334 S Cabrillo Ave
San Pedro, CA 90731

My daughter just finished her 9th grade year and we have been so impressed throughout the year by all of her teachers (they truly go the extra mile when working with their students), the rigorous and engaging instruction, the fantastic sports programs, and all of the clubs and extracurricular options. We feel so fortunate to have SPHS as our neighborhood high school.

This is my fifth year as a parent at this school, and I can confidently say that the new principal really struggles with authority and managing the students. While she has made her presence known since taking over, it seems like she lets the kids run wild. The previous principal, Mr. Mac, had a firm grip on things, which kept bullying and fights to a minimum. Unfortunately, my oldest son has been bullied by some fifth graders this year, and despite my complaints, nothing has changed. He even mentioned that a classmate who was suspended still showed up at school every day, hanging out with the principal and playing video games. Is that the kind of discipline we want? Mr. Mac was respected and handled bullying effectively. It feels like this principal is more interested in being friends with the students rather than setting a good example. Ms. Claudia is great at giving advice to parents and engaging with students, but during the coffee meetings, the principal only talks about grades and ignores behavioral issues. For me, my son's safety is way more important than his English score. The staff is generally nice, and most teachers are great, except for one second-grade teacher who picked on my child daily and denied it when I confronted her. The school has a welcoming atmosphere, and the parent center is nice, thanks to Ms. Wescott's support. My main concern is the lack of discipline, so just a heads up. Mr. Mac worked very hard to make this school way better than before, so I am afraid the new principal will make the school go downhill.

San Pedro, CA parents and students have no other Public Los Angeles middle School to attend. it is the ONLY school available for students out of 5th grades to attend.There are no other schools to compare against Richard Henry Dana Middle School for an education in a Middle School. This is a reason parents who cannot afford any other choices to send their children, are harassed, and ridiculed because of their LOW LOW incomes. There is no PUBLIC School Bus available to Students to Attend this school, and Students must utilize City of LA Bus system where many must walk long City Blocks to a Bus Route to Board any City Bus and must walk City of San Pedro neighborhoods to find and obtain other City Bus to return to their Parents homes.Those students with Parents that have above average incomes often drive their children to this School.