Flintridge Preparatory School

This school is one of the best academic school in the U.S. Students are wonderful.
--Submitted by a parent

Flintridge Prep was the best choice for both of our children. The environment that Prep fosters led both to excellence in academics and a sense of community. Yes, their athletic facilities are not top notch and could be upgraded, but if that's what you are looking for, there are plenty of other schools that make athletics the priority. That's not what we were looking for. Prep staff and teachers know every student and have a strong sense of acceptance to differences in culture and lifestyle, all while encouraging academic and emotional growth. There are some with money at Prep, but it was never blatant or obnoxious. If you are looking for an environment that encourages academics, personal integrity and a sense of community, Prep may be the school for your child. We couldn't have wished for a better experience for our family.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a superb school. Our child has been here for two years and absolutely loves it. The academics are top-notch and the students are very friendly, articulate, and just plain nice kids. There are no cliques, and the children get along with each other very well. Our child is a well-rounded student, but relatively gifted in a couple areas. Because of this, we weren't sure if we should have sent her to a "high pressure/high profile" school instead. (She was accepted at every school to which she applied.) After doing our research, and talking to current parents and students at all the schools, we chose Prep. It was the best decision we ever made. The school is excellent in all respects. It allows her to explore new things--drama, different sports, etc.--while fully engaging her in the areas in which she already excels.
--Submitted by a parent

Flintridge Prep promotes student growth through student-faculty interactions and rigorous, college-preparatory academics. Students are bright; still there is some range in student talent that serves to strengthen the school. Prep realizes that increasing diversity is a priority. The distinguishing feature of Prep is the academic focus that emulates a liberal arts curriculum. Students are encouraged to strive yet seek balance in their experiences. There is a professional development program for faculty. The administration is student-focused, not solely driven by fundraising. The school has a sense of humor. Prep is willing to experiment. For example, while Prep has a rigorous but not impossible homework load, some departments are testing if 15% less homework still realizes excellent learning outcomes. Prep s honor code includes teachers and parents. My only one truly concerning feature of Prep the gym is close to the 210 (noisy!). Otherwise, it is an academic oasis.
--Submitted by a parent

Flintridridge Prep is for rich kids who may not be able to cope with more acadmically oriented schools. The ivory tower structure of the school promotes cliques and does not socially prepare students for the real world or for college. The school seems to keep out children with disabilities and poor children. On the plus size, a big donation allows any family to buy admittance for their child.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a terrific school for our bright, sensitive, and friendly son who is in his second year of middle school. He came from a non-La Canada public school and has done very well there academically, socially, and personally. A long-time club swimmer, he has been encouraged to--and has participated in--other sports (water polo, basketball). No one mocked his less than stellar abilities in either sport. Alex Rivera, the Director of Athletics AND middle school basketball coach, had him play in EVERY game. Alex Rivera does a great job of taking advantage of every player's abilities. There is a superb balance, and the school educates the "whole" person. Yes, there are students from very wealthy families just as there are some from less economically advantaged families such as ours. Terrific mentoring by teachers and students, respectful and considerate students and teachers--we are delighted with Prep.
--Submitted by a parent

Flintridge Prep is as proud of its athletics program as it is of its academics. The athletics philosophy is one of integrity, discipline, and respect. We have several coaches who are also teachers. At the beginning of every athletic season, coaches hold a meeting with parents. If a parent or an athlete has an issue or concern throughout the season, the coaches and the Director of Athletics will work to arrange a solution. ACL, the Athletic Council on Leadership, is a student-athlete organization. Members of ACL demonstrate leadership at all levels of the school organization, emphasizing the personal integrity that is at the foundation of the school's coaching philosophy. Any prospective family who has questions about the athletics program at Flintridge Prep is welcome to contact Athletic Director Alex Rivera.
--Submitted by a teacher

Intimate learning environment fostered by teacher's who love what they do. The academics at prep are top-notch. The math department could use some help, but new teachers hired in 2009-2010 indicate a step to further improve the program. As a student-athlete and four-year varsity soccer player, I can't help but address a specific review bashing the coach. As the team's captain of the 2009-2010 season, I know all the details to the event in question... The players mentioned were not hazed, they simply did not own up to their responsibilities as players. At ANY school, if you play a varsity sport and you constantly miss games/practices without excuses, you will be confronted by your teammates. The coach under scrutiny is the greatest coach I've had in my 12 years of playing soccer, so I will not idly standby while such a gross evaluation exists. I loved this school and I loved the soccer program. Go rebels.

Great academics, Horrible athletics department. The academics have been wonderful for my child. He has progressed and will surely get into the college of his choice. If you do not wish to participate in athletics this is a fine school, one of the best in LA. In my opinion the program has been overshadowed by a bad experience by my child and others on the soccer and waterpolo teams. The athletic department seems to have difficulties adequately dealing with their rogue coaches, even after being repeatedly told of the problems. The waterpolo coach threw a chair at waterpolo players in the pool and the head of the soccer program encouraged hazing of boys trying out for varsity. He had 2 of the best club soccer players at the school so badly hurt that they refuse to play for him. The soccer coach has used the school to better his girls club soccer team by giving all playing time in the Girls Varsity soccer team to girls on his club team. So I am told that many gifted female juniors and seniors are playing JV because they get no playing time or aren't selected at all for Varsity. Shame on the school for not finding a way to handle this atrocious situation in a more positive manner.
--Submitted by a parent

The school is great for academics, but beware of the students. The majority of them are materialistic and self-centered.