Sequoyah School has been an indelible safe space for learning and growing for both of my daughters…read more(two years apart). It's practically impossible to list the pros of what this school has provided by way of positive experience, fruitful knowledge, and open/creative thinking. In so many ways it has prepared both of my children with the tools they need not just for a positive college experience, but for themselves in life, knowing who they each are and how to be the most truthful individuals they can be.

I have three kids at Sequoyah, and they have all been at the school since kindergarten (this is our…read moresixth year at the school). I cannot speak highly enough about this school. It's a place where teachers and administrators fiercely guard the experience of childhood and being a kid, while also challenging kids academically. Our kids deeply love school (they're disappointed when there's a three-day weekend!) - they are engaged in and excited about what they're learning. I've been so impressed with the level of the academics for all the kids - the teachers at Sequoyah expect a high level of achievement from the kids, proportionate to what they know each kid is capable of. Even more importantly, every teacher we've had has truly *seen* each of our kids for who they are - they see what motivates each kid, what their social experience is, and how much they should push versus encourage. The school community is, quite simply, what keeps our family in LA. The families at Sequoyah are diverse, kind, warm, and interesting - exactly the sorts of people I'm thrilled my kids get to grow up around, and I get to have as my friends. Sequoyah is the sort of special place that I truly think is making our corner of the world a better place.

This is Thanksgiving and I have pledged to thank those who helped me succeed this year…read more I'm an alumna of this school. To be fair, I arrived with a solid academic foundation from Foothill Country Day School. Poly was a great school though. Quite large, so you need to find your people, as they say. But overall, the campus is beautiful, the classes challenging, and the other students were kind and ambitious. I went from Poly to Princeton and now work in a science field in Silicon Valley. I'm grateful to Poly for guiding me on my path.

Administration is full of hypocrisy. This school tries to mold young kids into thinking a certain…read moreway than allowing them to freely learn and critically think. 1/2 the kids in upper school are socially awkward and equal amount of parents are clueless as this school is living off a rep from 20 yrs ago.

I have been so impressed with Blair. My kids love that it's a smaller school, that it's 6-12 so…read morethey don't have to make a transition to a new school at age 14. I love that they're getting an International Baccalaureate education (often only available at private schools) but through a local public school. I appreciate the Ovations theater program so much -- about 25% of the kids participate either by performing or serving on the crew, and they learn so much either way. Best of all, the overall atmosphere is accepting and supportive to a wide range of kids with different personalities and backgrounds. We really love it.

Blair has changed a lot over the years. Huge strengths are the IB program and the music/performance…read morearts program. The culture is very welcoming to students of all backgrounds. Fights and bullying are not part of the school culture at all. One plus about the IB courses, in contrast to AP courses, is that anyone can take them so even if you don't pursue the IB diploma, a student can have access to a course that has a similar feel to a college course. There is also a great IB Health Care Careers program that involves internship training nearby. A very active XCountry and LA Marathon running group, and and after school adventure club that takes advantage of the nearby Metro for trips. Also, the school supports one of the only 80/10 DLIP Spanish programs in the district, great segue if you are coming from Jackson, Longfellow, or San Rafael or you are coming from out-of-district.

My daughter got into Waverly via the ISA Scholarship, so if you are concerned about tuition fees,…read morethis is an option for students who have the academics to get in. She has only been there a month or so, but she has already begun to bloom as a person, which is what we wanted for her. She has the grades and the work ethic to do well at any school, but we felt Waverly was right for her because of its commitment to a progressive and inclusive community (not just the curriculum, but that's a big part of it). Kids will not be left behind if they are introverted or neurodivergent, or are from a different socioeconomic background, or a different ethnicity or are part of LGTBQ+, all of which can be factors that lead to isolation at other schools. Not at Waverly--here, they are nurtured and encouraged to develop into themselves without any sort of judgment that you'd find elsewhere. Classes are small and full of tremendously interesting material. Kids get experience with arts and literature they would never have heard of at other schools. Ok, and my daughter texts us from time to time about the long lunch times she gets; she considers that a huge plus. I have been asking the school teachers and administrators some questions on my own, and they are true experts in their fields. Anyhow, that's what we have experienced so far in a nutshell. I wish I had known about this school earlier!

I didn't think it possible for middle and high school years to be as calm & joyful as our…read moreexperience at Waverly --though fair warning: if you want your MS & HS students to have 3-4 hours of daily homework, Waverly is not the right school for you! -Small class sizes -Progressive learning (--not endless tests and excessive homework!!) -Teachers who know your kids and what they need - adapting their workload to push them at the right pace and depth of learning -Supportive engaging sports program (-not intensely competitive & exclusive) -12th graders who voluntarily hang out with 9th & 10th graders -Head of School in 2nd year making thoughtful changes -$4M donation led to buying building next door -Strong tuition assistance program -Organic farm for education and fun Our first daughter joined in 6th grade and enjoyed it so much our other two daughters joined the next year. We are in our 3rd year at Waverly and love the teachers, administrators, students & families in this community.

Today is Pasadena Review day for me... Pasadena is known…read morebest for it's private prep school versus their public school system. Mayfield was a great experience and I believe blows every other "all-girl" high school out of the water, with Westridge coming at a close second. It provides it's students with a strong education (100% of graduating seniors attend a 4-year college/university), their athletics are very competitive and over wide range (the usual in addition to tennis, equestrian, water polo), and their arts are extraordinary (fine arts, writing conservatory, theater, vocal, and dance). I was able to take advantage of many extracurricular activities. It's a beautiful campus that used to be a mansion and helped this teenage girl get where I am today. The only drawback is that it is $17,000 a year (but they give many scholarships) and there is the slight chance of being sucked into a permanent prep world... There isn't a doubt in my mind that I wouldn't send my daughters here to attend with my best friends daughters. www.mayifledsenior.org

i graduated from Mayfield Senior School in 1956. I cannot say enough postive things about the…read moreexperience, education, and camaraderie that Mayfield continues to provide 55 years later. tI really left a lasting impresiion on my life and the choices that I made. I only wish that I had been able to send my girls and granddaughters there but we moved to Newport Beach and did not have access to Mayfield. I love the school, the grounds, the staff, and everything about it. It was an exceptional and rewarding time in my life. I am a better person for it. Juliette Cevola Becker Ph.D.

My daughter and I played outdoor pickleball at McKinley School on a Sunday afternoon. It was around…read more1:00 PM. There were 3 courts open at the time. One court was already taken. We played until shortly after 3:00 PM. The courts are really nice. I prefer the permanent pickleball court on the north side. The permanent pickleball court on the south side has more shade because there are trees near it. However, I find the ground on that side with more leaves and dirt. Hence, the north courts are better IMHO... there is still some shade there later in the afternoon. Luckily, we found street parking that is free on Sundays. I think there is a parking lot on the school campus, but I just don't know where exactly. The courts are actually on the side of El Molino Ave. Entrance is north of the gymnasium that happens to be north of the courts. When you see the courts, just walk north of them. You'll see a gate that will be open. Walk through it, then you'll see the gymnasium on your right. After you pass by the gymnasium, you'll walk through another gate. Walk down the steps and turn right. You'll see the courts in front of you. Stay on your left as the entrance onto the courts is on the left. There is only one entrance and one exit. Entrance and exit is the same. Have fun playing pickleball and/or tennis!!! We did. We'll definitely be back for more pickleball play. It's a very good pickleball courts alternative besides Allendale Park and Farnsworth Park in Pasadena.

Please don't send your child here unless you want them to be constantly bullied by kids that are…read morenever held accountable for their actions. The only reason my child has stayed as long as they have is because of Ms Dot from learns and Ms Ortega. Kids are always fighting and from what Ive heard smoking in the bathrooms. Please steer clear from this school and save yourself the headache.

Both of my daughters attend Westridge and are in Lower and Upper School. This school has been…read moreextremely intentional with meeting the needs of my Black daughters and helping them reach their goals. The education is top notch with experienced educators alongside administrators who put the girls first in all that they do. Westridge feels like a warm hug for girls who are independent thinkers, doers and have drive!

Our daughter just completed her first year (4th grade) at Westridge. We could not be happier with…read morethe experience! The administration goes to extraordinary lengths to build community and a sense of real belonging among the girls. The faculty are incredible - challenging, caring and supportive. Westridge is an environment where girls--and not just one kind of girl--can thrive. Everything about the experience is well thought-out and resourced. It offers students choices, different paths to explore on their journey of becoming.