26 Shellbark #26
Irvine, CA 92618

Our first year at Stonegate. Our fifth grader is in a class with 34 other kids. The teacher tries very hard, but trying to teach 35 pre-pubescent kids on your own is the definition of insanity. regardless, under the circumstances, she truly does an excellent job.Main frustrations: lackluster communication from the administration—truthfully, no engagement at all. You generally find out about new clubs or events a week or so AFTER they’ve started. There's no attempt to engage parents whatsoever beyond requests to come volunteer for events. there’s zero community building. There appear to be zero consequences for kids who actively disrupt the classroom. The principal actively blows off parental concerns.If you are new to the school, they have no interest in helping you acclimate or understand how things work: trial by fire is the way and too bad if you don’t understand they don’t respond to email or their social media posts (pointless because you can’t get information). Good: There is dedicated music twice a week, and dedicated science twice a week. The only art class runs 10-12 times per year, and P.E. Is once a week. AGain, the teachers do the best they can, but in an incredibly wealthy district like IUSD, there seems to be little interest from administration in trying to improve conditions, experiences, or communication,

My student has reported that the drama teacher mocks the students' accents--particularly the Chinese and Indian students. I am absolutely shocked that someone in a position of power has either not been reported to the school/district, or has been reported and has been allowed to continue bullying the students in her class. My child's friend was targeted by this teacher and was humiliated and distressed.

Had both kids graduate from NWH. This school is top notch in every way. When you hear your kids say college is easier than high school, you know you made a choice living in Northwood sending them to Northwood High.