Maranatha High School

I am happy that I chose this school for my 2 daughters. One of them graduated last year and went on to a prestigious university, another one will be graduate soon. And they loved the school experience here! Students here learned to take ownership of their abilities, work with different types of personalities through the group projects. I don't believe school focused on the academic curriculum only for preparing students get in to colleges can be a good school. The extra-curriculum and community services are good practice for students to have. Maybe it is really up to the student's ability and learning behaviors. If a kid always need someone else go after for his/her work, then this is not the school he/she is looking for. About that school let students take on AP classes, if they want to. Yes, not everyone able to get a good grade. But school encourage and give each and every student a opportunity to challenge themselves. Why not?
—Submitted by a parent

The best school in So. Cal and there is no doubt. It combines Christianity and rigorous academics. It's the only school I would even consider sending my kids to.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has been great for my daughter. The honors classes are very rigorous and she is challenged. The colleges I have spoken with respect MHS's academics. The teachers take a true interest in the student's education process and are willing to spend the time when needed. The school provides a solid sports program and the girl's varsity basketball team has become a close group of girls who value playing as a team and not as a collection of individuals. I know there were some concerns on the school's finances, but what has been shared with me indicate they are doing very well. This appears to be a well run organization, with teachers who care and a staff that are commited to providing the latest tools for the teachers and students. Yea, all schools have issues - but by having a focus on God and Jesus, hopefully will greatly assist our daughter is being a person of values.
—Submitted by a parent

As I read some of the reviews for Maranatha High School, I was amazed that anyone would have anything negative to say about this school. Maranatha is a thriving community made up of involved parents, caring faculty and devoted administrators, all working to make the school the best possible environment for our kids, academically and spiritually. The academics are rigorous and challenging, yet thoughtful and taught by a wonderful teaching staff devoted to the students. My daughter is thriving there and loves the school. My suggestion to anyone relying on these reviews, good or bad, should visit the school and take the time to talk with students, staff and parents personally. You will not be disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent

My son graduated last year (2012) from Maranatha and went onto attend UC Riverside. I must take issue with those who say that the curriculum at that school is not challanging. My son spent a fair amount of time on homework and passed 6 AP exams, all of which counted for full credit at his university. His friend passed 11 AP's and went to UC San Diego. If a student applys himself/herself, he/she will get into a good university. Having talked to my son's teachers, I was impressed how concerned they were for their students and they are always available for their students and parents. Maranatha is a good school to send your child, especially if you like a loving, Christian environment to nurture him/her. If you are focusing on the negative reviews, I would suggest that you visit the campus and talk to the current parents and students and see what they think about the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Maranatha High School has been an exceptional high school for my child. All four years have proven challenging and the school has done an excellent job at preparing my child for acceptance in to some of the top colleges in the country. The school offers the students a full breadth of academic opportunity, including a large selection of Advanced Placement and Honors courses. The one negative that we experienced was during this past academic year. Apparently, the school has brought in some new Board Members and a new principal and they have done a fine job at removing some of the best teachers that I have ever experienced, including the Head-of-School. This is truely unfortunate and Maranatha may have a less bright future due to this change. My five star rating is based upon the experience that we had before the recent changes. Tread lightly when considering this school and be aware of these new changes in staff.
—Submitted by a parent

I was a freshman this year at Maranatha high school and I left for the second semester. It was not a good school at all!!!! There was no challenge in the academics. I was a straight A+ student (even in PHYSICS). Everything was easy and it was stupid and a waste of precious time. The teachers are young and inexperienced (most). And the christian thing is VVERRY strict. They focused on christianity and Jesus more than our education and colleges. This school is a miserable fail and I'm a hundred and one percent glad I left it. Don't send your daughter or son to this school if you want them to go to a good college or succeed academically. Before I actually attended the school, I was so excited and was convinced that it was one of the best schools around. Well.. it isn't. Sorry to disappoint.
—Submitted by a student

We have had two children graduate from Maranatha High School. Their education at MHS prepared them to thrive at 2 very selective academic institutions. They have found themselves ready and able to contribute in the classroom as well as lead in a number of campus activities. We are thankful for the individual attention MHS faculty and staff gave to making sure our children were as prepared for life outside the classroom as in.
—Submitted by a parent

This school fails miserably when it comes to academics. It is much easier than other private and public high schools in the area and accepts anyone willing to pay the tuition. The teachers are young, inexperienced, and the turnover is high (among teachers and administrators). Don't send your son or daughter to Maranatha if you want them to get into a good college and be prepared academically. This school claims to be "christian" to fundraise and manipulate parents and students. Such a scam!

I am writing this to say that this school is not for everyone. If you are a student who wants a well rounded education then this is for you. If you want teachers that push you towards getting involved in campus life and or the community then come to MHS. If you want a world class fine arts program then apply to Maranatha. The sports programs are all top class where the coaches are getting our players into college with scholarships. Then come to MHS! This school is helping us get into some of the most prestigest schools in the nation. I am a senior now and hope to have these freinds the rest of my life. I loved every aspect of this school. My only regret is not being able to help some of the very few students that did not fit in as see by some earlier posts. God bless Maranatha High School.
—Submitted by a student

Grandson has just been given Early Admission. We are excited. He will be in the 9th grade.

What an incredible school! If you want your child to experience a total education Maranatha is the right place. The academics are outstanding with students getting into some top universities in the nation. The sports programs are outstanding not only competing but beating schools that are 3 to 4 times larger. The fine arts programs are great where the kids get to perform in a theater that is world class. The campus life which keeps the Christian faith front and center at all-times keeps the kids and families at Maranatha close. I highly recommend this school to all! Stop by and visit. It has been one of the best decision s we have made for our kids.
—Submitted by a parent

We had such high hopes for this school and unfortunately for my child it did not meet our expectations at all. There are so many things that we feel are wrong with this school and we actually would like a refund for the amount of money we have spent thus far. From the quality of the teaching staff, to the lack of leadership, I would never recommend this school to anyone. The only thing that I can say Maranatha offers would be that gorgeous campus and that would be the extent of it.
—Submitted by a parent

Maranata High School is an appropriate school for students who are not able to keep up with an academic workload in private or public schools. The classes are much easier than most other private and public high schools, it is almost impossible for a child to "flunk out" so long as you pay your tuition. This is not a college preparatory school, but is a good bridge to Junior College or a Cal State level college. The boys' basketball program is very good, but the school's academics are poor.
—Submitted by a parent

As a note: this review is primarily through the eyes of an honors student, so I can't speak for the whole school when it comes to teachers and academics. Anyways, I find that although a lot of reviewers complain about the young teachers, they have generally been superb, though of course there are exceptions. However, as some standouts have recently left with waves of new teachers replacing them, my views on the teachers might soon be outdated. I don't find the curriculum conservative at all; in fact, the honors biology teacher (a standout who has unfortunately left) emphasized the importance of at least understanding evolution, even if you don t believe in it. Academics, in both curricula and the community, are pretty low priority in general, though. I wouldn t say that the school is Christian as a whole, though you will certainly find niches that genuinely do believe in Christ. But don t expect the same sense of community like in your church youth group. Advising is what you make of it; if you go, you ll have an audience, but they don t actively seek individual students. Considering its price, I wouldn t recommend sending a student there without a deep reason
—Submitted by a student

Only redeeming quality of this school is the small minority of older teachers there. They truly care about the spiritual/emotional welfare of their students, as well as being passionate about their subjects.The rest/majority of the teachers are young and inexperienced (fresh out of college). Biggest problems: poor administration and student advising. The campus they advertise is not the grounds that the students are allowed to walk on. The school philosophy changed radically when they moved to their new campus. Their top priority was Christ, but in my opinion it changed to raising money and boosting their reputation as a college prep school. The tuition is pricey already, but they continue to make excessive demands for more money from the parents. As a Christian, I would say this school has a spiritual darkness around it. The staff was obsessed with keeping appearances by being overtly strict, and by manipulating students. Most of my friends that graduated with me were traumatized, to the point where some had to go to counseling. I did well academically here, but I met lots of resistance from the staff, and wouldn't attribute the success I achieved to my experience at this school.
—Submitted by a student

if you are planning on sending someone to this school, DON'T! this is a mediocre school, for the Rejects of other schools. They will take anyone who can pay the price. but if you want to send your Child for good christian values, DON'T, all the peers talk about is sex, drugs, and how spoiled they are by "god". If you are sending your Kid so that he can get ahead in his academics, and look good for colleges, DON'T! They WILL NOT allow your child to graduate early, though yet they "care" for the students and want them to grow and succeed, they expect you to pay each full years tuition regardless of the amount of core classes, or AP classes you are in. they will not lower tuition for the a student who only has three core classes. If you are sending your kid here, DON'T! Maranatha cost too much, but yet on top they keep asking for money and guilt trip you with, "its the christian thing to do". plain and simple, if you care for your student, you would be wise to NOT send your kid here, even at last resort.
—Submitted by a student

Coming from a public school I was nervous coming to a religious school; however the religion isn't too much to handle and just give a supportive basis if needed. The education is challenging, and is currently shaping me to try my hardest even the regular classes require a lot of work. Maranatha DOES teach about evolution, and other sciences. Hopefully, more students can experience this amazing education that I and 700 others are currently experiencing.
—Submitted by a student

Coming to Maranatha my freshman year, I was nervous as any new student would be, however, once I started I knew I had found the right place. I had previously been at another school I was unhappy at, but all of that changed with Maranatha. I joined various clubs and sports, made friends I know will last a lifetime, and was academically challenged to my limit. This school is great about letting kids explore whatever subjects they're passionate about. For whatever subjects you're interested in, there are numerous AP and Honors courses to choose from that will challenge you to think critically and analytically. The teachers here are what absolutely make our great academic environment possible. . The teachers here want to know how you're doing and help you succeed, they're there to mentor you and help you grow as well as challenge you. The club and sports programs are fantastic and give kids a sense of community and friendship outside of the classroom. I can assure any prospective student that you will find the group you desire for here, with such a diverse, yet kind student body. Overall, I thank my parents for sending me here about once a week because I am SO happy at this school.
—Submitted by a student

We are thrilled with the education our child is receiving at Maranatha. There are many AP and Honors classes to choose from and the teachers are very encouraging and caring. The sophomore AP World History class has incredible results. Over 95% of the students get a 3 or better on the AP exam and most of the students get a 4 or 5. The Speech and Debate program offers a great opportunity for students to get involved and the teacher is excellent. The swim coaches are amazing mentors to the swim team. Such a great school!!!!
—Submitted by a parent