Pinecrest School - Van Nuys

I really enjoyed my time at Pinecrest Van Nuys (K-8). The i was never victim of bullying, the teachers were great and always offered one-on-one help. The school always had a great sports program with coaches that were greatly dedicated to their work. With my mom having to be at work by 7, she could drop me off at 6:30 which was great for her. The staff was well educated and always attentive. Though they were young, they could relate to the students on a level that older staff could not have. Everyone in the office is great, very attentive and open to suggestions. With small classes, the teaching was very centered and helped me excel. The middle school program helped prepare me for high school. I am a Junior at Crespi with a 4.3 GPA while playing baseball as well as many other extracurricular activities. The school is great, the staff is great, the teachers are great. Do not listen to the previous comments because they are filled with many red herring/fallacious statements. Take it from a former student, first hand, who knows the ins and outs of the school like non other.

my son has assaulted a few people and he still didn't get introuble so we as parents are mad.
--Submitted by a parent

As an incoming parent to the toddler program, i am optimistic that the school is great. Attentive staff (love the daily logs), healthy and happy kids, great staffing hours and rates, and a safe playground. In private schools, there is always a high turnover rate b/c usl they're "at-will" staff unlike public schools where they are continually contracted. Turnover doesn't concern me just the quality and care of the educators and I am hopeful that we will be happy here!
--Submitted by a parent

I enrolled my daughter here for preschool after leaving a Montessori school. Pinecrest offers just the right amount of curriculum and play. My daughter is very happy at Pinecrest. I am very pleased with her teachers and the administrative staff. They have always been available to me and are attentive to my questions and concerns. I do think the nap should not be mandatory, we are having issues with our daughter and her bedtime because of the nap schedule. Hopefully that will be addressed in the near future.
--Submitted by a parent

My child is on her 4th principal since preschool. Way too much turnover. The school claims to cater to the working parent, yet they cut off summer camp on Aug. 14 this year. What the heck are we supposed to do with our children while we're at work until school starts. Pinecrest left us high and dry.
--Submitted by a parent

We've just attended a meeting with the new principal regarding our daughter and her upcoming grade. She is very shy and we had concerns about new teachers and the boisterous nature of her classmates. We have left thrilled with the new principal . She has such a passion for education and it sounds like the new teachers do as well! All of our questions have been answered and our issues put to rest. We know there is an open door and we look forward to a great school year!
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school. Many of you other parents dislike this school. I do not understand at all. My younger daughter is now in the 8th grade and she is doing fabulously. She recieved her report card recently and got all As on it. The teachers and staff are amazing. I have gotten the oppertunity to discuss individually with them about my daughters needs since kindergarten. She has been there since preschool, and she never once though about leaving. Also, my older daughter has just entered her first year at Yale. Her first year of high school was basically unnecessary, she said, because pinecrest over-prepared her. I found that completely reassuring. She had a near perfect score on her SATs in her 8th grade year. the campus may be small, but that ensures a family like atmosphere and I wish we wouldn't have to leave.
--Submitted by a parent

This will be our last year at Pinecrest. The Principal is unfriendly and our problems went unresolved for two years. Private tutoring was pushed every year with out any responsibility put on the teachers for their teaching methods. We are not alone, both of my children have been tutored privately even though I am paying for an education. Sports program is great as are the art, music and computer classes. I enjoy the childcare hours and the availibility of hot lunch.My son's class size is as large as a public school.
--Submitted by a parent

This is our first year at Pinecrest. Even though it's only 8 weeks into the school year, we are so heppy with everything we've seen, heard and done. My son is so happy to go to school each day and - more importantly - I have seen a real change in his attitude toward learning. He is once again eager and curious about everything! Thank you, Pinecrest for reawakening his love of learning!
--Submitted by a parent

My two children have been attending this school for since Preschool. I have been more than pleased with their academic and social achievements. My husband and I believe we get a lot for the amount we are paying. I also want to congratulate them for receiving one of the greatest honors a school being public or private can receive, which is the Blue Ribbon Award in Washington D.C. Congrats Pinecrest, you deserve it!!
--Submitted by a parent