Clairbourn School

Excellent school, teachers and students. Kids are happy and enjoy learning. Good test scores and motivated students. Definitely a well balanced school.
—Submitted by a parent

Academically, it is not going to offer anything better than the area public schools, San Marino for instance. So, at the end of the day, you're left wondering what all your tuition dollars are paying for exactly. All faculty come from the same Christian Science pool and the student body is severely lacking in diversity (think SGV). If you want a school that is full of social and fun things for the moms to do during the day, like literally hang out on campus all day, then this is the place for you. If you want to pay this kind of tuition and expect a substantial education for your child in return, then look elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent

Probably the most beautiful lower school in all of San Gabriel valley. The staff is loving, caring, and pays attention to every child. From K to about 2nd grade, parents frequently wonder if their kids are learning because kids are not subjected to tons of homework; but I can assure everyone that kids in K-2 are learning through play (which is the best way to learn). Third grade is when academics pick up (but still manageable). In summary, if you measure academic success by the amount of homework your child receives, there are plenty of schools in the area that will bury kids in homework. If you want to join a community where parents get to know one another and kids learn through life experiences, then Clairbourn might be the place for you and your family. One other point to clarify - Christian Science is NOT Scientology. Everything they teach at school is about citizenship, how to be a great person, etc.
—Submitted by a parent

Clairbourn School has been excellent since the first time I have went there, In first grade. All the teachers are encouraging, and teach us a lot. Clairbourn is not too strict, but they teach the students not just by reading and extremely hard work, but also through more relaxing and energetic ways. I have seen people leave this school, and they ask me if I will leave, but I just say that I love Clairbourn so much! It is a great school and your children would love it.

Great school with a nurturing environment. My son has been there for 8 years and totally loving it. He is excited about going to school every day and that itself is rewarding for the parents. He is doing well in school and the students there are very well-behaved.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two young Cougars of my own there, and they love it. Emphasis on ethics, academics, art, technology, parent involvement and nurturing a student's individuality. Differentiated teaching for various learning styles present in many classrooms. Beautiful campus, energetic families association, abroad programs and week-long, team-building field trips for middle school. Service learning programs in place. Public speaking skills developed at daily chapel. Phenomenal library for a small school, great computer science lab, technology, including Smart Boards, in every classroom.
—Submitted by a teacher

Childhood should be a time of fun and learning. My three kids have been at Clairbourn for several years and they truly learn a ton without having to do a marathon of homework. If you want your kids to be submerged in books for years, then Poly is probably the better chose (just look at the huge backpacks carried by the students there). If you want a relaxed environment where your kids learn through play, then this is it. If you think books is the only way to greatness in life, then I'd completely disagree (are all MBA grads from Harvard or Stanford millionaires? Answer is no. Success comes through intelligence, motivation, self interest, confidence - all of which Clairbourn develops for your kids)
—Submitted by a parent

Clairbourn Rules!!! I learned so much and have lots of fun!
—Submitted by a student

My daughter has been at Clairbourn for 5 years. If you are looking for a school at cares about your child and wants to help them be the best person they can be, then this is a great choice. The kids are happy, friendly and polite. Parental involvement is encouraged. The kids are encouraged and have many opportunities to participate in music, sports and theater. They start giving presentations to the entire school in the First grade. This gives them the opportunity to be comfortable speaking in front large crowds. All in all the school provides for a well rounded child. Daily chapel is open to the parents. There the students have a lesson prepared and presented by other students on, again, being the best person they can be. For example, the golden rule and the schools code of ethics are common topics.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been at clairbourn for 2 years, and his academic levels have decreased instead of the other way around.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Clairbourn even though I've only been involved for about 2 years. The teachers are great, it has a great amount of kids in each class and it is a great environment for anyone. I wouldn't be able to understand anyone who doesn't love Clairbourn School.
—Submitted by a student

A beautiful, smart and venerable school full of kids with active library cards and firm handshakes. Clairbourn students are comfortable with themselves, and easy with adults. The academics here are strong, and the teachers are varied and excellent. Our son has been at Clairbourn for six years and has loved it all the way. We have a Head of School who's been in place for 33 years and still feels young and energetic -- the school has moved with the times yet feels stable and well grounded.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son goes to the JPK. Very loving environment, good teachers and outstanding facilities but very expensive!!! Overall, we are extremely satisfied
—Submitted by a parent

I love it! My children go here and it is an excellent environment for learning, sports and the arts. The teachers here are great and can be challenging. Also, this school goes a great job in high school admissions and most students get into the top high schools in the area. Its a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

My two young sons attend Clairbourn now, and we look forward to their participation in the arts offered at Clairbourn. They look forward to learning to play instruments and to acting in the Shakespeare productions once they are in the middle school. They also immensely enjoy their experiences in art classes. We chose Clairbourn specifically for its nurturing of students beyond the academic focus and the family-oriented values present on campus.
—Submitted by a parent

I am an alum of the school and have 2 children who have graduated from Clairbourn. Our experience with the school has been exceptional, considering I have other children who went to a fine area public school. The class sizes where just right; the resourses were rich; they had a variety of experiences, being exposed to the arts, music and sports, as well as excellent academics. The teachers are caring and dedicated, working to meet each child in their current development. They see children as unique individuals, each with their own set of cherished qualities and talents. The religious background of the school is respectful of all religions, and I always felt that the Chapel subjects where designed to support both faith in the family as well as universal character values. The school has a strong family feel - a wonderful sense of community. We are happy with the experience.
—Submitted by a former student

I am an alum of the school and had a wonderful experience. I love the spiritual emphasis in the 5-7 min Chapel each morning where positive character traits are emphasized. The academics are very strong and all of the students in my class and in the classes of my siblings got into top prep schools in the area. The preparation was excellent.
—Submitted by a former student

I went to Clairbourn for eight years and highly recommend this school. What I loved best about it was the wide-range of personal development activities. The school gave me a strong music and art foundation in addition to the high quality of competitive academics. I've always felt that my education at Clairbourn has enabled me to stand out academically, exhibit great personal strength, and be a positive contributor to whatever situation I find myself in life.

My son went to Clairbourn for a year. I had hoped that, because Clairbourn was originally founded with a heavy emphasis on music, there would be a heavy emphasis on music today. Not so. The arts in general are severly lacking, even though there are dedicated art and music studios on campus. We were also told that the younger children would be merely exposed to religion and not have it pounded into them with regularity. Again, not so. When my son came home one day and said that 'everyone wants to come to America because God prefers America', we were horrified. The final straw for us was when we saw Clairbourn's beutiful advertisement - in the menu at the Cheesecake Factory. Our donations at work. Ugh.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent academic programs, though not all teachers are outstanding. In sixth grade, my daughter learned great study and note-taking habits that she still uses. Lack of music program is a problem, but sports are readily available and the small pool is a big plus for P.E. in hot weather. Very good top administration, and lots of parent involvement. Expensive, but worth it if you can manage it.
—Submitted by a parent