2016 Hanscom Dr
South Pasadena, CA 91030

I was a parent, a PTA Executive Member, and an employee of Monterey Hills Elementary School. So you can say I've seen it all, heard it all. I'm really glad that my child went to this school and that I've been able to see various perspectives on how this school works. My child went to MHS from Kinder to Fifth Grade and was very happy there, the environment/atmosphere was welcoming, diverse, and inclusive. The assemblies, special projects, and special events covered everything from poverty/people experiencing homelessness, the arts, bullying, environmental issues, cultural and gender expression/identity sensitivity, and awareness. MHS also has a strong Arts program including an Art Teacher, Music Teacher, Theatre teacher, 5th Grade Band Teacher.We were happy with the teachers my child had. They were all different which was nice as it taught my child to learn to work with different personalities. My child was not always easy to work with but I never felt like they gave up on him. They all had creative ways to work with him and were very communicative with me. The campus is in the hills and surrounded by so much nature. It's a beautiful place for kids to play, study and eat outside. When the weather is beautiful you’ll see many classrooms doing lessons outside or going to Turtle Hill for mindfulness time.The PTA is very involved in continually supporting the teachers with supplies and materials, and creating fun events for students and their families. They work really hard and many times with very little help. They spend a lot of time at school and they don’t get paid for any of it, they do it because they love the school, the staff, the students, and their families.No school is perfect for every family, no teacher is perfect for every child, and some people will never be happy. But being involved, asking questions, and working with the staff and support staff can really make a difference for the child and the family. If something doesn't work or if additional services are needed just ask. The district has an array of support services. These are just some of the support staff they have at MHS: Speech Therapist, Occupational therapist, Psychologist, Counselor, Reading Specialist, Math Specialist, Behavior Specialist, and not to mention all the Aides.Thank you for taking the time to read my review.

The curriculum is excellent, my student’s’ were outstanding learners. They held 3.8-4.0 gpa’s throughout middle school. My experience with South Pasadena Middle School was good during the elementary school years, but unfortunately not in the later years. We felt many days disconnected, alienated & not included. All three years of our attempts to join ASB my kids were turned down. No reason, no explanation, just an empty apology and courage to try next year. Even after tirelessly filling out all the questionnaires, forms, and gathering a number of signatures by members & school staff. We couldn’t figure out why they’d be declined to be involved in betterment of the school, adding different perspectives etc. We knew we weren’t the only one’s, many students were rejected every single year after year. The sports were the same-. They were all by invitation only. You have to have been trained at a young age whether interested in tennis, basketball or any sport. Sadly both kids were never able to join any sport teams throughout all the years of middle school. Every sport (at least 3) they tried out for they were declined, this level of expectations on middle school athletics were very rough and cut throat. How could a school be so tough on middle school sports? It would be understandable for high school. What kind of school does this to young teens? Unless your super prepped & trained there’s no way in. I would have to say the worst part of school were the councilors. They don’t have a minute to spare for parents. Unless you’re lucky enough to get a question answered via email. Many times I wouldn’t get my emails answered at all. By the end, I didn’t bother. When you ask they say, “they’re trying to teach your kids that it’s their responsibility to email the teachers if they’re having any issues or concerning your child, as it teaches them to be independent”. If I had the choice to do it again I wouldn’t send my kids to the Middle School or to the High School , they’re the same. The councilor’s are unhelpful, void, and not interested in helping your child. The principal of the High School, who was in my opinion the best part of the district, dedicated many years, just left her position this year. The middle and high school need to get their act together. The students’ deserve better. It would be nice to hire a new staff of councilors to prepare and actually support the student’s education goals.

The new Principal Eldred has ruined this school. South Pas was a unique and vibrant school when under the helm of Principal Anderson. She created a culture that was interested in assisting students to craft a unique 4 yr plan for each student's individual goals. The new Principal Eldred has abolished all of those unique avenues and has made it so every student is exactly alike in this cookie cutter factor of a high school. The Parents at South Pasadena High School are encouraging the new superintendent and the school board NOT to renew his contract. We would be ecstatic if they approached Janet Anderson to be the interim principal while also asking her to consult on hiring and training her replacement. The Parents at South Pasadena High School wish that mediocre and rigid Eldred would go back to where he came from because he does not fit in with the flexible and dynamic culture of South Pasadena. He might be better in a military institution where everyone wants that kind of leadership. His favorite thing to say to parents is NO. It is his first, last and only comment on requests to help their children reach their individual goals. It's sad because this school had been incredibly outstanding for meeting the needs of students and parents. Unfortunately, I have discovered that it was the old Principal Anderson who created that culture. The Parents of South Pasadena are fervently wishing this new Principal Eldred would just go back to where he came from.