I have two kids at this school - one in STEM and another in Dual Language. Here are some things I…read morelove and some other observations:
Love:
1) there is a very large active parent/family community at this school that cares deeply about our kids. Though ideas about implementation can differ, the sheer number of committed and involved grownups is wonderful.
2) there are some teachers here who love the students as they would love their own family, and it shows.
3) the whole community comes together a few times a year for performances, brainstorming sessions, supporting teachers, fundraisers, parents' night out, etc.
4) though there are strong differences of opinion on how things "should" be run, everyone does their utmost to ensure kids are well-resourced.
5) the greening project, though it looks different than the original plan, has created a more comfortable atmosphere for the kids
6) teachers assign projects to kids that really develop their whole person
7) the PTA works for the benefit ALL kids at the school and doesn't feel snobby to me at all (I grew up thinking PTA would be complain-y adults feeling holier-than-thou, but that's not the sense I get at all). They put on a TON of events for the school and really make it happen (career day, friendship dances, harvest festival, dine outs, guardian's night out, performance support, so many more things)
8) the special ed program has a teacher whose creative mind and heart are unparalleled (Ms Aquino)
9) Ms Pedroza (UTK/TK) is just THE BEST
10) Ms Kim (5th grade STEM) is WONDERFUL with the kids - helps them feel respected, seen, heard, competent, and provides huge opportunities for enrichment
11) Ms Olga (community rep) does a heck of a lot getting communications out, organizing, presenting, and making events happen
12) Ms Carmen and Ms Karla (front office) are wonderful humans AND keep the school running in huge ways
13) the school puts a LOT of effort into getting the arts and music available to kids. Grants for ukuleles, music teachers, art clubs, etc. are worked for and obtained regularly.
I could go on and on.
Any school you go to will have benefits and detractors, but these are some of the strengths I've witnessed personally.
LAUSD Admin are working closely with the school right now (June 2026) to establish strong leadership by appointing a new principal, so the school is being followed closely for support.