16933 Dulce Ynez Ln
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

This is the neighborhood-assigned middle school for my son, who will be starting 6th grade next year. I’ve toured the school twice, and to be honest, I left both visits feeling unsure and concerned.The school feels very large, which already makes me nervous since my son is small and more on the quiet side. During both tours, there were students yelling at us not to send our kids there, saying things like “don’t come here,” and just being generally disruptive. I understand that middle schoolers can act out, but I’ve toured a few other schools and didn’t see this kind of behavior. It made me question what kind of environment this really is.I’ve also heard some rumors about vaping and behavioral issues, and I’m really trying to figure out whether this school would be a safe and supportive place for my son.I know options can be limited with zoning and district policies, but if any current or past parents could share their honest experiences with this school, I would really appreciate it. I’m open to different perspectives—I just want to make the best decision for my child.

My two kids go to Marquez School, and we love it, and so do they. They are in 2nd and 4th grade. We moved our fourth grader from a private school to Marquez, and he has been happier and has better grades than before. My kids have made a lot more friends. We love the school.

This school is a major disappointment. The majority of teachers are either ineffective or completely uninterested in their students' success, especially in math and science. Only a few teachers seem to actually care or know how to teach well, but those are few and far between. The lack of support in these subjects is incredibly frustrating.The ASB club is a joke. It's not about leadership or getting involved in the school; it's just a group for the popular, spoiled kids. They pick their friends over qualified candidates, which has led to the ASB's terrible reputation. If you're not part of the "in" crowd, forget about making a real impact or being recognized for your efforts.Cheating is rampant, and it feels like the school does little to nothing to address it. There's a severe bullying problem, and the administration doesn't seem to care. Kids get away with it daily, and the school’s indifference to this issue is beyond concerning.We're actively looking at other schooling options because this environment is toxic, and it's clear that the school has no intention of improving. Save yourself the trouble and look elsewhere!