Sierra Canyon School

My student was very disappointed in the college counseling. The counselor didn t think outside the box, or take the time to truly get to know my Student. The session was very generic. The school focuses on the top percent, which would get into the top college regardless of where they went to high school.
--Submitted by a parent

I was a student at Sierra from 2nd-8th grade. I always loved it - the fieldtrips are always absolutely incredible. The staff is your second family and the academics are very, very challenging. I was in the honors program and all my teachers were incredible. Unfortunately, it is highly overpriced and the kids are extremely privileged on the whole. The high school has far more expenses to pay with "Peak Week", books, and tuition in general. On the whole, I would not take anything in place of Sierra. It was a great elementary school. I now attend a more reasonably priced and reputable high school - Chaminade. The dynamic is very different and I love it.

My student attended the High School- they found the English & history department exceptional, however the Math department was lacking. This school has no clear progressive Math program. many parents have complained to administration that several students are not prepared for Math the following year, regardless of their stellar grade. The administration refuses to address this problem-Additionally, The High School has a lackluster college counseling program. Despite the hyperbolic hype about the counselors... it was just that, hype....
--Submitted by a parent

We have been at the Sierra Canyon lower school for 3 years now, and we are thrilled with our experience. It has a very warm and "family" feel from the founders of the school (who come by rather often), to the administration to the staff. It's a great group of kids. They are respectful, accepting of diversity and have an overall good time while learning at an incredible speed. The kids do not seemed overwhelmed or stressed out. The food they offer is fresh and high quality, they have an in-house garden that parents and kids foster. If desired, there are a plethera of parent involvement opportunities. There is no pressure, but the opportunities are endless and it's fantastic. This school is willing to make change based on feedback like I have never seen. Everyone's voice is heard. It's unreal. We have found our home and have no plans of leaving!
--Submitted by a parent

A warning to all the parents. My duaghter broke her right arm with 2 broken bones on the right hand. The reason: there was no one there to tell her not sit on the fence. Not even a phone call after I took her to hospital to see how she is doing. All they care is collecting money thats all. I wished they could just call and feel sorry for what happened to my daughter. The phone call I receive was from their administrator after I complained and informed them that she had a broken hand. Her escuse was that she was busy with paperwork and couldn't make a call to see what happened. I am usually not a person who complains I just care about your children being safe and all I am telling you is please be careful. You don't know what my daughter had to go through with her injury.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a very very good school. Academically they out perform a lot of other better known schools. The school is building out the sports programs - after that will be the arts programs. The administration is 100% open to feedback and there is a true open door policy. They are a young school and do need to raise money and have parental involvement to build out the facilities, finish the non-academic programming and build up the parent-school infrastructure.. Being a young school means that parents can have a lot of impact with what is going on. Given the tuition (lower than Oakwood, Buckley, Viewpoint, Campbell Hall), this is a very good value for the money.
--Submitted by a parent

Our daughter has been at Sierra Canyon School since 1st grade. We are extremely happy with the school's teaching philosophy and the supportive staff and administration. They treat my child as if she was their own. The academics are outstanding and with the new athletic director, the sports teams are solid and at the top in standings. College counseling support is tremendous. The merger of the upper school and lower school is complete and it feels great. An upper school gym is being built and soon there will be a multi-purpose building on the lower campus. We couldn't be happier at Sierra Canyon!
--Submitted by a parent

For the parent who asked about Ingenium Charter School, here is their web site, IngeniumSchools.org. Hope this is helpful for you -- so many folks are having the same challenges with tuition.

An excellent school that provides a perfect foundation for college. We sent our child here from a public school. The attentive and supportive teachers are great and he is thriving. The only drawback is the constant need to pay for "extras" like books, trips and tons of other things throughout the year that can really add up, on top of the high tuition. But even with that, we feel this is the best chance we can give our child for a successful future so it's worth it in the end.
--Submitted by a parent

What every school should be like.....Unbelievable grounds and program is second to none..All 3 of my kids have thrived!!!
--Submitted by a parent