Fairmont Preparatory Academy

I graduated from Fairmont last year. I was a former student, so I was not concerned with tuition prices. I went to fairmont all of my life, so my parents were constantly paying the high tuition prices. Like most experiences in life, Fairmont is great if you choose to take advantage of all that they have to offer. Now that I'm in college, I can easily say that Fairmont spoiled me in a sense. Their large array of ready-to-listen counselors and teachers is now a much missed support system that I loved. Their academic programs like Cal's famous Calculus class makes me feel like a genius in my math classes now. Don't overlook their extracurriculars either. Fairmont is for people who want to excel.

Fairmont's university outcomes speak for themselves. Have a look at the facts and you will see why it remains one of the best schools in the area. Fairmont is doing a superb job in producing well rounded students who are critical thinkers, keep up the great work!

Our daughter used to attend Fairmont Prep last year, but there were and probably still are too many international students. The admissions director and headmaster basically stated, "Take it or leave." So we left! The tuition is extremely high for the lackluster quality of teaching and we were very disappointed. It would seem that they promote one thing and yet are truly another. I would not recommend this school to anyone!
--Submitted by a parent

This school seems to have ethical and financial problems. They over-charged the tuition ahead of time and lied about refunds, even upon cancellation. Parents beware! Be careful in your choice.
--Submitted by a parent

I went to Fairmont back in the 80's (K-8) and I can still say to this day that I have an advantage over my peers because of the superior education I received. It is an incredible school and I still remember all of my teachers distinctly. I only wish that the high school had been open when I graduated from 8th grade.

I am a long time Fairmont parent who has sent multiple children to this school. When my older kids went to the Prep, I thought this was a wonderful school and my kids where well prepared for college. My youngest child, however, has had a different experience. While my child will be prepared for college, the experience was not as good as my older childen had. I attribute this difference to the desire of the head master to have a football team at the school. As a result of this goal, the quality of students has gone down and with this difference has come more discipline and social issues. If I was choosing a high school today, I don't think I would pick this one as many of the reasons I liked Fairmont seem to be gone now.
--Submitted by a parent

If you're a teacher looking for work, DO NOT apply for a job at this school. After multiple interviews and doing a sample lesson, I was offered a job to work there. Two weeks before the school year started, the school called me and said I didn't have a job. They said the contract I signed was null and that they were sorry but the enrollment numbers dropped lower than they expected. They are also the lowest paying school in the area. I have two MA's, a credential, and ten years teaching experience. I was offered 40K. That's why there's so much teacher turnover.

As a school administrator I was surprised to read the review about Fairmont Prep being overpriced. While Fairmont has increased tuition moderately over the past few years, we have been open about communicating the increase as lower than other private schools around the country who have had to increase tuition at higher rates due to loss in endowment and donation revenue. We have also been clear about the value that the increases support including new library resources, facility upgrades, the launch of our new Engineering Magnet, additional college counselors, etc. We have heard many positive things from parents and students this year who have been very pleased by these new programs and changes, and as a school, are proud to be delivering on our promise to provide the best possible college prep education to students in Southern California.

For what they offer, this school is significantly overpriced. The administration has significantly raised tuition fees for the last two years and tacks on additional tuition for medical magnet students, as well. This is not the norm, though they would tell you it is. The teaching staff seems to change frequently, as well. There are better schools out there, IMO.
--Submitted by a parent

I sent my daughter to Fairmont in the hopes she would develop better English skills. I later discover that almost 70% of the student body is Asian (a Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese mix) and these students do not integrate with each other. After two years (and two heavy tuition hikes), I saw no improvement in my child's English skills and moved her to Mater Dei where she has had a much more rounded experience. The faculty at Fairmont are competent, but the tuition is too high. Overall, I found the facilities lacking and the campus too small. The tuition keeps going
--Submitted by a parent