LePort School

BEWARE OF BULLYING!! I am very sad to write this review as my older son went to this school before it became Le Port (it was Carden) and loved it. Since that time, many experienced and incredible teachers have been let go and along with it, the school in my opinion has really deteriorated in many areas. Most concerning was this past year I had to remove my son from the school due to bullying. We met with the administration regarding the bully and this bully has been allowed to stay in the school despite repeated disciplinary action. This only fostered bullying from other children when they saw their are no repercussions. I am told at least one other student also had left and this was at least part of the reason. Not a healthy or positive environment for our child. We have since moved to Carden Conservatory on Clark St. in Huntington Beach and our child absolutely loves this school. The faculty and the facilities are incredible and the play areas are much, much larger. We could not be happier with this change. I sadly could not recommend ANYONE to go to Le Port.
—Submitted by a parent

We're just so pleased to be a part of the LePort Montessori family. These are some of the most wonderful teachers and staff we've ever met. Our experience includes other local Montessori schools and without a doubt the curriculum, campus and team of educators far surpassed our expectations when we moved our daughter here. Everyone is caring, professional, knowledgable, and always has a smile on their face, it's clear staff actually enjoy their jobs. The director is a lovely lady who enjoys learning about the children and is constantly looking at ways to further enhance the campus. I would very highly recommend this school to my friends and am actively involved in getting some of our parent friends to follow us and move their kids to LePort HB Pier. Their progrssive and dynamic classrooms and teachers truly embrace the montessori teachings and embrace the concepts. I'd be delighted to speak to prospective parents any aspect should you be interested.
—Submitted by a parent

I was recently notified that our student is in the photo that is being used for advertising purposes for this school. The photo is utilized on this site as well as others. Ms. Stewart, Head of School, was notified not to use photos of our student when we terminated enrollment due to what we considered a lack of good educational program in the 1st - 3rd Montessori class. LePort School should be using photos of students that are actually enrolled in their program.
—Submitted by a parent

My 2-yr old son absolutely LOVED their Mommy & Me class! I did as well. It was great introducing my son to a classroom environment, and the Montessori method specifically, at such a young age. Our teacher Miss Janine was amazing! Her friendly, relaxed demeanor was very inviting & my son fell in love with her instantly. At the end of each class, he would excitedly run over and shower her with goodbye hugs and cheek kisses. Having a teacher your child respects and loves is so important and we found that here at LePort. Beyond the Amazing Miss Janine, the entire staff as a whole was super friendly and helpful also. Always happy to see you and available to answer any questions. Great school and great introductory program! Definitely money well spent! Looking forward to the next Mommy & Me session & then getting him enrolled full-time next fall.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 3 children that attend the LePort school in HB and have done so for the past 3 school years. When my wife and I enrolled our children the school was still the Carden Academy and used the Carden teaching method. Now that it's a LePort school they have switched to the Montessori method and it has been the single best thing to happen for my children and their education. All 3 of my kids LOVE school... they can't wait to get there every day, they love to do their homework at night and they're proud of their work and accomplishments at school. The staff is young and motivated to teach and this translates back to the students in multiple positive ways. The curriculum is demanding and comprehensive but not to the point of being a burden on the students or parents. To put it simply, my children love school and their desire to learn and grow has never been stronger. I can't recommend the LePort school any more strongly... if you want your children to be educated at the highest levels and absolutely love it in the process then this is where you need to send them.
—Submitted by a parent

I met Dr. LePort in the spring of 2011. After listening to his background and his vision, my instincts told me that Dr. LePort has a passion for children and it is his mission to provide an alternative to an educational system plagued by bureaucracy and inefficiencies. We are now entering the tenth week of my daughter s final year at the little school on Utica Avenue. I could not be more pleased on how the concerns from last spring have been answered. The staff involved with the hiring of new teachers did a spectacular job! Without exception, the teachers have a passion and enthusiasm for teaching that is having an impact on our young adult s attitude toward learning The kids are having fun! I had the opportunity to speak to several parents during the annual Halloween Carnival The general consensus .. The transition has been an extremely positive.. My only question Can you please have the high school ready by the fall of 2013?
—Submitted by a parent

My son recently started 6th grade at LePort Huntington Pier. The transition has been a positive experience for both of us. What strikes me as the most outstanding attribute is the tremendous enthusiasm of all of the staff. The teachers couple this fervor with highly individualized attention to both the student and parent alike. There is a steady contact between the educators and the parents and any emails that I have sent are promptly and personally answered in detail. Hats off to LePort Huntington Pier Campus !!
—Submitted by a parent

LePort - Huntington Pier Great school since new owner from LePort Schools take over. New staff members with full of energy are willing to work one-on-one with your kids. Thumbs-up for what they're achieving at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I come from a Mae Carden background of child education and wholly endorsed their methods of teaching. About two years ago, LePort Schools purchased Carden Academy of Huntington Beach. While I was hesitant at first, I am really buying in to their way of teaching. I have talked with other parents and their children, like my own, seem to be much more engaged with the LePort teaching methods; the students prefer the LePort over Carden methods of teaching. Keeping our children engaged and hungry for knowledge is half the battle of educating our children. The LePort teachers are winning this battle and as a result, our children our flourishing. The energy level is up in the classrooms. The questions asked of our children encourage thought and reasoning. I even get an email from at least one of my daughters five teachers on a weekly basis commenting on my child s progress or keeping us up to date on activities in the classroom. I am very pleased that my child is getting a topnotch education.
—Submitted by a parent

Having Le Port Schools bring such a positive change to its Huntington Pier campus has been energizing for my children and their love of learning. The staff and teachers bring an enthusiasm and quality of teaching that is engaging my children and making them embrace their education. I know the Le Port experience will provide a foundation of invaluable tools for living a full life. Learning to thrive as a person with integrity and having an eagerness to learn is a gift that Le Port is sharing with our children. Thank you.
—Submitted by a parent

Carden is an excellent school that had fallen on a bit of hard times (though not too hard) over the past couple of years due to the past owner's significant and legitimate personal issues. I believe that the new owner will build on what is good about Carden (fine existing faculty and curriculum) and return the school to its former greatness. Three, FYI's - first, my wife has taught at Carden since 2003; second, I am an educator myself; and third, our daugher is a student there even though our neighborhood public elementary school is a good one.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son attended Carden Academy, those were the most productive years of his education. It was worth all the tuition money spent on his education. Our only regret is that Carden stops at 8th grade and does not go through high school. I have known the kindergarten teacher for a long time. She is a hard working individual and she puts her heart and soul into her classroom. I agree there have been problems in the past with the owner, however, Carden is now being purchased by a surgeon who owns other schools. Dr. Peter LePort and his management team have new ideas for the betterment and improvement of Carden, both the physical campus and academically. My advise, as a proud Carden parent, is to take a look at the Carden Academy of Huntington Beach website, take a tour of the school, ask questions and come to your own conclusions.
—Submitted by a parent

In response to the parent who reviewed the school in September, perhaps a grammar lesson from one of the Carden teachers is in order. My child has been at Carden since kindergarten. I am continually amazed at what she can accomplish. I see her work come home and wonder how the Carden teachers can acheive so much in such a short school day. I gladly write my check each month knowing that my child is getting an invaluable education that will serve her well. God Bless Carden Academy and all it's teachers and staff.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has attended Carden for 6 years. I am very pleased with the strong foundation the QUALIFIED Elementary teachers have given her. This foundation has provided her with the knowledge and confidence needed to be successful in the Middle School program here at Carden. We love the changes the NEW OWNERS have implemented.
—Submitted by a parent

The preschool program is okay...class size are still 12 to 1 teacher ratio. In Kindergarten the class size went up to as many as 24 students. I had to pull my son out because he can't read when he finished the K program in this school. It was a waste of time and money on this school. The teachers are not carden trained or have teacher credential, she was just a mom...what a ripped off!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I agreed to a parent's review dated in Januray about this school. We've been there and done that. We pulled our child out for the very same reasons. The school combined classes and hired teacher at the very last second before school started. Also, most or all good teachers mentioned in the previous review, like Mrs. Stanley was no longer there for a very long time. Do your researches before you decided to go with this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Carden Academy of Huntington Beach is an amazing school. My daughter loves her teacher and she learns something new every single day. I love knowing she is in a caring and safe environment. Classes are small and every child gets one on one attention from their teacher. Carden is a perfect fit for her.
—Submitted by a parent

As a Mother I so appreciate this school. I know my children are safe, well taken care of and learning a tremendous amount of information on a daily basis. My children love going to school and they love their teachers. Since this school has fewer children in each classroom the teachers are more able to give one -on- one attention. I never worry about my two children falling through the cracks. The staff as a whole is understanding and kind with an intense desire to give every child attending a fantastic educational experience. It took us awhile to find this school, but we are so glad we did. We couldn't imagine going anywhere else. Carden Academy's standards are high and their staff's hearts are warm. We just wish the school continued into high school! We would definitely choose to stay. Thank you.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is just finishing his first year (the 3 year old program) in Carden. Learning has been a fun experience for him. He has imbibed so much without realizing that he has. Don t be fooled by the old building; what a child gleans from there is exceptional. The teachers are responsive, caring, attentive & aware of the individual needs of each child thereby interacting with them accordingly. I believe that the foundation has to be solid & secure & Carden Academy gives you that. I am so glad that I chose the Carden method to introduce him to learning. An essential for a lifetime.
—Submitted by a parent

This Carden is NOT worth your money. Ask about SAT scores & SEE real numbers. Kindergarten class my child was in scored 70%, then 1st Grade class scored 60%, my child tested in 95%.To make matters worse, 2010-2011 school year the OWNER decides to combine 2 & 3rd grade, due to low enrollment . She did this 2 days before school started and had no real answers for parents who asked questions. Come to find out, 5 3rd graders were "placed" into the 2nd grade class for extra "help". If kids need extra help, they should make the teachers available to them, but not at the cost of other childrens time & attention. There is no real language class for lower grades, 15 minutes a week. The Owner makes decisions on a whim and tries to sell the idea later, after she collects your money. As a Parent, you need to ask many questions to get real answers about what is going on in the classroom and it's up to the OWNER as to how honest she is and her "true" motivations. The OWNER plays by her own rules and even staff feel frustrated. Field trips are nice, however, they cost $20, even if they are on campus.There are better Cardens for your money, my child now goes to one and it's not HB!
—Submitted by a parent