Los Angeles Baptist Middle School/High School

As a sophomore in the first year of the new Hillcrest/LAB merger school, I am really unimpressed with my school before/after/during the merger. If you're not conservative or a Christian or if you're a feminist, your views aren't accepted and they probably never will be at this school by the students and some staff. Regularly students like to "discuss political topics" in which they have no knowledge of except from what they hear from their parents, who about 19/20 times are conservatives. I can name several times where I have been discriminated for something I believed in by students, and I can't remember once when the teacher intervened. Maybe I should have gone up to the teacher? Or maybe these students are nurtured so ignorantly that it's pathetic that I have to experience this at a school where Biblical ethics are supposed to be observed in its faculty and students. Also, it's frustrating picking out classes because you have to have absurd requirements filled like 1 year of an arts program. How I see it right now, I have to take an arts class OVER THE SUMMER in order to fill a requirement to graduate. Seriously? Is it that essential? I feel so restricted at this school.

My daughter has been attending This school for the past 2 years and I can see the difference already in academics motivation, spiritual guidance, sports and she is now more goal oriented. If I had more kids i wouldn't think twice in registering them to this awesome school. For those with negative thoughts/comments I recommend you look at the big picture and not only your selfish worldly point of view> many blessings in his name!
—Submitted by a parent

My child is graduating this year from LAB after 6 years of attendance. I have a second child here as well. LAB is a great school for motivated, college prep kids. My children have been challenged to grow both academically and spiritually here, which has been of great benefit to them. They have thrived here academically and socially as well and will leave well prepared for the challenges of college and adult life. The teachers are caring, intelligent professionals, many with graduate degrees, who become vested in their students lives, mentoring and motivating them. The experience has been worth every penny of tuition. I highly recommend LAB as the school for your child.
—Submitted by a parent

My brother has gone to this school 7th-12th grade and now I have also been going here from 7th-10th grade. While yes, the school has excellent teachers and teaching methods, they are too strict on the dress code. I recall a girl who received a warning from her counselor just for not wearing the appropriate school skirt even thought it was at a modest level (one inch above the knee and was still khaki, just a different brand). Now if you are questioning the students, you have every right to do so. The students are like a normal public school's students. While you have the good crowd, you also have the bad crowd and majority of the students are too materialistic, criticizing one another for what they look like and what they wear. One of the most petty things I've seen someone say to her best friend was, "I hate your shoes. You should get some new ones." The person loved their shoes and was actually slightly hurt at her friends statement. To be 'in', you must be up to date with absolutely everything, from the smallest uprising in the media to the biggest thing happening to your locker buddy. Expect the worst but don't be surprised by the best either.

I am baffled by the negative review below. In my opinion, this school is top notch in all vital areas. The faculty & staff is devoted to doing whatever they can to assist and better the students. My two children have adored every moment of attending LAB, and they are adamant that no bullying, disrespect, or even taunting occurs amongst their peers. I'm not saying it doesn't exist on campus, but they're comfortable making new friends as well as mainting old. This school emphasizes the importance of a Christ-like attitude, and the academics are the right mix of challenging yet attainable. I believe the facutly is strong, the administration is currently changing, so I'll reserve review for a later date, but please look into this school if you're searching for a place you can have confidence in. LAB is it!
—Submitted by a parent

I am going to go ahead and be the most recent student review for this school. During my two years here at lab I have honestly had some of the worst times of my life. Let's see where do I start. First if you are not the absolute greatest person in the whole world you are not going to make almost any friends. The kids in my grades are just completely close minded as far as making new friends but they are definitely willing to laugh at you and ridicule you. The only way to have friends is if you start at the lowest grades because everyone is new then but I had the misfortune to begging classes here at 9th. Also if you are placing your child here because it is supposed to be a "religious baptist" school THINK AGAIN. The children here show absolutely no characteristics of children of God. As far as classes go, it is extremely difficult to learn when almost everybody in the class is acting like they are 10. This place has really been horrible for me and I'm very glad that I am half way through with this living hell. Also if you're children sports don't come here all of the coaches are, well......HORRIBLE.

This school has got to be one of the best in the area, if not California. The amount of good college/university admittance from this school is very good and the academic choices allow the students to have more freedom in what they want to learn and specify in. The staff, teachers, and basic moral of the school show that they care very much about each student and are willing to help their ever needs.
—Submitted by a parent

My child loves this school and her teachers. She says that the teachers are patient and caring, not just about the subject they teach, but about her and her life. Recent additions to the campus, especially the football field and track, have made it into the best facility in this area. The school is continuously upgrading in every area. The tuition is not only reasonable, but the lowest in the area. I am also pleased with the before school and after school activities and how safe the campus is.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a bad school. Half the teachers and staff don't care one bit about the student's welfare and/or education. Although the education itself is decent, its nothing due to the fact that its impossible to ask half of the teachers questions without getting ridiculed. The current principle is something that should not be proud of. The religious qualities have been so ridiculously stretched I don't know whether to refer them as "fake" or "strict" anymore. Another unsatisfactory "quality" about this school is the constant request for donations. Our family donated a decent amount of money to only be charged additional $150 because we re-enrolled a few days late. My child was already attending the school in the first place. We pay the full tuition and knowing that they attempt to suck us dry for everything we are worth.
—Submitted by a parent

I great school with a diverse and dedicated faculty committed to engaging students in applied learning and knowledge. A safe and respectful campus environment that emphasizes involvement in activities and community service.
—Submitted by a parent

Terrible school. Way too religious, rules are ridiculous. Teachers are mean and uncaring giving students horrible boring activities to do. With the new principle the school is even worse. The new dress code is sad and pathetic. There is no such thing as fun at school here anymore my child is very disatisfird and wants to leave. The education is not the best either all this money gone to waste. The science department is teaching wrong ideas. This school needs a lot of work. The only good thing about it is the fact that it is clean
—Submitted by a parent

This school is awesome and has been awesome for many years. Unfortunately, the new current administration is trying to undermine the fundamentals that this school was built. The quality faculty and the quality students continue to be the strengths of this campus. For a relatively small amount of tuition, a student can get a quality education.
—Submitted by a parent

I am going to this school and I love it. My brother went here and he got into the college he wanted.
—Submitted by a student

I attended grades 7-12 here and graduated a few years ago. I'm doing well enough (in grad school) but I don't think I can credit or discredit LAB for anything I've done. I wasn't too involved in anything there... because there wasn't anything to be involved in. They allow (or used to, I don't know anymore) students to create their own clubs that have meetings during lunch. Just to get something other than volunteering at hospitals on my college application, I made a club for film lovers. LAB is a very safe, protective environment with very little going on. I didn't get into the colleges that I expected to, and it broke my heart. I had really good grades and fantastic SAT scores, but I think that the lack of a wide variety of AP courses and extracurricular activities at LAB hurt my chances.

THis is an amazing school it has a great campus with loads of great teachers and a great ciriculum.
—Submitted by a student

LAB has an excellent environment, people are friendly and teachers are approachable. Gives a great preparation for college and life after college.
—Submitted by a student

i loved this school. people are so friendly and so are the teachers. the teachers are very approachable. this school has a great environment for people to prepare for college.
—Submitted by a student

My two sons currently attend LAB.This is our third year. We couldn't be more pleased with the school. LAB offers an outstanding choice of academic courses, electives, sports teams, clubs and parent volunteer opportunities. The administrators, faculty & staff are committed, approachable, and talented who work together as a unified team to make the school a success.They are focused on developing vital educational, social and spiritual experiences. The administration thoughtfully plans for the future balancing both parental and student feedback. What would Jesus do if He were to run a college prep school? He is at LAB.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. Affordable. Exciting facility changes like the completely upgraded football, track and softball fields. A new weight room is next. The new principal and vice principal have envigorated the direction of the school. They also embrace and build on its tradition of excellence. Only area not up to par is its dismal website. Heard a rehaul is in the works. Also heard the school will be adding 6th grade in Fall of 2008. Highly recommend this school especially if you child is college bound. Great teachers. Facilities kept clean. Safe. Great weekly chapel services. Great kids. Good Christians.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is AWESOME! The staff, the teachers, the students. If you are looking for a spiritually based, highly academic school that your child will love to be in this is the place!
—Submitted by a parent