Topanga Mountain School

I agree with the most recent post. In regards to the "teaching" faculty, most teachers have no credentials or certifications, some have no official training in education. The school lacks organization and the director is prone to fits of frustration that students bear the brunt at times, as well as staff. With such a small and flexible environment, there is no excuse for this school to have the problems of a larger LAUSD school.
—Submitted by a parent

Small school and class size yields a flexible curriculum. Furthermore a hands-on student faculty relationship makes for an intimate and nurturing environment. This school has a lot of potential to be great. Unfortunately much of it is unrealized. There are no books for Science, English Literature, History. Frequently I have no idea what my child is studying since there are few handouts and no books to refer to. The 3 day academic week only allows for 2 days of Science and 1 day of Spanish. Often my child has no homework at all. This is middle school I expect more homework than elementary not less. California Curriculum Standards are VERY loosely followed if at all. Some of the teachers do not have a teaching certificate/license and have NEVER taught in a formal classroom setting. As such they are not fully qualified to teach the assigned subjects. Technology is minimally utilized for anything but basic communication. Often notices are sent out at the last minute and organization is lacking. With all the wonderful aspects; camping, field trips, electives, great kids and caring parents, I want to love this school. Yet the lack of a strong curriculum makes this school disappointing.
—Submitted by a parent

I can say enough about the quality and education of this school and how it has transformed the lives of my children and many who I have witness go thru this school. My two daughters are in the school and the oldest is graduating this year and is not looking forward to leaving. My youngest came into the school kicking and screaming but is for the first time in a long time smiling and loving to go to school. They teach what I feel we have lost in most schools, which is a respect and a getting to know ones self and the choices we make and why. The kids get to play, and honor and know themselves which translates them in honoring and a willingness to honor and get to know others. They give back to community and other endeavors as they go full circle with learning. I am always awed and honored by the kids in this school. They may go in as a ordinary kid but they come out transformed by the experience of this school. This is truly a community I will be apart of for a very long time and will be sad when both my girls are onto High school.. Wish there was a High School that cultivated this way of teaching.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son will be graduating in one month and we will truly miss TMS. What a joy it has been to send our child to such a caring , loving enriched enviroment. The students who are lucky enough to have the TMS experience have a strong foundation on which to build their fututre education. We can't wait to come back with our younger son for more!
—Submitted by a parent

TMS has given my daughter an education that I can't put a price on. The staff truly cares and they are dedicated to creating a nurturing creative environment with diversity and respect. My daughter has become a caring, thinking, creative supportive individual ready for her high school years.
—Submitted by a parent

This program creates an environment of academic structure with interpersonal liberation. There is an emphasis on the oneself as one relates to their outer world. Such as weekly council where the students dictate the theme, go to a sit spot to meditate and then return to the group to share insights with one another. The students have a Friday field trip which includes on hands academic themes, exploration of nature and relating to one another and to society through social action programs. There are music and drama classes and performances by students and parents. There are sport and academic programs in and out of school. Parents are involved as much as they are able through passion days where the parent supports the staff in instructing one's personal 'passion,' i.e. Native Americans, my passion. Fundraising, like lunch and a monthly swap meet, Coffee-house Jazz Jam on Saturdays. Just watch your child evolve.
—Submitted by Holly AlsopMitchell, a parent

It's the most wonderful school ever. I'd travel very far to get to it.The children become more and more who they really are - uninhibited findings and expression of self in a liberating structured environment - they learn so much as they get to unfold in the most beautiful manner -- do yourself and your child the favor of a lifetime and check it out - peace anna katarina
—Submitted by a parent

Our youngest daughter is in her second year and she loves the school - learning the core academics is just the base. Time in nature, learning about communication, community, friendship & responsibility makes this a more complete middle school experience. This is all the more vital for her as she grows into adolescence. The parent community is committed. The volunteer spirit is what sustains the school. And the teaching is amazing... truly devoted and inspirational educators.
—Submitted by Scott Vineberg, a parent

Two of our children have been at the Topanga Mountain School 3 years now and we are overjoyed by the richness of this phenomenal middle school. A school that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit as this does is a rare gift and we are continually thrilled by the wonder our children hold for the world and their enthusiasm for learning more. Apart from the terrific academic caliber of classes and the wonderful faculty, even more important to us is that our daughter has learned to honor her individuality and truly celebrate others, while our son has cultivated a deep, honest and respectful communication with his classmates and teachers thru council far beyond how most adults are able to relate to one another. Upholding the core values of a compassionate, engaged, organic community and learning in a really fun way-- I wish they had classes for adults too! There is an alternative to expensive private schools and cookie cutter public schools. Topanga Mountain School is fantastic.
—Submitted by a parent