35 Shellbark #17
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,

This school experience was highly unsatisfactory and unwelcoming. Since it was the only school near us, we had no choice but to stay. The majority of the staff favored students of their preferred race over others, and some teachers’ political stances were evident in the classrooms. My child endured bullying from classmates and received no assistance from the staff. I strongly advise against this school, particularly the principal, who clearly had issues with other races.

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.