21 Manker, Mt Baldy, CA 91759

As a parent who pays attention to so many details to various things, the most recent reviews of the school sound as if they were written by someone in administration. Many of the terms I only have heard being used by them when they have parent meetings. Is there thruth in what they mention? Yes, for some things. There’s an aspect of the school that feels magical and tight knit. Yet, it also has its flaws. As some of the previous reviews mention, the principal is currently teaching in the class with the higher grades as is the instructional coach. While they might believe that is an asset, in conversation with other parents, some of us have a real concern that they are taking on too much while other things may be falling by the wayside. Some of us have doubts that bringing this up will actually have a positive effect or if we’ll be truly heard. I’m currently writing this review as I contemplate whether I want to continue bringing my children next year, since they just sent out an intent-to-return form. I’m considering the fact that the principal is currently teaching, the change in communication (either lacking or it being last minute), not knowing how much money was raised during their fundraisers or where the money goes, they don’t go on field trips. One of the things that attracted our family to this school was the outdoors, however, based on what my children report, only the higher grades do more outdoor activities. We’ve also not had a great experience with staff not taking relational aggression concerns we’ve had with our kids seriously. They had reported that they would be working with classes on resolving or providing tools for that, but again, considering that they don’t have enough full time teachers, that doesn’t seem to be a priority. One of the biggest cons that we as a family are considering is that there’s no extra curricular sports or electives for the younger grades. Yes, they have music and art, but even that went from happening twice a week to once a week. We really wanted to love this school, but are now exploring other options, and debating on returning next year.