St. Mel Elementary School

I hate it. i hate it. i hate it. i hate it.

We are newcomers to both the church and the school. This school has been a blessing to our family in so many ways that I can’t even count. The staff, teachers, Father Steve, and countless others make our lives richer by accepting us and treating us like family. In a time where public education is unstable and volatile, St. Mel has given us the stability and gifts we need for our children’s education. Thank you from our entire family.

My husband and I grew up in the LA Catholic School System and have many friends that went to St. Mel for K-8. They all loved it and were very well-rounded people by the time they went to high school. We encouraged my sister to send my nephews to the school and they couldn't be happier. My mom has met many people who were thinking of sending their kids to public school after preschool at St. Mel but after seeing what was in the area they came back to St. Mel for Kindergarten. She had a similar experience with those trying to send their children specifically to a private elementary school and found that St. Mel was so popular they were not able to get their child into the school and went to schools like Campbell Hall instead because it was private and they were able to get in but the parents feel that they would pay much less for St. Mel for the same education. My husband and I will be sending our children to St. Mel one day. It is currently the best and most sought after Catholic school in the valley.

NO real security. Easy to access from several areas. If your child is absent they will NOT call you. So if your child ditches, is abducted etc you will never know if he or she is in school until pick up time. The teachers: Some are nice, however your child will NOT receive the best education from the teachers. Many of them are not qualified for teaching and should never work at any schools. The principal is a JOKE. She has no clue what she is doing. You will pay for many extras beyon your tuition, but you can get away with it if you brown nose it and do "email" type volunteer things. Most of all if you really want your child to attend school with GOOD kids and if being around GOOD parents and GOOD faculty is important..stay away from St. Mel in woodland hills. There are so MANY better schools. This place will NOT prepare your child for High School or life at all. They do not have one decent alumni, which adds more evidence.

Amazing school!! We went to just about every good private, magnet, and charter school we could for Kinder. The school had a very thorough entrance exam, so we were nervous, but he was accepted and we could not be happier. I can say that this is one of the very best schools, public or private, in Los Angeles. The Principal and staff seem to love what they do, and they run a very tight ship. Teachers are dedicated, creative, and overall outstanding. Parent involvement is excellent. It is definitely a rigorous academic environment, which worried me at first, but we see the school's high standards paying off. Our son loves going to school as well as his teachers and is learning like crazy. I could not recommend this school more hightly. Submitted by a parent