Crestview Preparatory School

We are new to Crestview but not to the Los Angeles private schools. We have two older kids in competitive private upper schools in the area, and spent a number of years at Campbell Hall. Crestview was described to me as a "hidden gem", and that is exactly what it is. I have twins in Kindergarten this year and cannot believe the amazing teaching staff and individualized attention they are getting. Class sizes under 20, and two phenomenal lead teachers per class. "School" to them is a warm, nurturing place where adults and kids of all grades know and encourage them. The families are economically and ethnically diverse, but all committed to their kids being part of a supportive and grounded elementary experience. While Crestview has a small school feel (with a significantly lower tuition that reflects this), it offers many enrichment activities (music, art, great P.E./ sports program, Spanish, after school clubs, amazing librarian!, etc.). For me, Crestview offers what many LA schools have not- a grounded, caring, academic setting where childhood is preserved for as long as possible and kids are well prepared and confident in taking their next steps. Thanks Crestview!
—Submitted by a parent

Our child went through the Crestview program from K all the way through 6. We loved it and our child loved it. We have close friendships with other parents with whom we socialize often--everything from having dinner, to board game nights, to camping. And our kid has a whole passel of friends who 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's Crestview education helped him to become a well-rounded student. In 6th grade, the school--particularly the Head of School, Marie Kidd--was excellent with the transition/application process. He applied to a few schools and got in everywhere. (As an aside: Marie Kidd knows everyone--the other heads of school, the other admissions directors, etc. She's a great resource during the admissions season.)
—Submitted by a parent

We are constantly struggling with wanting to pull our child out of this school. Teacher quality is inconsistent, academics not better than the area public schools, but teacher/child ratio is good, unlike the publics. Art, music and PE are also pretty nice. Parents have clicques they hang out with and one doesn't get a feeling of inclusion. Children here aren't real friendly and inclusive as well. I hear reports of children behaving not so nice and getting away with it from other parents all the time. The office pesonnel and the administration have been pretty nice. The campus is old and there is no muti-purpose rm/gym. The play yard is ok.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers here are excellent, the academics is excellent, the head staff is excellent. What's not to like about this excellent school? I've been here for 5 years and I have learned so much. I know this school will prepare me for middle school and beyond. This school is extremely fun and most of all the principle is a cool, and truly amazing lady!

I am a parent with a child at this school. We are very pleased. The head of the school is fantastic. The campus is a good size with a strong community feeling. Our overall experience with academics, art, music and physical education is excellent.
—Submitted by a parent

If we knew then what we know now, we would have not have put our kid through Crestview for the entire 6 years. There is a lot of talk about "community", but with the exception of a couple of teachers, the relationship with the teachers often feels icey and adversarial. The community is a theme, not a practice.

Crestview was an exquisite place to learn because you can really connect with the teachers (both students and parents alike) I went there for kindergarten through sixth.
—Submitted by a student

Great teachers, staff and administrators who care about my child!
—Submitted by a parent

The small size of this school makes it very personal and manageable in comparison to many of the other private schools in Los Angeles. It feeds directly into all the best middle schools in the area. The new principal is energetic and making great strides at improving the facility and phys ed and science programs. Great parent involvment. Given the recent real estate and school budget crisises there is very little attrition, so the small campus is starting to feel even more cramped.
—Submitted by a parent

The level of education the students receive from Crestview is top-notch. The neighborhood is beautiful and the parents there are truly caring and involved.
—Submitted by a parent

The physical campus at Crestview is one of its greatest assets. It is open and friendly--like the elementary I attended in the 1960s--with natural light, and feels like home. The teachers are the other high point. For the most part, we have been blessed with great teachers there, though they seem to have tenure if they want it, not if they deserve it. And, unfortunately, there is little tolerance for creative thinkers. There are few (but costly) extracurricular activities but the parent body is caring and involved.
—Submitted by a parent

Due to being rather small in size, the quality of the education at Crestview is top notch. Parent involvement is deep. Would like to see them incorporte more extracurricular sports activities. Would also like to have teacher's reviewed annually.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school. Parental involvement. Focus is on reading, writing and math skills. small school environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Was a very small and involved school when I attended... had very fond memories of it.
—Submitted by a former student

This school offers a wonderful nurturing environment and great academics. The children are challenged to think creatively. the extra curricular activities on offer are awesome too.
—Submitted by a teacher

My child went to Crestview for 3 years. The teachers were of high caliber, the students were respected and encouraged to excel academically. There is great access to the teachers. Not necessarily so with the head of school.
—Submitted by a parent

Good school - teachers are excellent, low student/teacher ratio, has some of the extras - computer lab, art, music, band. Only drawback - K-6. Big competiton and much concern as to where your child will go for 7th and 8th, in the private school environs of Pasadena (since Pasadena's public schools are so poor compared to other districts in the area).
—Submitted by a parent

High academic standard. Emphasis on strong reading and writing skills. Very proactive and caring teachers and staff. Limited sports. Facilities safe but not beautiful.
—Submitted by a parent