De la Salle School

This school is WONDERFUL! My daughter has been here since kindergarten and will graduate from 8th grade this year. I researched carefully before enrolling her. She has flourished academically, spiritually and socially as a direct result of attending this school. The principal and VP are young and enthusiastic. The teachers constantly work to improve the curriculum. The administration is open to parent suggestions and is working on a technology plan and foreign language option. The majority of parents are involved and caring. I have read the negative reviews on this site, and they do not at all reflect our experience at DLS. I have had an opportunity to observe for 9 years now, and I have seen a small number of very vocal parents who either resent being asked to volunteer or fundraise, or have children who have been disciplined. Unfortunately, these parents gripe, gossip and obviously post on this site before leaving the school. However, the vast majority of the DLS parents are amazing people who love their kids and want to provide a top notch education for a fraction of the price of other private schools. DLS is a family, and I am glad my daughter was a part of it.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been happy with the religious education our children have received and with what they have been learning for the most part. However, the school lacks effective communication and from the start we were left confused and uncertain of what was expected of us. The school, from the teachers to the principal do very little to support or engage new parents or provide them with tools to be active members of the community. We have not had a positive experience. Our child's teacher is reactionary; she punishes for behavior she deems inappropriate and does not work to avoid situations that might cause a repeat of unwelcome behaviors. Sadly, she is not alone. The school on the whole is reactionary. They overreact and punishments are inappropriate (detention for Kindergartners who play roughly and detention for late arrivals). Rather than make changes to the supervision and avoid any other issues, they expect the punishment to be a deterrent. We have been made to feel as if there is something wrong with our child and the school has continued to show us over and over again that they are not willing to work with us for a more positive experience.
—Submitted by a parent

Unfortunately I can not recommend De la Salle the school has gone through so many changes its become a revolving door of who is who at DLS. The new principal I found to be unengaged with the students and parents and for me this was a huge reason for leaving DLS. I look forward to the time DLS can get back to what is important a decent education, good solid teachers, and great leadership the students deserve that.
—Submitted by a parent

DLS is a great school! We have been through a lot of change, but that is what is necessary to continue to grow and be the school our students need us to be. We instill a strong Catholic lifestyle not only through our teachings, but as life examples. We are quickly integrating technology into our classrooms and through fundrasing have purchased many new devices. Our computer center is up an running to provide students with skills necessary for the real world. We have great art and music teachers who bring the fine arts alive in our classrooms. All of our teachers are devoted and are very skilled at their craft. Most importantly, the staff works together as a collaberative team to ensure that the childrens' best interest and needs are being met. We are also implementing the Common Core Curriculum to keep our students challeneged and on track. Transitional Kinder classes will begin in January for those that are ready! Stop on by and check us out, we are always here for you.
—Submitted by a teacher

This school has gone thru many changes; I can say that because I am a De La Salle parent since 2003. The most positive change has been the transition of the new principal Monica Castaneda. She is a vibrant and positive mentor not only for the children but for the entire school. My oldest son graduated in 2010 and is an honor student at Bell Jeff High School in Burbank, he was able to accomplish this with the values and goals that not only we as parents instill, but also with the help of the teachers at De La Salle. This schools mission and values are truly based on values on respect, caring and education goals for all students. We would truly recommend this school to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

my kids are currently enrolled in the school. we just received info from the school that there will be a tuition fee increase in the next school year. the reason being that the pastor and the current principal thinks that other surrounding catholic schools currently demands a higher tuition fee than de lasalle. the reason other schools in the locale has a higher tuition fee is because that they perform better than delasalle and have something else to offer like computer labs and enrichment programs, etc... sad to say that although my kids are going to miss their friends in delasalle cause they are going to another catholic school next year..
—Submitted by a parent

good school. i wonder why you people think it's bad. i really like the glee club because it allows participation to show what you got in your talents. the teachers are good. the activities are well organized, but i think the edu. is very slow, and studying at a lower level. some of the main office people should go because they rarely do anything but talk about unnecessary subjects.

I love De La Salle. We have so much to offer the children, glee club, sports, chess club , Decatholon, swim team, and student council. I have been at DLS for nine years. My kids are happy and they are doing great in their studies. We have a lot of great families. They welcome parent participation. We are a great school!
—Submitted by a parent

Not recommended... your child deserves better! The Good - Most of the teachers are wonderful & really seem to care about the students. Parents get along & create a family feel to this school. The Bad - No computer lab, very limited extra curricular activities, higher tuition this year, 25 volunteer hours required, new mandatory fundraising fee, no financial aid. The Ugly - Teachers complain the school does not support them, administration & office staff are very standoff-ish (it's their way or the highway), school doesn't invest $ in the kids or classrooms, the school Pastor is unfriendly, & the school is run like a dictatorship, so if you are not happy about something - too bad! Before enrolling, view the student stats on this website to see if you fit in. To the "appalled" reviewer below who blames the parents for the school "falling apart", it's not the parents that took away the computer lab, eliminated extra curricular activities, & won't provide the teachers with what they need in their classrooms. Stop blaming the parents for the administrations decisions. And the new principal is just reinforcing all the bad decisions of the past, so no, he is not making things better here.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is getting a great education here. The principal change and the departure of some teachers has made a world of difference. I am very happy with the middle school program!
—Submitted by a parent

The school is heading in the right direction. There are still a couple of teachers that need to retire but overall most of the teachers are enthusiastic about teaching the children.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm completely appalled at most of the reviews the people have given to this school. They have been saying that the school has a bad reputation, and that it is an utter mess. Those who have commented their negative point of view are just wrong. They have underestimated what this school can bring to a child's growth and development . And to all of those who gave bad reviews you are one of the reasons why this school is falling apart. You are making it fall apart, when the state it was before was excellent. The teachers are great,and bring extraordinary encouragement to the children, which help them succeed in the future. The new principal is just amazing ,and he can bring this school to success.

Horrible, Just horrible! The previous Principal left the Teachers and new Principal with a complete and utter mess to clean up. The reputation of this school is all but destroyed. In this day and age it is almost incomprehensible that this school does not have a computer lab!
—Submitted by a parent

Bad news still remains. The news of the principle retiring was good to hear... however the vice principle remains with no interest in the childrens education, safety and growth. No computer lab. There are preferences to those who volunteer all their time (best if your a stay home mom/dad. Overworked teachers with no appreciation, and intimidated to ask for help.
—Submitted by a parent

Just ended a 54 year family attendance record with this school. New hires are week. Administration needs to retire. Not enough participation by families. Computer lab closed (necessary in todays world--to bad nobody cares). Families are fleeing at a fever pitch, , so if you want your child to have a mediocre education, there's plenty of space available. Invest the time to choose a school that will give your kids the education they need, and the respect YOU deserve!
—Submitted by a parent

I just graduated from DLS and i agree that the principal doesn't do much about minor and major problems, the education is moderate and i had no problem with the homework. Now, the class size wasn't that big to me, but to parents, maybe it's a different point of view. My 8th grade was class great i considered them family. It isn,t a perfect school, but they should seriously work on the academics. The new teachers are not good, putting terms lightly. But, if you ask me, 'Whats did you like most about De La Salle.' My last answer would be 'the academics.'

Anyone who says that the safety at De La Salle is average is spilling sour grapes. There is exceptional supervision. Like other private schools, conduct is important. Kids with the right attitude can flourish.
—Submitted by a parent

I took my kids out of De la Salle. Some of the teachers crushed my kids spirits...teachers could not handle their class size..principle does nothing to fix the problems. They need to hire teachers with credentials, the public schools are way ahead of this school. To make up for religion put them in CCD classes. Kids are doing so much better now, and I feel like when they get into college they will so much more prepared.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been in this school for two years, and it has beena positive experience for her. Her kindergarten and first grade teacher have been nothing but supportive and encouraging. Parent involvement is important as it is with any school if you want your child to succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had my son at this school for the past 6 years. Im very happy with my sons achievements there at DLS. Our childrens success is measured by the quality of the teachers but more importantly by the parent involvement. Im very involved in the school functions and always in contact with the teachers and staff, hence my sons success. The people who complain the loudest are probably those who participate the least!!!
—Submitted by a parent