8157 Lesner Ave
Van Nuys, CA 91406

I went to this school for the 7th grade last year, I would say it’s not the best school to go to. There was always shootings nearby, even behind the school. Some of the kids even carried weapons around around the school and threatened others. If you don’t look or act a certain way there’s a high chance you or you kid will be bullied.The staff here were really supportive, if you were having a problem with other students, teachers, and stuff just in general they are most likely to support you and help you out. Teacher’s were not the best, most of them are good at teaching and explain well. A couple of the teachers didn’t teach you and you were able to be on your phone, call people, watch movies, eat in class, and the teacher would tell you to be quiet so that the other teachers next door wouldn’t tell someone else, they would also tell us we couldn’t tell another teacher.I wouldn’t go to this school again if I could.

The teachers here really care about the kids and push them in a healthy manner to achieve greatness. This school is gem and any child would be lucky to attend

Great school, except the fact that there is only one bathroom open at a time EVER and There are 10 boys in there at a Time.

My older son is now a junior at Cleveland. His experience has been wonderful. He entered the Humanities Program after being in the Humanities Academy at Walter Reed Middle School. He was a decent student in middle school but has become a really engaged student as a result of the support and challenge of his teachers and community. He also plays on a team for the school. I would recommend this school to anyone looking for a welcoming and supportive experience.

As a parent, I’ve had three children attend VAAS. Two have already graduated and one is currently a senior. Each of their experiences has been different, but one thing has stayed consistent: their confidence has grown and they’ve learned how to advocate for themselves.I remember when my oldest started as a freshman. He was nervous and trying to figure out where he fit in. He’s part of the LGBTQ community, and as a mom you hope your child will be accepted for who they are. At VAAS, he was. The diversity here is real, and you can feel it every day. He joined the dance team, got involved in theater, and eventually became president of several clubs. Watching him grow into a confident leader showed me how much this school was helping him develop as a person, not just as a student.My other two children were excited to attend after seeing his experience, and I’ve watched the same kind of growth happen with them. They all have different personalities and interests, but they’ve each learned to speak up for themselves and take ownership of their future. As a parent, that means everything.What makes VAAS special is the smaller environment and the relationships with teachers and staff. Students are known by name, and the teachers genuinely care. I’ve had teachers reach out not just about concerns, but to share progress and ideas for growth. It shows they’re truly invested.Both of my children who graduated from VAAS have now graduated from college, one from UC Irvine and the other from the University of Hawaii, and my youngest has already been accepted into college. That tells me VAAS really prepared them for what came next.One of my favorite experiences as a parent has been Digital Portfolio Night, where students present their own work and reflect on their growth. Seeing that confidence firsthand is something special.VAAS is more than just a school. It’s a supportive community that prepares students for life after high school, and I would absolutely recommend it to other families.

As a former student at Birmingham Community Charter High School I can say with confidence that I am extremely happy that I made the decision to go here for high school. The teachers are very helpful and their lessons make you well-prepared for the homework that is given. Also from my experience they try to sit down with each student that wants to learn and gives them every opportunity to do so. The counselors do much more than switch your classes. They are there when you need someone to talk to and are extremely helpful in determining what classes will benefit you and to give you perspective and positive reinforcement. The administrative staff are always on top of their work and do a great job to make sure that the teachers and ready and equipped to give their students the best learning experience. Birmingham is a community and everyone has a mutual respect for one another. I am still using many things that the teachers taught and the counselors told me to this day. When I decided to give Birmingham a chance I did not know what I was getting myself into. Now I know that I got a great education and friends for life. I also developed professional relationships with multiple staff members to this day that helped me make it to where I am now. Do me a favor, go to Birmingham. I continue to reap the rewards and I am sure you will too!