1635 S Durango Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90035

This is our "neighborhood school" that very few neighborhood kids go to. We permitted into the "much better" Palms Middle School only to find daily fights, bullying, and a general lack of attention from staff. Webster has 1/3 the enrollment of Palms (and less than half of Mark Twain) so the staff can be more attentive. The principal, Ms Bell, as well as the Assistant Principals and Dean are standing in front of the gates in the morning to welcome kids, reminding parents of happenings at the school, and building relationships with the students and parents. My kid, who never feels safe, feels safe there. Teachers have been in constant communication and reply to emails and texts (yes, they give out their cell phone numbers) and schoology is constantly updated so we always know what is going on. While the test scores do not show it, the opportunity to learn is absolutely there. Even by LAUSD standards this school is a bit dated. I'm guessing it is because enrollment is low and LAUSD funds are spent on... other priorities. I bought into the neighborhoods opinion of Webster "not being an option". We didn't even consider it when considering middle schools. We got caught up in the WISH, GALA, CWC, charter school application process then permitting to ANY other school close by and didn't give Webster a fair shot. I'm now kicking myself for not sending my kid here from the start of middle school. If you live in the neighborhood do yourself and your child a favor and give Webster genuine consideration. Don't take my word for it, stop by at pick up time and chat up a few parents. I have no doubt you'll hear the same from them.

Transferred my child out of there. Some teachers great, others SO haughty and unhelpful. Very bad vibe. Principal outright rude and unhelpful as noted in other reviews. I assumed she was overworked as an LAUSD employee but was told by those on the "inner circle" that she's just as dismissive with them. ZERO help working thru issues with a child needing an IEP. Felt gaslit there because there was so much "isn't Canfield GREAT and we're such a family" when in reality, like 5 parents run the school because the office does NOTHING.

My daughter loves Hami. She is in AMPA, the music school. And plays sports. The kids she has met are nice and fun. Teachers are experienced and involved. School is challenging but not too much homework. Administration cares about the kids and takes safety seriously. Lots of staff on campus. My kid likes the Block class schedule: you take 7 classes rather than standard 6. And it makes the week more interesting/always changing. It's just feels like a fun place ...w lots of student-run clubs and music / bands in the quad at lunch etc.Hami is not our home school, but the drive is worth it.