Art/Work/Place has been an amazing experience for our family. Our 8-year-old has been in Mrs…read more Billy's class for over a year, and we knew it was something special when he came home and gave us a drawing lesson! Our son is naturally quiet and shy, but Mrs. Billy has helped him build confidence by encouraging him to express his own ideas and interests in his artwork and we can't thank her enough for how that has helped him come out of his shell in the classroom and beyond! Mrs. Billy also takes the time after class to update us and offer insights and constructive feedback on his creative growth. Based on our experience, I'd advise parents to take negative reviews with a grain of salt. All the teachers and staff here are genuinely so nice and unlike programs that focus mainly on copying pictures, Art/Work/Place balances technical skill building with creativity, imagination, and play. As someone who works as a designer in the gaming industry and has an art background, I can honestly say they're teaching kids the right way to learn art. Our son is already excited to be back in the fall!

I have to say I'm disappointed in Ms Billy. Initially she seemed like a great teacher - as my son…read morehad positive feedback and seemed to enjoy the class. Gradually my son would come home sad and upset. At first, I brushed off his complaints as maybe he just had a random rough day. Today, I picked up my son and Ms. Billy complained about his projects and all kinds of stuff right in front of my son. My son came to the car crying feeling terrible about his artwork. I asked him several questions about what happened as I didn't want to make any rash judgements about the teacher. He explained that he felt that Ms. Billie was being mean to him and that he was really struggling with clay (it's a new skill for him). I asked if she helps him with his clay a little extra since he's obviously struggling more than the rest of the more experienced students (I'd think she'd spend a little extra time with him). He said no - she was drinking tea and when she came back he had made a snail project where its tongue broke off and couldn't put it back on. He said he destroyed it and my son said she made another mean comment to him: "ohh so you're breaking stuff, instead of making stuff". He was struggling to put on the tongue, which you didn't help him with. Ms. Billy told me it was Gary the snail which didn't go with the CA theme they're working on. Ok. My question is: how is one of your struggling students able to make an entire snail project without you noticing until he's that far along with it? Then, the tongue falls ogf of it, you make a comment to him about it being wrong, he destroys it, you make another comment to him about him about breaking things instead of making things. Ok. If she's going to drink tea instead of helping struggling students then she shouldn't be surprised about them struggling. He said she was helping the other students - not him so much. He also said he got up to grab a toothpick, and she said to him "you're disrupting the entire class" and he was embarrassed that all the kids stared at him. He wasn't being defiant but she keeps treating him as if he is. My son said he was really surprised at how mean Ms. Billy was treating him - he genuinely didn't know he was doing anything wrong, She did sound agitated when she was complaining to me about my son. I know my son - he's not a bad kid and he's super kind. I'm not just saying that because he's my son. He truly is. I'm the type of person that takes criticism well and I'm happy to help correct behavior when necessary. In this case, I really feel that Ms. Billy is not spending enough time with struggling students - in my sons case not understanding instructions according to her. I didn't appreciate her putting my son down in front of both my husband and I. Ms. Billy made it sound as if my son was being defiant - I can assure you my son is not defiant - he genuinely is just having a hard time with the project! He's asking for help from his teacher in his own 8 year old way. He just turned 8 by the way. Mrs. Elizabeth in the front is amazing on the other hand! Very helpful and kind lady.

A friend recommended this place to me and told me she found it through a deal on Groupon. I…read morepurchased the same deal which gave me two 90 min classes for 2 kids for $85. The original price is $176. You have to call to schedule the classes with her. The owner was a sweet lady named Yuko. She said doesn't allow parents to stay so I just dropped my kids off and went to run errands. I came back to pick them up and was surprised to find that they made such amazing art pieces! The nicest I've ever seen them do. I'm not sure how much help they got but they said that they did it themselves with some guidance I'm sure. I'm happy with their artwork and want to actually frame and put them up on the wall. I enjoyed my 90 mins of free time and was so glad that they had a good time and even wanted to return. If your child likes art, I would recommend giving this place a try.

My son did the summer camp for one week and liked it so much he asked for more classes! It was easy…read moreto sign up with texting and paying by venmo. He only went for 5 half days and finished two paintings and some clay sculpting! Highly recommend!

Through my work it used to be free. Now you have to pay for classes and they are all online. So it…read moreis still open just isn't doing in-person classes. I wish they would have funding again because the classes are too expensive for my budget. I took a writing class and the instructor was very outspoken on political matters which I did not enjoy. I don't think they should be talking about politics in a class so that is another gripe but it used to be better. Was a good perk to have for awhile. I also took the Avid class and it was ok - kind of boring but the instructor could have made it more interesting.

I took the Painting for Photoshop 1 class during their spring term. The class was arranged as a…read moreworkshop work/along lecture with the goal producing two background paintings with daytime and nighttime colors. Jesse was hands-on and would pause every so often to assist one on one with those who needed help catching up. The Studio Arts main staff gracious and vert helpful when arranging classes and EPT grant forms.

We are SO fortunate to have this resource. No doubt they will soon expand to other areas of Los…read moreAngeles. The gift they are providing to these kids (and us parents) is priceless. All the coaches are incredible. Our kids return home with SO much 'aliveness' in the heart and head. And the fun part is that we are learning as parents how to better connect with our kids. It's so rewarding to see that there is a place they can enjoy learning and growing and being away from their electronic pacifiers! Thank you to Kathryn and Elise for all that they do!

Amazing- 10 stars!!! From the staff to the kids. We've been going there with my two boys for about…read moresix month now and every time I pick them up they always say how much fun they had. Kathryn is so awesome with the kids making them feel included even if they're kinda shy. Thank you Eastside Arts!!!!

Celebrated our daughter's 12th birthday here with some of her closest friends…read more Emily walked me through the plan of an art journaling/collage making with this age group. She was a fantastic art guide for the children- she encouraged collaboration and open thinking, joy and whimsy! Love how the class was all about connection and process rather than cookie cutter pieces. Looking forward to taking a class there myself for me and my friends. They offer lots of interesting classes and workshops too. A true community gem! Thank you, Hive!

Such a gem in South Pasadena…read more A group of mom friends and I did the Thursday art journaling class and it was so much fun! It was so nice to be able to show up and be instructed. We were able to tap into our creativity and have a fun time. Emily, the owner had wine and snacks and explained everything in detail so you didn't need to have any experience. There was a group of ladies that seemed to be regulars and it very much created a community vibe. And the best part at the end is there was very little cleanup. I can't wait to come back during the day when the shop is open in the front and browse for some gifts.

All four of my children have attended California Creative Learning Academy (CalCreative), formerly…read moreLos Feliz Charter School for the Arts (LFCSA), and after so many years as a parent here, I can speak to the lasting impact this school has had on our family. My children couldn't be more different in their personalities, interests and learning styles, yet each has been given the space to grow into their own person. What I've always loved about CalCreative is that education goes far beyond textbooks and test scores. Art, music, movement and creative expression are integrated into everyday learning, encouraging children to think independently, explore their interests and approach the world with curiosity. The teachers genuinely care about their students as individuals, and the emphasis on kindness, inclusion and community creates an environment where children feel they belong. The parent involvement is also incredible, and over the years, the school has become a real community for our family. Perhaps my strongest endorsement comes from seeing where my children are today. My two oldest are now adults and in college, and I can see how much of their independence, creativity and confidence was nurtured during those early years. My third child just started middle school at a new school and has already been moved into honors classes after receiving recommendations from all his teachers. And my youngest is still at CalCreative, happily experiencing the same creative approach to learning that her older siblings enjoyed. After raising four very different children through this school, I've come to appreciate just how important those early educational experiences are. I wanted my children to receive a strong academic foundation, but I also wanted them to grow up feeling confident in who they are, comfortable thinking for themselves and compassionate toward others. Looking at my older children now, I see those qualities in them, and I couldn't be more grateful that CalCreative has been such a significant part of their childhoods. I would wholeheartedly recommend this school to families who value creativity, individuality and a truly child-centered education.

This school has been amazing for my kids. We stumbled upon it post pandemic, my son starting TK…read morehardly able to hold a pencil, and I was so blown away by how much he learned in such a short amount of time. The arts programs instantly brought out his passion for all things drawing. Most importantly, he has always been happy there. Five years later and neither of my kids have ever said "I don't want to go to school today". Besides the arts programs, which include music, dance and physical arts, they also have a garden program ran by California Climate action fellows. The social emotional education has been invaluable to both of my children as well. Absolutely love the diversity the school offers and the strong parent community. Volunteers are welcomed and encouraged and I always feel at home there. While we absolutely love it here, individual experiences will always vary, even in the absolute best schools. The school as a whole has wonderful teachers and a great philosophy. It works so well for so many kids, especially if you're invested in your kids education and supporting them from home. Definitely worth a tour if you're just starting off with schooling or in search of a new fit for your kid!

This high school serves a diverse student body from across Los Angeles County with a focus on the…read morearts, which includes visual and cinematic, dance, theater and music. The classes offer training and development while also providing college prep academics. A tuition free public high school with alumni such as actor/comedian Anthony and singer Jon B. Located on Cal State - Los Angeles college campus, several performances are scheduled and conducted by the students to showcase their talent.

The way they treat students with mental health issues or developmental delays in the school is…read moreabsolutely wrong and I really hope they can correct it in the future. The admin as well as the arts departments are really looking for someone who will fit into a mold. As much as they preach individuality and expression that is not the real experience from my perspective or from really anyone I know.

Our experience at Renaissance Arts has been really good. This school is different, and personally,…read moreI am thankful. My son told me, "There are no bullies at Ren Arts". I can see why. The staff is strict and they somehow manage to do what our previous school was not able to do - keep the kids feeling safe. When my kids started, I sat in on many of the classes to help one of my kids adjust. Almost every day for a year I went to the first 2 classes. In a large 8am singing class meant (I imagine) to gather the kids together and provide structure while stragglers arrived, I watched the teacher nip every potential behavior problem in the bud with, "I hear someone talking. If someone is talking while X is asking a question, then we can't hear X's important question". Or, "If you aren't participating then we are missing your voice. We need your voice". Everything here is based on the idea of an ensemble. And the importance of the individual within the ensemble is stressed. The ensemble performances that they do twice a year are truly amazing. Imagine being thrown in with different groups of students in your school twice a year to perform. Part of the reason there is no bullying is that you bond with your fellow cast members. There are some overarching mission statements that you see over and over again that are unique and heartwarming. For example, although there are no tests, they have a lot of essays to write where the kids have the opportunity to express themselves. They are told that there is not right or wrong answer and they just want to hear their ideas. They are often asked to reflect on themes and the teachers don't feel like they have "the answer", but rather are excited to hear what the kids come up with. It feels like college level teaching. To me, this is exciting stuff! I sat in on a second grade humanities class and felt like I was in college: a group of 8 kids plus a teacher sat around the table and discussed King Lear. The kids had so much to say about the age-appropriate rendition of what they were reading. The school also has a social justice bent and the themes of their shows often reflects current events. One of the high school students told me that they read the constitution every year in high school and every time she finds something new. So yes, there is much here that is going to look different from your typical school. It functions differently and so the form will be inherently different. I feel that as long as the child is happy, that is the best gauge of the fit of the school. And my kids are happy here.

Wonderful, caring and thoughtful teachers in the Primary room. My kid looks forward to class!read more

As a fellow alumni and now a parent of a dual language kindergartner at Bushnell way, I couldn't be…read morehappier. The school, the program and the staff have been more than I ever expected. My son has a wonderful teacher that truly cares about the children and their education. Mrs. Ryan is loving and enthusiastic about the program and the success of her students. The principal, Mrs. Narvaez, is approachable, caring and fully involved in all aspects of the school. This has been a great start to my child's academic journey.

From the owner: Bushnell Way Elementary is a public, neighborhood school serving about 230 students in the Hermon…read moreCommunity, just north of Downtown Los Angeles. We provide quality education within a nurturing environment. In addition to focusing on high academic standards, students learn compassion and respect for diversity. Bushnell Way Offers: Dual language Immersion program (Spanish 2 Way). Leader In Me program. Parent Center and Opportunities for Involvement. LA's Best and Beyond the Bell after school programs. Inner City Arts. Award-winning Arts Education. Arts Integration Program (drama, dance, visual arts, music). Wonder of Reading Library. Accelerated Reader. JiJi Math. Highly-qualified, experienced, credentialed teachers.

My child has always gone to summer camp at the Y, and every year drop off was a struggle. This…read moresummer we decided to try something different, and I am so glad we did. My kid absolutely LOVES Camp Kids Klub. The smaller counselor to child ratio really makes a difference. My child gets the attention and encouragement they deserve, and comes home happy every single day. The biggest sign that they love it? They barely even say goodbye to me at drop off anymore. What has impressed me most is how much thought goes into the program. This is not a camp where the kids are just kept busy until it's time to go home. Every day they come home excited to tell me about what they did, and the activities are fun, engaging, and educational without feeling like school. The staff are kind, attentive, and genuinely seem to care about each child. As a parent, I also appreciate knowing my kid is safe, well cared for, and well fed throughout the day. Finding a camp that your child is genuinely excited to attend every morning is priceless. I feel incredibly lucky we found Camp Kids Klub, and I would recommend it without hesitation to any parent looking for a fun, enriching, and caring summer camp.

We traveled all the way across the Pacific from Taipei to Los Angeles and enrolled all five of our…read morekids (ages 8-11) at Camp Kids Klub. Honestly, we couldn't have asked for a better experience. At first, we were worried--the younger ones might experience culture shock, and the older ones might feel bored just "babysitting" their younger siblings. But on the very first day at pickup, those worries disappeared. The entire ride home was filled with singing, laughter, and chants they had learned at camp. After dinner that night, they even put on a mini pep rally in our living room, proudly cheering their group songs together. From that moment on, we knew this camp was something truly special. Every staff member we met was incredibly friendly, welcoming us with smiles that immediately put us at ease. As outsiders unfamiliar with the American school system, we felt completely confident leaving our children in their care. The camp provided first-class entertainment, activities, and most importantly--safety. Camp Kids Klub gave our children an unforgettable summer, one that blended fun, growth, and community in the best way possible. Save us a spot, because we'll absolutely be signing up again next summer!