Montecito

Both my kids attend LMAAC, and so far the experience has been good despite the effects of the pandemic. My daughter will be going to HS next year and has had the opportunity to be in two years of culinary which she's appreciated. My son is in choir which wasn't his first choice, but he's done well, and I think performing has been a good experience for him. I don't think that they have particularly rigorous academics, but I do feel like they're learning what they should. I wish they had the opportunity to learn a second language, but I feel great about all of the arts opportunities my kids have as they are both creative.

This review reflects concerns shared by multiple families, many of whom are hesitant to speak openly due to fear of retaliation.As someone involved with the school for over 5 years, I have seen ongoing issues that are concerning. Classrooms are often overcrowded, and teachers appear overwhelmed and under supported. Communication from administration can feel indirect, and feedback does not always seem welcomed.While efforts are visible on the surface, they do not always reflect the day to day experience. Family communication is not consistent, and tools like ParentSquare are not used uniformly across staff.Teacher quality varies widely. Some educators go above and beyond and make a lasting difference, while others seem disengaged. That inconsistency can leave families feeling like their children are not receiving equal attention or support.There has also been a lack of stability for certain grade levels. For example, the class of 2034 has experienced both classes losing their teachers beginning in December of their third grade year that lasted through the remainder of the school year, followed by continued disruption the next year. There has been little to no intervention specific to them to help those students recover from those gaps.Special education support needs improvement and assistance. While some staff are dedicated, there are students who clearly need more support than they are receiving. Students with high support needs would definitely not thrive here at all.Families would benefit from more transparency, consistent communication, and opportunities for open dialogue with leadership. Stronger support for teachers and more focus on community building could significantly improve both morale and student outcomes.

My son’s schedule was full of engaging teachers who cared for their students even though at times that could be difficult given the clientele of students that attend the school. But, the teachers did care, and for the most part, it seemed as if they were making the absolute best of the situation’s in front of them. My son really wanted to play football at the school, even though I was against the sport for safety reasons, I allowed him to play because I hoped it would build his character. Boy was I wrong. The football coaching staff is flush with men taking their coaching jobs far too seriously and completely ignoring the fact that the young men on their team need social and emotional building as much as they do athletic building. coach Braswell, his coordinator on the team, was simply strange. At first glance I ignored the foul language and machismo building as just part of the deal. By the time I hoped to see the fruit of my son’s labor, I instead saw a kid afraid of his coaches, Braswell in particular, instead of inspired by them. He needed men in life that would see him as an athlete after a student, not an athlete that could be a stepping stone to a coaching job at another school, which I know a few of the coaches see as their trajectory. MMHS, do better!