4223 Emerald Ave
La Verne, CA 91750

My child's experience at this school was that of nightmares. She was bullied relentlessly by a group of girls. They stalked her every day, called her every nasty name, including the "N" word. A student sitting next to her was drawing swastikas on each of his knuckles! I told a Black vice principal about those markings on the boy's knuckles, and he wasn't even shocked. The teachers and administrators did/do nothing -- zero, zip, nada. I would highly recommend avoiding this school at all costs.

I am writing to share a serious concern about the school’s approach to discipline and communication with families. My daughter, who was in TK, was placed on a behavior chart at four years old and was told she would have me called for normal, developmentally-appropriate behaviors. That interaction created significant anxiety for her; she now questions whether she is a “good kid,” which is heartbreaking and unacceptable for a preschooler.When I attempted to bring this matter to the principal’s attention, I was dismissed. I was told my daughter was “just here on transfer” and that I could have her moved to a school “where she belongs.” This response by a school leader was off-putting and felt like a refusal to address a child’s emotional safety. The front office also frequently treats families with a cold or dismissive attitude, making it hard to voice concerns.That said, the school nurse and librarian deserve recognition for the compassion and warmth they show students every day. Their presence is one of the few positive aspects on campus.While I was trying to discuss with the principal some of my issues, she addressed the office staff, which then made them look uncomfortable. They would not meet her gaze, and they were fidgeting as they were trying to communicate with her, which shows me that it’s not just an issue with children she has she’s not a very kind of approachable person in general.I urge the administration to reassess how young students are disciplined and how staff communicate with families. Young children need supportive, developmentally-appropriate guidance — not fear-based tactics — and parents should be heard and supported when they advocate for their children’s emotional well-being.

Please refrain from sending your children to this school. They are not prepared to handle children. My daughter was a straight A student until she came here, and at the end of the year, I discovered that she was failing sixth grade. I never received an inquiry or call from teachers asking why the sudden change occurred; however, I did receive a call complaining about her eating gum in class or being 2 minutes late. If they get into a fight, they are expected to remain silent and accept abuse or face suspension. Overall, the school is terrible.There are no resources for things like bus access or after-school services, and when you inquire, they appear annoyed.