Paradise Canyon Elementary School

My daughter just started Kindergarten at PCY and I cannot express how happy I am with the school and the community. She loves to go to school and looks forward to all the available activities. Although there were some budget cuts, they retained all the key activities such as music, art, and computer classes. Also, there is a science club Spanish actually starts in 1st grade. We're so happy to get top education in a public school. The new principle is great also, very involved and believe she will lead the school to the next level with investments in technology tools to help the school. The best!
--Submitted by a parent

Visit this school and you will find the atmostphere tangibly Happy! The children have a real comraderie, and parents are nice too. Events such as the Spirit Rallies, field trips and the Medieval Faire strenghen unity and develop a real sense of community at this school. The teachers are SO excellent and dedicated, just awesome. The curriculum is thorough, not easy! and the children are challenged to do their best. The Libary, Art and Computer programs round out the classroom instruction. Among the extras: the children can play in the mornings on the playground before the bell rings, there is opportunity to take a spanish-language class in 4th grade, and Choir beginning in 1st Grade. All the wonderful details that make up Paradise Canyon are concerted with the great leadership of our long-time dedicated Principal. Thank you Mrs. Robinson, we are so happy to be here!
--Submitted by a parent

Great school, but not perfect. We moved from New York, and were a little disappointed. Part of the cause is the Prop 13 school (under-)funding problem in California. Here the local Educational Foundation raises over $1,000,000 per year, but 4th-6th grade still has 35 kids/class, and art/music only twice a month. Constant fundraising events are tiring because the burden is on parents to ask friends and family to buy stuff or donate yourself. I learned about charity from March of Dimes, etc, but here it's only for their own school, though it's a very wealthy community. As for academics, there is a lot of homework, and 'achievement' is a high priority. I don't think that instruction is up to the level of expectations of student performance (parents make up the gap). Many parents are a bit over-protective/hovering. Atmosphere of respect and courtesy is what I like best.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent teachers and atmosphere. A great facility.
--Submitted by a parent

Exceptional principal and parent involvement. The scores are high and there is a real sense of 'community' at the school.
--Submitted by a parent

Paradise Canyon is a wonderful neighborhood school with terrific teachers. The school sponsors art, music, and foreign language (Spanish) classes as a result of funds donated by the local educational foundation. Parents are very involved in the classroom and with helping support the school via fundraising, etc. Our family has been exceedingly happy with our move to La Canada and PCY.
--Submitted by a parent

Parent involvement is extremely strong. My son loves the school.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been pleased with my daughter's education at PCY. The teachers really care about each student. Also, the after school program through the Child Education Center is excellent.
--Submitted by a parent

I am impressed with my child s kindergarten teacher at PCY. She is able to teach to all students, some reading at 4th grade level and others struggling to sound out words. All the kids are happy in their class. No child seems bored. My son s teacher is always available to answer questions in person. She gives the parents tips on how they can help their individual child succeed. Parents are actively involved in the classroom which frees up time for more individualized reading instruction. I agree that if the kindergarten day were longer, the teachers and kids could accomplish more.
--Submitted by a parent

PCY is a fantastic school. Parents are extremely involved in the classroom (especially K-2nd grade), the teachers are superb and the kids have fun and learn. This is a great school for the kids. Yes, the kids come from great families and are generally very well off, but they also work very hard academically and in a number of after-school activities (Girl Scouts must set percentage records at this school). Finally, the kids are incredibly friendly and polite to each other and to parents which makes it a joy to volunteer in the classroom. For public education, this is as good as it gets.
--Submitted by a parent