Pinecrest Schools - Woodland Hills

My child is currently a student at Pinecrest preschool and I really cannot recommend this school to any parent. The school lacks any security which is not a reassuring situation especially in today's climate. The teachers are caring to a certain degree but rush out of the school 6 pm & the school is open until 6:30 pm. They pride themselves as a "working parent's school". Occasionally, I pick up my child up after 6 pm and all of my child's teachers are gone and I have no idea how my child's day went. I'm a working parent not a disinterested parent! Do your family a favor and enroll elsewhere.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been going to Pinecrest since they were at their Toddler Center. They are now both in elementary and loving it! The principal and, Mrs. Monello, and her staff are receptive, nurturing and always available to assist. They know every student by name. My kids have the utmost respect for the staff. The teachers and aids are excellent as well. They inspire and provide guidance to help them think.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter just completed her first year in the Toddler Center and had a fantastic year. Her teachers were so kind and loving. I knew she would be taken care of while I had to be away from her to work. She had fun and learned so much. She came home singing new songs all the time. She constantly talked about all of her little friends in her class. She was able to participate in lots of extra activities as well (Tumblebees, Lil Angels, and "field trips"). We look forward to watching her grow and flourish over the next several years at Pinecrest!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a proud parent of a 6 year old. This is her second wonderful year at Pinecrest Woodland Hills. This year is her kindergarten year and she has truly has had a great experience both years. Pre - Kindergarten really set the pace and helped her gain the knowledge to make for a nice transition into kindergarten. Both years her teachers have been the best. The amount of confidence Mrs. Summer gave her this year is amazing. Pinecrest is the school I know will be the school for my daughter to complete all the way through Middle School. I would recommend this school to anyone wanting the best education for children.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been teaching for over 48 years, 40 within the LAUSD ,and 9 for Pinecrest School Woodland Hills. and this is the best school I've been involved with. The classroom materials are extremeley abundant, the specialized classes offered are numerous, and the sports program is outstanding. The school's administration is very supportive and understanding toward its teachers and parents. This school offers so many opportunities for children to grow and develop. I am pleased to be part of it!
—Submitted by a teacher

My son is finishing 10 years in Pinecreat Woodland Hills. He started in pre-k all the way to 8th grade. The school is amazing from the aides on the yard through the teachers in the classrooms, that help any kid in need. NO ONE STAY BEHIND. All the way to the wonderful staff in the office to the principal Kris Nilson and the director Betty Monello that their doors are always open for any concern you have. We are fan of Pinecrest Woodland Hills.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 4 children who attended Pinecrest School in Woodland Hills. I can not say enough about how they prepared them for High School, and life. All 4 students attended 4 year colleges . The teacher's dedication to teaching and the ability to connect with the students is outstanding. Also the Director was more than a director and was involved with the students and their lives. I now have 3 grandchildren who attend the school, and are reaping a wonderful education and have caring and involved teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my daughters second year at Pinecrest Preschool. It's an amazing school, from the loving and nurturing teachers, to the director Fran Knowles and her staff, they are all wonderful. I couldn't be happier. My child couldn't be happier. She loves her teachers, they are amazing.... bright, energetic, compassionate, enthusiastic about teaching and very dedicated. You can tell they love what they do. My daughter looks forward to going to school every single day. We started at Pinecrest after Kindercare in Calabasas closed. I was a little hesitate at first, because I had heard that Pinecrest was a very academic preschool, and I still wanted her to have fun with art, music, dance and other fun stuff. Well this school has it all. It has been such a blessing for her here, she comes home with new art projects everyday, and the holiday show was fantastic. She have learned so much here, and are more that prepared for kindergarten. I can only hope that she will always love school this much. Thank you to all of you at Pinecrest for making my daughters first experience with school such a wonderful experience.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very happy with the curriculum and well-rounded education that my daughter is receiving here. We came from a 9 rated LAUSD school in the SAS program and started here at Pinecrest with the 4th grade. The style of teaching and classroom environment that the students are exposed to really motivates them and keeps them involved--working individually and in groups. What I really love is that I don't have to worry about her when I am at work, because I know she is in good hands obtaining a top notch education and involved in ballet/jazz/drill team (they have great activities/programs). The teachers, staff and the principal are very approachable for parents and the students. I am a Pinecrest Woodland Hills fan all the way! YC
—Submitted by a parent

I love the teachers my son has for Pre-K. The school and his teachers push strong academics but also allow the kids to participate in fun activities. There are all types of art and music programs and the parents are very involved.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in the middle school, honors classes, and we are so pleased with everything about this school. He's being academically challenged in a safe environment where he has excelled. In regard to the cost, we looked at quite a few $20k per year schools, and I know we are getting a ton of bang for our buck here. A++.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school. After looking into other similar schools in the area I believe this school offers quality academic programs. They are very academically challenging and the kids love it. They also provide a well rounded program with PE, art, spanish,computers, etc. They also offer after and during school extracurricular activities. I have not been discouraged to get involved and quite the contrary, every time I have offered to help or participate I have been encouraged. They market themselves to working families therefore they provide a school that provides everything without needing parents involvement, they don't hound your or make you feel bad if you can't be involved.
—Submitted by a parent

Very traditional, 1950's educational methods - drill, drill, drill. Several teachers yell at the students on a regular basis. Several things are very telling about this school's philosophy: there's no parent association (just this year they started a booster club to raise money)- parent involvement is discouraged. I don't feel my son receives a well-rounded education here. Extracurricular programs are overrated. They changed the cafeteria offerings this year to make them more nutritional, which is great, but they still have a soda machine.
—Submitted by a parent

My son transferred to Pinecrest from another pre-K school in Sherman Oaks. Each classroom typically has two teachers. The school is very structured and frown upon your child coming from a 'daycare' environment. Their style of teaching isn't developmental or explorative. I believe they focus on accelerated academics for advanced placement of their students, whether they continue there or go elsewhere. They are a bit pricey. Safety wise, they take extreme precautions with your child.
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers! Lot's of extra curriculum, homework, and projects.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school, lots of activities, caring teachers
—Submitted by a parent

No matter what the subject - math, language arts, science, geography - the schoolwork is all worksheets. Creativity, independent thinking, problem solving, and hands on learning are all absent from the curriculum. I call this the 'Stepford School.' Parent involvement is discouraged and there is no parent association. One positive thing about this school is that if you're a working parent, they're open from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm and they have childcare for winter break and spring break, so the school is almost never closed.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent academic programs. My son is in pre-school and can already read basic words. Excellent and caring teaches. Very good after school program. What else can I say?
—Submitted by a parent

My 5 year old started last September in junior K, this is the first school that from the first day of attendance my child did not cry. Academicly I would recomended, no complains at all.
—Submitted by a parent