressive learning (--not endless tests and excessive homework!!) -Teachers who know your kids and what they need - adapting their workload to push them at the right pace and depth of learning -Supportive engaging sports program (-not intensely competitive & exclusive) -12th graders who voluntarily hang out with 9th & 10th graders -Head of School in 2nd year making thoughtful changes -$4M donation led to buying building next door -Strong tuition assistance program -Organic farm for education and fun Our first daughter joined in 6th grade and enjoyed it so much our other two daughters joined the next year. We are in our 3rd year at Waverly and love the teachers, administrators, students & families in this community.

Today is Pasadena Review day for me... Pasadena is known…read morebest for it's private prep school versus their public school system. Mayfield was a great experience and I believe blows every other "all-girl" high school out of the water, with Westridge coming at a close second. It provides it's students with a strong education (100% of graduating seniors attend a 4-year college/university), their athletics are very competitive and over wide range (the usual in addition to tennis, equestrian, water polo), and their arts are extraordinary (fine arts, writing conservatory, theater, vocal, and dance). I was able to take advantage of many extracurricular activities. It's a beautiful campus that used to be a mansion and helped this teenage girl get where I am today. The only drawback is that it is $17,000 a year (but they give many scholarships) and there is the slight chance of being sucked into a permanent prep world... There isn't a doubt in my mind that I wouldn't send my daughters here to attend with my best friends daughters. www.mayifledsenior.org

i graduated from Mayfield Senior School in 1956. I cannot say enough postive things about the…read moreexperience, education, and camaraderie that Mayfield continues to provide 55 years later. tI really left a lasting impresiion on my life and the choices that I made. I only wish that I had been able to send my girls and granddaughters there but we moved to Newport Beach and did not have access to Mayfield. I love the school, the grounds, the staff, and everything about it. It was an exceptional and rewarding time in my life. I am a better person for it. Juliette Cevola Becker Ph.D.

My daughter and I played outdoor pickleball at McKinley School on a Sunday afternoon. It was around…read more1:00 PM. There were 3 courts open at the time. One court was already taken. We played until shortly after 3:00 PM. The courts are really nice. I prefer the permanent pickleball court on the north side. The permanent pickleball court on the south side has more shade because there are trees near it. However, I find the ground on that side with more leaves and dirt. Hence, the north courts are better IMHO... there is still some shade there later in the afternoon. Luckily, we found street parking that is free on Sundays. I think there is a parking lot on the school campus, but I just don't know where exactly. The courts are actually on the side of El Molino Ave. Entrance is north of the gymnasium that happens to be north of the courts. When you see the courts, just walk north of them. You'll see a gate that will be open. Walk through it, then you'll see the gymnasium on your right. After you pass by the gymnasium, you'll walk through another gate. Walk down the steps and turn right. You'll see the courts in front of you. Stay on your left as the entrance onto the courts is on the left. There is only one entrance and one exit. Entrance and exit is the same. Have fun playing pickleball and/or tennis!!! We did. We'll definitely be back for more pickleball play. It's a very good pickleball courts alternative besides Allendale Park and Farnsworth Park in Pasadena.

Please don't send your child here unless you want them to be constantly bullied by kids that are…read morenever held accountable for their actions. The only reason my child has stayed as long as they have is because of Ms Dot from learns and Ms Ortega. Kids are always fighting and from what Ive heard smoking in the bathrooms. Please steer clear from this school and save yourself the headache.

This school is beautiful, the teachers I met were extraordinary. I hope my granddaughter will love…read moreher experience love learning at her new school.

How has no one reviewed Westridge yet? I guess it's a little weird to review my high school on…read moreyelp, but it was pretty kick ass and deserves some yelp loving. I suppose the five stars is a little inflated due to having graduated, but it really is a great school. The academics are tough, but it still manages to be a mostly laid-back environment. The best part is probably all of our dorky traditions like Greeks and Romans and the yam festival that we all get so excited about. We'll see how things go now that Fran is gone, but hopefully things won't change too much. I sincerely hope no one is basing whether to send his or her child to a school based on yelp, but if you are, I say you couldn't find a better school for your daughter in the Pasadena area.

Best campus in the district and they have an absolutely excellent Law and Public Service program.read more

I'm currently attending this school and it's a great school positively wise and it's a safe place.read more

My 5 yr old son started kinder 8/2018. The 1st day was a simulation. (Practice run) we parents got…read moreto stay with our child the 1st day. The lining up process & picking up process is what every school should do. I'm impressed on how the process and system that's in place. I felt very much at ease leaving my child. I have volunteered many times at Marengo elem, and I have had my kids In south Pasadena unified school district since 2010. Any parent should be so lucky to have their children going to school here. It's diverse, safe, clean, & the parent participation is outstanding. PTA

I can't speak from the experience of a student or even parent of a student, but I have picked…read moreup/dropped off children at this school many many times and worked with local Marengo kids. Of the various elementary/middle schools that I frequent in and around the LA area, this just so happens to be one of my favorites. Always a pleasant experience in South Pas ; ) Not to sound like the Stepford Wives type lol, but whenever dealing with the locals or the teachers & staff, I always seem to walk away impressed at how 'normal' everyone here seems. That could also just say something about how I feel towards the rest of LA lol, but a nice, attractive, organized, friendly, no complaints thusfar kinda school if you ask me. Grounds are well kept (as I would hope any elementary school, or any school for that matter, would be). Kids enjoy it, parents are pleased, right in the middle of a great neighborhood (off of any main streets), and everybody seems happy.