4805 Lowell Ave
La Crescenta, CA 91214

Most teachers at this school are decent people; they try to teach us how to learn and are always ready to help if we reach out to them. As for the rest of the staff, they rarely keep students informed, and their only apparent goal is to push us into Advanced Placement (AP) courses. I personally heard them trying to enroll two girls in AP Biology, even though the girls were getting poor grades in regular biology at the time. Even when collecting signatures for graduation, you are handed a poorly designed form containing contradictory information. I had to run all over the school to get my copy, even though the teacher for my third-period class was supposed to issue it. I remember once complaining about being bullied by other students; the school counselor responded quickly, and we began addressing the situation. Unfortunately, I wasn't satisfied with the outcome: even after the bullying issue was discussed in class, the teacher made it clear that everyone faces bullying in life and that it is normal. I remember how that particular teacher got angry when she saw a student wearing a hat during the Pledge of Allegiance. He asked if he could keep it on, but she walked right up to him and snatched the hat off his head; it turned out he was bald, and I saw how deeply he was hurt by it. Realizing she had acted wrongly, she didn't apologize; instead, she announced to the class that hats were forbidden and declared that she felt absolutely no shame for her actions. I don't know why she treated us that way, perhaps because we were not native English speakers, but she was truly rude and disrespectful. Furthermore, it was only after a student attacked another student that the school installed cameras and began calling the police to patrol the premises. Back when I first arrived and was in the 9th grade, I often saw used condoms on the ground. There was even a recent incident in the restroom, which is why the only restrooms currently open are the ones in the main building. What’s more, I actually witnessed the act myself—on the outdoor steps near one of the classrooms when I was in the 10th grade. The school offers a wide range of sports and summer educational programs. Thus, the safety level is 1/10; teaching quality 8/10; school organization 4/10; quality of school food 3/10; teachers' attitude toward students varies, sometimes 9/10 and sometimes 1/10; college preparation 7/10. Just remember one thing, you have to ask about and find out everything for yourself.

In my experience, this school has unfair teachers and ineffective leadership that fails to address these issues. I have seen students receive awards and recognition despite weaker academic performance, while high-achieving students whose parents are less involved at school are often overlooked. When concerns are raised, some teachers justify these decisions by saying that stronger students will have many opportunities in the future, while lower-performing students need encouragement. I believe recognition should be based on clear and fair standards, not personal relationships or parental involvement. I have also observed what I perceive as favoritism toward certain families, which raises concerns about equal treatment for all students. Based on my experience, I would not recommend this school to parents seeking a fair and academically focused environment for their children.

We have a student in the special education department here and I can't say enough great things about the support we have at Mt. Gleason! Everyone is so caring and kind and my son FINALLY has friends. The schoolwork is challenging but not insurmountable, and the curriculum is diverse and hands on. The entire staff has only ever been helpful and kind and I think this deserves a review here!