Mount Baldy Joint Elementary School

. Their budget is down $200K from full funding this year and next month, they might loose anther $40K.... Then what ? My business would fail with those numbers.... Fight On Baldy BigHorn
--Submitted by a parent

I would highly recommend Mt Baldy elementary to anyone. It is a hidden secret in the mountains. Truly like a private school without the costs. My son has flourished there for four years now and he loves the school. All the teachers are caring and wonderful.
--Submitted by a parent

I thought we were the only family who was treated so badly at Mt Baldy, then a friend said to read the reviews... Transfer families- Watch out! You do not have any rights here. They legally can discriminate and cancel your transfer for ANY reason and they don't have to show proof of any problems with you child or even give you a reason. My son's transfer was canceled and they refused to give us a reason. Maybe it was because he missed too many days from being hospitalized, maybe because they suspected he had special needs (and he does!), maybe maybe maybe. It was cruel how Dr. Vaughn rejected my child and wouldn't even tell us why. THere was no concern for my child's needs. Dr. Vaughn is the principal AND superintendent. If you have any complaints there is nowhere to go and he will throw your child out if you oppose him in any way. Your child must be a perfect citizen and achieve high grades to continue being allowed to be a transfer student. The teachers are warm and loving but don't challenge high achievers or differentiate for low achievers. Be very careful if you're accepting a transfer.
--Submitted by a parent

I am truly disappointed with the direction that Mt Baldy School has been going in the last couple of years. As a former student, I have always praised the school for its high quality education, caring and imaginative teachers, and nurturing learning environment. Unfortunately, I feel the school I loved no longer exists and has been replaced by one that promotes an environment of fear and uncertainty for anyone who questions the administration. Therefore, like the other posters before me, I would strongly caution anyone who is thinking of transfering their child to Mt Baldy. Because, although Mt Baldy might look like a "great school" on paper, the reality of it is very different.
--Submitted by a parent

I read the above review and wanted to second it. Something very similar happened to our family. The principal/superintendent threatened to have our child's transfer revoked for something that was said at a School Board meeting. My child had nothing to do with what was happening, but it seemed the principal was willing to punish them to get back at us. I was stunned and greatly disappointed with the way this school official handled the situation. I definably agree with the assertion that he "uses his power in an unfair and possibly biased manner." I caution all prospective families to ask a lot of questions before getting that transfer, and to stay involved once you do to be sure the answers you were given were truthful and not just what was said because they knew it was what you wanted to hear.
--Submitted by a parent

BEWARE transfer students - the principal will boot you out without any regards to your child's emotions - it happened to us... I would hate for anyone to have to experience what we just experienced... it was awful! - The principal -being also the superintendent - uses his power in an unfair and possibly biased manner.
--Submitted by a parent

It is like going to a free private school--small classes, a garden, a pond,after school track, lots of fund raisers for field trips, 8th grade graduation trip and most of all, people who care.
--Submitted by a parent

Mount Baldy School is a hidden gem. I grew up in Upland and had never even heard of the school until a few years ago. Now I send my daughter there and I am so happy that she was able to get in on the wait list. There is a new principal this year, Dr. Vaughn, and he is such a great administrator. He truly cares about the kids and the kids adore him as well. The teachers are all outstanding and such a caring and dedicated group of people. The school is usually viewed as a public school that feels like a private school due to small class and small school size. The children here are for the most part, wholesome and well-behaved. So far, the material things don't seem to take priority over friendships and the students' love of the environment. I hope to stay here until my daughter graduates from the 8th grade.
--Submitted by a parent

Mt Baldy School has mixed classes with a low student-teacher ratio. The administration and board engenders a 'loose' culture in a very rich learning environment, so if your child has had past discipline problems this school may not be for her. The teachers are highly educated and obviously love the kids and relish the task of teaching. The teachers also actively use the surrounding mountain environment to teach biology and science. A bus runs from several stops in Upland each morning and afternoon. The district faces declining local attendance, and is agressively recruiting from local communities 'down the hill,' making Mt Baldy School somewhat of a magnet in an otherwise desolate educational landscape.

Mt. Blady Schoool is a great place for your children, the school is very small, but has a lot of spirit. Every year, at Christmas, all of the kids go to a church and sing, or do a play for their parents. I think that Mt. Baldy school is the perfect place for a great education.