La Serna High School

I feel very fortunate that my children attend(ed) La Serna. One child graduated last year and I still have one attending. There are many excellent teachers there and even a few that I and my children feel are absolutely outstanding. There is a great emphasis for all the students to reach or exceed their potential. La Serna has a very high graduation rate which speaks to the commitment that the teachers, staff and administration have to the students. They do an excellent job at trying to prepare each child for their next step after high school and most seniors go on to higher education with the knowledge and self-confidence that they can succeed. They offer many honors and AP courses for students that need that academic challenge. They also have an exceptional athletics program. Their are many opportunities for the students to be involved if they choose. There is an outreach for parent involvement through PTSA, Friends of La Serna and booster clubs for sports, band and occasionally other classes or activities. The counselors are accessible and very helpful with any concerns or problems. This is a great high school and I'm very glad that this is my children's alma mater!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of two children that attend La Serna, and I am quite pleased with the staff and the students my children have made friends with. I've had little interaction with the administration but I have nothing but good things to say about the teachers. One of my children struggles more than the other. When I brought this to my childs teacher's attention they were quick to address it and gave me plenty of suggestions on how to handle things at home as well. They offered ways to keep in touch with them to make sure my students are not falling behind. As a matter of fact three out of 6 teachers gave me their personal phone numbers so that I can reach them if I had questions. Sometimes parents of high school students need to be aware of everything that is going on in the classroom.
—Submitted by a parent

I belive that La Serna has a up scale of high standards!!! excellence to the Principle and whole staff!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

This is my sons first year @ LS. It has been a great year and he has made many new friends. All of my sons teachers are extremely helpful and have my sons best interest at heart. I have found many good families send their children to LS in which I enjoy my son making good friends with them. I feel my son is safe,and happy as it should be.
—Submitted by a parent

I am sorry to say that I cannot say very many positive things about this school. The office staff is friendly & helpful as are some of the teachers. Sorry not to be able to include administration or a few of the teachers who act superior and arrogantly to students & parents. They boast needlessly. A close examinatio is needed by parents.
—Submitted by a parent

LSHS is a school for a great education. This year is my Jr year at this school. I have been here every year so far, and will be attending next year. The school is very safe compared to others that I know of. It sets the bar when it comes to standards and learning. The teachers and staff are willing to help students and teach so that students will understand. They really do get the students to think of college and what comes after high school. That is one of the best things about my high school. Before I came to La Serna I never wanted, or even really thought about going to college and now i want to go because of the many people from La Serna opening my eyes to a new possibility. To everything La Serna has done for me I thank everyone at that school.
—Submitted by a student

LSHS is a fabulous school for the teens that attend in Whittier. The academics, the leadership, the top notch teachers , counselors, administration and openness to new programs is first rate. We as parents appreciate the work put in by the security, administration, teachers, counselors to those that maintain the school...We are proud of La Serna. I give the school 5 stars and thank you for the great education and positive experiences both my kids have as now graduates , as of 6/18/08.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a current senior at La Serna, and I have to say this year is the best. La Serna has not been known for its school spirit, but this year we have really stepped it up. The Link Crew program for mentoring freshman has added to the schools school spirit because they are no longer afraid to be themselves. We have 'loud crowd' shirts, which are given away to the most enthusiastic people during lunch or at the football games. These shirts are a prized possession, and students wear them everywhere. We also have a new victory 'assembly'. The day after one of our teams wins a game, during nutrition band members come out on our stage in the middle of campus and play while the captains of the team raise a lancer 'victory flag' and ring our 'victory bell'. It gets everyone excited for the next game.
—Submitted by a student

I feel safe at my school and the teachers are always there to help me
—Submitted by a student

It is a good school, true. 'Distinguished'? It would love to pride itself in such a title. Curriculum is not challenging. I was heavily involved in activities (elected to student government, leader of clubs, AP classes, etc.) yet there is little enthusiasm as to actual lessons to be learned. Most of the material is all to project the image of excellence, when really the teachers and faculty do little to care for the quality of life lessons. La Serna is great place to go to if you simply want to have the appearance of a good education.
—Submitted by a former student

Great teachers, particularily in the AP classes. Good athletic coaches who emphasized academics along with sports. My son graduated with a straight A average, (4th in his class of 396) and entered the USAF Academy.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter graduated with honors last year. She is attending a top Ivy League school this year. The Link Leader program added something special in terms of caring for others, which is something our community needs more of. She talks fondly of several teachers and her counselor has been top notch. The College Corner was a great resource as well. My son is attending this year as a junior, and he is getting challenged and supported as well. Combined with parent support, La Serna is a fine school.
—Submitted by a parent

La Serna offers the student a well rounded education. The focus is not totally on test scores only. It seeks to engage all students in the learning process through a variety of techniques. La Serna not only has a good reputation for its academics, but also boasts of an amazing drama, art, music, and sports program. It has a good faculty and a dedicated support staff. I wouldn't send my daughter to any other school in the area!
—Submitted by a staff

Prime High School in Whittier! Everything from it's location to it's academic courses, La Serna can't be beat. Students have extremely high school spirit and parents are involved as well!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two boys at La Serna and one on the way. The academics are strong with an emphasis on helping children in need of help as demonstrated by their half-lunch program. There is a good variety of AP classes. The Water Polo and Swim teams seem to be well organized. Parents seem to be involved and take part in activities such as evaluating the senior projects. I'm glad we live in the attendance area of La Serna. It's ther reason I bought my home.
—Submitted by a parent

Very fine school with focus on acedemics and the arts. Drama program second to none.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful availablility of advanced courses, very high level of parental involvement, both my daughters are extremrely involved in sports and school asb. New principal- don't know much about him.
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers do not treat students equaly. Student feels that there is ovious favoritism. Students appear to be using undesirable items at school withoput any repucusions.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended her freshman year at a private school. It took days to receive return calls from teachers, and they hired many teachers that were not credentialed. We transferred her to La Serna. My daughter is now a senior and we are extremely happy we made the transfer. La Serna provided all the elements we had hoped to find in a private school and it was in our own back yard all the time. The teachers are supportive and caring. The administration is always willing to listen. We could not be happier as parents.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. My son is a sophomore and he is doing very well. It's a very supportive environment.
—Submitted by a parent