Review #995 2026-065…read more Let me preface that this review is for an event that was held at/hosted by South High School. Opened (3rd) in 1957, South High School is 1 of 4 high schools serving students in grades 9 - 12 in Torrance Unified School District; according to their website, they're the #1 ranked high school in TUSD. The school also rents its space to Asahi Gakuen, a weekend non-profit Japanese language school. Did you know "American Beauty" was filmed at South High School during 1998 - 1999 winter break? For 2025 - 2026, the school is helmed by Principal Jim Evans & supported by Assistant Principal Dr. Tera Black. The 2026 TUSD "Academic Pentathlon" was held at South High School, hosting since post pandemic. It's an annual academic competition for 4th - 5th grade students that tests their knowledge on multiple (5) subjects: math, science, social science, art, literature. Winners receive medals & trophies for their school. Unlike Math Field Day, there's no county (LACOE) competition since it's primarily for middle school students. My son competed for 1 of 4 spots representing Hickory Elementary's 4th Grade Team. The hour-long competition consisted of 2 teams of 4 (comprised of 2 4th grade & 5th grade students) for their school to answer 50 questions; it was announced at the end that there were 49 questions due to an error. There was a short break at the midpoint of the competition, & another at the end while the scores are tabulated. The school's score is the calculated mean of their 2 teams. Unlike Math Field Day, there's no "trail mix" snacks offered during breaks so we gave M a quickie snack at home before the competition, & added a granola bar in case he needed a little lift. The auditorium wasn't as packed with competitors... I think maybe 1/2 of TUSD's elementary schools participated? Though it was standing room only with all the parents & families out to support their children. 2026 Academic Pentathlon Winners 1st: Victor ES (40.5 points) 2nd: Hickory ES (38 points; so proud of my l'il guy & his teammates!) 3rd: Towers ES (35 points) No back-to-back wins for Hickory ES (placed 1st in 2025)... M plans to come back next year to help regain the honors before he graduates. =D Congrats to all the lifelong learners... great job!!

Now, let me tell you that my kids do not go to this school, but if I lived in the area they would…read more We were there to go to their wonderful and new theater to see a play for Special Needs kids, of which my grandson is one. The people working there were so nice and patient with all 4 showings. It was put on by Anchorless Productions and the Friendship foundation. First, parking is so easy right in front to the theater. The theater itself is beautiful and spotless. It is comfortable and seating is easy. They are great with disabled people and are just super nice. They have it all, from the cool curtain to a super sound system. We were so lucky to be able to use this venue for the play. Before the play we walked around just a little bit, a lot of it was locked as it was a weekend, but the football field is so pretty and there is a tennis area. I think this school does a lot of performing arts. I wish all schools looked like this.

My granddaughter started at Scholarship Prep. South Bay right after the pandemic . She was TK and…read morenow she's in the 3rd. grade and so far I dont have any complaints . At any school you have stay involved and realize that no school is perfect. My daughter and I like the school and so she'll continue her journey there. Mrs. Vann the principal is outstanding and the staff members are great also in addition , love the morning valet drop off the staff meets each student and at the end of the day your children is safely direct to the cars which make things so smooth. Thank you Scholarship prep South awesome job

The 1st 2nd and 3rd grade teachers are so so nice I love how on Fridays we get free time they don't…read morego hard on us and give us good learning and homework the students where nice to me and sadly I had to move after 3rd grade and I don't like my new school but my parents told me I have to move. I will miss ms. Baultista she was so so nice

I went there for middle school and it is the best school ever I like it because it is bigread more

This is in reference to their Magnet Program. I have nothing negative to say - great teachers who…read moreactually teach, challenged my daughter throughout her 3 years there, and who actually addressed any concerns I had, of course with respect to my child. Would I recommend their program - definitely! Now the school as a whole - that's a whole different issue. All I have to say is that we, as parents, should take a little more accountability for our child's actions .

this schools is actually horrible all the teachers suck and it doesn't compare to my public old…read moreschool which felt normal do not go to this school I wud give it 0 stars if I could also there is a lot of drama there most people aren't Christian there either so yeah

Pacific Lutheran Jr/Sr High School is an excellent private school education. They always keep the…read moreparents in the loop about the things involving the school and the students. They have some caring, dedicated teachers and staff who are all extremely gifted educators. Excellent communication! Very caring and supportive group with active participation in school events. Reasonable tuition. My daughter loves it here and she will be coming back next year. Thank you PacLu

I was part of the cross country team and unfortunately saw firsthand how strong favoritism…read moreinfluenced team decisions and recognition. Many athletes worked hard but were overlooked unless they were one of the coach's clear favorites. Even basic encouragement, like a simple "good job" was not given to everyone. Instead, praise was reserved for a select few, leaving others feeling unvalued despite their efforts. When I respectfully addressed this even as an alum, I was met with a hostile response and completely shut out. I had hoped for reflection and respect, but instead received defensiveness and dismissal. This is not the example of leadership or character that a youth program should be built upon. A coach who discourages hard-working athletes, fails to recognize everyone equally, and responds to concerns with hostility should not be in a position of guiding young people. Leadership should inspire, not divide. At one meet, after a mile time trial where I struggled badly and was visibly upset, I heard him say, "I am so proud of you guys." I asked, "Are you sure about that?" because it felt insincere given the lack of encouragement many of us experienced. In a race in Hawaii, while I was in tears and trying to reach my parents, I was told, "I don't care, cheer on your teammates please." That moment made it clear how little empathy and support was being offered to athletes who were not among his favorites. Please see attached for records

The gym doesn't have A/C. Large fans places on the gym floor but if you're a spectator be ready for…read morea sauna session! Parking wasn't so bad since it was after school hours.

Anza Elementary School is one of two local elementary schools whose students graduate to Jefferson…read moreMiddle School and eventually West High School. The school is California Distinguished School and also a recipient of National Exemplary School title. The school teaches grades from pre-kindergarden to fifth grade. I attended this school growing up and had many memorable experiences. From the teachers to the events, all have been widely positive. The school actively tries to get its students involved in the community. As part of the Torrance Unified School District (TUSD), the school works under a board of trusted advisors and directors. The parents find themselves actively involved with the board and administration of the district and school.

My two children attend HAPPY HARBOR PRESCHOOL & there is no where else I would want them to be…read more There is such a peace & joy on campus as soon as you enter the gates...you can feel the presence of God there! I love that my children are being taught with values that we teach at home & the love & encouragement they receive from all of the teachers & staff is a true blessing! I've seen them both grow intellectually, socially, & spiritually at HHP & I look forward to seeing that continue as my daughter begins our Kindergarten program in September. My husband & I love all of the special activities & programs the school offers too, from Grandparents Chapel, to Veterans Program, Mommy & Me Day, Daddy & Me Day, Christmas Program, weekly chapels, & the parent information meetings too!

My son started coming in January when all the public schools closed now and he just couldn't…read morementally do online any longer. Hcs has been so helpful with his transition in all the isolation that was caused but he has done very well here and is back for the fall as a 7th grader . I loved this school so much and all the teachers , principal & staff here is amazing that I even put my other son which entered 1st grade and has been loving it . I also added them both to the summer camp , which they really enjoyed . My friends kids are now attending here as well since i let them know about this amazing school. I wish I know about this school Sooner , it's small but big hearts are running this school and they truly cares about your children . Don't hesitate, plant the seed the best investment ever is your children , especially in these times we are facing . Thank you again hcs we love you all!

Review #1024 2026-094…read more Opened in 02/1957, Madrona Middle School is 1 of 8 middle schools serving students in grades 6 - 8 in Torrance Unified School District with Dr. Sue Key, Principal, at helm since 02/2024. Per U.S. News & World Report, the 26:1 student-teacher ratio is on the higher side, & the reading level is stronger than the math. GreatSchools.org shows a 20% Algebra 1 participation rate with a strong 95% pass rate. Under Dr. Key's helm, Madrona Middle School earned South Bay's BEST Public Middle School in 2026, following recognitions for FAVORITE school in 2025 & BEST in 2024. After participating on behalf of his elementary school's math & academic pentathlon teams (placed 2nd on both) this year, my 10 YO 4th grader wanted to map out his future academic career & research his options, even though Madrona MS is the natural progression from Hickory ES. His interests are vast: Academic Pentathlon, CJSF (CA Junior Scholarship Federation), Coding/Robotics, eSports, GATE, Math Club/Math Field Day, MathCounts, Science Olympiad, Spelling Bee, etc. I scheduled a 30-min. tour in 05/2026, & it was led by Dr. Key; the short tour ended up being almost 90-mins. It was a detailed & informative tour of an impressive campus with plenty to offer for academically strong students (refer to posted photos of School Brochure & Class Selection Reference Sheet! I particularly love that their classrooms post a door sign of the teachers' contact, sponsor, & education info (e.g. Mrs. Heather Hallsted teaches Science 8 & Science Olympiad, sponsors Madrona Family Night, & earned a B.S. Biochemistry & M.A. Curriculum & Instruction from UCLA, CSU Bakersfield, CSUDH; Mrs. Nancy Ton teaches Science 7, PLTW Design & Modeling/Computer Science App Inventors/Automation & Robotics, sponsors esports & earned a B.S. Liberal Science & M.S. Science from CSULB & CSUDH). What's great for working parents is that students can be dropped off as early as 8:15 AM & go to study hall before the 1st bell. Subsequent to the tour & info received, I learned the following week that Hickory Elementary School will be offering an accelerated math summer program to prep interested & qualified students for the Accelerated Math 6 in fall. My son took the accelerated math this summer, & qualified for Accelerated Math 6 in 5th Grade. It's been a month, & he's maintaining a 4 (out of 4) on the math quick checks. M's plan is to follow his elementary school's progression to Madrona Middle School since they hit most of his interests on the checklist. Last school year (2025 - 2026), MMS placed in all 3 grades at Math Field Day: 6th - 2nd Place, 7th - 3rd Place, 8th - 2nd Place. M plans to tryout for Math Field Day again this school year & is strategically recruiting his team for a 3-peat win for 5th Grade, & hopes to bring the same team to Madrona Middle School for continued success.

5 STAR this school is great it has a lot of activity's and its a great learning potential!read more