6541 Randi Ave
Canoga Park, CA 91303

We feel very fortunate that our son attends Woodland Hills Academy. Transitioning from elementary to middle school can be a big adjustment, and it was important to find a community where our son would be known, supported, and valued.WHA’s administration, teachers, counselors, special education team, and support staff show genuine care for our son’s academic growth, social-emotional well-being, and overall success. He is a student with an IEP who learns alongside general education peers with individualized support and accommodations while following an alternate curriculum. We appreciate the staff’s communication and collaboration to help ensure he is included, encouraged, and able to learn at an appropriate pace.WHA’s approach extends beyond academics. The school understands that middle school students need guidance, encouragement, character-building, and belonging. We have seen a commitment to helping students become more independent, responsible, and confident.While we value every member of the WHA staff, we would especially like to recognize several individuals whose dedication and collaborative spirit make a meaningful difference.Mr. Swanston, WHA’s Principal, has brought great spirit, energy, and a clear sense of direction to the school. He is a natural collaborator who works closely with staff to create a positive, welcoming environment for students and families. His enthusiasm for WHA and care for its students are felt throughout the school.Mrs. Ojeda, WHA’s Community School Coordinator, is truly amazing. Her thoughtful approach and ongoing collaborative efforts bring together students, families, staff, and community resources in meaningful ways that benefit the school.Ms. Hans, WHA’s Magnet Coordinator, helps foster a rigorous, inquiry-based environment that encourages students to think critically, develop their identities, and become engaged, compassionate, and responsible global citizens.The communication from staff has been thoughtful and responsive. When questions or concerns arise, we have consistently felt heard and supported. It is clear that many people at WHA work very hard behind the scenes to create a safe, welcoming, and positive school environment.Our son has grown so much at WHA, and we are grateful for those who know him, believe in him, and celebrate his successes. We feel lucky to be part of the WHA community and recommend it to families seeking a caring, inclusive, community-minded middle-school experience.

Canoga Park High School is very adamant about students doing the best they can and getting into college; assemblies are made to see where students are academically and to remind them about where they are supposed to be. They offer good magnets, academic resources, and extra summer learning apart from the usual summer credit make-up such as ninth-grade summer geometry classes. While CPHS has good initiative in academics they do a poorer job in almost every other aspect. Many of the non-magnet counselors (only ever encountered non-magnet) never answer their emails or are never in their offices, the campus is dirty with trash and writings on the bathroom stalls, and they lack a sense of urgency with student complaints (about other students/teachers/campus. There is very little accessibility for those who require a wheelchair apart from the one(maybe two) elevator/s on campus. Students are rowdy, ill-mannered, and have very little desire to learn; many classes get interrupted by a student who complains or tries to be funny in a disrespectful manner. Recently, mirrors have been removed from bathroom stalls in an alleged attempt to keep students in classes in the morning/during class time but to no avail students still linger in the bathroom and around campus.

The administration of this school has no idea or no motivation to discipline students. The same disrespectful students misbehave over and over without any consequences. The teachers do not have administrative support and it’s a free-for-all every single day. There are nonexistent academic expectations and no behavioral standards enforced. Find another option…do not choose this school!

I have a great experience with Hamlin Charter Academy. My son has been there for 6 years. It has been a big part of his life. I’m very happy with the school community. The teachers are professionals, respectful and supportive of the students. I highly recommend this school!Thank you Mrs. McGinnis and Mrs. Lyutykh for your efforts! :)