20528 Hamlin St
Winnetka, CA 91306

We feel very fortunate that our son attends Woodland Hills Academy. Transitioning from elementary to middle school can be a big adjustment, and it was important to find a community where our son would be known, supported, and valued.WHA’s administration, teachers, counselors, special education team, and support staff show genuine care for our son’s academic growth, social-emotional well-being, and overall success. He is a student with an IEP who learns alongside general education peers with individualized support and accommodations while following an alternate curriculum. We appreciate the staff’s communication and collaboration to help ensure he is included, encouraged, and able to learn at an appropriate pace.WHA’s approach extends beyond academics. The school understands that middle school students need guidance, encouragement, character-building, and belonging. We have seen a commitment to helping students become more independent, responsible, and confident.While we value every member of the WHA staff, we would especially like to recognize several individuals whose dedication and collaborative spirit make a meaningful difference.Mr. Swanston, WHA’s Principal, has brought great spirit, energy, and a clear sense of direction to the school. He is a natural collaborator who works closely with staff to create a positive, welcoming environment for students and families. His enthusiasm for WHA and care for its students are felt throughout the school.Mrs. Ojeda, WHA’s Community School Coordinator, is truly amazing. Her thoughtful approach and ongoing collaborative efforts bring together students, families, staff, and community resources in meaningful ways that benefit the school.Ms. Hans, WHA’s Magnet Coordinator, helps foster a rigorous, inquiry-based environment that encourages students to think critically, develop their identities, and become engaged, compassionate, and responsible global citizens.The communication from staff has been thoughtful and responsive. When questions or concerns arise, we have consistently felt heard and supported. It is clear that many people at WHA work very hard behind the scenes to create a safe, welcoming, and positive school environment.Our son has grown so much at WHA, and we are grateful for those who know him, believe in him, and celebrate his successes. We feel lucky to be part of the WHA community and recommend it to families seeking a caring, inclusive, community-minded middle-school experience.

Canoga Park High School is very adamant about students doing the best they can and getting into college; assemblies are made to see where students are academically and to remind them about where they are supposed to be. They offer good magnets, academic resources, and extra summer learning apart from the usual summer credit make-up such as ninth-grade summer geometry classes. While CPHS has good initiative in academics they do a poorer job in almost every other aspect. Many of the non-magnet counselors (only ever encountered non-magnet) never answer their emails or are never in their offices, the campus is dirty with trash and writings on the bathroom stalls, and they lack a sense of urgency with student complaints (about other students/teachers/campus. There is very little accessibility for those who require a wheelchair apart from the one(maybe two) elevator/s on campus. Students are rowdy, ill-mannered, and have very little desire to learn; many classes get interrupted by a student who complains or tries to be funny in a disrespectful manner. Recently, mirrors have been removed from bathroom stalls in an alleged attempt to keep students in classes in the morning/during class time but to no avail students still linger in the bathroom and around campus.

Do not recommend this school at all! My child has been here from K-5 (as a gifted student) and the school has progressively gone down academically. The principal seems to be here to cash his check and is not interested whatsoever in the student's or parent's opinions. But don't bring that up to him because he will belittle you. There's no sense of community, aside from a few teachers who go the full mile for students.