Pilgrim School

Weak administration focused solely on fundraising and less about the issues affecting the school, parents, kids that could be fixed with just a bit of care. Look closely and beyond the gorgeous trappings of the playground and art studio. Zero transparency on credentials or educational background of teachers. I don't know how I'll feel when my child graduates from class this year, but I expect it will be lots of pride and ! relief ! Almost there.
--Submitted by a parent

Great community atmosphere! Children are happy, work hard and get into great colleges! What else can you ask for as a parent? The school needs to do what it needs to do.
--Submitted by a parent

Because I give the school 2 stars not none I will start with what is good about Pilgrim. Playground is great for elementary kids, art teacher is amazing, music program okay, better than public school for extras, gym class fun and old fashioned and kids love it. But why not 5 stars? Well, we did not really know what the fundraising comments meant until we became a Pilgrim family. It seems to be the primary focus of a Head of School its not really a good one considering how little operating capital is brings in based on annual report which you can find online. What you won't find online are the qualifications and experience of the top administrators. When considering this school look close. It may or may not be right for you. Its a very privatey school where people can have a one on one with teachers etc, but small also means cliquish and this is a culture that comes from the top down. Also, the remarks about bullying policy are spot on. If your child is in a tiny class (not a lot of friend choices) and does not fit in, where can they turn for new friends? Question retention and test scores if considering Pilgrim as well the experience and qualifications of those in charge.
--Submitted by a parent

An incredible academic experience for our son who now has many choices for his college education appreciated being part of fundraising as the tuition is moderate and as with most private schools the tuition only covers a percentage of the education He grew not only academically but socially and spiritually as well.
--Submitted by a parent

Child has gone there for 2 years. Verdict still out. He had a great teacher this year, and excelled. She was amazing. I mean truly amazing. Last year not so great. Moderate price, and they are always asking for more. Before the first day of school, they held a fundraiser the night before, and pretty much guilt you into giving more before it even starts. I think that fundraising is 1st concern. Not to impressed with how they handle bullying. Next year will decide for us if we continue on. 50/50
--Submitted by a parent

Both of my sons attended Pilgrim from K-8 with one a lifer K-12. Pilgrim was an excellent choice for our family due to the rigorous academics, small class size, personal attention, morale based teaching, student diversity and caring faculty and head. Mark Brooks is the best thing to happen to Pilgrim School and he takes seriously all the elements necessary for successful leadership. My first son went to LACHSA for high school and always regretted not graduating from Pilgrim. He graduated from NYU-Film School. My younger son spent his entire K-12 there and now is at the Wharton School of Business/UPenn. Pilgrim was essential in enabling them to reach their college goals.
--Submitted by a parent

Our son attended Pilgrim for several years. He has grown so much academically, socially, and spritually. He made many close friends there. The teachers at Pilgrim (includes the arts, music, p.e. teachers) are dedicated, committed, hard-working, diligent, caring, passionate whose high expectations unleased our son's highest potential. Pilgrim's focus is not only academic excellence but character building to create outstanding citizens. The parents & TAPPS (P.T.O) are dedicated in making Pilgrim a well-rounded leading school in the community. Mr. Mark Brooks is all of the above who is an amazing, invested leader. He knows everyone, everything, and always takes the time to talk to parents, the students, teachers, and staff. He has the heart, vision, energy, & spirit to accomplish current and future endeavors for dear Pilgrim. The fundraising activities are appropriate for all. We certainly give Pilgrim 5 stars! We cried on our son's last day because Pilgrim CARES!
--Submitted by a parent

Our son has been at Pilgrim since Grade 6. He graduates in two weeks, and was accepted to the top colleges he applied to (UCLA, NYU, Skidmore, Hampshire, Pitzer, Reed). He has thrived at Pilgrim with the attention faculty paid to him. Saturday reviews were standard before APs. Mark Brooks is a visionary head of school, and the new Fine Arts Center is a knockout. Students, from the youngest on up, are polite and caring. Pilgrim is a wonderful community.
--Submitted by a parent

Yes, the education our son has received is superb combined with the atmosphere of small classes with individual attention. Fundraising has given Pilgrim new science labs, smart boards, computers for the students and a recently new fine arts center. Students are trained in the arts at no additional costs. Tracking where these students are accepted to college is unparalleled in the private LA school sector.
--Submitted by a parent

I thank God every day that we left when our year was up. There are major problems at this school. I agree with the parents that state all the principal is interested in is fundraising. My previous review entitled 'Save your money' was removed from the Great Schools website and this concerns me if parents are supposed to write their true feelings?
--Submitted by a parent