El Modena High School

El Modena High School is a great school for your child to attend. The teachers are dedicated and motivate the students. There is Wednesday tutoring available for students. The ASB and school spirit is wonderful. The principal and staff is very proactive. Parents receive messages at least twice a month about upcoming events or what is happening at the school.
--Submitted by a parent

An outstanding staff, terrific kids, and supportive parents make El Modena a shining example of what a high school should be. In my 20+ years in public education, I have never seen more committed, caring, or capable instructors. I work at El Mo, and I can assure you that my own kids will be attending there. Go Vanguards!
--Submitted by a teacher

El Modena has been a fantastic school for my children to attend. They have an excellent honors program, a principal who is so devoted and excellent at what he does, and real school spirit! It is ranked high in the state when compared to similar schools and has high AP test pass rates. I think this has been a great high school experience and am proud to my kids are Vanguards!
--Submitted by a parent

Interesting comments by the last two reviewers--one about lack of pride in El Modena and the other about punishment. The school provides an outstanding education, which is why it is ranked 10 out of 10 when compared to similar schools and an 8 out of 10 statewide. It also has some of the highest AP pass rates in Orange County. El Mo graduates attend some of the finest universities and colleges in theb country, including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, UCLA, and many others. El Modena does set high academic and behavioral expectations for students, but these are clearly communicated and constantly reinforced. The staff really does not tolerate students who defy those expectations, so if your child is out of control or simply unmotivated to do what is asked, you can expect consequences.

It's an education, nothing more. I never really attached myself to the school, I honestly could care less about school "pride" in a high school like this. I'm a senior here, and it seems the school focus more on sports and supporting those in it than those actually trying to get an education anywhere else. However, decent programs for graphic arts, just received new computers and programs this year (Adobe CS4 (all programs in the pack), 3DS Max 2011, Maya 2011, Mudbox 2011, Motionbuilder 2011) classes in graphic arts/animation were my favorite, great teacher! However I can't say the same for a good number of other teachers for other basic classes. Most of them are mixed, you get good teachers, you get bad ones. Overall, its simply an average high school. You get your diploma and move on to better things.
--Submitted by a student

My child at this school is not very pleased with the system that El Modena High School has to offer. I have been in the office speaking with my child's counselor and it seems to me that punishment is more of a priority than getting students ahead such as my child. It is very hard for a parent to go to work and know that my child has to go through such a poor education system. The problem is the staff in general, the teachers simply do not make El Modena a good place to be. The area is nice, however, the teachers and other staff members make the experience a waste of time and government money. This school needs to be changed for other students are going into the school constantly, and the main thing which makes it worst are those who are graduating. To see those unprepared with a diploma is a difficult struggle. To know that students are being treated as unprepared adults makes the whole "American Dream" a joke. This needs to be accounted for a serious matter this is not an exaggeration.
--Submitted by a parent

I LOVE EL MODENA HIGH SCHOOL! There are so many things to be proud about when being a Vanguard. The students get along with one another, teachers are fantastic at what they do, especially the English department, and there is an overwhelming amount of school spirit! I love my school!
--Submitted by a student

I am so fortunate to be a student at El Modena. The teachers are incredible in the sense that they encourage and motivate us to strive for our goals no matter how unreachable they may seem, such as passing an AP test. The administration works hard to make our school a safe and fun environment that enables us to learn and grow into the young adults we wish to be. What more can you ask for?
--Submitted by a student

A phenomenal school that has only pushed me closer to my goals. The atmosphere at school is caring and friendly, at school I feel safe and feel that i'll never be judged. Going to Elmo is something I can truly be proud of.
--Submitted by a student

A fantastic school that allows all students to be who they are in a friendly and safe environment.
--Submitted by a student