Viewpoint School

23620 Mulholland Highway

Calabasas, CA 91302

31 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 11, 2025

My son joined Viewpoint in 6th grade, is now in 8th, and will move into the High School next year. No school is perfect and he isn’t going to click with everyone in his grade but overall we are very happy. He’s found a great group of friends who are academically motivated while also being supportive and warm. He feels seen by the teachers, even as an introvert, and the support from the learning specialists and guidance counselors is outstanding. The work is academically challenging if you want it to be but with ample opportunity to balance it out with sports, music, and the arts. A wonderful, warm, balanced school.
Submitted by parent on March 24, 2023

We have been attending viewpoint since kindergarten, and to be fair there are some absolutely extraordinary educators, and members of administration in the school. The COVID-19 response was like no other with excellent online learning and medical information and updates every week. it is a beautiful, and spotless campus with top-of-the-line equipment, and safety and security like no other school that I have seen. The downside here is without question the social emotional. The school tends to use all the correct buzzwords, yet in practice, there is rampant cruelty, among the students that goes largely unchecked, under the guise of “he said she said“. If your child does not belong to one of the many specific cliques (Malibu, tick-tock, extremely quiet and inward) there will be no place for your child. loathe as I am to admit it, the level of wealth, comparison and wealth shaming here is worse and more cliché than any ABC after school special you’ll ever see. Yes, children here have Gucci backpacks(which I guess is pretty on par with most LA. Independent schools), and will put your child down for not having one. Literally. And of course they will deny it with anybody says anything. Additionally administration and teachers, gossip about children both to each other, and to other parents. Even a kind hearted child(and I have seen this happen), with perhaps a more troubled family life will be considered a “bad child” or “bad influence”, blackballed and unable to be accepted in many groups of kids. The DEI department, while creating a safe space for children of one particular culture or ethnicity, is exclusive of any mixed race child, and inso doing exaggerates the already clique oriented atmosphere. The school’s religion of high donating families, has negatively impacted the teaching modality. In fact, too often parents with no educational background are allowed to shift both the culture and academics of the school. The school does accept children with learning disabilities and certainly behavioral issues, the problem here is in so doing it hasn’t yet created a program that adequately speaks to these issues, so children coming in with neuro, atypicality, are neither appropriately educated, in some cases exacerbating their behavioral issues (likely due to their frustration), while also, taking away from the education of traditional learners. If you and your family fit in to one of the clicks, you will have a great time here. If not, this is probably not your
Submitted by parent on January 21, 2023

This is an outstanding school in every way. Incredible teachers and staff, a beautiful campus, and a warm, child-focused environment. The perfect balance between traditional/progressive.
Submitted by parent on November 21, 2019

the first few years were fine but there were challenges with kids behavior and a lack of a consistant code of conduct for the younger ages, then when we decided to move to a different school and thigs were so easy, organized and professional I look back and questioned even more things. They recommend tutoring at $75 per hour with the childs teacher. if that isnt a conflict of interest im not sure what the $40k bill is getting you. I thought they would be progressive and above the rest but I found the opposite.
Submitted by parent on July 22, 2017

My experience at Viewpoint is as a parent for several years. When my family was in the admission process, Viewpoint went out of their way to show their school in the best light, but also to remind me that no one "fit" is right for every student, and that part of the process of interviewing schools is to find out what is best for my child. I find Viewpoint's learning environment to be empathetic, high performing, and deeply individualized. The teachers know her personality, strengths and weaknesses, and customize her work for them. My daughter thanks me regularly for making it possible for her to attend the school, which she genuinely loves (when she isn't complaining about having to get up in the morning). I am not rich, and I am not famous. I work very hard to do what's right for her, and for my child, that means going to Viewpoint.
Submitted by parent on July 14, 2017

Viewpoint is only about the rich and famous. If you are wealthy, famous and/or have connections, then they will accept you even if you applied last minute because they will put your kid(s) into the fast track line, taken before the waitlist kids are even considered, esp. if you bring a seven figure check. Shame on you Viewpoint or shall I say Rich-point.
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2017

I have had several kids at the middle school and high school. I've become very frustrated with the treatment I've received and my kids have received over the years. If your kid fits in their "box" then your fine. I had expectations that they would help our kids reach their individual potential, but I found that wasn't the case.
Submitted by parent on February 04, 2017

Viewpoint is like part of our family: nurturing, safe, intellectually stimulating, values the arts and sports and is always there with a helping hand. We've been long time attendees and fans!
Submitted by parent on December 14, 2016

My kids are getting a great education and being guided to appropriate colleges without the pressure cooker of Harvard Westlake.
Submitted by parent on December 13, 2016

We love Viewpoint! Our child started in 6th grade and was welcomed and inspired by the administration, students and teachers. The work load is very manageable and parents can monitor their student's assignments via MyViewpoint. The rotating schedule provides students with the opportunity to take a lot of classes within the school day. For example, a child can learn a musical instrument, play on a sports team, take an art class and learn a language, all within the same semester, without feeling overwhelmed. The campus is expansive and beautiful. The athletic facilities are amazing - 2 Olympic sized pools, two basketball pavilions, two full sized sports fields. All middle school students participate on teams and the teams are appropriate for every skill level. For example, we witnessed a "C" team win the league for their level and feel just as celebrated as the "A" team. My child had never played one particular sport but was smiling and enjoying every minute of every game with her skill appropriate peers. Art is also included in the curriculum and the art program is impressive. Students learn art history before creating beautiful works. The lower school art teacher is extremely passionate and the results demonstrate the students are absorbing his enthusiasm. My child created unbelievable things in 6th grade art that far exceeded the sophistication of projects created at art camps and specialized art classes. Parents are involved and very nice. I was surprised that every child had a parent at every sporting event.This is a wonderful school where teachers and administrators exude excitement and compassion. We love Viewpoint.
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2014

The negativity in some of the reviews is unfounded and hints to a bit of individual bitterness. I have two children that have attended the school from kindergarten through high school. Viewpoint s personal, non-cookie-cutter, approach has successfully built on their individual strengths, while also improving their challenge areas. The school s culture is its single highest attribute. Yes, it is challenging, but the students are supported not only by the teachers and administration, but more importantly by their diverse peer group. We have seen through our children that the well-rounded student body (most of the students not only excel academically, but participate in team sports and the arts) truly cares for one another. The 1% culture and corporate references from the misguided Occupy Wall Street movement are an unwarranted and a sorry attempt to degrade a great school s reputation.
Submitted by parent on August 19, 2014

I have to disagree with the poster re AP and SAT subject tests. My child scored much higher on the subject tests than the SAT 1 would suggest. Educational content is topnotch. AP tests were solid too.
Submitted by other on August 12, 2014

I attended Viewpoint from 3rd-8th grade, where I was able to benefit from both advanced academic courses and a variety of electives, such as ceramics, calligraphy, dance, music, and other subjects. When we moved and I went to a highly rated public high school, I was rereading books (in AP and honors classes) that I had read in middle school at Viewpoint. I went on to attend Tulane University on an academic scholarship, to attend and graduate from the University of Virginia School of Law, and I am now attending Tulane University School of Medicine. I also run a successful financial firm. My younger brother, who was not the most motivated of students at Viewpoint, went to the Air Force Academy and now holds a PhD in psychology. My brother and I were on financial scholarship at Viewpoint. The parents who complain in reviews about cookie-cutter 1% kids or about low SAT scores probably do not have the brightest children and are looking for a scapegoat on which to blame frustratingly poor results.
Submitted by parent on August 08, 2014

The school admininstration gives the perception (and illusion) that its academic level is very high but this is not the case. We are seeing it in the school AP and SAT subject scores. The school scores compare to national and state average is not very impressive.
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2014

While the academics are strong, the school's culture is plagued by the 1%. The students are overly competitive, creating a pressure cooker environment that is challenging both academically and economically. Getting into a highly selective college is great, but so is being a person of varied interests with the ability to connect authentically to others and make a positive impact in the world. Viewpoint is home to cookie cutter kids who achieve because they are told to and because it will lead to financial success, not because of passion or inspiration. There are inspiring teachers and administrators at the school but it is the parent and student body that really sets the tone on campus. It is, after all, a private school and those paying customers expect to have their needs satisfied, not necessarily enlightened. Perhaps a change of leadership (a process that will begin next year as the school's longtime headmaster steps down) will bring progressive change to a school that seems to have risen in the image of corporate America. I do hope so. In the meantime, we are looking at other schools
Submitted by parent on April 18, 2014

This is an incredible school. The teachers are top notch and the learning environment fosters a love of learning. Children have the opportunity to try everything from sports to the arts. They build good self esteem by being a part of a close knit community.
Submitted by parent on March 20, 2014

We are in our second year at Viewpoint. My son started in 7th grade and will continue onto the Upper School next school year. Our overall experience to date has been incredible, beginning with the admission process, to the transition to middle school and now onto selecting classes for my son s freshman year in high school. The social and emotional well being of the student is just as important to the administrators and faculty as are the academics. Another important component of the school is its diversity. Diversity is embraced and celebrated through its curriculum and events.
Submitted by parent on March 18, 2014

Our three children have attended Viewpoint since kindergarten. The school has grown and and improved so much over the last 15 years. The school now has a brand new campus, with state of the art classrooms, sports and art facilities. Viewpoint offers an incredible education, taught by dedicated teachers. Our children have different interests and strengths, and its been a perfect fit for each one.
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2014

The upper school division really needs to work on to improve the communications with parents. The school needs to implement better tools to facilitate the communications between the teachers and the parents. In our experience, we have had very few real time feedbacks from the teachers. It is important to provide the teachers with the right tool to communicate with the parents on a regular basis so problems can be caught right away. A Viewpoint education is very expensive, so a higher standard should be expected.
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2014

Viewpoint is an exceptional school. We have two sons who attend. Our first son started in 3rd grade. From his first day, the administration and kids welcomed him with open arms and true friendship.They made obvious efforts to ensure he transitioned seamlessly and made connections quickly. This was an immediate example of strong character both of the children and the staff. We have seen our son thrive in his academics, enthusiasm for learning and personal development. When it came time for our second son, we couldn t imagine enrolling him (currently in Kindergarten) anywhere else. Primary school has exceeded our expectations. Viewpoint provides challenging academics combined with a nurturing environment to ensure each child has the tools for success. The character development, infusion of the arts, sports, and community community service provide children with a well-rounded experience that will prepare them for each consecutive grade and life. Most importantly Viewpoint celebrates the individual.They encourage independent and creative thinking, allowing children to explore their passions. We appreciate having such a perfect partner to guide our children through these pivotal years