Holy Angels Elementary School

360 Campus Drive

Arcadia, CA 91007

27 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on June 04, 2024

Teachers are not qualified to teach students, some don’t even have their full-credentials and lack experience. Teachers are also very rude and encourage students to bully others. My son was called a “bad” kid by his teacher and principal because he was impulsive and high energy. He was also used as an example to show others how not to behave, the principal went to his classroom to talk about bad behavior and used my sons name to illustrate who she was referring to. He was only 4yrs old. Peers began bullying him and were awfully mean towards him. They were only showing the sentiment of adults and children are very good at sharing what adults say. This is a school who instead of showing gods love and understanding they do the opposite; staff go on encouraging hostility, anger and hate towards others. The staff at this school only care about their favorites and their own kids attending there. The teachers kids are very well taken care of. And this is noticeable even by other students. Also, if you get along with the principal, you can make it to the circle of “the accepted and liked ones” and your kids will excel here even if they don’t follow the rules. For some reason, you always feel like you have to pay a lot and be the top supporter in order to earn the respect of the principal. If you are struggling they don’t help those in need, forget completing financial aid application, your child will be bullied there for asking. I was so disappointed and disgusted by the amount of politics involved and supported by the administration. It is very disappointing to know that this school lacks respect, love, and understanding of others. If you have a child who is too active and/or with specific needs, adhd, add, or learning needs, please look for another school. This is not the school for you or your child- your child will suffer emotionally. Please don’t support this school.
Submitted by other on October 30, 2023

Really good school. From my 10 years there, I've very much enjoyed it. I can't speak for all these comments about "bullying", but most of them are from a long time ago so it probably doesn't apply anymore. I did have one kid in my class leave in 7th grade because of "bullying". We jokes around with him and he never told us that he felt like he was being bullied or told us to stop, and I feel like some of these comments may be the result of lack of communication. Otherwise, good teachers and campus.
Submitted by other on April 26, 2023

Unfortunately, a very bad experience at this school and left early. For a religious school, that preaches doing good and being kind, there are a group of popular kids who bully the rest of the class. They also show some racism and the cliques are real, not only in the kids, but the parents, shame on them. If you are not one of the white, popular group, they will bully you and other families and not invite you to class activities. When you go to events, you will notice that these families do not engage with everyone else or attempt to make others feel welcome. And obviously the teachers and staff are closer with those families as well. These parents, their kids, and some of the staff unfortunately ruined any chance I had to be a practicing Catholic, because the examples in front of me showed that they were not practicing what they were preaching. They continued to bully after I had left, by spreading lies that I hated them to the other students and turned everyone against me. Better off at a public school.
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2018

We came to Holy Angels knowing we wanted a superior, strong, and faith-filled education for our children. This we have gotten 10-fold. What we did not anticipate was the overwhelmingly strong, unified, and caring community that came along with it. It is such a blessing to know our children safe, loved, and getting an awesome education and childhood experience. We are proud to be Angels!
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2018

We have been at this school for five years and I couldn’t be happier. The staff goes above and beyond. The administration is very professional. There is great security at the school. The children are excelling academically. I highly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2018

I could not feel more blessed to have the opportunity to send my children to Holy Angels school. I would truly recommend this community to anyone looking to be part of a faith filled community that helps nurture our children into compassionate and respectful people, while also offering an exceptional education. As a former student of Holy Angels and now a parent, my experience with the faculty, staff, students and parents has only been positive. If you are looking to be part of a community that supports, respects and treats you and your children like family, then Holy Angels is the place for you!
Submitted by parent on March 22, 2018

The close “family” relationship is more like a tight knit social circle that includes only a few. If, for any reason, you are not a part of this circle than your child will suffer.
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2018

Unprofessional, nepotism, favoritism, strong social circle that you ought to be a part of, or else your kid will not benefit to the fullest.
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2018

If you want a school that feels like a family and is faith centered, Holy Angels is it. The previous school we attended my daughter was withdrawn and spoke no more than 2 words. The first day at Holy Angels was the turning point for our daughter. The faculty and staff made her feel comfortable, which allowed her to be herself and thrive at school. The faculty and staff always greet you with a warm smile in the morning and afternoon. The school always has fun events to enhance the classrooom curriculum. For example discovery day, 50’s day, 100th day and so much more.
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2018

This school has decent academics. However, as compared to other schools we've now experienced, we've learned that the curriculum, particularly in math, is at least one grade behind. Our kids never received homework or completed it in 15 mins at Holy Angels. At other schools that we're now familiar with, our kids actually get challenging homework that they have to think about, and learn from. The teachers have favorites and are blatant with those, most of the kids are older than they should be for their grade, and there are bullies across the school that consistently get overlooked or protected. Leadership prefers to side with the bullies, preferring to push off and blame the kids who are getting harassed, while at the same time, clearly showing favoritism and different standards for certain families over others, and under-appreciating the families that consistently sacrifice their time for the school and its events. Also, the pastor at the school is never seen, and by all accounts and our direct experience, doesn’t show an interest in the school community, which is really unfortunate. So if you want a half-hearted education, and care less about a school that aligns with a true Catholic faith and practice, nor care if your child becomes a snob or gets picked on, than Holy Angels might be the school for you. But, if you are looking for a truly Catholic education - where kind, respectful, good kids are taken care of and challenged academically, where difference are valued, than you might want to look elsewhere.
Submitted by parent on December 08, 2015

I always tell other parents that you have to find a school that is like home. When you find that match, consider yourself blessed. We are so lucky to be here, but truly, you reap what you sow. We are involved in our children's education and love the chance to work with a great principal and teachers. We are very happy here!
Submitted by parent on October 04, 2014

I love our school. After ten years, it just gets better and better. We are diverse, academically strong, have strong morals, great teachers, an active and involved principal and a family environment. My three kids love their teachers and love going to school. The friends we have made are the best. No where could offer us more! Go Angels
Submitted by other on August 13, 2014

I am a GRADUATE pt. 2) I never felt safe or at peace at this place. Bullying is horrible. At one time there was an anti bullying campaign where posters were out up wherever someone was bullies, but it was taken down when the school became coated in red posters. When I finally went to high school I was so relieved, I started talking more, I felt empowered, I stopped nervously biting my nails, and I stopped feeling bad about myself(many people made fun of me for my nationality.) Many people have written great reviews about this school, but they have usually only been their for a year or two. I am an inside voice speaking out about how this school really functions. I cannot say it is all bad, there used to be very intelligent kind teachers at this school, however they "resigned." Please, reconsider before you send your child to Holy Angels. Another good option is St. Rita's!(I have friends that went there and they all said it's truly like a family) I hope this has been helpful in any way
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2013

The principal is top notch and is constantly looking for areas of improvement. He has to be because his school exists in a public school system (Arcadia) that is highly competitive. I've watched graduates succeed and do very well in top-tier high schools (Loyola, FSHA, Mayfield, St. Francis etc.) Generally, my sense of the kids as they mature is that they're well-rounded, respectful, young Catholics who have a sense of what faith, community and service is all about. I don't see any (I'm sure there are some that I just don't know about) of entitled, self-righteous brats, which can be a concern at any private school.
Submitted by parent on May 06, 2013

Completing our families first year at Holy Angles, I could not have thought of a better school for my kids to attend. Mr. Carroll and the entire faculty are the best. The education and religious foundation provided by Holy Angels is exactly what my family expected from a Catholic School.
Submitted by parent on April 18, 2012

I wanted my child to go to a school that would teach manners. My decision was wrong. A middle school teacher said they had a credential but isn't even qualified to teach. The teacher is prejudiced and has the education level that's worse than a kid. She has no idea how to teach students and so my child lacked in a education. A middle school math teacher is unfair, skips important lessons, and gives insufficient time for tests and quizzes. He even gets mad when a student corrects his mistakes. Another teacher yells at students because he can. You get in trouble for putting a binder on the floor. He yells at the kids and says stuff like," You guys are as annoying as h*ll." So much for manners. The principal doesn't even care enough to handle the HUGE bullying problems at school. I would rate the elementary part good; but the middle school at Holy Angels isn't good.
Submitted by parent on March 29, 2012

Its hard to rate a school based on how well your child is doing..... This school has good marks and bad marks, but then again no school is perfect. My daughter has gone to catholic schools since kindergarten and I was once told there is a distinction between a private school and catholic school education. If catholic schools hold that distinct difference, then where is the religion when kids are still bullied at school, or the damage cliches do to a childs self worth? Maybe private school would be a better option
Submitted by parent on March 09, 2012

Did you know it has a Pre-Kindergarten Program! It is the longest running Catholic Pre-K in the San Gabriel Valley. The student to teacher ratio is fantastic!. Three teachers to 22 students. My children have loved waking up in the morning....it's wonderful to have my children all at the same place.
Submitted by parent on March 07, 2012

Best Catholic School Despite its high academic rankings, I was hesitant at first to send my son to Holy Angels because of the lack of clergy as teachers. Two years later, I can honestly say I made the right decision. The quality of the school resonates from the top down and there is no doubt that Christ is the center of education at all times. Principal Carroll is not only an excellent communicator, he's remarkably inspirational, and he leads by example. He starts everyday with prayers, pledge of allegiance, and his own personal words of wisdom and encouragement to the kids. My son's teachers have been well organized, disciplined, and competent. They are friendly and have always made themselves accessible to discuss whatever concerns or questions I had. And yes, they aren t afraid to show levity at times, which I appreciate far more than political correctness. They also aren t afraid to hold the kids responsible for wrong doings or laziness. Here s the bottom line as I see it if you want your children to experience the best academic education in a Christ-centered elementary school, can afford to do so, and are willing to do your part, you send them to Holy Angels.
Submitted by teacher on February 21, 2012

As the principal at Holy Angels, some of the comments made here are quite distressing. While I believe recent comments were made in a rather vindictive manner, I am concerned for any person that had such a negative experience at our excellent school (let alone three in under a months time!) If these statements are accurate, they were never brought to my attention or they would have been addressed. For clarity sake: Our standardized tests scores put us in the top 10% of all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese, and our students graduate well beyond grade level. However, we always are working to improve our curriculum, for all levels of learners. Arcadia is full of great schools. It is our job to be the great CATHOLIC school in Arcadia, and to suggest this is not important to us simply means an individual is not participating in our community. Some form of bullying exists in every school, However, it is never tolerated at our school and it is dealt with in a swift and immediate manner when brought to our attention. It will never be tolerated at our school. Finally, we have great parents, great students, great teachers and great priests. I am proud of our school and community.