Ardis G. Egan Junior High School

I have done a lot of research before starting my daughter here , talked to a ton of parents and met the principal and the teachers. Glad we chose Monta Loma Elementary. My daughter loves it here, the teachers are wonderful, the community is great. I really like that the class sizes are smaller, I see a ton of PTA engagement, parents volunteer regularly, there is a big social emotional focus. I do believe a lot has changed for the better since the new principal started. We really like it here!

As a parent I had high hopes for this school [after being on the waitlist for 4 years], but it ultimately wasn’t the right fit for our family.The environment felt overly tense and high-pressure for elementary-aged children. Advanced math placement seemed to define status, and children not in accelerated math track were labeled as dumb and stupid by peers. The culture of comparison created significant anxiety. It felt like children were losing their innocence in an environment that was simply too intense.The school prides itself on high rankings and Blue Ribbon recognition, but in my opinion, much of that success reflects the highly resourced families in the community — many investing heavily in outside tutoring (including programs like RSM, Mandarin lessons) and extensive extracurriculars — rather than something unique happening inside the classroom.The advertised 17:1 student-teacher ratio was not our experience in practice. Classrooms felt understaffed, facilities are dated, and the overall environment did not reflect the image presented in marketing materials.Lunch quality was so bad that some parents self-organized paid delivery from local restaurants.After transferring to our neighborhood elementary school, the difference was immediate. My children said, “Mom, my new school is SO much better — the teachers are so calm and kind and don't rage.” They’re happier, more confident, and it truly feels like they’ve gotten their childhood back.This school may work for families of certain socio-economic background and seeking an intensely academic, competitive environment. For us, a balanced and emotionally supportive atmosphere has made all the difference.

My heart is so full being an Almond parent. Watching my kid grow as a citizen, student, and friend has been a true joy fueled by Almond's excellence. Thank you Almond teachers and staff, especially the 4th grade teacher crew!

Love the teachers and community here. The school feels small and the parents are very involved.