Canoga Park Senior High School

I was very impressed with the school when I first sent my children there. Unfortunately, things have changed. The new principle has implemented some good changes but generally administration has become unresponsive to parents' concerns. That attitude has spread downward to some of the teachers. Some teachers are great though! But the general lack of response has me thinking of pulling my children out.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended this school and it offered all the tools I needed for success. Canoga park is not perfect. Unfortunately, like any other school it does have its bad crowds, so it really all comes down to who the students choose to be and how they choose to act. However, overall Canoga is a great school. It offers various challenging courses, and leadership positions the teachers are very attentive and tutoring is offered after school. Last but not least, the fact that it is a small school really does help kids get around and get to know each other like a family.

I have two children in the magnet program. It's a great school, small and in need of a facelift. The teachers and administration for the most part are excellent and extremely responsive. As with any school, parent involvement varies but I would highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My two sons have graduated from CPHS, with my first son, I wanted him to go to El Camino HS, big mistake. CPHS is small, you get to know the teachers well, if you take your time for your kids and both graduated with honors. Be involved in your child's education and it will pay off.
—Submitted by a parent

Great, Safe school! I would recommend it to anyone! It has some great teachers and some not so great but besides that it's a small school that makes it safe
—Submitted by a parent

Great environment. Friendly students. Excellent teachers. The best school I've seen in years.
—Submitted by a parent

I am currently enrolled at Canoga and will soon be graduating. I am part of the magnet program, which as helped me greatly with my pursuit of a career in veterinary. I have enjoyed my time here and I think it is the best school I have attended so far. All the teachers and counselors care for the students and there are many activities that students may be involved in. The teachers and counselors are always concerned with each individual and what their plans are for their future. I know that Canoga has had a bad reputation but it has made a tremendous improvement. Many have wondered why I chose to go to Canoga since it is a 'bad' school and believe that I have made a mistake. I can honestly say that I am proud to be a Hunter. Revolutionaries Class of 2008!
—Submitted by a student

Excellent school. Students attend major colleges , example Berkeley, UCLA , UCSB etc. This years soccer team is ranked #1 in the city, the Daily News, the state and the nation. Teachers and counselors care about the students. One of the smallest traditional schools in the city. 'Best kept secret.'
—Submitted by a parent

If you expect your child to remain in the AP/Honors curriculum, Canoga remains competitive with more reputable schools. The extracurriculars offered are excellent.
—Submitted by a former student

* The Parent Reviews section is primarily designed for parents of past and current students at the school to submit reviews. We do, however, accept reviews from teachers, administrators, staff and students, provided that they meet our editorial guidelines. * There is a 150-word maximum on school reviews. People are more likely to read your review if you keep it short. * Reviews should focus on the overall current quality of the school and should be helpful to a large number of other parents. * Don't overgeneralize or use hearsay; be specific and give examples. (For example, instead of saying, 'Everyone says this school is great,' say, 'My son's teacher worked one-on-one with him and boosted his confidence as a reader.') * Don't use profanity or make inflammatory or hateful remarks. * Do spell check your review before submitting. GreatSchools.org does not edit reviews for spelling or punctuation, unless such errors interfere with the meaning of the review. * Don't make your comments in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. * GreatSchools.org will only publish one review per school for each email address. If you submit an additional or new review for a school, it will automatically override the first review. * GreatSchools.org reserves the right to edit reviews and may refuse to post any review that it deems inappropriate. Editors do not correct spelling or grammar, unless it is necessary for clarification. * GreatSchools.org reserves the right to withhold publishing of reviews from invalid email addresses. Sample Reviews of Schools: 'Both my children have gone to ANLC since they were 5 years old. ANLC is a school where the children come first. Each child is encouraged to do their personal best without being labeled as the smart or dumb kids. The teachers are highly skilled and work hard to bring out the best in each child. The principal is kind and knows each child by name. She is a great example of a leader and I will miss seeing her everyday as my daughter graduates this year. Thank you ANLC for bringing out the best in my children and giving them the encouragement and confidence they need to go out into the world! ' 'This school has been a big disappointment. It is probably fine for most kids, but our eighth grader needs accelerated learning opportunities which have not been available. Its outstanding music program dramatically deteriorated while my child was here, so that it is at best mediocre currently. The special advanced algebra class for 8th grade was cancelled just before he reached 8th grade, and the caliber of most of his English teachers has been shockingly poor. It has therefore given none of the advantages of a huge school, with all of the disadvantages. I can recommend it only in contrast to most of t
—Submitted by a parent

The school is one of the smallest. It has a small student population when compared to others in the district. As a parent you have to be on top of administration so that your child can get the appropiate classes. Somewhat safe school but they lack a strong dean and principal.
—Submitted by a former student

Canoga Park High School is the best kept secret in the LAUSD. With a small enrollment, it is one of the smallest 'traditional' high schools in the city. The teachers care about the students and work hard to achieve academic success. Class sizes are small, usually under 30 students/class. The small class size allows teachers to give individualized help. Many teachers are available during lunch and after school for tutoring (without extra pay) Extracurricular activities are great. Drama and band teachers are excellent. Coaches are great, following LAUSD's motto 'Pursuing victory with honor.' My daughter graduated in June. The valdictorian went to MIT, other students are attending UCSB, UCLA, Mt. St. Mary's, Cal Lutheran, Berkley etc. The class of 2004 received over $500,000 in scolarship monies. (Just under 300 graduated) My son is a sophomore. Call the school, they will allow a tour. Check out the Magnet program.
—Submitted by a parent

I think Canoga Park is not a good school. I mean it probably depends on the teacher. SOme are good , Some aren't so good. Basically, not a lot of people in this school have the urge to graduate. it has a bad reputation.
—Submitted by a student

I have just switched out of Canoga Park High. The teachers were great and the counselors actually were concerned about each and every student, whether they recieved strait A's or strait Fails. Despite the excellent staff, the sports program isn't that great, although most of the coaches weren't that bad. When it comes to school spirit and the students, the school looks horrible. There are racial issues and gang violence, and most of the students will probably not attend college. If anything, junior college. The peer pressure is unbearable.
—Submitted by a parent

My son graduated in 2001 and has gone on to study at CSUN. He enjoyed his years at CPHS and thanks the teachers and staff for a great education. My daughter will graduate this June and has enjoyed a similar experience. Both of my children are very proud to have attended CPHS and thankful for their education. It is a real shame that the majority of parents are not involved in their childrens education. It is also a shame that the district continues to cut funding for important programs and teachers when it continues to bloat itself and accomplish nothing.
—Submitted by Daryl Fielder, a parent