OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD…read more BACKGROUND: First Lutheran School & Arts is dedicated to raising up Christian Kids of Culture. Serving children and their families in the Glendale, Eagle Rock, Glassell Park, Silver Lake, Burbank, and Pasadena areas offering a full preschool through 8th grade academic program, educating creative students for over 45 years. STATS: Student performance of the Wizard of Oz Plenty of seating ESSENTIALS: A spot on the social calendar EXPERIENCE: The students did an excellent job at bringing one of my favorite movies to life. With singing, dancing and acting out the story of Dorthy's adventure They remind us that we have what it takes to overcome adversity through the powers we hold inside. Kudos to the set designers, musicians, and all things theaters; directors, producers, etc.. Only thing I would have done differently is secure the yellow brick road a bit better. Haphazardly laid rolled paper was a bit dangerous. Walking to my seat I tripped a bit over than buckle paper, not to mention the Wicked Witch of the West almost took a tumble riding out on her broom-bike. There is a lot of talent in the kids and I truly hope they stick with it. I would love to see them to the Wizard of Oz on Broadway.

I'm a SAHM and homeschooler. But when it came to my 4 year old son he was too antsy and bored…read moredespite my efforts while homeschooling my 2nd grade daughter. My mother offered to pay tuition if it was affordable. I looked around and found this little gem. Ms. Aydee is the preschool teacher. She is amazing!

Where do I even begin? I truly wanted to love this school, but it didn't take long for my instincts…read moreto tell me it wasn't the right fit for my child or our family. The academic approach is heavily based on authoritarian teaching, rote memorization, and repetitive worksheets. There is very little emphasis on critical thinking, observation-based learning, or a true classical education. Instead, students spend their days completing worksheets and then bringing home the same material to review again. The workload is repetitive, overwhelming, and leaves little room for children to simply be children. Students also receive very limited outdoor time. I've witnessed children being punished for minor behaviors, such as talking out of turn, by being required to eat lunch in the director's office or by losing physical activity as a consequence. I have also personally observed instances where both the director and head teachers spoke to children in a disrespectful, intimidating, and demeaning manner. That was extremely concerning to me. Another major issue is the constant fundraising and donation requests. Families are regularly encouraged to donate, yet I saw very few tangible improvements to the school. There is no library, the playground has not been meaningfully updated, and it's difficult to see where those funds are being invested. Even more disappointing is the culture surrounding donations, where families who don't contribute can feel judged or excluded, creating unnecessary cliques within the school community. For nearly $2,000 a month in tuition, I expected a nurturing environment that fostered curiosity, independent thinking, and a love of learning. Instead, I found a school focused on compliance, excessive repetition, and fundraising. This experience simply did not align with the educational values that were promised, and unfortunately, I cannot recommend it.

Dear Committee Members and Treasurer,…read more I hope this message reaches the owner of the school as well, as it addresses an important concern regarding the treatment of community vendors by representatives of the committee, Ani and Angie. In March, I was approached by Ani about providing floral arrangements for a Mother's Day lunch at Castaways. After a consultation to discuss details and budget, I provided a proposal, including a sample centerpiece, which the committee and parents enjoyed. We were thrilled to be selected for the event on May 3 and accepted a $1,000 deposit, as outlined in our invoice. Our proposal clearly states that deposits are nonrefundable and nontransferable, with the remaining balance due 15 days before the event. However, as the date approached, my assistant and I made several attempts to finalize details and settle the remaining balance. Ani informed us that we would need to coordinate payment through Angie. Unfortunately, our attempts to communicate with Angie were met with resistance. She questioned our request for payment ahead of the event, despite our clear policy requiring full payment prior to ordering flowers. After negotiations, Angie decided to reduce the order value from $3,800 to $2,700, leaving a balance of $1,700. We continued to reach out for the final payment, but communication was inconsistent and often unproductive. On April 17, I informed Angie that without payment, we could not proceed with the floral arrangements. After weeks of silence, I received a last-minute text from her on May 1, confirming the centerpieces, which left me frustrated. I reached out to Ani for clarification, but was met with vague responses, including claims of a check being mailed, which we never received. Ultimately, on the morning of May 2, I was informed that they were canceling their event due to our inability to order flowers--an outcome that was entirely outside our control given the lack of payment and communication from their side. This situation reflects a troubling disregard for the policies that protect our business and the community relationships we strive to maintain. I urge all vendors to be cautious when engaging with this committee. The management of this event has not only wasted our time but has also impacted our business financially. It is disheartening to see representatives of the school behave in this manner, ultimately tarnishing its reputation. I have been in business for 20 years and have worked with numerous schools, but I have never encountered such disrespect and lack of professionalism. I hope this message prompts a reconsideration of how community vendors are treated and the individuals representing the school. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please understand that as much as your concern is to remove our review, my complaint. I will rewrite and repost my review. instead of getting my complaint and feedback deleted your concern should be addressed and apologize for the inconvenience and behavior you have caused toward our company.

Coming from a supposed "top-tier/high academic" pre-school in La Canada that clearly didnt work for…read moreour child, we were overjoyed the moment we stepped foot in Tufenkian. Over the course of 5 years, our experience has been nothing short of enjoyable, pleasant, and lots of progress. In short, when your child attends Tufenkian, you turn into family. Although the academics have been excellent, it wasn't our top priority for our children given their age. Rather, we wanted a nurturing environment where the school attends to your childs being all the while dancing, learning, and making memories they'll always remember. We are incredibly grateful for everything they have done and continue to do.

During the tour, while we liked certain aspects (such as availability of teachers with our…read morepreferred dialect, the spacious lunch room, etc.) it soon became apparent that the overall school philosophy and leadership mentality was far removed from ours. Apparently, based on latest studies on pre-school education techniques (in Italy, no less!) "We don't have a set curriculum. We let the kids decide what they want to learn about each week." I'm sorry?! Talk about the inmates running the asylum! Then we were treated to a series of truly bizarre answers by the director to our questions - none of which were as outrageous as the surprised nonsensical responses would seem to suggest! Let me give you a sample... Thinking about different potential horror scenarios, such as earthquakes etc. we asked: what is the school's emergency plan like? Only to be confronted with a blank stare and a confused pause, as if this is the first time anyone has ever asked anything remotely similar, and then: "Emergency? Well we call 911!" Genius. Okay, how about this one: some schools have webcams in the classrooms that only parents can access and see their kids - do you? Sounding less than pleased, she replies: "no, we trust our teachers and don't see the need for cameras!". Good grief! The school building consists of horrible tiny messy classrooms with too much crap all over the place - hippy style approach to education during formative years when kids actually need a degree of structure and discipline. Atmosphere during recess can only be described as zoo- like. The yard, if you can call it that, is sad and underwhelming, with too many uneven surfaces, obstacles and turns, making it generally unsuitable and unsafe for kids of most ages. There is no field as far as we could tell - no clear open spaces for students to enjoy running around in and exploring nature and their surroundings. The whole place just looks like what it basically is: a series of small, claustrophobic old houses and their equally unexciting front or back yards, brought together over time and forced into becoming an educational institution - located deep in the heart of a residential area, and with prison-like walls and fences all around. Imagine something as cramped and busy as Times Square in NY, without all the glitz and glamour! I don't even want to think about what drop off and pick up would be like at this place. The main entrance is unbelievably uninviting, especially for the target age group - where typically a happy-clappy environment is created to minimize the separation anxiety and endless sobbing which usually ensues. It just had a very off-putting atmosphere - and coupled with the thoroughly unprofessional responses the director provided to what I believe were very reasonable questions, giving us zero sense of comfort, we decided it just wasn't for us. Two stars because we know people whose kids went there and they seemed satisfied so clearly it works for some.

I truly cannot say enough wonderful things about Valley Vista Preschool. Sending your children to…read morepreschool is such a big decision, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have found a place where we know they are genuinely loved, cared for, and supported every single day. The teachers and staff are exceptional. They are warm, patient, attentive, and truly invested in each child. You can tell this isn't just a job for them--they genuinely care about the kids and take the time to understand their individual personalities, strengths, and needs. What stands out most is the environment they have created. Our children are excited to go to school, they come home happy, and we have watched them grow tremendously both socially and academically. As parents, there is no better feeling than dropping your children off and knowing they are somewhere safe, nurturing, and filled with people who care about them. Valley Vista has become much more than a preschool to our family. It feels like a community, and the impact the teachers have had on our children is something we will always be grateful for. If you are a parent considering Valley Vista Preschool, I could not recommend it more highly. Five stars doesn't feel like enough.

Our family is incredibly disappointed by our experience with Valley Vista Preschool, and after…read moreeverything that has happened, we cannot recommend this school to other parents. The final straw came when our child was expelled on his birthday--the same day we had brought cupcakes to school to celebrate with his classmates. Regardless of the circumstances, there is simply no compassionate or professional way to justify delivering that news to a young child on such a meaningful day. It was heartbreaking and is something no family should have to experience. What makes this even more frustrating is that the school had insisted we complete a comprehensive evaluation through UpLift Therapy. We spent $750 on an assessment, scheduled at the school's request, because we believed we were working collaboratively to support our child. Before that evaluation could even take place, Valley Vista expelled him. Looking back, it feels as though the evaluation was never truly about helping him, but simply about justifying a decision that had already been made. Throughout our time at Valley Vista, we consistently felt that our child was singled out and treated as though something was inherently wrong with him. He is a loving, bright, energetic little boy. Like many preschoolers, he had moments of conflict and frustration. We have never excused biting or any aggressive behavior, but context matters. Preschool-aged children are still learning emotional regulation, impulse control, and conflict resolution. That is precisely why parents enroll them in preschool. The school informed us that teachers witnessed the entire interaction leading up to the incident and were in the process of intervening. If staff observed the conflict escalating before it happened, it raises an important question: why wasn't it prevented? Supervising children and intervening before situations escalate is one of the primary responsibilities of preschool staff. Despite repeatedly asking for objective documentation regarding these incidents, we were never provided with anything beyond verbal descriptions. We also never observed this level of behavior in other environments, making it difficult to understand why our child was consistently portrayed as the problem. Unfortunately, we also found certain staff members to be cold, dismissive, and lacking the warmth, patience, and encouragement that young children deserve. Children are incredibly perceptive, and they know when they are not welcomed or embraced. What became increasingly clear is that Valley Vista seems to have very little tolerance for children who require patience, guidance, or individualized support. It felt as though the expectation was for children to behave like robots--quiet, compliant, and never impulsive--instead of recognizing that preschoolers are still developing emotionally and socially. The purpose of early childhood education is not simply to teach children who are already "easy"; it is to help all children learn, grow, and navigate challenges in a safe and supportive environment. From our experience, our child was treated differently from the beginning. Whether intentional or not, he appeared to be labeled rather than supported. That differential treatment left us questioning whether he was unfairly profiled. A preschool should focus on helping children succeed--not finding reasons to exclude them when they need guidance. We understand that every school has a responsibility to keep children safe, and we respect that. However, safety and compassion are not mutually exclusive. The way this situation was handled lacked empathy, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to helping a child through a developmentally appropriate challenge. For us, this experience revealed a school that seemed more interested in maintaining an image of perfect behavior than in fulfilling the mission of early childhood education. Families deserve to know that if their child experiences behavioral challenges, Valley Vista's response may be exclusion rather than partnership. We sincerely hope the school reflects on how it supports children who need additional patience and guidance. No four-year-old should leave preschool believing they are the problem--especially on their birthday.

This public school is amazing. They have the best DLI (Dual Language Immersion) Japanese program…read more Fantastic teachers and caring staff. The new principal is Mrs. Worley and she's been great since taking over after Mrs. Stegman retired. The community of parents is extremely involved and volunteer for all the special events the school has often. This school feels more like a private school than a public one and it shows with all the kids loving their time learning. We feel lucky to be a part of Dunsmore Elementary.

Excellent Japanese immersion program. Mrs. Stegman is the principal she's awesome. Great community…read more Very safe! Not too competitive but still challenging!

Our Lady of Lourdes in Tujunga has been such a wonderful experience for my daughter and our family…read more The academics are strong and well-structured, and I've seen real growth in her learning and confidence. The teachers are caring, attentive, and truly invested in each student's success, which makes a big difference. The school also has a strong sense of structure and decorum, especially with uniforms that help create a respectful and focused learning environment. There is a real sense of community here--families are involved, supported, and welcomed, which makes it feel like more than just a school. We also appreciate the spiritual foundation of the school. Weekly church on Fridays and family mass on Sundays help strengthen faith and bring everyone together in a meaningful way. Nothing makes me happier than being able to participate and watch my child present and read during Mass, take part in class projects, and see her excitement in sharing what she has learned. My daughter truly loves attending this school, and as a parent, I am very happy and grateful for the positive environment, values, and education she is receiving.

I sent my kid here in grade school after worrying about influences outside of our own and…read morestruggling academically in the public system. My kid is now graduating Catholic high school with a 3.1 GPA, and I credit this school and their environment, period.

This school has nothing but the best interest for not only my kids but for me as well. The…read moreprincipal, teachers and office staff are the BEST I've ever encountered! Even the families of the other students are willing to help out if needed! Go Lions!

A wonderful school! My kids loved it! Principle Williams is hands on and attentive. My guy is…read moregraduating and im sad! Great teachers! Great special ed also!

We've had such a wonderful experience at TCPA. From the very beginning, the teachers and staff have…read moreshown genuine care and concern for the children, which has given us so much peace of mind. The healthy meals they provide every day are such a relief as a parent--I never have to worry about what my child is eating while at school. The activities they plan are always thoughtful, engaging, and fun. My son has loved the special events like the petting zoo, reptiles visit, and the parent/grandparent days that made the whole family feel welcome and involved. It's clear that the school goes above and beyond to create not just a learning environment, but a joyful and nurturing community. We are so grateful to have found this school and would highly recommend it to any family looking for a safe, caring, and enriching place for their little one!

My older daughter started at this school few years ago and now my second daughter attends as well…read more It's always nerve wrecking leaving your child in someone else's care, but I have always felt so at ease leaving my kids there. They always come home happy and are excited to go the next day. The staff is not only very attentive, but care about each child. Not only do they offer academic support, getting them ready for elementary school. But they are learning social skills, while having fun. They offer many fun activities for the kids as well. I am very happy with TCPA. My son is going to start next year, and I already am very excited.