Berkeley Hall School

As a mother, I would not recommend St. Cyril of Jerusalem in Encino to prospective families, particularly those with children approaching middle school. Looking back, more than half of my child's classmates left the school before reaching middle school. At the time, we chose to stay, not realizing that those families might already have recognized what we would eventually experience ourselves.In our experience, the middle school administration and teaching staff were rigid, overly punitive, and lacking in the emotional warmth and understanding that children at this age need. Rather than meeting students where they are and providing support through the challenges of adolescence, the environment often felt inflexible and unforgiving.Over time, my child developed significant anxiety and avoidance around school, which I believe was directly related to the middle school's inability to offer reasonable flexibility, compassion, and understanding. It was heartbreaking to watch a child who once enjoyed school begin to dread going each day. For families seeking a nurturing and supportive middle school experience, I would encourage them to carefully consider whether this environment is the right fit for their child.