1530 Solar Dr
Monterey Park, CA 91754

I went to this high school from grade 9 to grade 12. The teachers here are very friendly and the counselors are very concerned about each student's grades. Mr. Chin, this teacher is very friendly to students.

To maintain its reputation, Brightwood focuses on test scores at all costs. Expect high volumes of work including unending i-Ready assessments that mimic state tests. Homework is given with minimal guidance, even over breaks, and students who don’t “get it” are left behind. Pay $$$ for offsite tutoring if you want a chance of keeping up. The onsite programs, while caring, are ineffective- kids are either playing Roblox or watching Youtube (they bypass security), on their District-issued laptops - only kids that are exceptionally bright and focused can get work done. Most parents realize this won’t work for the volume and intensity of work given. Look at all the buses and shuttles lining the curb after school, ready to bus kids to do homework for another 4 hours at private centers. Those who are not doing well academically are bullied and called names like "autistic" or "mid". The school’s reliance on technology creates inequity and is detrimental. Textbooks are scanned into illegible PDFs. Students have to toggle tabs on their tiny laptop to complete assignments. You need multiple monitors or have to print out the PDFs. Expect to spend hours with your child trying to enter answers on a small textbox online. Students stare at screens for hours, affecting their social emotional development and ability to focus. Many high-performing districts are actually moving in the opposite direction.There are few extracurricular activities, music, or sports. If they exist, there is no mention of it, concerts or exhibitions. Outgoing students seem to really enjoy the theater program, but parents are not regularly informed if their students are falling behind. Other than that, there is no counterbalance to the academics.The school is physically safe, but closed to parents unless they are part of the PTA or volunteers. Halloween parades are viewed through a fence or from 100 yards away. Candy during holidays are prohibited because of ongoing urban myths of fentanyl-laced treats.We wanted to like this school. There are good teachers and staff doing their best, but it is an upstream battle that leaves little hope for students with potential but don’t fit the mold. I’m sure this school will be fine if your child is bright, colors within the lines, and is not doing extracurricular activities. But then again, your child could probably be fine anywhere. Otherwise, expect challenges and limited opportunities for your child to enjoy elementary, grow, and thrive.