High Point Academy

High Point is an excellent school. The quality of the education exceeds most every school in the San Gabriel Valley. Students are supported and challenged. I've seen my child accomplish far more then we ever thought possible. He's engaged, focused and puts extra effort into his studies on his own accord. The staff are warm and caring with the students. Daily PE and a focus on physical fitness is a definite plus. The art program is AMAZING. Students in art study the Masters and learn not only techniques but art history as well. Starting in 4th grade the students also take instrumental music. The school is well organized and run efficiently. Parents are encouraged to get involved and will find numerous opportunities available. We moved our child here from a "progressive" school and wake up every day knowing we did the absolute right thing. There's no way our child would have received an education remotely close to what he's getting at High Point if we'd stayed at that other school. We know he will leave High Point well prepared for the rigors of modern high school, not to mention with a true love of learning and the necessary skills to succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

The quality and caliber of the teaching staff is exceptional. Every one of our son s teachers is highly credentialed, experienced and passionate about what she teaches. That is why my son caught up so quickly and there is such tremendous growth each quarter. The subject matters come alive and there is much interest in what they are learning. There is a wonderful camaraderie at the school. Multiple classrooms in a grade level eat, celebrate birthdays and go on field trips together. This interaction fosters friendships across classroom lines such that they are very unified. At recess, some kids will grab a ball, call out a game and whoever wants to play comes running over to join in girls and boys alike. Lastly, I respect how dignified the school is in avoiding academic competition amongst the children. All graded tests, quizzes and assignments for the week get placed in a closed folder to be taken home by the child. The child reviews all work for the first time with parents and nothing gets shown or talked about at school. The gratification and pride they get from the outcome of their hard work is all the proof they need of their accomplishments. We couldn t be happier!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent who has been a part of the High Point community for 9 years. I have three children - all attending High Point Academy. High Point provides a rigorous academic environment with a nurturing, personal touch. The teachers truly care about their students and take the time to know them as individuals. The administration is warm and helpful and greets each student by name, every morning. The parent community is diverse and committed to volunteering at the school. My family s experience for my son and for my daughters has been most rewarding.
—Submitted by a parent

Our child was accepted to Chandler, Creview and HPA, and we ultimately chose HPA because of its supportive community. The teachers are great, and the curriculum is rigorous. Our child's class is thoughtful, kind and very close, and they treat one another like brothers and sisters. The teachers helped the children with their high school admissions, and even set aside time to conduct practice interviews, placement tests, etc. HPA really cares about their students, and we're thankful for the nine wonderful years our child has had at HPA. I would recommend HPA to any family that wants a great, structured, academic prep school - it's been a wonderful experience for our family!
—Submitted by a parent

This is for all of the parents who are looking for an honest review of the school by a child who recently graduated. HPA is extremely sexist towards males. Male students get in trouble for the slightest things, while females go through the whole year without reprimand. This isn't because the male students at HPA are bad, it's because the teachers believe that girls are perfect and never makes any mistakes. I'm being dead serious here. This school is a great fit for girls, but send your sons to Chandler or Mayfield. High school acceptances are not really that great at all anymore. Children from Chandler are doing a lot better. HPA should really consider becoming all girls school.

Great school. Prepared me very well for high school and even for college. Got into a top high school and a top ranked national college.
—Submitted by a student

My son started HPA during the 7th grade and acclimated extremely well. The student body was very welcoming and made him feel at home from day one. You don't see this a lot, especially at the junior high level. The teachers are all highly committed and challenge the students to reach their potential. Every morning the principal stands outside and personally greats each child and their parent(s) as they come into school. Highly impressive! Great sports program and outside activities!
—Submitted by a parent

I currently attend HPA, and I cannot suggest a better school. The education is top-notch, exceeding California standards by one grade, and has teachers who are willing to help those motivated enough to ask. The student makes the school life whatever he or she wants, depending on how hard they try, and how consisten they are. I am in my final year here at HPA, and if I could, i would stay for high school, and my only regret is that HPA does not offer grades aall the way to 12.
—Submitted by a student

I have 2 children attending currently, one in junior high. The teachers in junior high are excellent. I take issue with the reviewer who said that there had been a drop in admissions to the best high schools due to the turnover in junior high faculty. HPA takes great care in replacing retiring teachers with well-qualified, enthusiastic and caring professionals. The school is curriculum driven - all new teachers are mentored carefully. Any drop in admissions to best high schools would be due to the academic records of the particular class, not the faculty. Parental involvement is amazing. The tuition is low enough so that you can choose your own lessons outside of school for your particular child's needs. A price performer, excellent value. My kids enjoy school and the middle class friendly environment. Academically challenging but not overwhelming for the motivated student.
—Submitted by a parent

Phenomenal School! I have a graduate and a 1st grader. My son graduated from HPA in 2004 and went on to an incredible high school and is having the time of his life. He was very prepared to venture on to his highly respected and strongly academic high school. Thank you High Point! My 7 year old daughter is currently a student and absolutely loves school! I was a little worried at first because she was such a tender and emotional 5 year old, but High Point has the best kindergarten teachers! From the very beginning they nurtured, loved, and sparked my daughter's curiosity in an environment made safe to explore and wonder. For all grades, HPA's curriculum includes music, art, computer, and French/Spanish classes taught by separate specialized teachers outside their core teacher. Inter-scholastic sports are offered after 4th grade. Fabulous prep school for those headed to higher education.
—Submitted by a parent

HPA offers an advanced curriculum in a nuturing environment. Many of the teachers were also HPA parents, some teachers were students. While a large percentage of the students are the high-achiever types, the average student who is willing to put in the time to study will find themselves extremely prepared for prep high school and university. HPA is considered by many the most academic school in the area and uses traditional teaching methods in a structured environment. French is taught from Kindergarten, Spanish is also available from 5th. Students take music, art and computer, PE is everyday and students may join HPA sports teams from 5th. After school activities such as band and moviemaking are available. There are ample opportunities for parents to volunteer, the level of parent involvement is very high. The facilities are not fancy, but HPA is in a great area, and the tuition is reasonable.
—Submitted by HPA mom, a parent

Great all around school. Nurturing. All the teachers are fantastic and have been there for years. I highly recommend it!
—Submitted by a parent

A good option - personal attention and a commitment to the best education they can give the children.
—Submitted by a parent

Although academics are accelerated, in the last two years, the school has experienced a complete turnover in junior high faculty. Acceptances at the best high schools have not been as successful as a result.
—Submitted by a parent

Our child has flourished and done well at HPA. Parent involvement is great as is the faculty and administration. HPA has a rigorous academic program and uses the Carden phonics from K-2. Then in grade 3 transfers to the regular phonics. Not sure about the disjoint, but her two older cousins in the upper school managed the transition. Class size is limited to 40 students -- 20 girls and 20 boys. We would love to someday see HPA go from K-12, rather than the current K-8. Tuition is very reasonable compared to other private schools in the area.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent school, my family always felt the administration listened.
—Submitted by a parent

High Point Academy is one of the best schools in the Pasadena. It is affordable for all sorts of income. The teachers there are great. Its a small school, thus allowing for individual attention. Everyone knows everyone at High Point. Students that come out of High Point come out knowledgable, kind, caring, and well behaved. They have a well rounded program that continues to get better. This school has a great community that no person would not enjoy. Everything is well taught and structured so it is a very enjoyable experience.
—Submitted by a former student