Monterey Hills Elementary School

My two children attend Monterey Hills and are, for the most part, pretty happy. I do however, have two complaints about this school. The first issue for me are some of the Kindergarten teachers. I have personally witnessed a couple of them being rather harsh with the students in their care. The manner in which I have seen and heard them speak to the students is pretty mean-spirited and they just don't convey happiness. I don't know why that is. They seem unhappy and/or overwhelmed at times and it's pretty obvious that perhaps they do not enjoy their job as much as you would hope. Also, the office personnel are not very friendly or particularly helpful. They just don't go that extra step to be helpful in a nice way. I plan on speaking with the Principal of the school soon so bring my observances to her attention.
—Submitted by a parent

There are some great teachers at MHS, and there are teachers that think they are great and are are just very average. Those teachers are lucky the parents take time to work with their children to establish a good base. Your child can get a great education at MHS, but you must be involved and don't be afraid to ask questions about your child.
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers and staff that have genuine interest and pride in the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Monterey Hills deserves a 10, not a 9. They're teachers genuinely love to teach and the neighborhood is very safe and upscale. My kids developed strong study habits here are a young age.
—Submitted by a parent

Our home school was supposed to be Marengo but due to overflow my daughter was place in MHS instead. A week after school started in kindergarten Marengo called me that they had 1 spot for my daughter, I turned it down, for so many reasons. She had a great K teacher who she loves until end of school. The MHS area is more residential compared to Marengo its more exposed to businesses area in SP. MHS has a very active PTA. Great Principal, very involved and active. My daughter is reading now and do some math as well. Now my daughter is starting 1st grade this Sept 1st and she is very excited to meet her new teacher. im very confident that her 1st grade teacher is as competent and intellectual as her K teacher. We dont want to anywhere else than MHS. Salute to the teachers and staff of MHS.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended Monterey Hills since Kinder and is in third grade now. From the very first day, the school has provided an environment that combines strong academic programs with enrichment activities. Hands on school principal and caring teachers. Great playard with lots of shade and green.
—Submitted by a parent

Our home school should have been Arroyo Vista but our son was sent to Monterey Hills due to overflow issues at Arroyo. My husband and I were excited to see the enthusiasm from the staff at Monterey Hills and felt comfortable knowing that our son was going to receive a good start for kindergarten. We just received our acceptance letter from Monterey Hills indicating that he can stay until the 5th grade. Monterey Hills is an incredible school with a wonderful staff of professionals! Wouldn't want to be anywhere else!
—Submitted by a parent

Two of my children attend MHE. It is a wonderful school. The teachers are excellent. The academics are strong. The school is a very safe site. My children simply love their school
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is half way through kindergarten and has learned to read and is doing simple adding and subtracting already. She gets interesting and fun assignments and is always excited to go to school. Parents are very involved as well - there is a parent volunteer at least 3 days a week in the class. The principal is great - very accessible and interested in making the school a good environment for all kids.
—Submitted by a parent

I absoultely love this school. My daughter is a third grader this year, and every morning she is willing and eager to attend school. The parent participation, and teacher dedication makes this school very special.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in Kindergarten and we have had a wonderful experience. The teachers are terrific, the community involvement is superb. Although I can only review Kindergarten, academically my son is enjoying his experience, it is challenging, stimulating and fun.
—Submitted by a parent

Monterey Hills in anchored by very experienced teachers who know a good thing when they see it. The kids are nice mostly coming from upper-middle & upper-income, professional families based in the hills. All in all, very nice kids from nice families being taught by established teachers in a very safe environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Beautiful Campus and the smaller of the three elementary schools in South Pasadena.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has a homework policy that sets limits on the number of minutes students should spend on homework on the average four nights per week. Many parents elect to send their child(ren)to tutoring after school because they may not have the time or command of English to assist. Many daycare providers have time periods for students to complete homework, but do not provide assistance when needed. This school provides after school assistance in reading and math for students not meeting grade level proficiency. These students may get extra help because they are second language learners, or they may be weak in specific concepts or skills necessary to meet District standards. Their are also creative and enriching experiences all teachers provide during the school day. Students are given a balance of solid math and language arts instruction as well as drama, music and visual arts programs.
—Submitted by a teacher

About 80% of the parents enroll their child in additional private tutoring at this school. I have discovered that if you have an average child you must enroll your child in some form of outside tutoring to keep up in the classsroom. NO sense of community involvement or cohesive & FUN learning going on environment. It is just a job for most teachers there.
—Submitted by a parent

Monterey Hills is a wonderful school. My child has learned so much. Teachers, staff, and administrators all work as a team to ensure children are succeeding in school which is wonderful.
—Submitted by a parent