After writing a 2 star review on this school based on my true and honest experience, I get a very…read moredisturbing phone call from their director Kapil M. He wanted me take down my review. He accused me of bullying his school with my Yelp Review. I am just telling the truth. Please look at my previous reviews where I gave them 4 star. I had all the excitement and hopes at this school and was shattered after realizing the lies that were fed to us. Right now I am enrolled at our school district. My intention for coming her and our attraction for attending this school is because my son loves science!!! After seeing how he replied on my review, it is a lie that they hired staff. They state that they hired staff...Nope staff was not hired and that's the reason why they couldn't give me an exact start date. When they sent their psychologist to my transitional IEP meeting, their representative flatly told my IEP team at my district that they will not be able to provide services at the level they are providing. My IEP is also recorded and was disclosed before the meeting started. All members in that meeting is 100% aware that they are being recorded. When a public charter school makes promises that they will fulfill services like a public school district, and at a recorded IEP meeting they say they will not??? It really questions the accountability and the process for kids with IEP. Sounds like they cherry pick, which special kids they will have enrolled. Or maybe we are sounding like a business.... Because Mr.Kapil told me take my review down because it is ruining his school reputation. Sir, it's a public school and this is my experience with the admission process... Yes, they have all the field trips to make their school look great and all the extra activities. How about accountability? Teacher experience? Ask the how they deal or prevent with bullying? You will notice they tend to dodge the question. When I asked about the teachers, I am told that they had alot of applicants that applied so therefore they have teachers that want to teach and they highlight that they get county retirement and benefits. But they don't tell you the experiences of their teachers. They look really young, which is fun and great but I think having experienced teachers at a school is also very important. Bullying question... They answer by telling us they hired private investigators and no bullying was done. So how about the prevention? If you go to other review sites, you will see accusations of bullying in this school. Overall the idea presented at this school is amazing! STEM based. Lots of activities. Large member of the PTA, which alot of them are their own employees. ;) Alot of attraction to come to this school and that is why we applied. Go to your local school district. Ask the question of STEM and activities before jumping to come here. There are many charter schools to choose from here in South OC such as Journey, Community Roots, Oxford. How are they run? How are they accounted for financially? Money laundering is very common for people who run charter schools. Do your homework? See what best fits your family. Unfortunately this school wasn't a good fit. And sadly we had promises that were made but on the record during the transitional IEP meeting with the school district, it was very clear, they will not provide the services....

I absolutely love this school, I love the fact that they are treat you like a family. They care so…read moremuch. We've been here since third grade , both of my kids are having a good experience, Kapil the founder care so much he just added a program from tillys organization helping kids communicate and learn how to handle stress I was so impressed and I really appreciate it so much .

Attended the class of 2025 graduation this past weekend (I wish I had pictures). They put on quite…read morethe production, great sound, video and even drones to capture the event! It was very professional and with the budget of this school, I'd hope for nothing less. Congrats to the class of 2025!

Our oldest just wrapped up his freshman year and our son had an amazing experience. Many of these…read morenegative reviews seem to be personal, individual challenges and although that can be impactful to a parent, the collective of the school and opportunities offered to excel here are limitless. If you are looking for an "easy A" or "easy road to graduation", this is not the school for you; I agree. If you are looking to prepare your student for a bright future by teaching them how to balance life's challenges through rigorous academic, community and athletic means, this school is a "chose your own adventure" of opportunity. We look forward to our next child becoming a lion as well and are excited to begin a new year.

I have to admit I'm biased having two SMCHS graduates and a sophomore at the school as well as…read moresitting on the Board. That being said, I believe it's the best school in OC and one of the best in the country--as its top 40 National Ranking confirms. The academics are second to none, especially the International Baccalaureate program. It more than prepares the students for college and offers some of the best counseling. The arts program is also superior. The theater program won the top prize for high school musicals and have also had several best actor and actress awards. The orchestra and choir are also top-notch winning their share of awards as well. The sports program is well known and established as one of the best as well. Not only do they win CIF titles in football, basketball and baseball, but also in soccer, water polo, golf, etc. The school makes an effort to be excellent at every level. It doesn't just focus on one area and forget about all others. Instead it makes every effort to provide 100% support behind every endeavor.

As someone who's live in RSM/Trabuco canyon for 25+ years, some of the worst drivers attend this…read moreschool. Someone cut you off? Look for a blue collared shirt behind the wheel! Total disregard for the rules of the road and other drivers. "Mr. G" and he likes to call himself is apparently in charge of students in this regard, and said he would manage them better. From Tesoro all the way to SM's parking lot, a white discovery (plate: 9BSE309) with two little girls went about 80/90 on the 241 all the way to the school. Weaving in out of traffic. School doesn't answer the phone!

My daughter has been going to this school for six years now and we love it! Wonderful teachers…read more(especially her group of sixth-grade middle school teachers this year!) and the project-based learning model is perfect for her. Highly recommend.

Community Roots Academy has a been an amazing experience for my children. From the magical…read morekindergarten classes to the middle school community, every year has been great! The admin is really involved and you see them around campus with the students daily! Middle school offers sports and orchestra which both my kids have thoroughly enjoyed!

If you're looking for an unsafe, trauma-inflicting dump to send your kids, you've found the right…read moreplace! There's nothing like 12 year olds doing dr*gs in the bathroom and bringing g*ns to school and putting the place on lockdown!! (True story!) As a former student, I can confirm that the neglect at this school is beyond-belief. At one point in the disgusting bathrooms, there was graffiti of male g*nitalia with the word "sl*t" and an arrow pointing down. I was told you were meant to stand under it and take selfies. It was absolutely horrible! Students would drink alcohol from Hydroflasks and faint during class. At one point in my time at La Paz Intermediate, there was a student who brought a g*n to school, intending to fire during lunch. We were put on lockdown. It was traumatizing. The vice principal is an a-hole who runs her mouth non-stop without stopping to think what mental damage it's doing. Most of the staff acts like they don't want to be there. Honestly, I wouldn't want to either! The students are extremely disrespectful to adults and have no sense of authority. All in all, this is an unsafe, terrible school. I'd give it zero stars if I could. Send your children elsewhere, parents!

Amazing school, I've made a lot of new friends and had amazing experiences with them, all the…read moreteachers are amazing and if you want your child to have the most fun I recommend signing them up for music

Coach Lynch! 10/10…read moreToday I was stranded near a popular running trail in Aliso Viejo after something somehow became wrapped around the axle of my truck. I had been on the side of the road for more than 30 minutes, lying on the ground halfway underneath my truck in tears, trying to figure out what to do. During that entire time, not a single person stopped to ask if I was okay. Not one person until Coach Lynch ran by. He immediately stopped and asked if I was alright. When I told him I wasn't, he asked if I needed help. I said yes, and without hesitation, he went straight into problem-solving mode. He helped calm me down, kept me distracted, and worked on the problem until he had cleared what was wrapped around my axle and made sure I could safely get home. In that moment, it genuinely felt like he had been sent from heaven like my very own earth angel showed up exactly when I needed one. We live in a world where everyone is busy and dealing with their own lives, and it can be incredibly easy to just keep walking or running by. Coach Lynch saw someone who needed help and chose to stop. That act of kindness meant more to me than he probably realizes. If he hadn't stopped, I honestly don't know how much longer I would have been lying there crying and trying to figure out what to do. After everything was taken care of, we got to talking, and I found out that he coaches at Laguna Hills High School the same high school I attended! In that moment, I couldn't have been more grateful to see a fellow Hawk. As a former LHHS student, it makes me incredibly happy knowing that someone with this kind of character is coaching and influencing young people in our community. Coach Lynch didn't know me. He didn't have to stop. There was nothing in it for him. He simply saw another human being who needed help and decided to be that person who helped. Thank you, Coach Lynch, for reminding me that there are still genuinely kind, compassionate, helpful people in this world. I will never forget what you did for me today. Five stars aren't enough. Go Hawks!

My son has had all of his basketball practice games here and it is a nice and well run school…read more Some areas such as the bathrooms could use a remodel, but it is well maintained and they have a great staff and wonderful students.

very very good school and nice and clean and teachers were super nice and caring! super much…read morerecommend

I switched here for my last year and it is such a amazing school. Actually a 10/10. The people are…read moreall so nice andwelcoming and the teachers acctualy seem to care. I wish i coukd have gone here for all 4 years.

We are so grateful for the wonderful experience our son - Robin had at this school. Mrs. Anderson…read morehas been an absolutely amazing kindergarten teacher -- caring, patient, encouraging, and truly passionate about teaching. She made our son feel safe, loved, and excited to learn every single day. We have seen tremendous growth in his confidence, academics, and social skills this year. One thing that really stands out about this school is how genuine and personal the environment feels. It is incredible how the teachers and staff remember every child's name as well as the parents. From morning drop-off to pick-up, they always greet families with warmth and kindness, which makes everyone feel welcomed and valued. That level of care and attention truly means so much to parents. The entire school staff has been supportive and dedicated throughout the year. It is clear that the teachers genuinely care about each child's development and well-being, not just academically but emotionally too. Thank you, Mrs. Anderson and the entire school team, for making kindergarten such a memorable and meaningful experience for our family. We will always appreciate the love, dedication, and positivity you bring to your students every day.

Miss Basrur, Miss Dokovic, Miss Frost, Miss Anderson, Miss Izabel, and Miss Natalie have been such…read moreincredible teachers for our two kids who attend Stratford. The entire school staff are so dedicated to the kids and families at Stratford in helping them succeed and become leaders. We could not be happier with this amazing school community who values every child and family that walks through their doors!! We highly recommend this school and are so excited to be part of this wonderful community!!!