Inner Sunset

The academic “success” is misleading as the approach to the teaching style deviates far from a professional interaction with students. This school has a reputation for yelling and intimidating students, even belittling them publicly. As a former parent, I’ve involved myself in school activities in which I have witnessed and heard teachers engaging in vulgar, inappropriate and highly unprofessional conversations with students. The staff tends to turn a blind eye to these incidents even when reported. Additionally, as my child was enrolled in their middle school program, I was informed of students sleeping in class with teachers having the lack of skill of creating a positive learning environment. They speak in monotone and are highly disconnected socially. For example, during conferences, I was told by a teacher that his learning style was adjusted to my child’s anxiety by “not yelling at (my child) anymore.” This school manufactures “good numbers” for the purpose of reputation. As a sacrifice, your child, if enrolled here may suffer greatly in their later years as a lifelong learner for higher education, they may also deal with emotional distress from the daily anxiety they receive from staff and students. This school lacks greatly when it comes to life skills, communication and professionalism. Once your child achieves great test scores, they will be treated like yesterday’s fashion. Don’t let their ranking fool you.

We have had an amazing experience so far, and our expectations have been exceeded. In particular, I want to call out the high-quality of the classroom and enrichment teachers. They are experienced, well-trained, loving, and devoted to their students. I've been impressed with the academic and socio-emotional progress my daughter has made, as well as the strength of the community that exists at the school, among staff, teachers, and parents.

Pros:-Mr. White won't be pushed around. He doesn't allow the parents to control the narrative.-Parents are heavily involved. They are great gardeners, coaches, assistants, cooks, decorators, donors, chaperones and friends. -With 3 kids (2 that graduated) I've seen 3 different class cultures. Some classes have a great culture, some are totally toxic though.-It's safe. Just try to get in! The only thing I don't like is there are RV trailers parked around the playground sometimes on the other side of the chain linked fence.-Very clean school. No odors, always appears taken care of.-Strong catholic pride that may or may not be used against you. -Priest drives a Tesla so they are sustainability conscious. Cons:-The school answers to the church. Take that as you will. -There is heavy bias in favor of the girls. Many of the girl cliques throughout the grades are evil. They lie to the teachers to get the boys in trouble.-Some of the boys experiment in the bathroom and it's normalized among certain grades. My sons have walked in on this multiple times. -Academics are weak. My kids that graduated were on principal honors but are struggling in high school and tested below grade level. -Teachers 6-8 are not strong individuals. They rule by fear, aren't very strong speakers and don't prepare the kids for high school. The admissions process in centered around everyone being advised to apply to SI (strong coincidence that the 8th grade teacher's brother is in charge of admissions at SI) and one or two other feeder schools. -Constantly threatening environment. Teachers aren't supportive after 5th grade (5th grade teacher is the best!).