We've been at Village for seven years and truly couldn't be happier with our experience. Village…read morestrikes a wonderful balance between strong academics and meaningful social-emotional growth. It's a school that not only educates children, but genuinely nurtures them -- and we feel incredibly grateful to be part of this community. We see this play out in our family with excellent standardized test scores and excellent emotional intelligence. Village's placement into top middle schools speaks for itself. Through both COVID and the fires, the school demonstrated remarkable resilience, leadership, and care. The way they supported students and families during those unprecedented challenges was thoughtful, steady, and above and beyond.

A few years ago, I attended a Village School Zoom meeting that addressed critical race topics…read more Concerned, I later wrote to the school board to question their dedication to equity. They responded, saying that equity has been a core classroom value of theirs for almost ten years. Historically, the purpose of education was to help students excel. Recognizing that people have different interests, talents, and motivations, different levels of classes--such as GATE, honors, and AP classes--were created to ensure everyone could excel at their own rate. This merit-based system rewarded excellence with the opportunity to take more challenging classes and achieve even greater success. However, equity, as used by critical race theorists and DEI promoters, means equal outcomes. Equity is antagonistic to excellence because excellence naturally leads to inequities due to differences between individuals. Since educators can only do so much to help students achieve excellence, those who have integrity to values have chosen to handicap those with greater interests, talents, or motivations as a way to achieve equity. For example, San Francisco removed algebra from the 8th-grade curriculum in the name of equity. Typically, students could progress from Algebra in 8th grade to Calculus by 12th grade. Proponents of equity realized that not everyone could reach Calculus by 12th grade, so they handicapped excellent students by not teaching Algebra in 8th grade, ensuring the highest math level attainable by the end of high school was Pre-Calculus unless students doubled up on math courses in 9th grade. Similarly, Seattle shut down its honors program to achieve equal outcomes. Given Village's response and my purpose for sending my son there, I told my ex that I wanted him removed from that school. She countered by arguing that the teachers aren't actually practicing equity; it's more of an interest for the administrators, and Village admins give teachers a lot of leeway. As an example, she mentioned that our son is currently learning algebra in 6th grade. If an Asian boy is being taught more advanced math than his peers, it suggests that his teachers are not practicing equity. This indicates that Village is only virtue signaling equity without actually implementing it--or so I hoped. However, I am not blind to the effects of ideas. Even if Village's admins give teachers leeway, they are still responsible for setting the organization's culture, hiring, promotion, and firing decisions, and extracurricular activities. When I see DEI book clubs or events for non-whites, I see the writing on the wall. Organizational change may take time, but it happens. If I were a teacher focused on educational excellence, I would find these activities either a distraction or antagonistic to my values and would seek employment elsewhere. So, while my ex may have found examples indicating that Village currently lacks the integrity to fully implement equity principles, I have two remaining questions: 1. How much better would my son's education have been if they had rejected equity outright and fully embraced the merit system? 2. Given how much I pay each year, should I be satisfied with an organization that lacks integrity? Fortunately, my son has graduated from this school, so I don't have to deal with these questions anymore. Here are my reasons for the score. I give them 3 stars for the quality of education he received. The school recently raised tuition, but I don't see these funds being used to help teachers and students focus on educational excellence. Instead, I see them being used for DEI activities, such as dinners for families where one or more members "identify as a person of color." I give them 0 star for their lack of integrity. I completely reject equity as a value, but I have more respect for educators in San Francisco for taking their ideas seriously and trying to implement them, even to the detriment of their students, than I do for virtue signalers. Virtue signalers don't take ideas seriously. For an organization whose purpose is to convey ideas to their customers, the refusal to take ideas seriously is a betrayal of that mission. These scores average out to 1.5 stars. In conclusion, because I disagree with equity, I would not send my child to Village School again as they proclaim it to be a core value. However, even if I supported equity, I would still not send my child to Village School due to their lack of integrity. A business without integrity does not deserve my money or, more importantly, the right to guide my child.

We had just moved to LA, and I was looking for something special. Luckily, I heard from a friend…read morewho was in education to check out Muse. Besides the gorgeous campus in the Santa Monica Mountains, the thing that sold me on Muse during my visit, was none of the adults were talking down to the students, they seemed liked equals. Students are active in their education and we especially love that they choose a passion project every semester to focus on a subject of their choice. I really love the staff at Muse. Not only are the teachers stellar and extremely qualified, they are kind and inspiring leaders. My kids couldn't be happier. They bring home plants. They have their own gardens at school and eat plant based meals for lunch every day. They have amazing friends and love playing sports and performing in the school plays. We couldn't be happier with Muse and it keeps getting better! This is our 5th year!

Our daughter is happy, healthy and passionately engaged at Muse. We couldn't be more delighted…read more Staff have been supportive, and willing to go the extra mile. And I've liked all the parents I've met! Also, the campus is in a beautiful canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains, just north of Malibu. Students walk thru' nature when going from building to building. It's a great education, but within this uniquely calming, natural setting.

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.

I love GRANT!!! I love the involvement of both the staff and the parents with all the school…read moreevents. Grant is a safe and great school! I'm so happy that all my children have had amazing teachers throughout the years. We are proud to be geckos and look forward to many more fun years with GRANT!!!!

this Is a truly amazing school. BUT, some of the staff are mean to me :( PBL is my favorite thing…read moreabout it. It stands for Project Based Learning, which is insane. Like, WOW. Every day is an adventure and truly warms my heart. The student, OMG, th kids here are AWSOME. I met my best friend here! The principal is cool. The front desk is sorta weird. Zero dress code is amazing, World culture fair, so amazing! Grant Jogathon, AWSOmE! I am proud to be a geckos here!

Very informative and a community driven school you can tell they really care about the students and…read morethe principal is very cool and laid-back. Ask him anything. My daughter just started here and they did a great job transitioning all the kids. My daughter is excited about school most important. So far very pleased!

My child has been going to this incredible school for almost 6 years. She is currently having a…read moregreat experience in Franklin. The teachers are great and the school is an anti-bullying environment. I'm soooooooo happy my daughter goes to this WONDERFUL and INCREDIBLE school.

I went here and now my daughter goes here. Her teacher mrs. Shinebaum is absolutely the most…read morewonderful 3rd grade teacher and my daughter has learned so much. The campus is also clean and beautiful. PTA is amazing and really do a lot to provide for the kids. The new principal is so much better than the one before. This area has a mixture of ultra rich and middle class and the school has a great mix of race and wealth. I recommend anyone in the area to put their kids here and support the school that focuses so much on art and science.

I have a kid here . All I have to say is that some teachers really suck. They always come up with…read morean excuse when there is something we parents want to say. For the most part, some of these so-called educators are here just for the check and have not necessarily to educate kids. Also, parking is really bad, cars are parked double lane all the time...there is no order whatsoever. I once parked my vehicle near the handicap spot and this dumb fuck came to tell me why I parked there knowing that there is no space anywhere, not in the school parking lot nor on the street. This ass would not dare to say what he said to me to a white folk. Also, they have these bunch of kids doing special ed at the adjacent school (smash)....kids do not even need to be in special ed.

This school isn't the best but the teachers are great, and most of the staff are kind. There are…read moresome flaws like as to faculty members not treating students fairly, but beside that this school is ok.

We are so happy at Roosevelt. Really great SAI support, a responsive principal and vice principal…read more Amazing parent led programs - carnival, movie night, awesome book fair, picnic, pier night, poker night etc. This is an involved caring community. As to the previous remark about Ostrom and Levy. Mr Ostrom is a regularly requested teacher. I've known him for a few years. He is a dynamic, young, impressive teacher. Not all schools are for everyone but Roosevelt is a really excellent public school.

Your Children Are Not Safe At Will Rogers Elementary School…read more It kills me to say that, but at this current moment in time it's a sad reality. I first walked through the front gates of this school back in 2017 with my oldest and the reviews on this website from that time are accurate. It was a 5 star school. As I enter my last year as a parent I pray daily for the safety of my child knowing that one individual has already failed my youngest and so many other children in our community. It should be said that this school still has a beautiful campus, quality teachers, loving staff and is a great community of families. So why the 1 star review? The Principal of this school has ruined it. What I share here is my experience and is made up of toxic and abusive interactions with the principal, my child being assaulted by another child on campus after repeated cries for help, and the experience of other families. Simply put, narcissists don't make for good Principals. Some fellow parents and I have a game we now play. Every week when the school newsletter drops we laugh at how its main focus isn't the students, it's the principal. How many photos can she put of her in it, how has she made it all about her accomplishments? It's absolutely vile I had heard horror stories of why families were leaving the school. When one family went to address their student being harassed, she told them that they have a very attractive child and it's natural for students to give that child attention. Multiple families left because the Principal refused to put an entire class of kids safety and ability to learn as a priority over one kid who consistently acted out in many inappropriate ways. When my child was assaulted on campus by a fellow student resulting in broken bones, the principal blamed other faculty while attempting to gaslight and manipulate me into feeling bad for the parents of the child who has a long list of incidents. The principal was more focused on making sure my oldest child (who was at a totally different school and has never been in any kind of physical altercation) would not retaliate against their older sibling than any effort to fix the situation on her campus. The child who attacked my child unprovoked was allowed to return to school the following day and was only pulled from class after the Principal was shocked to discover my child came to school a day after the horrific attack. Let that sink in - she only pulled the kid because she underestimated the strength of the victim and their ability to get an education and participate because her focus was on making sure the attacker was protected and had no interruption to their education. A few weeks later when this kid continued to bully my child and we tracked down the principal after school to address it, she lied to our faces before rushing over to serve as a human shield to the child causing the problems. The reason she went to protect him from us is because in our last conversation prior to our face to face, after being told over and over how hard this kids life is and how he doesn't get to participate in certain school activities because of his home life I said that I would be willing to help him because at the end of the day I recognize he's just a child and that upset the Principal. She didn't run over to protect that child because she thought I would harm them, she went to prevent me from speaking to him so maybe I could hear him and help him feel included. Oh and for the record she blamed my child's awesome teacher for not stopping the bullying and harassment despite that child being in a totally different class. Classic narcissist behavior. This brings me to my next reason why this school is a shell of what it once was. If you or your kid is a neurodivergent get ready to be treated like dirt. Nothing derails a narcissist like a neurodivergent who can overcome and disrupt the narcissistic need for control, false hierarchies and manipulation. Oh and one final gripe - my kid didn't even get a final report card last year. Absolutely unacceptable I hope several years from now I can come back here after the damage and destruction the ego of the current Principal has caused this once great school and see 5 star reviews again. However as long as the current leader is running the ship - your kids are better off at a different school in the area.

I had two of my children enrolled at this school, and it was one of the worst decisions I've ever…read moremade for their education and well‑being. The principal shows no genuine concern for students or families unless the situation benefits her personally. Teachers have lied, threatened students, and dismissed parent concerns, and even when complaints are made, nothing is addressed. Trying to speak with the principal or assistant principal is nearly impossible. They are consistently "unavailable" until you make it clear you're prepared to escalate the issue to the district. Only then does someone suddenly become available. I ultimately had to threaten legal action against both the school and the district just to get my children transferred out. Bullying is another major problem. When you report it, the principal always has an excuse for the bully and tries to shift blame back onto the parent. If you are a person of color, be prepared for your concerns to be minimized or dismissed entirely. She treats serious issues as if they're insignificant. I've had to file formal complaints against the principal, and three teachers, as well as a police report. That alone should tell you everything you need to know. PLEASE stay away from this school. If you want your child to feel safe, supported, and able to excel, choose another campus. This environment is not one where children thrive.

McKinley is a second home to my two children, currently in 5th grade and 3rd grade. In this new…read moreyear 2021, I reflect upon the people and places that deserve special gratitude. McKinley is one of the places that came to mind, especially as my son is in his final few months of a 6-year tenure at the school. As a parent, I was heartbroken for my children when schools closed in March 2020. McKinley provided a warm, nurturing, and engaging place for my kids to spend their days. Distance learning was all so new at the beginning of the pandemic but the resilience and ability of the teachers to switch gears on a dime and adjust to the new model was remarkable. My son's 4th-grade teacher deftly utilized online software like Epic! and Seesaw to provide structure to my son's school days and my daughter's 2nd-grade teacher used her mindfulness skills to bring emotional balance and calm to my daugther (and me if I am being totally honest). Simply put, McKinley's teachers are special! Let me further remark upon how McKinley's teachers are impressive. Under the strong leadership of Dr. Benjamin, McKinley's principal, the teachers worked tirelessly over the summer to be ready and equipped for distance learning in the 2020-2021 year. Dr. Benjamin made a presentation that was comprehensive and clear and gave me reassurance that even under the most challenging of circumstances the teachers were going to be able provide a strong educational experience to my children this year. While I am confident that their teachers this year are teaching the academic concepts that are required, the eagerness with which my kids hop on to their Zooms every morning and the laughter that I hear sprinkled throughout the day is what is most heartening. The joy that they are still able to experience even in distance learning is a testament to the passion and dedication of their teachers. McKinley is a beautifully diverse and dynamic school family. As families have done during this time of crisis, we have brought all components of the McKinley community to keep doing great things for our kids. At a time when we have to be apart, McKinley PTA, teachers, staff, and students have innovated ways to continue to foster our McKinley community spirit through many first ever virtual events including a talent show, harvest festival, family literacy night, and winter-themed performance. I also want to take the opportunity to thank and highlight the front office staff, Melissa and Erika, for their constancy and dedication to our families during this time. I miss hearing them cheerily greet every student and parent by name in the morning with a smile. We are grateful to the teachers and administrators that have been unwaivering and to the other McKinley families that are constant sources of inspiration. We are grateful to be in the McKinley Pride and look forward to when we can be together again in person!

the school is good, bathrooms are always dirty, very sad that the school walls were torn down, made…read moremany friends there, had a good 6 years there :)

This is a fantastic school for your kids to attend. My daughter has learned more than any…read moreneighboring public school so its well worth the investment. If you want your children to feel happy, safe, and supported this is the place to go. Small classroom size is also a huge plus. Keep up the good work!

Amazing School! Amazing and kind teachers! Highly recommended! My daughter thrives at Saint Anne…read moreand loves getting up and going to school!