10139 Monogram Ave
North Hills, CA 91343

I recently graduated from this school, and I have much to say about my experience there. For starters, I am a student of the African American race, and there isn’t much diversity at this school, as well as when it comes to things like Black intelligence and Black History Month. They don’t do much, and they take everything down about Black people. when it comes to mexican heritage month they keep all the things up and it makes it seem as if teachers admin and the principle don't care about the students who like to learn and see about what has happened along the years. I went to porter all three years of middle school and ive noticed that they dont care much about helping struggling student as well. MY 8th grade year was the biggest struggle for me because i was trying so hard to make sure inwas in grad status and i barley made it if it wasnt for my english teacher i wouldnt have graduated he helped me excell. i went to the offices multiple times during school to get help or possibly change my classes because i was actually struggling and i wanted to make the stage but everytime i went they only told me to go to after school tutoring in which i did but it didnt provide the type of help i needed. I don't recommend end this school if you don't want your child to be bullied feel out of place and feel like they wont graduate. Its the simple things they could’ve fixed in my 6th grade year but it stayed the same no matter how many times it was brought up. this shows that they don’t plan on making the school dynamic better for all students any time soon because if they did then they would have done it already.

attended only freshman year, the students were horrible towards me. my business was put on blast so many times in that school, the passing of my late best friend was spread around, my problems with substance abuse was spread around, and i was bullied heavily. I would not recommend even for education, the teachers don’t teach at the level the students need them to. the staff does nothing to help with the bullying and harassment but rather just let it continue and even hear on the gossip spread around. the students are so entitled and horrible, their parents did horrible jobs raising them. save your child’s mental health and find a different school.

My daughter graduated this past June 2025 and was there for her four years of high school in the Magnet program. Over that time, I’ve seen the school go through many positive changes with staff and campus improvements. My daughter was actively involved in sports, activities, and school events, which really enriched her high school experience. She received support from the Gleam Program instructors, as well as from the College Counselor, who was always available and willing to help. I truly believe that when students stay involved and keep a positive outlook, both they and the school thrive.

My child attended this school two years ago before his IEP; it was probably one of the saddest experiences. He missed several days of school because he was terrified of the teacher's aide in the TK/K class. We walked into the school on numerous occasions, to this specific aide screaming at the children. Luckily, once his IEP was completed, he was relocated to a school where the staff is caring, and he's excelling.

As a parent, I’ve had three children attend VAAS. Two have already graduated and one is currently a senior. Each of their experiences has been different, but one thing has stayed consistent: their confidence has grown and they’ve learned how to advocate for themselves.I remember when my oldest started as a freshman. He was nervous and trying to figure out where he fit in. He’s part of the LGBTQ community, and as a mom you hope your child will be accepted for who they are. At VAAS, he was. The diversity here is real, and you can feel it every day. He joined the dance team, got involved in theater, and eventually became president of several clubs. Watching him grow into a confident leader showed me how much this school was helping him develop as a person, not just as a student.My other two children were excited to attend after seeing his experience, and I’ve watched the same kind of growth happen with them. They all have different personalities and interests, but they’ve each learned to speak up for themselves and take ownership of their future. As a parent, that means everything.What makes VAAS special is the smaller environment and the relationships with teachers and staff. Students are known by name, and the teachers genuinely care. I’ve had teachers reach out not just about concerns, but to share progress and ideas for growth. It shows they’re truly invested.Both of my children who graduated from VAAS have now graduated from college, one from UC Irvine and the other from the University of Hawaii, and my youngest has already been accepted into college. That tells me VAAS really prepared them for what came next.One of my favorite experiences as a parent has been Digital Portfolio Night, where students present their own work and reflect on their growth. Seeing that confidence firsthand is something special.VAAS is more than just a school. It’s a supportive community that prepares students for life after high school, and I would absolutely recommend it to other families.