My husband and I are so grateful for this School. We were not happy with last pre school but here…read more, you can feel the love , feel the patience and love the teachers have for the little ones . My son is 3 but not potty trained so I was worried about what they were going to tell me , I don't want to pressure him . Miss Medrano is the coolest, most amazing woman . " he will when he is ready " she said as she gave my son aka heart a hug after meeting him once . At pick up he never wants to leave . Thank you Hillcrest School, MIss Medrano , Miss Guy , Principal Mrs Berg

As a parent, I enrolled my child in this Christian school with the hope of finding a true…read morepartnership--one that would nurture both spiritual and academic development. Sadly, that hope has turned into deep disappointment and frustration. From the beginning, the administration frequently spoke about "partnering with families" and "supporting every child," but our experience revealed these to be nothing more than well-rehearsed talking points. When real concerns arise--particularly when it comes to your child's individual needs--you quickly find that your voice as a parent is dismissed. The Head of School and Principal may smile and nod, but in practice, they act as though they know your child better than you do and are unwilling to make any meaningful changes that could actually help. There is also a serious lack of consistency at this school. Teacher turnover is high, and it's hard for students to build any real stability with constantly changing staff. In fact, most families tend to leave after preschool or first grade, and that speaks volumes about the experience many have here. Rather than address these retention issues, the school seems more focused on maintaining strong ties with families who are heavy donors--families who often seem to get preferential treatment and can pay their way into getting what they want. To make matters worse, the school appears more concerned with building a new gym than fixing the areas that truly need attention. Classrooms, curriculum, and student resources are outdated or lacking, yet fundraising efforts are aggressively geared toward facilities and image. It's hard to watch tuition dollars and donations go toward expansion projects while core needs are neglected. What made this situation even more infuriating was the transition to a new school. Once we left, we realized just how far behind our child was academically. After being assured for years that this school offered a higher standard of education, we were devastated to find out that was far from the truth. It felt like everything we had invested--financially and emotionally--was for nothing. Many and I mean many families when leaving Hillcrest will home school or go to another school and the first thing they say is I should've done it sooner!! This school promotes a beautiful mission on paper, but in practice, it falls far short. Unless you're part of the "inner circle" or a major donor, true partnership and support are unlikely.

St Patrick's is the best school I can imagine. Each staff member is so kind, passionate, energetic…read moreand genuinely caring. They always put the children first, comprehensive growth and development for each student - both character building as well as academic learning. The school is all that I would like to see in a school, and much more. Blessed to be part of the St Pats family.

Truly a hidden gem! This schools as got it all ... small class sizes, high academic standards,…read morewarm and nurturing environment, experienced teachers, friendly and helpful office staff and a caring and approachable administration. The faculty and staff are dedicated professionals. Hands down, the best K-6 experience in the Conejo Valley. Service Learning at each grade level, "Buddies" and "School Families" provide unique service and leadership opportunities amongst elementary schools. The "learn by doing" opportunities abound with hands on science labs, creative use of technology, and experiencing a variety of media in art class, to participating in projects benefiting the local community. My daughter has many fond memories of her years at St. Patrick's. She was exceptionally well prepared for the academic and social challenges of 7th grade at La Reina because of St. Patrick's, as were her classmates! Very glad she stayed through the end of 6th grade to experience all the benefits of being a family leader, expanded speech writing and public speaking opportunities, and the hands on science, tech, art, music and tech curriculum. The fun annual community events just enhanced the experience for the whole family!

Our family lost our home in the Palisades fire earlier this year. It was devastating in every…read moreway--our daughter lost not just her home, but her beloved school and community, the only life she had ever known. Starting over mid-year was something we dreaded, especially with our fourth grader, who was heartbroken and understandably a tough sell on any new school. But just a few days ago, as we drove to Oaks Christian, she turned to me and said, "Nothing has gone right this year... except for Oaks. I'm so excited to wake up and go to school every day." This wasn't because it was just "fun" or "new." She didn't want to like Oaks. She wanted to go home. And yet, nearly three months later, she is still just as excited every day to be there. I remember calling Oaks Christian, fully expecting them to say there was no space. I knew how in-demand the school is, and I thought we'd be gently turned away. But instead, they treated our situation with incredible grace and compassion. They didn't just squeeze us in--they took the time to really get to know us, even in the middle of their busiest admissions season. They created space for our daughter in every sense of the word. They managed to condense an in-depth admissions process--testing, touring, interviewing both her and us--into a single day. I know that was no small ask, and I'll never forget how lovingly and efficiently they made it happen. Katina, our admissions officer, is everything you could want in a human being--warm, grounded, centered in faith, and truly kind. Since enrolling, the school has only continued to exceed every expectation. The systems in place are exceptional, the administration is thoughtful and organized, and the teachers? Just unreal. We often find ourselves asking, "Is this school even real life?" I recently joined our daughter and her classmates on a two-day trip to Sacramento. It rained, hailed, and was absolutely freezing--everything that could go wrong, did. And yet, it was the perfect snapshot of Oaks. Brant Childers, head of the Lower School, along with the teachers and assistants, were right there with us, every step of the way. They are real humans--transparent, kind, joyful, and deeply devoted to their students. They are the kind of people you dream of raising your children alongside. The other parents blew me away too--funny, smart, down-to-earth. I immediately understood why our daughter loves her classmates so much. The warmth and kindness that radiate from this community is something special. Academically, the school is rigorous and moves quickly, but because the teaching is so strong, the students are thriving. You can feel the love in the classroom. You can feel the joy. We had considered moving to Orange County after the fire, but once our daughter got into Oaks, we knew: Westlake Village would be our new home. It was that simple. The school was enough to make that decision. We're so grateful for the years ahead here--for all three of our daughters. Oaks has been a very bright spot in an otherwise incredibly difficult year. We are endlessly thankful.

The cafeteria staff steals from the kitchen. Taking home gallons of milk, drinks, food and snacks…read more Even household cleaning supplies. Lysol, bleach wipes etc. the school does nothing about it. Kitchen staff just sits there as well on their phones stealing company time. Would not recommend this school. The manager on site flirts with his own employees and giving extra unnecessary hours to his favorite employees. Too much favortism going on.

Our family has been at Carden Conejo for the last 5 years with our two kids having attended grades…read morepreschool through 4th grade so far. It is academically rigorous in all subjects, being one of the best in our area. Our specialists are also excellent: our kids have been able to do PE almost daily, the specialist classes (art, science, music, French, computers) all at least once or twice a week. Starting in kindergarten, the kids move with their classmates from their homeroom to the different dedicated specialist classes multiple times a day, which I think is a very mature thing to be able to do in kindergarten. They do public speaking at their weekly school assemblies multiple times a month, which I think is very special about this school. Best of all, they emphasize manners and morals which encourage human virtues, but also things like looking an adult in the eyes when saying good morning or when being spoken to, and holding the door open for an adult so that he/she can pass through first. Things that I feel our kids in the recent digital world do not really learn anymore, but will help them be successful in their workplaces (and families) in the future. Compared to other private schools in the area, tuition is more affordable, and yet the teachers offer academic support after school for kids to need it for free (although I think they should be paid extra for it). Although academically rigorous, our kids also have so much fun at school. Holidays are so fun. They have a huge fall festival at Halloween with carnival games, food trucks, trunk or treat. They also have a big festive winter holiday show, egg hunts for Easter, class parties, and a big family picnic on campus at the end of the year. They have tons of after school enrichment classes and Funtastic Friday nights where the kids can come and play in the evenings while parents get a night out. Summer camps are also very thoughtful and engaging. A favorite week is themed after the book Roxaboxen where they create their own shops and barter goods with "gems" as currency. We have loved every teacher we have had through the years. Everyone knows your child's name and each teacher invests in their students. One of my children had a little embarrassing accident at school and her 1st grade teacher handled it with such respect and tact - she treated her like she would want her own daughter treated. I think it would be hard to find a school with teachers and staff who are this invested in their students.

I have two children who have attended Carden since preschool, and our family has had an exceptional…read moreexperience. The academic program is outstanding, but what I appreciate most is the school's emphasis on character, manners, and strong moral values. It has provided my kids with a well-rounded education. I love that students practice public speaking every Friday, learn cursive, and participate in community service. The school does a wonderful job of honoring time-tested traditions while also embracing science and technology. We couldn't be happier with our decision to send our children to Carden and look forward to sending them to the middle school.

We have had such a great experience at MATES! The teachers work with the students both individually…read moreand as a group incredibly well. The faculty and staff are fantastic and the parents are very involved and excited about their children's education. The music program is extraordinary! If you are looking for a high quality, unique school for your kids, check it out!

From the owner: MATES is a FREE public charter school that welcomes innovation, honors the past, transforms the…read morefuture, commands achievement, and empowers all children through the Arts and Technology. Because a charter is independent of a larger district, it is able to make more targeted decisions about teaching strategies and curriculum in a swift and efficient manner. A committee comprised of staff, parents, and working professionals wrote the curriculum framework. Teachers rely heavily on resource-based materials (core literature selections, periodicals, electronic research, library selections/primary resources, teacher-created lessons, field trips/field study, resident artists/professionals, community resources, and electronic field trips) to deliver a high quality program to MATES students. The focus is on academic rigor in an arts and technology-infused environment.

The very best school I've ever seen! The perfect model for other schools to follow. They teach…read morerespect & honesty with a Biblical perspective.

Wow! What can i say? AMAZING school. Our family has bee…read morebeyond blessed by Lomsaa. If you are looking for a Christian based exceptional education look no further. You found it. My daughter graduated from lomsaa 2021 after a crazy year she never lost focus, we can honestly say that she has enjoyed her last 3 years of school. At graduation we witnessed her crying as she got her diploma and thanked all teachers. She has cried twice more and keeps saying "I will miss Lomsaa!" Academically, emotionally and spiritually has been a game changer. She was given so many tools for her next chapter in life. Thanks Lomsaa for being a gem!!

Our daughter started at Bridges Charter School in fifth grade, and the difference from her previous…read morepublic school has been remarkable. The staff truly has the time and intention to pay attention to each child, addressing any concerns long before they become real issues. She's made friends, has fun, and comes home every day excited to go back--something we don't take for granted. The level of education is outstanding, and their test scores consistently surpass other local schools. We couldn't be more grateful for the supportive environment and the joy this school has brought to our family.

Poor learning environment in providing support into middle school, or high schools. Constant…read moreteacher swaps leaving kids confused and lost in learning.

I can't say how grateful and happy we are to be part of this school. This place is truly a great…read moreschool. The Principal Mrs Morrow is outstanding, she really has a love for the Lord and a love for every kid there. The teachers from Preschool to 2nd (so far) have been absolutely lovely. They truly take interest in teaching the kids academically, but also responsibility, respect and faith which are all as important if not more so I believe. If you are curious, I would honestly suggest scheduling a visit. We toured several schools before deciding to go here, and I have to say that there was definitely something special about this place. My kids and myself have made some very sweet friendships and can honestly say are very blessed to be here.

Bethany Christian School is a unique and wonderful community. My daughter attends preschool there,…read moreand is thrilled to be there every day, and comes home talking excitedly about all she learned. The staff and teachers approach their job with a level of professionalism and organization that I didn't see at the other preschools I toured. It's very "buttoned-up", well-kept, and bright, and that all sets a tone that education is important. It's also a FUN place to learn. You couldn't ask for a better playground, and tables outside are set up with Brio blocks and various hands-on toys. The best part about Bethany is how the students are taught about God. The teachers there all care very much about communicating to students, in age-appropriate stories and concepts, about how much God loves them. My daughter's class, for instance, focuses on a different fruit of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc.) each month. I like that this genuine desire for kids to know Jesus, seems to infuse every aspect of the day, rather than it feeling cheesy or obligatory. We live nearby, but I noticed in the student directory, there are families as far away as Oxnard and Malibu who drive out to Thousand Oaks to send their children to Bethany, and I can see why. What a warm, inviting, special place to get to be a student!